WRT is engaged in the ongoing planning and detailed design of Lake Merritt Park in Oakland, California. WRT's award-winning 2001 Lake Merritt Park Master Plan set clear goals for the restoration of the historic park and buildings within its borders. For this plan, WRT led a team of consultants to restore the grandeur of Lake Merritt and elevate its value as urban open space and wildlife habitat. The process involved extensive interaction with city staff, community stakeholders, and the larger public.
WRT is now leading the first phase of implementation projects for the city valued at over $24 million, including the renovation of the historic Municipal Boathouse and grounds, reconfiguration of lakeside circulation routes, and improvement of park-wide landscaping. The Boathouse restoration was completed this year, with a dedication ceremony held in August. Originally built in 1909, the renovated structure will continue its tradition as a public boathouse, with restaurant and banquet spaces incorporated. Other features of this project — which is expected to receive a LEED Silver rating from the US Green Building Council — include a green roof and sustainable stormwater management. The surrounding park orchestrates the building's historic setting, contemporary functions such as service, accessibility, and utilities, and restores a major area of public park. Elements such as open lawn, a continuous shoreline path, regatta seating, and picnic terraces are composed to foster seamless transition between the building grounds and surrounding park.
