The Martinez City Council has approved an exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA) with Tucker Sadler Architects to examine long-term options for the city’s waterfront and marina. The decision was made unanimously during the council’s meeting on 17 December in Martinez, California.
The agreement sets a 24-month negotiation period in which the city and Tucker Sadler Architects will work exclusively to study the feasibility of rebuilding the marina and reshaping the surrounding waterfront area.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward in partnership with the city and the community. The ENA allows us to work collaboratively on a waterfront vision that honours the area’s history while creating new opportunities for the future,” said Greg Mueller, Design Principal and CEO of Tucker Sadler Architects.
The city has identified the marina as a concern due to its ageing infrastructure, declining facilities and rising maintenance costs. Ongoing reliance on the General Fund to support marina operations has prompted a review of other options.
Under the agreement, Tucker Sadler Architects will review options to replace marina infrastructure, including new boat slips, updated fuelling facilities and improved access for motorised and non-motorised vessels. The scope also includes potential changes to the northern breakwater and eastern seawall, which support shoreline protection.
Beyond marina operations, planning work will also examine the wider waterfront area. Public shoreline walkways, viewing areas and launch points for small watercraft are part of the concepts under review. An area has also been set aside for a possible future ferry service.
Early ideas for redeveloping the waterfront were presented by Tucker Sadler Architects in July 2025. Under the ENA, any future project must rely on private funding and operate without city subsidy. Tucker Sadler Architects will reimburse the city for staff time, legal and consultant costs during the negotiation period.
If a development agreement is approved, the city estimates it could remove its annual marina subsidy of more than $650,000 USD. Responsibility for major infrastructure work, including dredging and shoreline protection, would transfer to the developer. Additional long-term revenue could come from hotel occupancy tax, sales tax, lease payments and possessory interest tax.
Residents, businesses and waterfront users will be invited to share feedback as studies and design work progress. Initial outreach is scheduled to begin in early 2026 through the city’s Sesquicentennial Community Sessions.
Once community feedback has been reviewed and project details refined, the proposal will move into environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act. The process will examine potential impacts and alternatives before any final decisions are considered.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of our waterfront and marina. The ENA allows us to fully evaluate a revitalisation effort that could eliminate ongoing subsidies, strengthen the City’s long-term fiscal health and deliver an enhanced public asset the community can benefit from and enjoy for decades to come,” said City Manager Michael Chandler.
Images courtesy of Martinez City.
