Construction Begins for Long-Awaited Affordable Housing Project in Oakland
With golden shovels in hand, our partners at the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) broke ground for a significant affordable housing project in Oakland. This development has a long story spanning over a decade, one filled with back-and-forth plans with the city, ever changing budgets in a fluctuating economy, and complex challenges between community members, local agencies, housing advocates, and developers. The first shovel strike symbolizes a monumental feat for this project and all involved. It signifies an investment in Oakland’s future.
On East 12th Street, a stone’s throw away from Lake Merrit, is the foundation for 91 units of 100% affordable housing in a 79,400 square foot building. A vibrant area, right across from the lake, BART station, Oakland Museum of Art, and more, this future housing development is highly anticipated by many in the community. As the area has grown rapidly, several long-time residents have been priced out of their homes in an increasingly competitive, expensive environment. Despite facing many hurdles, EBALDC, The Unity Council, and Jordan Real Estate Investments never gave up on their mission of building affordable housing. Over ten years ago, the plans initially proposed a market-rate apartment tower, but that was met with opposition from local residents stating public, city-owned land shouldn’t be used for privatized gains. The next iteration was a combined market-rate and affordable housing project, however the funding could never be found to make the project happen. Now with an evolution to 100% affordable housing, we finally are celebrating the groundbreaking of this important project.
It is with immense pride and gratitude that we get to work alongside community partners like EBALDC who dedicate themselves to bringing more accessible, affordable housing to local communities. We look forward to playing a role in more residential development projects like this.
