Remote Surveillance Trailer in Hayward, CA

HAYWARD — Hayward’s tallest building, which served as a city hall for nearly three decades but was abandoned after a 1989 earthquake and in recent years has become a magnet for vagrants, litter and graffiti, is scheduled to begin its vanishing act early next month.

The planned demolition of the vacant 11-story City Center Building — once dubbed City Center Tower — will happen piece by piece and should take about nine months. The work will involve removing hazardous materials and preparing the site at 22300 Foothill Blvd. for future redevelopment.

The City Council approved a $3.9 million demolition contract with Oakland’s Silverado Contractors earlier this month.

The city’s goal is to transform the site into “something that will benefit the community, rather than a giant vacant building, or a vacant lot, which is of no value to anyone,” Councilman Al Mendall said before the unanimous vote.

The building with sweeping views opened in October 1969, when the top floor housed the seat of municipal government and businesses occupied other floors.

The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake damaged the building, and in 1998 the city sold it to a developer for $1.5 million — the same year the current City Hall at 777 B St. was completed.

It has been vacant since then.

Various plans to retrofit and renovate the structure have been floated over the years, including in 2003 when developer Walter Wang proposed turning it into 150 condominiums, and in 2017 when Healthcare Development Partners of Chicago considered converting it to apartments and offices, and maybe even a hotel and conference spot.

All efforts fell through, however, because of prohibitive costs.

The fenced-off building steadily deteriorated, and as recently as May 2017 the city red-tagged and threatened to seize it because at least 20 people squatted inside amid broken windows, graffiti and exposed electrical wiring.

In June, the City Council approved purchasing the building from 37 Hayward for $5.2 million.

The building stands between two city-owned parcels and can be seen from much of Hayward. Situated between Foothill Boulevard and City Center, it’s tucked behind Plaza Center, which includes a Safeway, Starbucks and other businesses.

The building was actually Hayward’s second city hall. The original, within Alex Giuliani Plaza on Mission Boulevard, opened in 1930. That art deco building, which sits along the Hayward fault, was closed in the 1960s because of damage caused by seismic creep.

At the City Council’s Dec. 3 meeting, Councilwoman Aisha Wahab noted some residents questioned why the tower cannot be turned into a homeless shelter or used for some other community benefit.

“I just want to make it very, very clear as to what are the reasons we are deciding to demolish the City Center (building) and move in a different path,” Wahab said.

Seismically retrofitting the building could cost $5.4 million to $9.7 million, excluding the plumbing, electrical and other upgrades that would be needed, according to a city report.

“It is exorbitantly cost-prohibitive, probably more expensive than if we tore down and built a new homeless shelter that was the same size,” City Manager Kelly McAdoo told the council.

No decision has been made about what happens to the site after the demolition; McAdoo said the city will seek public input on its future redevelopment.

The demolition is to begin Jan. 6 and should be wrapped up by Sept. 22, according to the city report. There currently aren’t any plans for the parking garage next to the building, city spokesman Chuck Finnie said.

Originally Published: December 19, 2019 at 6:01 AM PST

Hayward, CA (March 27, 2025) – One individual was injured Tuesday evening following a car accident at the intersection of Medford Ave and Meekland Ave in Hayward, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 5:01 p.m., during the early evening commute. Emergency responders from Hayward Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene to assist the injured party and assess the situation. The victim was treated at the scene and later transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care. Their condition has not yet been publicly released.

At least two vehicles were involved in the collision, which caused temporary traffic delays through the residential neighborhood. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, and authorities are working to determine whether factors such as speeding, distraction, or failure to yield contributed to the incident.

The area surrounding Medford Ave and Meekland Ave is a mix of residential and school zones, making it especially important for drivers to exercise caution during peak traffic hours.

We extend our best wishes to the injured victim and hope for a full and speedy recovery.

Car Accidents in California

Crashes like the one that occurred at Medford Ave and Meekland Ave in Hayward reflect the everyday dangers drivers face in densely populated neighborhoods. These areas often feature narrow lanes, pedestrian crossings, and frequent stop signs—conditions that require heightened attention from all road users.

In this case, the crash occurred around 5 p.m., a time when many families are returning home, students are walking in the area, and traffic volume tends to spike. One person sustained injuries, which could lead to ongoing treatment, medical bills, and time away from work. For many individuals, these sudden disruptions can create lasting challenges physically, emotionally, and financially.

Hayward continues to implement road safety initiatives, but many local intersections still experience frequent collisions. It’s crucial that both drivers and pedestrians remain aware of their surroundings, especially in mixed-use zones where cars, bikes, and foot traffic intersect.

Understanding your rights and getting access to trusted recovery resources after a crash is essential—particularly if injuries are involved. Whether it’s coordinating medical care, accessing documentation, or evaluating next steps, reliable support can make all the difference.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision, Local Accident Reports is here to help you navigate the recovery process. From connecting with trusted professionals to providing timely updates and guidance, our team is dedicated to supporting your journey forward. Contact Local Accident Reports today and get the support you need to take back control.