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Public Works > Engineering & Construction > Bicycle & Pedestrian Program > Latham Square Plaza

Latham Square Project

Latham Fountain

Latham Square is a prominent and architecturally important intersection in the City of Oakland:

Located at the intersection of two of the most significant streets in Oakland (Telegraph Avenue & Broadway)
Gateway to the emerging Uptown neighborhood and entertainment district
Historically significant role in transit history as the hub of major transit lines connecting Richmond and Berkeley
Flanked by the Rotunda and Cathedral buildings, two of the best local examples of early 20th century architecture
History Boards: See Latham Square through the ages!

However, this prime location in its current form presents challenges: how to balance the demand for transit, bicycles, pedestrians, automobiles, and a public gathering space. To address these issues, the City has developed a proposal to permanently expand and enhance the plaza area that offers a larger pedestrian space adjacent to the commercial businesses and to keep and improve a two-way roadway on Telegraph Avenue between 16th Street and Broadway. The design and construction are being funded through Proposition 1-C grant funding from the State of California and Measure B funding from Alameda County.

Traffic and Construction Updates

Project Scope

Final design for the plaza has been completed and the construction contract for this work was awarded by the City Council on March 17, 2015. Click here to see the Site Rendering. Oakland Public Works (OPW) has contracted McGuire and Hester, Inc. to construct the Latham Square Streetscape Improvements (Project). The streetscape construction began May 18, 2015 and it is estimated to be completed July 22, 2016. Click here to read the Construction Announcement Letter.

The City will make every effort to minimize inconveniences. Should you have any questions concerning the construction of this project, please contact Alan Chiang, City of Oakland Resident Engineer, at (510) 238-2299. In case of an emergency after normal business hours, please call (510) 615-5566. For overall project information, please contact Nick Cartagena, Project Manager, at (510) 238-2139 or ncartagena@oaklandnet.com.

The Project will reconstruct the Latham Square Plaza and neighboring roadways and intersections. The Project area is Telegraph Avenue from Broadway to 17th Street, Broadway from 14th Street to 17th Street, and 16th Street from Telegraph to San Pablo Avenue. Click here to see Project Area Map. The improvements include expansion of the Latham Square Plaza, improved intersections, traffic signal upgrades, new roadway surfacing, bulbouts, restoration of the historic Latham fountain, informational panels, landscaping, and pedestrian and decorative lighting.

Temporary Construction Traffic Control

During construction, there will be impacts to traffic on both Broadway and Telegraph Avenue. Some phases of construction will require Broadway to be reduced to one lane in each direction of travel. Telegraph Avenue from Broadway to 16th Street will require a one-block closure to vehicles during construction.

Please remember the surrounding businesses are open during construction. Please support Oakland's local businesses, especially during this construction period. While you are there, be sure to abide by the posted signs and use the designated crosswalks at 14th Street, 15th Street, and 17th Street.

Latham Square Construction Update (July 13, 2016)

The Latham Square project anticipates final completion by July 22, 2016. The final improvements expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks include: installation of traffic signals and their programming, installation of the plaza string of lights, application of an anti-graffiti sacrificial coating, installation of Broadway traffic striping, along with a few other minor improvements. The remaining construction fencing is expected to be removed the week of July 18.

A Grand Re-Opening event will be held at the Latham Square Plaza on Thursday, July 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. Click here to see the event flyer.

A free event will be held at the Latham Plaza every 3rd Thursday of the Month. Click here to see Oakland Central's event flyer.

Community Involvement

The City has worked closely with local stakeholders on the Latham Square plaza design. Outreach activities included: over 25 individual meetings with local businesses, property owners, residents and other stakeholders; public presentations to the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and Oakland Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee; and five community meetings. The feedback gathered from the outreach and the pilot plaza (see below) played a critical role in the design of the permanent plaza.

Project Milestones:

In 2007, the City Council approved a new intersection configuration/design at Broadway & Telegraph Avenue, and Telegraph from 15^th Street to 20^th Street. See the Inner Telegraph Concept Design.
In 2008, the City received a $9.9 million Proposition 1C state grant for streetscape improvements in the downtown/uptown areas.
In August of 2012, the City began exploring ways to improve and expand Latham Square. This resulted in the idea of a “pilot” project (see below).
A community design workshop for the Pilot Plaza was held on February 23, 2013.
In May of 2013, the City Council approved the Pilot Plaza.
In June of 2013, the conceptual phase of the new re-design of Latham square began.
Pilot Plaza opening was held August 16, 2013.
Community Meeting #1 was held September 14, 2013.
The first Plaza PopUpHood event was held October 12, 2013.
Community Meeting #2 was held November 20, 2013.
City Council Meeting was held on January 7, 2014 and approved preliminary design.
Community Meeting #3 was held January 30, 2014.
Community Meeting #4 was held May 8, 2014.
Community Meeting #5 was held June 12, 2014.
A Tree Removal Permit Application was approved on August 19, 2014 for seven trees that will be removed and replaced by 14 trees.
In March of 2015, the City Council awarded the Latham Square Streetscape Improvements construction contract. See the Site Rendering.

Summary of Permanent Latham Square Plaza Project Community Meetings

Meeting Date Materials

Community Meeting #5 6/12/2014 Agenda & Presentation

Community Meeting #4 5/8/2014 Agenda & Presentation
Community Meeting #3 1/30/2014 Presentation

Community Meeting #2 11/20/2013 Presentation

Community Meeting #1 09/14/2013 Presentation

Summary of Project Legislation

Project Phase City Council Link to Legistar

Meeting Date

Latham Square Streetscape Construction 03/17/2015 Report & Resolutions

Latham Square Preliminary Design 01/07/2014 Reports & Resolution

Latham Square Pilot Project 05/07/2013 Report & Resolution

Latham Square 2007 Design 01/16/2007 Reports & Resolution

Permanent Latham Square Plaza Project

The City has designed the permanent reconstruction of Latham Square using high-quality and long-lasting materials. See the Site Rendering. The basic principles for the permanent plaza were developed through the 2004 Downtown Streetscape Master Plan and advised through the observations of the pilot project and community feedback, and will help to accomplish several longstanding goals to support economic development in Downtown and Uptown. Implementation of the Master Plan principles will seek to enhance the experience for all users by:

Enhancing existing and attracting new business
Designing roadways and intersections with all modes and safety in mind
Creating a larger functional plaza space for daily use and special events
Highlighting and restoring the Latham Square fountain
Incorporating the latest in storm water systems design
Retaining and improving on the existing landscaping and trees as well as the important historical aspects of the square

City staff reported the results of the pilot project and provided a recommendation on the permanent conceptual design to the City Council Public Works Committee on December 17, 2013. City Council approved staff recommendation for the permanent plaza circulation design on January 7, 2014. Permanent design recommendations were based on the pilot project evaluation and community feedback, as well as the best course of action necessary in order to deliver the permanent project. See permanent plaza legislation (Reports, Resolution & Video)

Final design for the plaza has been completed and the construction contract for this work was awarded by the City Council on March 17, 2015. See the Site Rendering.

Latham Square Pilot Plaza Project

In May of 2013, City Council approved a temporary pilot project to assess the impacts and benefits of full and partial closure of Latham Square to vehicular traffic to create a larger pedestrian plaza. The pilot project was installed in July 2013 and officially opened to the public to use and enjoy on August 16^th. The pilot allowed for real-world observation of traffic flow, and led to a better understanding of how the plaza can be designed to maximize its potential as a pedestrian space. The first phase included complete closure of Telegraph Avenue and installation of signage, seating, trees and landscaping. The project's second phase included opening Telegraph Avenue to one-way southbound traffic and rearrangement of some elements of the plaza in September of 2013. The Downtown Oakland Association is generously managing the maintenance of the facility and event programming. See the Downtown Oakland Association's Latham Square website for more information on programmed events.

Pilot Project Design Details
Pilot Plaza Legislation (Report, Resolution & Videos)
Pilot Project Introductory Presentation
Stakeholder Design Meeting Presentation
See the Downtown Oakland Association's Latham Square website for information on programmed events

Contact Information

For more information or questions, please contact:
Nick Cartagena, P.E., T.E.
Oakland Public Works, Bureau of Engineering & Construction
Transportation Planning & Funding
(510) 238-2139
TTY: (510) 238-3254
ncartagena@oaklandnet.com

City of Oakland California