Zoning permits have been filed for a multi-unit housing development at 7600 MacArthur Boulevard in Eastmont, Oakland. The proposal, dubbed Homefulness 2, aims to provide a ‘small housing project’ for low to no-income individuals. POOR Magazine, a local non-profit led by formerly and currently unhoused people, is responsible for the application.
7600 MacArthur Boulevard site plan, illustration by R2SD
7600 MacArthur Boulevard aerial overview, rendering by R2SD
POOR Magazine was launched in 1996 as a non-profit media organization. The group entered the real estate market in 2011 after purchasing a duplex at 8032 MacArthur Boulevard for $89,000. The project, dubbed HOMEfulness 1, eventually expanded through renovations and new construction, providing housing for 21 individuals as of mid-2024. Their plans for a second housing project, HOMEfulness 2, began in 2021, after they purchased 7600 MacArthur Boulevard for $350,000.
The project application looks to build a two-story structure using shipping containers, producing 11 efficiency-sized apartments and approximately 770 square feet of office floor area. Parking will be included for four bicycles. R2SD Design is the project architect.
7600 MacArthur Boulevard, image via Google Street View
The property is located at the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and 76th Avenue, a few blocks away from Liberation Park and the Eastmont Town Center. Currently, the site is occupied by two shipping container units. The estimated cost and timeline for construction have not yet been shared.
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Looks like it wastes a lot of space on stairs & alleys between units.
Let me add, that my fam used to life on 56th, very near MacArthur, one night a guy with a gun came to my folks door, tried to get in, my crippled old dad managed to slam the heavy door in his face, the guy went down the street to a Kentucky Fried Chicken place and killed 4 people. I know these streets, this neighborhood, it is tough, but it is not lost……this development is the right thing to do, especially at this location. If you don’t do this, what do you want? Another gas station?
Ironically, this WAS a gas station dating back to the 40’s when MacArthur was a major highway route through Oakland before the interstate was constructed. Hope the developer did their due diligence in cleaning the site. It is incredibly unjust when the most vulnerable populations are relegated to living in locations with limited services (no schools, quality food), high crime and environmental hazards. Would be more equitable to see developments like this in Walnut Creek.
Look at opposition to senior housing in places like Rockridge.
8 units on a nearly 6,000sf lot is extreme malfeisance on the part of this owner, esp given that this lot is walkable to the anticipated Black Cultural Zone development and Eastmont mall. The planned density is less than a standard dingbat from the 1950’s with onsite parking. There are many ways the owner could seriously consider providing more housing while preserving commerical and open space components of the lot. If they want to be building tiny homes, great, but there are plenty of lots to do that without squandering an opportunity to bring serious afforable housing near services online for this community.
“8 units on a nearly 6,000sf lot is extreme malfeisance ” should there be 16 units? or 4?