Earlier this month, the City of Oakland announced its award of more than $35 million from state climate action programs to be invested in the development of new affordable housing and transportation infrastructure. The funds are focused on a new project being developed by the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation at 285 12th Street in Oakland’s city center.
The site has been under approval for new development since 2016, but saw little progress until the most recent plans were updated in 2024. City staff and developers are hopeful that the injection of new funding will help move the project forward.
285 12th Street pedestrian view, rendering by David Baker Architects
Under the current design, the building will yield around 77,500 square feet of floor area, including 49,050 square feet for housing, 5,300 square feet for parking, and 3,440 square feet for retail. The residential portions of the building will total 65 units, with unit types varying from 15 studios, 16 one-bedrooms, 17 two-bedrooms, and 17 three-bedrooms. The development’s studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units will be restricted to households earning between 30-60% of Area Median Income, and 13 units will be reserved for people exiting homelessness.
David Baker Architects is responsible for the most recent building designs. The plans show an 84-foot-tall podium structure with a two-story concrete base capped with five floors of wood framing. The building’s massing will be carved into three volumes. Facade materials include white fiber cement panels, wood siding, and vertical board-formed concrete.
285 12th Street facade design narrative, rendering by David Baker Architects
The property is located at the corner of 12th Street and Harrison Street, in Oakland’s Downtown and Chinatown neighborhoods. The area has great access to businesses, parks, and transportation within walking distance of the site. Furthermore, a portion of the awarded funds will be used to improve transportation infrastructure in the surrounding area, further benefiting residents. The garage will provide 15 vehicle stalls and 70 bicycle storage spaces to diversify transportation options.
An exact timeline for the project is still not clear, but the newly awarded money has garnered significant excitement from both politicians and community members.
285 12th Street, image via Google Street View
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Be the first to comment on "Affordable Housing Development at 285 12th Street in Oakland Receives a Major Funding Boost"