BART Focuses on Transit-Oriented Development for West Oakland

BART is now one step closer to helping revitalize the area around the West Oakland Station by bringing transit-oriented development (TOD) to property filled with potential for mixed use development benefiting the local community and the Bay Area.  Today, The BART Board voted to enter into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company, Ltd., for development at the West Oakland BART Station.

 

The China Harbour team brings extensive TOD experience, strong financial capabilities, and innovation in developing urban design projects near transit that match the needs of the surrounding area.  Just as important is their robust community outreach program to ensure involvement with the community and small, disabled, veteran, minority and women owned businesses. 

 

“As we enter into negotiations it is vital that any plan reflects and celebrates the history and culture of West Oakland,” said Board President Joel Keller.  “This area has huge potential for office space and job creation.  We are committed to ensuring a safe environment and property the neighborhood will benefit from.”

 

The China Harbour team has a great deal of experience with development at or near BART stations and has a great reputation in delivering large scale Bay Area projects to completion.

 

China Harbour, a subsidiary of a Global Fortune 500 company with an office in the East Bay, was recommended by staff to the Board of Directors following a seven member advisory Evaluation Committee process which included two members from the local community.

 

The preliminary development proposed by China Harbour includes a commercial structure that would in part focus on maritime business given the close proximity of the Port of Oakland.  They also committed to LEED certification recognizing the importance of having being environmentally responsible and using resources efficiently.