13 14-0954 Subject: Developer Selection & ENA For The Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center
From: Economic And Workforce Development
Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution Authorizing An Exclusive Negotiating Agreement With Orton Development, Inc. For The Rehabilitation, Adaptive Reuse, And Operation Of The Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, Also Known As The Oakland Municipal Auditorium
We finally have an opportunity to add synergy to a part of downtown Oakland that does not fully work. But Oakland is mistakenly trying to push forward with an Orton development that is not financially viable, and will be vacant and boarded up again in 5 years. We have the wonderful Oakland Museum that feels like its in 'no mans land', and nearby Laney College that needs a better link to the surrounding community. Lets put a hotel next to the Convention Center to bring out of towners to the area (my friends and family currently stay in neighboring cities when they visit) that will utilize the museum and surrounding amenities, and can provide work/internship opportunities to Laney College students in their hotel management program. Lets also refresh the Convention Center so it can be used in its original intended purpose as a performance/even space, that can support the museum as well.
The Arena at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center is one of the most important historic spaces in Oakland.
Please do not approve any contract or Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Orton Development. Orton's plan would destroy the historic Arena. This is unacceptable.
Any plan to restore the Kaiser Convention Center must include a full restoration of the Arena so that it can be used for it's original intended purpose. It was given to Oaklanders as a large, flexible gathering space capable of hosting up to 7,000 people, and it should continue to be available to future generations for this use.
The Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center is an icon for generations of Oakland residents. Lets honor its beauty and continue that history for our children and our children's children.Keep Oakland unique, while bringing citizens together to celebrate music, history and community events in a venue that served this city well for so many years! Bring jobs to the area without impacting the park-like setting that surrounds the center.This is NOT the place for a high rise!
We finally have an opportunity to add synergy to a part of downtown Oakland that does not fully work. But Oakland is mistakenly trying to push forward with an Orton development that is not financially viable, and will be vacant and boarded up again in 5 years. We have the wonderful Oakland Museum that feels like its in 'no mans land', and nearby Laney College that needs a better link to the surrounding community. Lets put a hotel next to the Convention Center to bring out of towners to the area (my friends and family currently stay in neighboring cities when they visit) that will utilize the museum and surrounding amenities, and can provide work/internship opportunities to Laney College students in their hotel management program. Lets also refresh the Convention Center so it can be used in its original intended purpose as a performance/even space, that can support the museum as well.
The Arena at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center is one of the most important historic spaces in Oakland.
Please do not approve any contract or Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Orton Development. Orton's plan would destroy the historic Arena. This is unacceptable.
Any plan to restore the Kaiser Convention Center must include a full restoration of the Arena so that it can be used for it's original intended purpose. It was given to Oaklanders as a large, flexible gathering space capable of hosting up to 7,000 people, and it should continue to be available to future generations for this use.
The Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center is an icon for generations of Oakland residents. Lets honor its beauty and continue that history for our children and our children's children.Keep Oakland unique, while bringing citizens together to celebrate music, history and community events in a venue that served this city well for so many years! Bring jobs to the area without impacting the park-like setting that surrounds the center.This is NOT the place for a high rise!