Layers of rich history mixed with the energy of urban renaissance make downtown Oakland a great place to live, work and do business. Its 350-block landscape boasts glorious architecture and public spaces, shops, cafes, restaurants, arts and entertainment venues, and the Oakland waterfront. Downtown is also home to major corporations such as Clorox, Kaiser and APL Limited and boasts a growing daytime working population of more than 75,000. Former Mayor Jerry Brown's goal of attracting 10,000 new residents is being realized as more and more people discover the relaxed urban environment, burgeoning cultural scene, and convenience of downtown Oakland.

City Center
City Center is a bustling commercial corridor with more than 3 million square feet of Class A office space. Anchor tenants include Clorox, Ask Jeeves, APL, Koret of California and the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building. The Shorenstein property also features an array of nice shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes, a sculpture garden, a sports club, and myriad outdoor concerts and cultural events. 555 City Center, Shorenstein's magnificent new 21-story office tower, is being lauded for its beautiful architecture and environmental features.

Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
Frank H. Ogawa Plaza is an elaborate pedestrian-friendly complex linking several historic buildings -- including Oakland City Hall and the landmark Rotunda Building -- with modern city, federal and state administration offices. Shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes border the Plaza. A popular community gathering place, the Plaza is fast becoming a regional destination with the success of the city's annual Art & Soul festival and other major events.

Uptown
The City is actively working to redevelop Uptown as a retail, entertainment and residential district. Working from existing anchors Sears, Oakland Ice Center and the famed Paramount Theatre, the vision is to combine new arts, theater, restaurants, cafes, book stores, housing and retail in an urban setting with the area's magnificent Art Deco facades providing the backdrop and theme. In December 2005, Forest City broke ground on Phase I of the Uptown residential project. The $190 million development will include 665 rental apartments, 9,000 sq. ft. of retail and a public park. California Commercial Investment's $40 million renovation of the historic Fox Theater is also underway.

Chinatown
This 25-block commercial and cultural mecca is the nation's fourth largest Chinatown community. Throughout Oakland's history, Chinatown has maintained one of the strongest local economies in the city. The area's rich culture is reflected in a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, markets, bakeries and attractions, including the Chinatown Streetfest, which attracts 100,000 visitors annually.

Jack London Square
Rich in local history, the East Bay's premier waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment destination attracts more than 6 million visitors annually. Jack London Square is home to 30 restaurants, a host of national and local retailers, cinemas, and the Port of Oakland headquarters. The famed Yoshi's World-Class Jazz House and other popular nightclubs create an eclectic arts and entertainment scene. New development will enhance the Square with additional retail, entertainment venues, office space and improved shoreline access. The adjacent Loft District continues to expand. Jack London Square Partners have begun their $300 million redevelopment project at Jack London Square with the historic restoration and seismic upgrade of 66 Franklin. Additional elements of the project will include the 185,000 sq. ft. Harvest Hall, a 250-room hotel, a six-screen cinema and new office and retail space.

Old Oakland
Old Oakland's distinctive architecture beckons both residents and visitors. In the 1870s, it was the bustling heart of town, with block after block of grand hotels accommodating travelers arriving at the western terminus of the first transcontinental railroad. Today, these buildings are regarded as the finest collection of commercial Victorians on the West Coast. Along old-fashioned brick sidewalks are 15 cafes and restaurants, Swan's Marketplace, fashionable art galleries, specialty shops, and gourmet markets, including Ratto's, the oldest international grocer in the West. A Friday farmers market, brew pub, outdoor concerts and cultural events are popular attractions.

Lake Merritt District
This extraordinary commercial and residential district's main feature is Lake Merritt, one of America’s most beautiful urban saltwater lakes and its oldest federally established wildlife refuge. The area boasts 3.5 million square feet of prime office space, retail, restaurants, and immediate access to local and regional transit. Views of the lake and distinct architecture make this one of Oakland's most sought-after corporate addresses.