Central Hercules Plan Hercules, CA

UCP has a deep understanding of the principles of traditional town planning, which was earned through experience in the business of land development in California. UCP is one of a very few firms able to bring these two perspectives to bear on real-world, real-time problems and opportunities.

— Stephen Lawton, Economic Development Director, City of Hercules

After an intensive public charrette process held over a two year period, the City of Hercules adopted the Central Hercules Plan which regulates the development of several key parcels in the City. Envisioned as a new city center or downtown for Hercules, the Central Hercules plan lays out a mixed use, New Urbanist district quite distinct from the other more suburban neighborhoods that dominate the City of Hercules. However, due to the uniqueness of the regulating plan, implementation was proving to be difficult. Due to the complexities of planning a mixed use project, the City engaged Urban Community Partners to facilitate the planning and analysis of the Central Hercules Plan and more specifically, the Remediation Financial Incorporated (RFI) site. The site is within the City’s Redevelopment Area and calls for a higher density mix of housing, town center/main street retail and job opportunities. The charge for Urban Community Partners was to ensure that the City’s goals and expectations were achieved and that the intent of the Central Hercules Plan was implemented.

UCP Role

• Development Consultants
• Vision, Plan Development
• Proforma analysis

Facts

• Development of concept plan alternatives based on Central Hercules Plan
• Identify Opportunities and Constraints including deviations from local codes
• Use Design Charrette process to develop building designs consistent with City and Developer goals
• Include approximately 50,000sf commercial, 600 apartments, 60 Town homes and 90 single family homes