Developers recently broke ground on the much-anticipated Oakland affordable housing project known as East 12th Street. Located at the corner of East 12th and 2nd Streets near Lake Merritt, this multi-story housing development will provide 91 affordable homes to low- and very low-income households, with a quarter of the homes set aside as permanent supportive housing for those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Projects of this nature are expected to expand statewide following voter approval of Proposition 1.

This project is a joint effort between three Oakland-based partners: East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, The Unity Council, and Jordan Real Estate Investments. It was made possible in part by $10.9 million from HCD’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program.

“We are proud of this public-private partnership,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “The level of teamwork across all the agencies—and the resiliency of East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation and its affordable development partners to navigate COVID setbacks—has been a testimony to our shared commitment to housing and infrastructure investment.”

In addition to affordable housing, this project also includes infrastructure improvements for public areas surrounding the complex and sustainable transportation for the area. The City of Oakland was awarded $40.7 million from HCD’s Infill Infrastructure Grant Catalytic Qualifying Infill Area program to assist with these improvements, which include street, sidewalk, and pedestrian improvements; enhanced transit accessibility; and the installation of a bikeshare station.

Audience at groundbreaking ceremony

Rendering of East 12th Street. Courtesy of BOGZA