Built in 2001, this neighborhood shopping center was uniquely designed to integrate with its surroundings. Thus, parking is found in the rear of the main complex, out of sight from the traditional core of downtown Davis. Instead, the Davis Commons frontage consists of a wide lawn and mature trees.
Several restaurants in the complex (Pluto's, Habit Burger, Mikuni and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream) offer cafe seating next to the lawn. Beside Borders Books, the Arboretum Terrace, also a unique shopping mall feature, includes native California plants and trees surrounding cafe tables and a central fountain.