The once-vibrant Greyhound bus station at 2103 San Pablo Avenue may soon experience a rebirth after a family connected to the nightlife industry acquired the property.
In March, the Hemming Family Trust purchased the station for $2.3 million, marking a new chapter for a building that has been largely dormant since its closure in 2021.
This development comes nearly two and a half years after The Oaklandside first shed light on the underground rave scene that had emerged within the station’s derelict walls.
Paul Hemming, a long-time San Francisco resident with a rich history in nightlife, has been at the forefront of club promotion for years.
The Hemming family is not new to the club scene; Paul has owned the Temple nightclub in San Francisco since 2007 and is known for his work as a DJ and record store owner in the area.
While there are no concrete plans to establish a dance hall or club at the station as of yet, Hemming’s nightclub background raises hopes for a similar venue in the future.
Plans for the Greyhound station include transforming it into a multifaceted retail, entertainment, and housing complex.
Documentation submitted to the Oakland Planning and Building office outlines a phased approach to development, which includes improvements to restroom facilities, outdoor space, a kitchen upgrade, and enhanced bar amenities.
Despite these ambitious plans, specifics regarding the precise nature of the redevelopment remain under wraps.
Cory Creath, principal at Axis Architecture—hired to spearhead the renovation—emphasized the importance of engaging with the local community and officials before finalizing any project details.
“It’s still very, very new,” Creath stated, noting that the project is in the exploratory stages.
Recently, Axis Architecture has focused on affordable housing initiatives across the Bay Area and has handled other notable renovations, including luxury hotels such as the St. Regis and The Clancy in San Francisco.
The Greyhound bus station has a rich historical background, having first opened its doors in 1926.
Originally built by the California Transit Company, the structure was celebrated for its Beaux-Arts and Renaissance architectural styles, earning admiration for its travertine-colored stone and intricate metal railings.
However, as trends shifted away from bus travel, the station fell into decline.
By the time of its closure, it had succumbed to rising crime and neglect, illustrating the stark contrast between its past glory and its current state.
After the property was acquired by the hedge fund Alden Global Capital, the empty building unexpectedly became a venue for underground parties.
In 2022, party promoters reportedly broke into the station to host a series of raves, but city officials intervened due to safety concerns related to fires in the area.
With the Hemming family’s plans for redevelopment, a new era may be on the horizon for the Greyhound bus station, potentially revitalizing not just the building but also the surrounding community.
image source from：oaklandside
