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. Current designs would yield a total of 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.
285 12th Street facade design narrative, rendering by David Baker Architects
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 podium, 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.
285 12th Street, image via Google Street View
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Should be taller with double or triple the unis.