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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:
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.
After the creation of the Mare Island Specific Plan in 1999, Lennar Mare Island has been in charge of the remediation of the island and the construction of new single-family homes on the island. So far, it has built 350 new homes on the island and has completed most of the island's cleanup.
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.
In 2019, the Nimitz Group brought architecture and planning firm HOK to assist with the planning and design of the project.
In June 2019, the Nimitz Group bought the Mare Island Golf Course.
During their 22 October 2019 meeting, the City Council approved a new Term Sheet for the ground lease of North Mare Island to the Nimitz Group. This new term sheet would use North Mare Island as leverage in order to incentivize the Nimitz Group to actively develop both North and South Mare Island.
In November 2019, the Nimitz Group finalized the purchase of 500 acres of land on South Mare Island from homebuilder Lennar, putting the entirety of the island into its control.
In February 2020, developer Southern Land Company joined the project team to assist with the development of the project.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Nimitz Group plans to have 37,000 square feet of industrial and manufacturing uses on 20 acres.
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.
City of Vallejo - City Council Agenda Item 8A 2020-07-21
During this meeting, Southern Land Company gave an update on the project.
City of Vallejo - City Council Presentation Item 4B 2020-03-10
During this meeting, the Nimitz Group introduced Southern Land Company to the City Council.
City of Vallejo - City Council Agenda Item 8A 2019-10-22
During this meeting, the City Council approved a new Term Sheet for the ground lease of North Mare Island.
City of Vallejo - City Council Staff Report 2018-05-15
During this meeting, the City Council approved an Exclusive Negotiating Rights Agreement with the Nimitz Group for the development of North Mare Island.
This document contains all the proposals received by the City for the development of North Mare Island.
City of Vallejo - Mare Island Specific Plan
Last amended in 2013