Oakland's Maxwell Park neighborhood is set to see a significant residential development, with permits filed for a five-story apartment building at 5091 MacArthur Boulevard. The project will introduce 28 new apartments directly across from the Mills College at Northeastern University campus, addressing a local need for housing.
Key Takeaways
- A new five-story building will bring 28 apartments to Maxwell Park.
- Four units are designated as affordable housing.
- The development includes an 8,500 square foot garage for 28 cars.
- The vacant 0.4-acre lot is currently listed for $3.5 million.
New Housing Rises in Maxwell Park
The proposed development at 5091 MacArthur Boulevard will feature a five-story structure. This building will encompass approximately 47,000 square feet. Of this total, 38,300 square feet are allocated for residential use, providing space for 28 individual units.
Each of the 28 apartments will offer a two-bedroom layout, catering to various household sizes. A key aspect of the project is its commitment to affordability. Four of these units will be deed-restricted, meaning their prices will be set to be affordable for specific income levels.
Project at a Glance
- Location: 5091 MacArthur Boulevard, Maxwell Park, Oakland
- Stories: Five
- Total Units: 28 apartments
- Unit Type: All two-bedroom
- Affordable Units: 4 (2 very low-income, 2 moderate-income)
- Total Square Footage: ~47,000 sq ft
- Residential Area: 38,300 sq ft
- Parking Garage: 8,500 sq ft (28 cars)
Affordable Living Options Included
The inclusion of affordable housing units is a crucial component of this development. Two of the deed-restricted units are planned for very low-income households. The other two will be available for moderate-income households. This helps to diversify housing opportunities within the neighborhood.
P. Jordon Construction, a company based in South San Francisco, is listed as the property owner. They are filing the permits through Mills Grove LLC. This indicates a commitment to moving forward with the project.
"Creating accessible housing options is essential for a thriving community. Projects like this, with dedicated affordable units, play a vital role in supporting diverse residents."
Design Elements and Exterior Materials
MBH Architects is responsible for the design of the new building. The firm has incorporated specific architectural features to give the structure a distinct appearance. Two butterfly roof accents will face MacArthur Boulevard, serving as the primary aesthetic highlight.
The exterior will use a combination of materials. Cement lap siding will cover much of the facade, providing a durable and modern finish. Concrete panels will also be part of the design, along with tiling used to accent the southeast corner of the building. These choices aim for a contemporary look.
Neighborhood Context
The Maxwell Park neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets and proximity to educational institutions. The site for the new development is directly across from the campus of Mills College at Northeastern University. Mills College operated independently from 1871 until 2022, when Northeastern University acquired it.
This location offers future residents easy access to the university campus and its surrounding amenities. The area benefits from a mix of residential and academic environments.
Site History and Current Status
The property itself is a vacant lot spanning just over 0.4 acres. It sits prominently at the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and Simmons Street. For some time, the lot has been overgrown, awaiting new development.
The land is currently listed for sale by Ocean Element Real Estate. The asking price for the property is $3.5 million. This sale is a step towards the construction of the new residential building.
The filing of permits marks a significant step in the development process. It indicates that the project is moving closer to breaking ground and will soon transform the vacant space into a vibrant residential complex. The addition of these apartments is expected to contribute to the ongoing growth and evolution of the Maxwell Park area.