5 Reasons Oakland Is The Next Big Thing

There are, of course, more than five, but some of our star-studded panelists speaking at our 2nd Annual Oakland State of the Market told us why it's time to get more excited than ever about that other city across the Bay. Join us at the Marriott City Center on May 20, starting at 7:30am.

1. Revamps Are Aplenty

Among our speakers is Mission Bay Development managing principal Seth Hamalian (here at last year's event), who's firm is working on 1900 Broadway (below), a one-acre site entitled for a 33-story apartment tower with 345 units and 10k SF of ground-floor retail. And at 1715/1717 Telegraph, the 5k SF single-story retail space will be transformed into a five-story, 20k SF office building with about 4k SF of ground-floor retail. He's working through design and entitlements in 2015.

2. Momentum Is Finally Building

Seth says the perception of Oakland is changing. High prices in S.F., combined with lots of media attention, have led to an increasing awareness of all of the advantages Oakland has, including great neighborhoods, transportation, dining, nightlife, culture and outdoor recreation.

3. More Development Is Coming

Another speaker will be Swig EVP Deborah Boyer, who tells us Oakland still needs more product, both residential and office. As rents continue to rise to justify new construction, she says the city should begin to see more cranes on the horizon.

4. Growing Cluster of Creative Companies

As we reported earlier this month, Swig Co just inked a 6,415 SF lease with Huge Inc at the Wakefield Building, bringing the 426 17th St office to 100% leased. The global creative agency is moving its office from S.F. to locate in Oakland alongside firms such as VSCO, EVB, and Mad Dogs & Englishmen.  

5. Ongoing Upgrades

Deborah says her company has more projects in the works at the Kaiser Center (rooftop, above), including a growing co-working community as well as newly designed creative space with light and views unparalleled in the Oakland market. Come hear more at our 2nd Annual Oakland State of the Market at the Marriott City Center on May 20, starting at 7:30am. Sign up here.