Martinez Seeks Developer to Revive Historic Old Train Depot

City releases RFQ/P to transform 1877 landmark into new downtown destination

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:07am

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The City of Martinez has issued a Request for Qualifications and Conceptual Proposals (RFQ/P) to find a development team that can revitalize the historic Old Train Depot, a 145-year-old landmark located between downtown and the Marina Waterfront. The city envisions transforming the vacant building into a new destination with a mix of food, retail, cultural, and activated uses to boost tourism and support local businesses.

Why it matters

The Old Train Depot is a significant part of Martinez's history, having served as the city's first train station since 1877. Revitalizing this landmark building represents an opportunity to preserve an important piece of the community's past while creating a new draw that can strengthen connections between downtown and the waterfront and support the ongoing economic vitality of the city's central business district.

The details

The Old Train Depot was originally constructed in 1877 to provide passenger and freight service for the Southern Pacific Railroad. It underwent expansions and renovations over the years, including a major remodel in 1941 to adapt it to Amtrak service. The building has been vacant since 2001 when a new Amtrak station opened nearby. The city is now seeking development teams with expertise in historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse to restore the depot and introduce a vibrant new use that complements downtown and enhances the visitor experience.

  • The Old Train Depot was originally constructed in 1877.
  • In 1916, the building was enlarged to handle increased railway freight business.
  • The Martinez-Benicia Bridge opened in 1930, increasing the depot's prominence as a major stop along national railway routes.
  • The building underwent a major remodel and modernization in 1941.
  • A new Amtrak station opened two blocks west of the Old Train Depot in 2001, and the building has been vacant since then.

The players

City of Martinez

The local government of Martinez, California, which owns the Old Train Depot and is seeking a development team to revitalize the historic landmark.

Southern Pacific Railroad

The railroad company that originally constructed the Old Train Depot in 1877 to provide passenger and freight service.

Amtrak

The national passenger rail service that operated out of the Old Train Depot until a new station opened nearby in 2001, at which point the historic building became vacant.

Brianne Zorn

The mayor of Martinez, who stated that revitalizing the Old Train Depot represents an opportunity to preserve an important piece of the city's history while creating a new destination that supports local businesses and connects downtown to the waterfront.

Eve Kearney

The executive assistant in the City Manager's Office who authored the announcement about the RFQ/P for the Old Train Depot redevelopment.

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What they’re saying

“This building represents an important piece of Martinez's history. Revitalizing the Old Train Depot gives us the opportunity to preserve a landmark while creating a new destination that supports our local businesses and strengthens connections between Downtown and the waterfront.”

— Brianne Zorn, Mayor

What’s next

The RFQ/P process will allow the City to evaluate both the qualifications of development teams and their conceptual vision for rehabilitating and activating the Old Train Depot. Following review of proposals, the City may enter into negotiations with a selected development team to further advance plans for the property. The RFQ/P will be available on the City of Martinez website beginning March 11, 2026, with proposals due April 26, 2026.

The takeaway

The revitalization of Martinez's historic Old Train Depot represents an opportunity to preserve an important community landmark while creating a new destination that can boost tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen connections between the city's downtown and waterfront areas.