West Port Opens, Honors Ms. Margaret Gordon
On Friday, June 27th, we joined EBALDC, Abode Services, and honored guests for the grand opening of Ms. Margaret Gordon’s West Port at West Grand and Brush streets in Oakland.
The project creates 58 new homes for individuals and families – half of which serving as permanent supportive housing for those exiting homelessness. From its location at a neglected crossroads of major Oakland neighborhoods, West Port utilizes wellness design strategies supporting project developer EBALDC’s community health goals for its larger San Pablo Avenue revitalization initiative. One of the building’s strategies is the 3,300-square-foot, podium-level courtyard, where dozens gathered on Friday including speakers Mayor Barbara Lee, Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, City and State officials, and project residents.
Mayor Lee’s office stated later, “Named in honor of Ms. Margaret Gordon, a lifelong activist and environmental justice leader, West Port reflects everything she has fought for. It promotes health, stability, and opportunity for longtime Oaklanders at the intersection of West Oakland, Uptown and Downtown. We are proud of Ms. Margaret and proud to see this space carry her name and legacy forward.”
At the ribbon cutting, EBALDC CEO Janelle Chan shared, “In addition to low-income families, I’m so proud that Ms. Margaret Gordon West Port is also able to be home to our neighbors who were once unhoused. This development was part of a larger vision for a revitalized San Pablo corridor, and I know it will take continued partnerships for us to realize what the neighbors, and all of us in Oakland deserve: a safe, vibrant place to call home.”
