Reimagining an industrial waterfront as a dynamic mixed-use district

Alameda Encinal Master Plan

North Waterfront Cove set out to revitalize a historic shipping port and reconnect the community to the waterfront. They reached out to our team to provide master planning and landscape architecture services for this project.

The Alameda Encinal Master Plan reimagines 23 acres (9.3 hectares) of an industrial waterfront, transforming Encinal Terminals, a former shipping and storage site into a thriving mixed-use residential community as part of Alameda’s Northern Waterfront vision. Our plan for the redevelopment prioritizes public access, unlocking 2,700 linear feet (823 linear metres) of previously inaccessible shoreline.

Over 14 acres (5.7 hectares) are dedicated to public space, featuring a waterfront park and a 6-acre (2.4-hectare) promenade, seamlessly integrating San Francisco Bay’s natural beauty with vibrant community spaces. Designed for waterfront living, the plan blends residential, recreational, and open space amenities, fostering an engaging and connected urban experience that honors Alameda’s industrial past while shaping its future.

The waterfront park anchors the community, featuring a spacious promenade over 150 feet (46 metres) wide. Designed for seamless connectivity and vibrant public life, it offers lounge seating, playgrounds, retail and cafés, a dedicated cycle track, and generous pedestrian pathways along the waterfront. Extending the Bay Trail, it enhances circulation across the entire site. At the northwest corner, a grand plaza creates a gathering space with panoramic views of the adjacent estuary, downtown Oakland, the Oakland Hills, and San Francisco’s skyline.

The plan enhances access, fosters a dynamic mixed-use district, preserves local history, and supports economic growth—all while securing a financially sustainable future for this notable destination.