Specifically, Catellus says its sustainable design effort will include:

• Reuse and recycling of wood and concrete from site deconstruction. Catellus aims to recycle 95% of all non-reusable construction waste;
• Use of recycled, nontoxic, and sustainably produced building materials and finishes;
• Landscaping that reduces water consumption in the project's public open space and plazas;
• Vegetation filters that treat 100% of storm water runoff, protecting the water quality of San Francisco Bay;
• Renovation of existing warehouse facilities for office uses and parking;
• Energy efficiency measures, including day lighting and HVAC controls, in all buildings;
• Travel demand management and commuting solutions that serve all tenants;
• New and enhanced public-transit services, including AC Transit routes, shuttle service to BART, and a proposed water taxi to Jack London Square in Oakland.

Catellus has incorporated many of these approaches at other mixed-use projects, including the Mueller airport development in Austin, Victoria by the Bay in Hercules, and Mission Bay in San Francisco. "Based on that experience, we believe sustainable design can be incorporated into Alameda Landing at minimal cost premiums, and that it will generate significantly heightened interest in the project from commercial and residential customers," Tirman says.

Catellus was selected as the master developer of the Alameda Landing site in 1997. Prior to its 2005 merger with ProLogis, it focused on the entitlement process and on development of the 485-home Bayport residential project adjacent to the Alameda Landing property.

Under the approved Alameda Landing disposition and development agreement, Catellus will receive title to the land from the city in exchange for bearing approximately $103 million in planning, cleanup and public infrastructure costs at the site. Catellus says it expects to recoup up to $56 million through proceeds from tax-increment bonds, community facilities districts and other public funds over time. Catellus will manage the entire development process, undertaking certain components of the project on its own and selling land to third parties for other components, such as the residential. The city will receive 50% of any returns Catellus achieves over an 18% IRR, according to the agreement.