Mare Island Master Plan

The Mare Island Master Plan aims to create a 21st century Mare Island that will become an "economic engine and world-class destination for the City of Vallejo, Solano County and the Bay Area."

The development is being overseen by four different groups:

• City of Vallejo

• Nimitz Group

• HOK

• Southern Land Company

Current Status

The City of Vallejo, Nimitz Group, HOK, and Southern Land Company are all still working on the creation of the Mare Island Master Plan.

During the City Council's 21 July 2020 meeting, SLC gave updates on the project. Notable updates include a new visual of the island. SLC is currently conducting market studies to find out what demand exists that can be fulfilled on the island. The northern part of the island also requires careful consideration as the soil has potential for liquefaction.

In an article by J.K. Dineen and Janelle Bitker for the San Francisco Chronicle, Nimitz Group's Dave Phinney talked about his vision for the island. Some of what was mentioned include:

• "Tens of thousands" of new residential units

• "Upward of 1,000 businesses"

• New schools, possibly a college campus

• "Copius waterfront parkland"

• Restoration of 60 historic buildings

• "Bike- and pedestrian-friendly"

• New water taxis and additional ferries

• A "heterogenous community...that's sustainable at multiple levels, not just environmentally sustainable"

The City of Vallejo first issued a Request for Qualifications for the development of 157 acres on North Mare Island in December 2017. They then approved an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with the Nimitz Group on 24 July 2018.

SHM Partners/Film Mare Island

The Nimitz Group plans to build 600,000 square feet of film space on 56 acres, bringing 1500 new jobs to the City. The development would be divided into two sections:

• Phase I would see the construction of sound stages and supporting facilities on 25 acres.

• Phase II would see the creation of additional stages, supporting facilities, a retail back lot, and office space on 26 acres.

• Future phases would see a student film campus with housing, food, and retail, along with potential meeting/conference space and extended-stay lodging.

Wine Production and Tasting

The Nimitz Group proposes dedicating 15 acres for wine production activities, including:

• Receiving fruit

• Facilities for crush pads and processing

• Warehouse storage

• Bottling lines

A warehouse and bottling facility is expected to occupy 340,000 square feet while administrative offices will take up 20,000 square feet. A 5000 square feet tasting room is also planned.

This portion of the North Mare Island development is expected to create 80 production-related jobs and 25 administrative jobs.

The Nimitz Group states that they have received Letters of Interest from potential tenants for this portion of the development, including Joel Gott Wines and Safe Harbor Wine Partners.

New Corporate Office Space

The Nimitz Group is proposing to create 100,000 square feet of commercial office space on 10 acres. This new facility will have ground floor retail options, such as banks, coffee shops, and casual dining. Target industries for the office space include high tech, healthcare, and professional services.

Mixed-Use

The Nimitz Group plans to dedicate 20 additional acres to future mixed-use development, particularly commercial development, although residential uses would be allowed. Desired development in this area would include office space, research and development, light industrial, retail, warehousing, and parking.

Industrial Space

The Nimitz Group plans to have 37,000 square feet of industrial and manufacturing uses on 20 acres.

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space

The Nimitz Group plans to have 12 acres of park space, along with an additional 24 acres of open space through a conservation easement. This would be used as a pedestrian walkway and bike path.

Following the creation of the Mare Island Specific Plan in 1999, developer Lennar Mare Island has been in charge of the cleanup and development of 500 acres on South Mare Island. So far, Lennar has built 350 new single-family homes and had entitlements for hundreds of more residential units and commercial space before they sold the land to the Nimitz Group.