Decreased plans have been filed for the affordable residential project at 1523 Harrison Street in Downtown Oakland, Alameda County. The plans have been reduced by the Oakland-based developer oWow, shifting the 28-story mass-timber tower to become a 10-story affordable housing infill with 245 apartments.
The 94-foot tall project will yield around 177,400 square feet, including 114,280 square feet for housing and 29,400 square feet for the two-story podium garage. Parking will be included for 88 cars and 73 bicycles. The project will finish with 245 units, including 55 studios and 190 one-bedrooms.
1523 Harrison Street seen from 15th Street, rendering by oWow
Across the project, 243 units will be designated as affordable to low-income households, and two units will be at the market rate for the on-site property manager.
The ground floor will include the main lobby, package room, residential services office space, and then garage entry facing Harrison Street. Residents will benefit from a third-floor podium-top courtyard with access to a community room and fitness center. Additional open space will be positioned with a rooftop terrace at the southern corner.
oWow Design is responsible for the design. Illustrations show a familiar palette from the 28-story iteration, with a facade clad with high-pressure laminate cladding and ceramic-coated siding.
1523 Harrison Street, rendering by oWow
Initial plans from oWow started in August of 2022 to construct 269 units across 20 floors. From then through 2024, oWow increased the plans to a potential 496 units across a 28-story mass timber tower.
The 0.48-acre property is located at the corner of 15th Street and Harison Street. Future residents will be on the same block at 1510 Webster Street, a 19-story apartment complex developed by oWow.
1523 Harrison Street, image via Google Street View
The project is now attempting to secure funding through tax-exempt bonds provided through the California Debt Limit Advisory Commission, LIHTC tax credits, and private funds. The estimated cost and timeline for construction have yet to be shared.
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I shall name you , “The Stump”.
There’s nothing oWow in the way it engages with Harrison Street.😔
Very disappointing revision of the original submittal. Hope the developer waits for the market to improve rather than settling to build this underwhelming solution for this high density location.
Yeah, the ground floor needs to be spruced up a bit. The flat gray wall is depressing. Ideally they would incorporate something like the nice retail pattern on 15th.
Financing is tough these days and Oakland has a long road to recovery. I acknowledge them for sticking with it and continuing to iterate.
Isn’t this the same developer who owes a contractor millions in materials? Why is he developing another building?