History of Marina Village

Information on BART, AC Transit, Ride Share, and other alternative commute

Historical Overview of Marina Village

The Marina Village site ranks among the most important in California maritime related activities dating back to the earliest settlement of the area. Starting in the late 1800's, it served as a home port for stately square- riggers. The Alaskan Packer fleet of ships used the site for decades harvesting the catch of the northern Pacific. It was during World War I, however, that the site gained worldwide recognition. On the Fourth of July, 1918, four merchant vessels in support of the war effort were launched in a single day, including the SS Challenger (see photo below, right). A month later, the SS Invincible was launched just 24 days after the keel was laid.

Among other vessels built at the shipyard were World War II troopships and the President Cleveland and the President Wilson which later became luxury liners that called on ports around the world as part of the American President Lines Fleet. The four shipways on which these vessels were built and launched were renovated and are now occupied by office tenants.

The site also served as the Bethlehem Shipyard, which established Alameda as a West Coast headquarters for shipbuilding (see photo below, left). These activities on the site declined after the war; and by the 1960s, the site had been abandoned with its buildings in decay.

After going through several changes of ownership, the site was purchased by the developer, Vintage Properties, in 1977. From the beginning, the developer's vision for the property was clear -- to create a picturesque "urban waterfront village" that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also retained the architectural character of the older buildings. The maritime architectural theme found throughout the complex provides a historical reference linking the older renovated structures with the newly constructed buildings. The exterior of the historic powerhouse with its intricate brickwork was restored exactly as it was during World War I. Additionally, a shipyard warehouse constructed in 1942 to store ammunition, the five-story office building at 1080 Marina Village Parkway, was redesigned from its former concrete box to an interesting and pleasing office environment.

The original master plan for Marina Village was adopted in 1979 and revised in 1984. After the City of Alameda designated the entire west end of Alameda a redevelopment area, municipal improvement bonds were sold in 1984 that funded development of the project's infrastructure. Infrastructure construction and the first building commenced in 1984 with most of the property's development between 1985 and 1990. The last building completed was 1151 Marina Village Parkway, in 1996. Other portions of the Marina Village development include 178 residential townhomes community surrounding the lagoon, retail buildings, restaurants, hotel, and a 990-berth marina.