Alameda looking to repurpose historic building at former Naval Air Station

ALAMEDA, Calif. - The city of Alameda is taking the next steps to repurpose a historic building at the former Naval Air Station. 

That's because "Building 92" is for sale – all 90,000 square feet of it, which has a long history on Alameda Point on West Ranger Avenue.  

 The building, made from old-grown Douglas fir, was built back in 1942, in the middle of WWII, for use when the area was a working naval base. 

It also used to be the home of the Alameda Food Bank, which moved across the street. 

And now, Alameda city leaders want to hear from prospective buyers and developers about how they would repurpose this building.

Starting this week, the city will start taking proposals from developers who want to buy it. 

The council then will have to approve the sale, based on those proposals. 

Since this is a historical building, the developer would have certain guidelines to abide by. 

Many say the priority is something that will provide jobs and add a sense of community. 

This building would have to be some sort of business - not housing.

"We have to acknowledge that it is a contributing historic structure," said Nicole Franklin, Alameda base reuse manager. "It could be office or ‘maker’ space. It could be neighborhood-serving functions."

Neighbor Stephanie Gascon said she thinks everyone is really appreciative of what Alameda has – the community – and she hopes to preserve it. 

The asking price has not been disclosed, but other former naval base buildings have sold in the millions.

Building 91, next door, which houses the Almanac Beer Company, was bought in 2017 for $2.8 million.

As for the timeline, Alameda will accept proposals from developers until April. 

The city council could make a decision on what this building becomes next by summer or fall.