Alameda Landing Waterfront Park
PUBLIC PARK DESIGN / CITY OF ALAMEDA, CA / KEN KAY ASSOCIATES / CLIENT - CATELLUS URBAN DESIGN
An extensive public review process involving City of Alameda agencies, and BCDC (Bay Area Conservation and Development Commission) covered issues ranging from public waterfront access, sea level rise, and material "weight concerns" on an existing, seismically compromised concrete wharf. BCDC considers "public access" paramount, and with future sea level rise concerns, design solutions were proposed to allow public park access at the highest projected levels. In addition, new design elements (pavers, walls, and plantings) needed to be carefully considered due to weight limits, presenting a challenge to great design solutions.
The Opportunities and Constraints map above lays out the sites primary areas of development, with the 4.5 acre public park along the Estuary at the north end. Existing 5th Street will punctuate the site with a strong axial connection to the waterfront plaza, with residential townhomes facing the prome-nade. An early conceptual illustrative organizes a heirarchy of activities starting with the main gathering space at the terminus of 5th Street. Ground-floor retail anchors the entry, along with Kayak and Water Shuttle services. The Bay Trail will connect the site from east to west with expansive Bay views.
A site rendering looking west over the waterfront plaza with the San Francisco skyline in the background. Rendering produced by Art Zendarski.
Pedestrian, bike, and auto routes create public access connections to the Estuary.
A cross section of the existing concrete deck with elevations and proposed design elements.