The City of Martinez has released a Request for Qualifications and Conceptual Proposals (RFQ/P) seeking an experienced development team to revitalize the Old Train Depot located at 401 Marina Vista Avenue. Built in 1877 as the City’s first train station, the depot is a recognizable community landmark positioned between Downtown Martinez and the Marina Waterfront. The City is seeking proposals that demonstrate a thoughtful approach to rehabilitating the building and activating it with a use that preserves its character while supporting economic vitality in Downtown Martinez. Interested teams are encouraged to review the RFQ/P and submit proposals by April 26, 2026.

Old Train Depot Revitalization RFQ-P

Old Train Depot Staff Report RFQ-P 

KinderMorgan Pipeline Location Map

Geocon Survey Report

Old Train Depot Demolition Plans 2025

Question 1: Has the building been evaluated for its structural integrity?

Answer: A comprehensive structural evaluation has not been conducted. However, the architect who prepared the demolition plans assessed the interior elements and identified which components must remain in place due to their load-bearing function.

Question 2: What is the extent of the remediation activities currently under construction?

Answer: A Limited Asbestos and Deteriorated Lead Containing Paint Survey Report, prepared by Geocon Consultants, identified small areas of lead and asbestos within the interior. Remediation efforts, expected to be completed by June 4, 2026, will address these materials, along with selective interior demolition. This includes removal of non-load-bearing walls, unused electrical and plumbing systems, and some wallboard and ceiling tiles to open up the space as much as possible.

Question 3: What is the ridership at the new Amtrak station?
Answer: With multiple train services operating at the station, research indicates that approximately 300,000 passengers annually either begin or end their journeys in Martinez. The station also functions as a regional transit hub, with numerous bus routes arriving and departing, as well as a direct connection to BART. CCTA is in the process of upgrading the site to provide better circulation for bus access and other amenities to support ridership (i.e. bike lanes, bike parking/lockers, area for pop-up food vendors, etc.)

Question 4: To what extent is the City open to modifications of the existing building?
Answer: The City is open to considering modifications to the existing building, including the addition of a second story or minor first-floor expansions outside of existing easements, provided they are architecturally compatible with the existing building’s character. Although the structure is no longer classified as historic due to prior alterations, there remains a strong intent to preserve its character. Any proposed additions should be consistent with the existing building (or previous building iterations) in terms of materials, massing, and overall design.

Question 5: Can you clarify the shared parking agreement with the City, Contra Costa Community College District, and the Martinez Historic Society?
Answer: Currently, the City leases parking areas at 1015 Escobar Street from the Contra Costa Community College District to support activities at the Martinez Historic Society, which in turn subleases the building from the City. In exchange, the City leases the parking spaces to the northeast of the Old Train Depot to the Contra Costa Community College District. The City is in active discussions with the Contra Costa Community College District and plans to restructure this arrangement where parking northeast of the Old Train Depot will be incorporated back into the public lot, while the Contra Costa Community College District will regain control of its lot. This change is expected to increase parking availability near the Old Train Depot as part of the site’s revitalization this year.

Question 6: What is the capacity and condition of utilities currently serving the building? What is the available electric load capacity?
Answer: The building previously had utilities serving it as a whole. As part of the remediation, most electrical systems are being removed, leaving only minimal power for lighting. The available electrical load capacity is currently unknown. However, if the building is repurposed for a use such as a restaurant, upgrades and increased electrical capacity will be required.

Question 7: What is the outcome the City hopes to accomplish through this process? Answer: The City’s goal through this RFQ/P process is to identify a qualified development partner to either purchase or lease the building, complete all necessary renovations and tenant improvements, and activate the site with uses that create a strong regional draw. The intent is to facilitate a fully realized, privately led project that contributes to the vitality of the area. It is not the City’s objective to retain ongoing responsibility for maintenance or day-to-day operations of the building once the project is complete.

Question 8: Does the City have any funding to contribute towards the project?
Answer: The City contributed funding towards the preparation of the Historic Resource Evaluation, and the remediation described in Question 2 above. Unfortunately, the City does not anticipate the ability to contribute any additional funding towards the project. However, the City is open to discussing reduced or deferred fees as part of the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement process.