Construction Starts for Lake Merritt Affordable Senior Housing, Oakland

Construction has started for the Chinatown TOD Senior Housing complex within the Lake Merritt BART Station redevelopment in Downtown Oakland, Alameda County. The project is expected to be the first of four buildings to activate two BART-owned blocks with a mix of residential and commercial real estate. East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation is responsible for the development.

Lake Merritt BART groundbreaking ceremony, image courtesy EBALDC

The project developer and local officials gathered last week to celebrate the official groundbreaking for the senior housing project at 51 9th Street. Speaking to the community, EBALDC CEO Janelle Chan declared that “this project provides multigenerational housing, space for small businesses, and areas for the community to gather as a direct result of extensive community engagement and influence, and innovative public-private partnerships, particularly with BART.”

Evoking his role in building community support for the Lake Merritt redevelopment project in Oakland’s Chinatown community since 2011, BART Director Robert Raburn shares that “housing and improved access to essential services and amenities will honor the voices and needs of the community and enrich generations of Oakland Chinatown residents.”

Lake Merritt BART TOD senior housing pedestrian view of the dramatic entry plaza, rendering by PYATOK

Lake Merritt BART Development aerial via, rendering via PYATOK

The latest application, the 85-foot tall structure, will yield 82,360 square feet. Unit sizes will vary, with 22 studios, 70 one-bedrooms, and five two-bedrooms. Residents will have long-term parking for 49 bicycles, with commercial space for six bicycles. That commercial space includes a 3,240-square-foot ground-floor food services and commercial kitchen. Of the 97 affordable units, 44 apartments will dedicated to seniors who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. On-site facilities will give residents direct access to healthcare and social services.

PYATOK is responsible for the design. The slab-like structure will extend along 8th Street from Fallon Street to Oak Street. Articulation and a mix of exterior materials will carve out sections of the form to make the complex appear like several structures. The facade will be clad with brick veneer, fiber cement panels, composite wood, and plaster.

Lake Merritt Building B establishing view, rendering by PYATOK

Lake Merritt site map, rendering by Pyatok

The Lake Merritt BART Station masterplan spans two entire city blocks surrounding the transit station. Phase one is expected to see the senior housing and a potential 28-story residential tower replace surface parking and bus shelter. Phase Two will replace the four-story Metro Center office building bound by 7th Street, 8th Street, Oak Street, and Madison Street. Current plans for phase two include a 19-story office tower and a 100-unit affordable family housing complex.

Construction is expected to last around 21 months to completion. Additional phases of Lake Merritt are expected to follow soon after, according to EBALDC.

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