The Port of Oakland has selected Oakland Roots Sports Club and Industrial Realty Group to lead the redevelopment of the Howard Terminal site, according to a report by the San Francisco Business Times. The port will begin negotiating an exclusive agreement with both parties after closing its request for proposals.
Oakland Roots SC and Industrial Realty Group were among nearly a dozen firms that submitted bids for the 55-acre waterfront property. The search for new redevelopment ideas began in 2024, following the departure of the Athletics from Oakland.
The plan from Oakland Roots includes building a soccer stadium for both the Roots and Soul teams. A source told the Business Times that Industrial Realty intends to support maritime operations at the site, though specific plans have not been finalized.
Lydia Tan, chief real estate officer for Oakland Roots, said in a statement to the Business Times: “The Roots are making the ‘next steps toward negotiating an exclusive negotiation agreement to explore redevelopment opportunities at Howard Terminal for a stadium for Oakland Roots and Soul SC. This would be an important step in evaluating a long-term home for the club, subject to further discussions and approvals.’”
In October, an addendum was added to the port’s request for proposals outlining different uses across portions of Howard Terminal. Thirty-six acres on the western side are reserved for industrial purposes, while 14 acres on the eastern side are set aside for commercial development. The use of five remaining acres has not been determined. This approach allows consideration of two separate projects on opposite ends of the site as proposed by Oakland Roots and Industrial Realty.
Approval from the Board of Port Commissioners is still required before moving forward. Previously, there was a four-year exclusive agreement with another group to build a larger stadium and mixed-use development at Howard Terminal; that agreement expired in 2023. Last year, Oakland Roots proposed constructing a 25,000-seat stadium at Howard Terminal, starting with a temporary modular facility before building a permanent one. The team can also utilize an existing environmental review report prepared by the Athletics during their previous planning process at Howard Terminal.
— Chris Malone Méndez
