Initial permits were submitted for the grading and site preparation of a parcel at 285 12th Street in Oakland. The site is currently under a development proposal to bring 65 new units of affordable housing to Oakland’s Downtown/Chinatown neighborhood. SF YIMBY most recently reported on this project in December of 2025, when it was announced that the project’s developer EBALDC was awarded a sizable grant from the state climate action programs. Since then, the project has begun to move forward with preparation for construction.
The site has been under approval for new development since 2016, but saw little progress until the most recent plans were updated in 2024. Following the grant award, development plans have progressed more quickly, with hopes that the project construction may begin as soon as this year.
The project would bring a significant amount of new space to the area. Most recent designs would yield a total of just over 51,000 square feet of floor area, supporting 65 new residential unis. These will be divided into 11 studios, 42 one-bedrooms, and 12 two-bedrooms. 100% of the units will be considered affordable housing.
David Baker Architects is responsible for the most recent building designs. The plans show an 60-foot-tall concrete structure. The building’s massing will be carved into three volumes. Facade materials include white fiber cement panels, thin brick, and vertical board-formed concrete.
205 12th Street Updated Street View Rendering, image 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.
285 12th Street, image via Google Street View
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Should be taller with double or triple the unis.
Agreed. Trust in Oakland’s housing market is apparently not solid. I feel like a lot of cancelled, downsized or just outright small projects pop up in downtown Oakland.
The challenge for greater density is that this is an all-affordable development. Funding sources are likely limited and they can’t make up margins by growing market-rate units.
Perhaps we should make it easier to do mixed-income buildings with hybrid funding sources.
65 units and 13 parking spaces for cars. Do they really believe the rest of those people are going to take transit any time they want to go somewhere?