New developments and Oakland A’s signal vibrant waterfront

Picture this – a beautiful new neighborhood along the waterfront with acres and acres of public parks and open space. A Port of Oakland development took a big leap forward in 2017. Private developer Zarsion-OHPI, LLC began the first phase of construction on the $1.5 billion Brooklyn Basin project.

The new neighborhood is only a 5-minute drive south of the Port’s Jack London Square along the Oakland Estuary. The project will support the growing vibrancy of the Square.

With 3,000 residential units, 30 acres of public parks and open space, and two recreational marinas, Brooklyn Basin is beginning to deliver some of the thousands of short-term and permanent jobs anticipated with this development.

Brooklyn Basin, formerly called Oak-to-Ninth Avenue when held by the Port, was an old and underutilized, industrial district.

“Now it’s being transformed to create a new neighborhood, enhance public enjoyment of the waterfront, and bring hundreds, if not thousands, of locals and visitors alike to Jack London Square,” said Port of Oakland Director of Commercial Real Estate Pamela Kershaw.

CIM Group manages Jack London Square for the Port. CIM is moving forward on the plan approvals for two, new residential buildings close to the Square and updating the Square’s common areas in 2018 for a new look and feel.

The Oakland Athletics signed a lease in fall 2017 to make Jack London Square their home base. The A’s moved into their new headquarters at the start of 2018. They took 40,000 square feet of office space allowing them to consolidate staff in one location.

The A’s organization brings prestige and another 200 workers to the Square, where they can enjoy existing restaurants and new ones that will be locating at the waterfront this year.

More than 3 million visitors thronged to Jack London Square last year. With new residential developments near the waterfront, there will be more people coming to the Square where they can enjoy an eclectic mix of restaurants, live entertainment and significant recreational opportunities including biking trails, kayaking and sailing.