Hercules New Town Center

The City of Hercules and the Hercules Redevelopment Agency are implementing the Hercules New Town Center project, which involves amendments to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance to establish a New Town Center land use designation and zoning district across a 35-acre area. A primary component of this initiative is the redevelopment of a 6.6-acre parcel known as Market Town, designed as a mixed-use development featuring 400 residential units, 80,000 square feet of office space, and 60,000 square feet of retail space. This transit-oriented development is governed by the CHP Regulating Code and must adhere to specific environmental and air quality standards, including BAAQMD Regulation 8, Rule 3 and CARB certification for diesel engines. A significant current phase of this project is the Emblem Hercules Apartments, a 180-unit multi-family residential development on a 5.09-acre site located at Willow Avenue and the Interstate 80 off-ramp. This specific development includes a clubhouse, dog park, and a requirement that 10 percent of units be designated for very low-income residents. The project has undergone comprehensive environmental review, including a Final Environmental Impact Report and a 2026 addendum, ensuring compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Project approval is subject to a Conditional Use Permit, Design Review, Tentative Tract Map, and a Planned Development Plan, with ongoing oversight by City staff to ensure adherence to the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.