VALLEJO, CA - Gates + Associates, one of the most active landscape architecture, urban design and land planning firms in California, has completed landscape/urban plans for the 28-acre Mariner’s Cove housing and greenspace development near the Vallejo ferry terminal, fulfilling long-held goals of the community for better access and connection to the San Francisco Bay. Expected to be underway later this year, Mariner’s Cove calls for 175 for-sales homes consistent with Vallejo’s housing stock, three small commercial buildings near existing business areas, and two expansive public parks.
A project of Callahan Property Company, Mariner’s Cove (also known as Vallejo Northern Waterfront) includes several contributions to the public realm:
A whopping 30 percent of the project is dedicated parks, open space and wetland-habitat. The main elements are a new Promenade Park expanding and enhancing the bayfront pedestrian access, and Wetland Park which will incorporate a tidal wetland supporting wildlife. The Wetland Park, which reaches up into the housing development, provides a scenic pedestrian corridor giving Vallejo residents easier access direct to the water’s edge.
The mix of for-sale housing, which includes 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom homes designed by SDG Architects, emphasizes pedestrian and bike access but also provides private garages through separate alleyways.
Three small commercial buildings totaling 22,000 square feet will provide local-serving retail and small office space.
A complementary project by Gates for the City of Vallejo is a Waterfront History Art Park planned next to the Vallejo ferry terminal. Sculpture and art elements are planned for the space as well as gardens and a fitness area.
“Mariner’s Cove creates the first real place for Vallejo residents to come to the Napa River and Mare Island Causeway with ease of access and amenitized public spaces,” said Russel Case, associate principal of Gates + Associates. “We’ve worked hard on creating easy ways for everyone to enjoy the waterfront, as part of a new neighborhood that complements nearby housing, marinas and commercial activity.”
“Mariner’s Cove is a public-private partnership that enables thoughtful, appropriate development within the existing city footprint while also creating an unprecedented amount of public parks, promenades and cultural amenities,” said Casey Case, president of the firm. “This project demonstrates how sustainable design and natural habitat can be interwoven in a new housing community.”
About Gates: Gates + Associates is a leading landscape architecture, urban design and land planning firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for its innovative ideas backed by more than 40 years of experience, Gates works for a variety of clients, including healthcare, office and multifamily developers, city planning and parks departments, schools and university campuses, senior housing, wineries and hotels located primarily in Northern California. For more information, visit www.dgates.com