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Richmond’s waterfront has a new public gathering place with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the region’s active port, as city leaders tout the recently completed Portside Observation Point as part of efforts to balance industrial activity and public access along the city’s shoreline.
Located at Terminal 3 on Harbour Way South, the observation point features benches, picnic areas, and interpretive panels that explain the history and operations of the Port of Richmond. The scenic outlook connects directly to the San Francisco Bay Trail, inviting pedestrians and cyclists to pause and take in views of vessels, cargo operations, and the working waterfront.
City officials say the site underscores Richmond’s commitment to expanding public access to its shoreline while preserving the port’s role as a hub of maritime commerce and industrial activity.
The observation point sits amid a cluster of major economic development projects, including the Portside Commerce Center, a nearly 202,400‑square‑foot industrial warehouse and distribution facility at 1411 Harbour Way South. Designed with dedicated deep‑water port access, office space, and extensive dock doors, the commerce center is being marketed as a versatile logistics asset for maritime‑oriented businesses.
The site was initially slated for Moxion Power, a Richmond‑based manufacturer of zero‑emission mobile battery systems, which planned to use the location to expand production capacity and create hundreds of jobs. But after a tumultuous period of layoffs and financial shifts at the company, Moxion’s initial tenancy dissolved before the center was completed, and the space has since been listed for lease to new tenants.
Portside Commerce Center seeks new tenant after Moxion meltdown
Richmond’s nearly completed Portside Commerce Center is now available for lease after its first tenant, Moxion Power, vaporized last summer, leaving a hundred employees scrambling for employment and making the building’s future occupancy unclear. Brookfield Properties is offering the massive space for an undisclosed amount and marketing it as a
Linda Hemmila
Supporters of the Portside Commerce Center say the facility’s proximity to the bay and to regional transportation infrastructure positions Richmond to attract maritime and logistics firms that can help diversify the local economy while building on the port’s historic strengths.
Community members are also watching two waterfront developments: the possible relocation of the historic SS Red Oak Victory museum ship and the return of the Craneway Pavilion to public use. Richmond leaders are considering plans to move the World War II Victory ship to a new berth near the new observation point.
On the agenda: port finances, youth programs, and fire safety
The Richmond City Council’s January 6, 2026, meeting will address approving a contract to relocate the historic SS Red Oak Victory ship, discussing in closed session a liability claim filed by former Police Chief Allwyn Brown, and reviewing Port of Richmond financial reports and an independent evaluation of youth grant
Soren Hemmila
After months of behind-the-scenes discussions, Richmond city officials are moving forward on plans for the Craneway Pavilion, a beloved waterfront venue that has sat largely unused since mid-2025. The city is exploring taking back control of the historic building from Orton Development, which has leased the space for $1 a year since its restoration two decades ago.
On the agenda: Taking back the keys to Craneway, Riggers Loft leases, and garbage strike credits
The Richmond City Council will consider an inspection of the historic Craneway Pavilion as the city prepares to regain control of the waterfront venue, approve 12-month leases with three beverage producers at the Riggers Loft Building, and vote on a settlement providing billing credits to residents affected by July’s
Soren Hemmila
The potential transfer comes after Orton reportedly booted the pickleball subtenant and indicated that donating the lease could provide valuable federal tax benefits. City staff have now authorized a property inspection and a financial analysis to evaluate maintenance needs and potential revenue streams.
Councilmembers say the goal is to return the pavilion to public use, including hosting the Fourth of July celebration, while carefully managing the costs and liabilities that come with city ownership.
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