Why the Lot at 5100 Broadway Has Sat Empty — And What It Means for Future Development

At the DiMaggio Betta Group, we often get questions about neighborhoods, commercial projects, and the future of local redevelopment. One of the most common inquiries we hear is about the long-empty lot at 5100 Broadway in Oakland.

If you’ve ever wondered why this space has remained untouched for so long, here’s the story—and why it matters for both homeowners and commercial property owners.

A Site With History: From Rockridge Shopping Center to Redevelopment Planning

The lot at 5100 Broadway is part of what was once the Rockridge Shopping Center, a multi-tenant commercial property serving the community for decades.

The property is currently undergoing a multi-phase redevelopment:

• Phase I has already been completed.
• Phase II, which includes the currently vacant lot, is still pending.

While it might appear that nothing is happening, there is a great deal going on behind the scenes.

Former Dry Cleaners and Why That Matters Today

Before Best Coast Burritos occupied its current location, the space housed two dry-cleaning businesses from 1967 to 2014.

Historically, dry cleaners used PCE (tetrachloroethylene)—a solvent now known to contaminate soil and soil vapor if not properly handled. Over decades, trace amounts can seep into surrounding land, impacting future development.

Testing at the site confirmed the presence of PCE and its breakdown chemicals, which triggered environmental oversight.

Alameda County Oversight: Necessary, Thorough, and Slow

Because of the past use, the property now falls under the supervision of Alameda County environmental regulators. Any new commercial construction must meet strict health, safety, and environmental standards.

This process is:

• Detailed — involving studies, samples, monitoring, and remediation plans
• Costly — environmental cleanup can be significant in scope and price
• Lengthy — regulatory review alone can extend timelines by years

Until the county deems the site safe and compliant, Phase II redevelopment cannot begin.

What’s Next for 5100 Broadway?

The long-term plan is to transform the site into new commercial space that complements the surrounding neighborhood and recently completed improvements.

However, environmental work must be successfully completed first. For now, the empty lot isn’t a sign of neglect—it’s evidence of due diligence and the rigorous process required to build responsibly.

Need Environmental Guidance? We Can Help.

Environmental issues aren’t limited to commercial properties—older homes, remodels, and mixed-use sites can also require specialized evaluation.

If you ever need an environmental expert to review your home, investment property, or commercial project, we can connect you with Joseph Adams of All Phase Environmental Services (APES).

Joseph is one of the top environmental professionals in the region, trusted for his thorough assessments, clear communication, and ability to guide property owners through regulatory processes.

Reach out to us anytime, and we’ll make the introduction.

Want to Dig Deeper?

All historical environmental reports for the site are publicly available through the State Water Board’s GeoTracker Database—a comprehensive record of testing, monitoring, and oversight for 5100 Broadway.

Staying Informed

At The DiMaggio Betta Group, our goal is to keep our community informed with clarity and transparency. Whether you’re buying, selling, developing, or simply curious about your neighborhood, we’re here as your trusted resource.

If you’d like a real estate consultation or want more insights on local redevelopment projects, feel free to reach out.

www.DiMaggioBettaGroup.co | Debbi.DiMaggio@corcoranicon.com | 510.414.6777 | 510.414.1250