Development permits have been approved for the four-story proposal at 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Downtown Oakland, Alameda County. The project will bring nearly two dozen homes and retail to the site. Paul Chung owns the property.
The 49-foot-tall structure will yield around 24,300 square feet, including 19,440 square feet for housing, 550 square feet for retail, and 2,900 square feet for parking. Unit types will vary, with four studios, 13 one-bedrooms, and six three-bedrooms. Parking will be included for 11 cars and 16 bicycles.
913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, illustration by YHLA Architects
913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way landscaping map, illustration by YHLA Architects
Residents will gain access to on-site open space with an 875-square-foot backyard and 1,000 square feet with a rooftop deck. The rear courtyard will run from a gate along MLK Jr Way to a rear garden with six planter beds. The top deck will have planters, trees, outdoor seating, and a gas barbecue.
YHLA Architects is responsible for the design. Facade materials will include cement plaster, Hardie sand grooved panels, tile, and galvanized metal roofing. The property is located along MLK Jr. Way between 9th and 10th Street, close to Lafayette Square. Future residents will be just 11 minutes from the 12th Street BART Station or three minutes by bike.
913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, image via Google Street View
Public records show the vacant site last sold in 2010 for nearly half a million dollars. The estimated cost and timeline for construction have yet to be shared.
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Love the roof design. Tired of the boring squared off roofs.
It should be much taller, but at least it is 23 units of housing.
Tasteful design.
I’m curious about the accessible path to side yard and rear picnic table. Might want to check the door strike side clearance.
Where do you apply for housing?
I hope this can also lead to the revitalization of Lafayette Square Park after being a homeless encampment since it was remodeled in 1998. The housed neighbors have been unable to use the park as immediately panhandled and made to feel unwelcome. Bonfires at night also a regular occurrence next to the large camping tents. It’s not fair that this is allowed to go on and shelter options shoukd be mandated and not allowing camping in the park overnight. A fence and enforcement of no camping laws should be the order of the day. This would also help encourage more development in the area as the amenities of the park would be enjoyed by all not just for the unhoused.
For historical reference this park was opened in 1861 when Lincoln was President.
Big win for affordable housing initiatives in the Bay Area.