The New Bay Street Emeryville: 7 Must-Know Updates Transforming The Bay Area’s Premier Urban Village

Bay Street Emeryville is undergoing a monumental, multi-million-dollar transformation that is reshaping the entire East Bay retail and residential landscape. As of late 2025, this mixed-use 'urban village' is moving far beyond its original retail-centric design, evolving into a vibrant, high-density destination that blends experiential dining, modern housing, and a curated mix of high-profile global brands and local favorites. This overhaul is not just a facelift; it's a complete reimagining by developer CenterCal Properties, signaling a major shift toward a dynamic, community-focused hub near the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge approach.

The latest updates, with key openings scheduled through Summer 2025, reveal a strategic effort to diversify the offerings, introduce essential services like a full-service grocer, and dramatically enhance the public spaces. From a massive Japanese specialty market to a new pedestrian-friendly plaza and an on-site arcade bar, here are the seven most crucial updates you need to know about the new Bay Street Emeryville.

The Bay Street Emeryville Transformation: Key Facts and New Entities

The revitalization project aims to create a true live, work, play environment, converting the former industrial brownfield site into a premier regional destination. The entire mixed-use development spans approximately 1.8 million square feet, integrating retail, dining, entertainment, and residential components.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• Location: Emeryville, California (East Bay, near the Bay Bridge approach)
• Developer: CenterCal Properties
• Total Project Size: Approx. 1.8 Million Sq. Ft. (Retail & Residential)
• Residential Component: AVE Emeryville at Bay Street (284 units)
• Key New Retail/Dining (2024-2025): Tokyo Central, Miniso, Par-Cade, Bay Break Dining Terrace
• Existing Anchor Tenants: AMC Theatres, Apple, Barnes & Noble, H&M, Sephora, Urban Outfitters
• Major Enhancement: Conversion of a private street into a new pedestrian plaza.

1. The Arrival of Tokyo Central Market (Summer 2025)

The most anticipated addition to the Bay Street complex is the opening of Tokyo Central Specialty Market, slated for Summer 2025. This full-service grocer addresses a long-standing need for a comprehensive supermarket within the development. Tokyo Central will bring a massive, authentic Japanese market experience to the East Bay, offering everything from fresh organic produce and baked goods to premium imported Japanese products and authentic cuisine.

This move is a game-changer, positioning Bay Street not just as a shopping destination, but as a crucial resource for the local community and a significant draw for specialty food enthusiasts across the region. The addition of a high-quality, diverse grocer like Tokyo Central is a cornerstone of the redevelopment's strategy to increase diversity and upscale amenities.

2. The New 'Bay Break' Dining Terrace and Culinary Focus

The redevelopment is heavily focused on elevating the culinary experience. A key part of this is the introduction of the Bay Break Dining Terrace, a new open-air community gathering area located upstairs that will host more than half a dozen new-to-the-area restaurants. This concept promises a dynamic and experiential dining environment, moving away from a traditional food court model.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

Existing and recently added dining entities that solidify Bay Street's foodie appeal include:

• Fine Dining: Flores, Fogo de Chao, Pippal
• Casual Favorites: P.F. Chang's, California Pizza Kitchen
• Local Gems: Philz Coffee (added in 2023), Arthur Mac's Little Snack (a new location featuring craft brews and wines)

3. Experiential Entertainment: Tipsy Putt and Par-Cade

Bay Street is embracing the 'retailtainment' trend with the expansion of its entertainment offerings. The popular mini-golf venue, Tipsy Putt Emeryville, has recently unveiled its new Arcade Bar area, named Par-Cade. Located in the former Trophy Room space, Par-Cade is now open and features a mix of classic and new interactive and retro arcade games, complementing the existing mini-golf and the speakeasy-style bar, The Trophy Club.

This entertainment anchor, along with the high-tech immersive experience of Sandbox VR and the 16-screen AMC Theatres, ensures Bay Street offers a full-day destination for families, friends, and date nights.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

4. New Retail Brands: Miniso and the Return of a Classic

The retail mix continues to evolve with the addition of new international brands and the nostalgic return of a beloved classic. Miniso, a China-based lifestyle and housewares store known for its affordable, design-led products, is expected to open, adding a unique, modern housewares option to the center.

Furthermore, Toys“R”Us has made a notable return to Emeryville, albeit as a smaller, seasonal pop-up store, tapping into consumer nostalgia and highlighting the center's flexibility to host diverse retail formats.

5. The Elevated Residential Component: AVE Emeryville

Bay Street’s identity as a true urban village is cemented by its substantial residential component, known as AVE Emeryville at Bay Street. This complex features 284 apartment units, combining two-story condominium townhomes situated above the shops on the west side of Bay Street with four stories of traditional apartments.

The integration of high-density residential living directly into the retail environment ensures a built-in customer base and contributes to the 24/7 vibrancy the developers are aiming for, making it a highly desirable address in Alameda County.

6. Enhanced Urban Design and Pedestrian Focus

A core element of the revitalization is the commitment to better urban planning and public spaces. The project includes converting a previously closed-off private street into a new, expansive pedestrian plaza. This transformation prioritizes foot traffic and community gathering, making the center more walkable and accessible.

The design also incorporates new bike and pedestrian paths, connecting the complex more seamlessly with the surrounding Emeryville neighborhood and promoting sustainable transit options. The open-air design is further enhanced by new community gathering areas and public games like chess, checkers, and shuffleboard available for sign-out.

7. A Strong Foundation of Anchor and Specialty Retail

While the new additions garner the headlines, the existing foundation of high-profile tenants remains a key draw. The center continues to host major national and global brands that drive regional traffic:

• Tech & Media: Apple, Xfinity
• Fashion & Lifestyle: Nike Style, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Sephora, ALDO, Victoria's Secret, Foot Locker, Shoe Palace
• Books & Leisure: Barnes & Noble

This curated mix ensures that Bay Street Emeryville remains a one-stop destination for everything from the latest fashion trends and tech gadgets to specialty coffee and a night out at the movies. The strategic addition of a full-service grocer and enhanced dining and entertainment options positions Bay Street to be the definitive mixed-use destination in the East Bay for the decade to come.