Ms. Margaret Gordon’s West Port

Ms. Margaret Gordon’s West Port 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/community space that aim to mitigate displacement of longtime residents while improving neighborhood health and economic outcomes.

Five stories of apartments partially enclose a 3,300-square-foot, all-ages podium-level courtyard. The play area and seating patio are adjoined by a double-height, kitchen-equipped community room and a laundry room. Second-floor community room and services offices join a ground floor flex space, resident lobby, and 1,200-square-foot commercial space in activating the intersection of West Grand Ave with Brush St, strengthening the urban fabric.

West Port activates the neighborhood and residents in pursuit of community health goals. Active living is encouraged through an inviting stair to the second floor amenities, 1:1 long-term bike parking, and multiple outdoor gathering spaces that include the courtyard, a top-floor terrace, and open-air walkways that overlook the courtyard. The project is within walking distance of Uptown businesses, shops, and transit, and strengthens the connection between Uptown and the low-density Ralph Bunche neighborhood. Streetscape improvements along Grand, Brush, and 22nd streets include new street trees and lighting, widened sidewalks, bulb-outs, and planters. Building articulations at the prominent corner establish a new node of activity for the San Pablo commercial corridor.