Jack London Square Evolving as a Regional Food Destination

Water Street Public Market to open in 2016

Oakland, CA - March 18, 2015 - The Port of Oakland’s Jack London Square is getting a new tenant, which will be the final step in making the Square a regional food destination. Jack London Square Ventures is partnering with the Carlin Company to open the Water Street Public Market at 55 Harrison St.

“Oakland has a unique, creative, entrepreneurial culture, which this public market will celebrate by showcasing food vendors and fresh, sustainable foods produced from within the region,” said Pamela Kershaw, the Port’s Director of Commercial Real Estate. “I love the project's connection with the Port of Oakland’s role as a major agricultural exporter for the region and the state, with fresh food products from the surrounding area and Central Valley serving as a staple to our maritime business.”

Water Street Market, an artisanal food market concept, is set to open fall of 2016. It would occupy the 32,000-square-feet ground floor of 55 Harrison St., which was designed to house a public market on the first two floors of the six-story building at the south end of the Square. There will be a collection of food purveyors and retailers under one roof and there are plans for a produce garden for use by local chefs.

"Consumers have told us they want a unique shopping experience in a comfortable social setting,” said Steve Carlin, Carlin Company’s CEO. “We are going to make that happen at the Oakland waterfront.” Carlin estimates his team will bring in approximately 25 small businesses to the location. “There are no set tenants at this stage,” Mr. Carlin said. He indicated that the market will focus on East Bay vendors.

Several recent restaurant openings, including the food-entertainment complex Plank, have drawn more foot traffic to Jack London Square. “This area has been underutilized in the past,” said Ms. Kershaw. “With all the new restaurants, and the special events and community celebrations hosted in the Square throughout the year, Jack London Square is truly coming into its own as a unique dining and entertainment destination.”

For more information on what’s happening at Jack London Square, please visit: www.jacklondonsquare.com

About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.