PYATOK | Project Work

WEST GRAND AND BRUSH STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING East Bay Asian Local Development Corp.

Oakland, California Affordable Housing / In Construction / Senior + Supportive Housing

West Grand & Brush is a publicly-funded, 100% affordable mixed-use project replacing a surface parking lot at a neglected crossroad of West Oakland, Uptown, and Downtown Oakland. The project introduces family and formerly-homeless housing and commercial and community uses that aim to mitigate displacement of longtime residents while improving neighborhood health and economic outcomes.

Five stories of apartments are arranged around a 3,300-square-foot, all-ages podium-level courtyard. Its play area and seating patio are adjoined by a community room with kitchen and double-height gathering space, laundry room, and stairway to the ground floor lobby. The community room and second-floor services offices join the ground floor flex space and 1,200-square-foot commercial space in activating the Grand and Brush intersection, creating strong outdoor connections and “eyes on the street.”

West Grand & Brush pursues community health goals by activating the neighborhood and residents. Active living is encouraged through an inviting stair to second floor amenities, 1:1 long-term bike parking, and multiple outdoor gathering spaces that include the courtyard and a top-floor terrace. Upper-story residential wings are joined by open-air walkways that overlook the courtyard. The project is within walking distance of downtown businesses, shops, and transit, and creates a transition between downtown and the low-density Ralph Bunche neighborhood.

The project will include streetscape improvements along Grand, Brush, and 22nd Streets, including new street trees and lighting, widened sidewalks, and planters. Bulb-outs and improved crosswalks will support the active uses of the storefront spaces. Building articulations at the corner of Grand and Brush will create a symbolic gateway, help heal the urban fabric, and establish a new node of activity for the San Pablo commercial corridor.

Personnel