Uber/Square | Oakland

Oakland, CA

for Gensler

375,000 SQ. FT.

— This work took place under Ben’s creative direction during his tenure as Design Director at Gensler.

In a thorough restoration of a 1929 Beaux Arts-style building that originally housed Capwell’s flagship department store, this new office and retail complex will retain much of the building’s historic character while injecting a fresh energy consistent with the neighborhood’s revitalization. A new shopping arcade, or “paseo,” with a diverse retail mix traverses the entire block, activating the street level and engaging the community. Easily accessed through a new BART concourse and other transit options, Uptown Station will also include a creative workspace, atrium and a rooftop deck offering stunning views to San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais and the Berkeley Hills.

In 2014, Lane Partners purchased this property for $25M. One year later, with our plans in hand but before breaking ground, they sold the project to Uber for $125M. In 2021 (two transactions later) with Square as the new anchor tenant, the project sold for $425M.