In the wake of the failed attempt to build a waterfront stadium for the A’s (along with a housing and retail development), the Port of Oakland in September 2024 initiated a request for proposal for the redevelopment of Howard Terminal.
The two finalists are Oakland Roots & Soul Sports Club, a professional soccer team, and the Industrial Realty Group, an industrial real estate developer.
Just like the A’s, the soccer team wants to build a 25,000 person capacity stadium along with housing and retail. Industrial Realty Group wants to redevelop the site for maritime support services.
It does not seem like an “either/or” proposal winner but rather an “and.” The port’s RFP was amended to split Howard Terminal into two parcels to accommodate both projects.
Seriously?!?!? Have we not been down this road before? Did the industry not come out in full force against a stadium, housing and retail development as it is incongruous with maritime operations? Whether it is baseball or soccer, the facts and issues remain the same.