The City of Martinez has announced a Request for Qualifications and Conceptual Proposals (RFQ/P) seeking experienced development teams to help revitalize the historic Old Train Depot at 401 Marina Vista Avenue.
Built in 1877, the Old Train Depot served as Martinez’s first train station and remains a well-known landmark in the community. Located between downtown Martinez and the Marina Waterfront, the site presents an opportunity to restore and repurpose an important historic structure while contributing to the continued economic vitality of the downtown area.
Over the past year, the city has taken several steps to prepare the property for redevelopment. Those efforts include completing compliance with the state’s Surplus Land Act, conducting a Historic Resource Evaluation, obtaining a preliminary title report, and moving forward with hazardous materials remediation.
City officials are now seeking development teams with experience in historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse to restore the building and bring a new use to the site that complements downtown Martinez and enhances the visitor experience. Proposals should demonstrate a plan to preserve the building’s historic character while activating the property with a viable and engaging use.
“This building represents an important piece of Martinez’s history,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “Revitalizing the Old Train Depot gives us the opportunity to preserve a landmark while creating a new destination that supports our local businesses and strengthens connections between Downtown and the waterfront.”
Through the RFQ/P process, the city will evaluate both the qualifications of development teams and their conceptual vision for rehabilitating and activating the building. Following the review of proposals, the city may enter into negotiations with a selected development team to move the project forward.
The RFQ/P will be available on the City of Martinez website beginning March 11, 2026. Proposals are due by April 26, 2026.
More information is available at:
https://www.cityofmartinez.org/departments/planning/major-development-projects/old-train-depot
The biggest problem with the waterfront is the trains. But they will argue they were there first which is true. However if you’ve ever been stuck in your car as a train is coming because someone “just had” to make the turn to go the the sports complex you know the setup at the tracks is hazardous. At least the old depot has some parking.
I liked the old depot, took my first adult train ride from there “many years ago”