Embark Apartments
Oakland, CA
A beacon of hope for Oakland.
Embark Apartments, in downtown Oakland, stands as a beacon of hope for its residents. This project encompasses a six-story structure designed for veterans and their families with half of the 62 apartments providing permanent supportive housing to those who have previously experienced homelessness.
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It is within walking distance of two VA service centers, public transit, parks, and essential amenities. The State Density Bonus Law was leveraged to increase the building height and density.
The building layout blends with the neighborhood on a challenging 0.3-acre infill site of a former parking lot and incorporates carefully arranged massing breaks, reveals, and colors to enhance the overall beauty of the neighborhood. The ground level facade engages the greater community, with large windows and a corner retail space occupied by Rock Paper Scissors, a local non-profit celebrating art and education. The plan was designed to encourage social interaction and includes on-site property management, two resident services offices, a second-floor courtyard, and a large community room with a kitchen where group activities are regularly held.
The building’s crown jewel is the sixth floor, featuring a lounge, an overhead oculus feature and a large roof deck that provides awe-inspiring views of downtown Oakland and the iconic San Francisco skyline. Green building features, including a rooftop solar photovoltaic system, have earned the project a Green Point Rated Multifamily Gold Certification. Embark Apartments is more than just housing; it’s a community that provides veterans with stability, support, and the promise of a brighter future.
