LATEST PROPOSAL FOR THE CCA SITE at BROADWAY and CLIFTON STREETS: The 19-story tower has been eliminated in the revised draft proposal. A maximum height of 8 stories is now proposed.
NEWS:
February 7, 2025
Notification of an application to subdivide Shops at the Ridge into 3 parcels
map of Shops at the Ridge shopping center with the proposed 3 parcels
December 3, 2024
Redevelopment of the CCA campus approved by the Oakland City Council
Oakland City Council meeting at City Hall on December 3, 2025.
Council Person Dan Kalb’s condition for approval of the CCA redevelopment project.
September 20,2024
The City released the CCA Oakland Campus Redevelopment Project Final EIR.
https://cao-94612.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/documents/California-College-of-the-Arts-CCA-Oakland-Campus-Redevelopment-Project-Final-EIR.pdf
SUMMER 2024
a NEW PROPOSAL FOR 15 STORY HOUSING + HOTEL AT 5295 COLLEGE AVENUE:
A new development is proposed for the 3 combined lots at 5295 College for a 15-story (170’) project that would include 70 market-rate units, 18 "below market rate" units, a 100 room hotel, retail and office space. Parking for 125 bicycles and 110 cars is included, but whether for the hotel/retail or the residents is not clear. The project backs up to residential homes on the west side of Manila Ave. The developer is the property owner, John Allen.
UBA is researching the potential impacts of this project on surrounding neighbors and businesses; we will keep you informed as the project evolves. FYI links to City Planning Dept records are below.
This is the latest from the contact form on the developer’s website https://5295collegeavenue.com:
"Thank you for your interest. The initial plans were provided for the SB 330 application. It was meant simply to establish our intent for a project at the location based on the base project analysis. The final project is due to the city of Oakland within 6 months of the SB 330 application. We are allowed up to a 20% change in the project from our initial application. The final details of the project will be determined over the next 6 months." The developer’s website is
It seems the City received a pre-application in mid-July to begin the Tribal Notification Process (file number ZP240041.) Following that process the applicant submits a formal planning application package, which has been assigned file number ZW2401297. The City has not yet assigned a planner.
To locate information on the project via the City's Accela portal on their website:
Click "Check Permit Status" in the right-hand circle.
Type the file number in the search bar in the right-hand corner.
Click the upper left-hand drop-down menu and select "attachments."
As always, we welcome your comments at UBAOakland@gmail.com. Please share this message with your neighbors and encourage them to join our mailing list by visiting this link: https://www.ubaoakland.org/take-action.
future of ‘the ridge’=?
January 2023
We at UBA are concerned about future development at The Ridge (vacant lot at Pleasant Valley and Broadway, former site of Safeway.) Housing is the option preferred for this site by the community, especially affordable housing.
november 2022
Thanks to conscientious neighbors Home Depot pulled out of the proposed project at The Ridge Shopping Center (Broadway and Pleasant Valley) Over 4400 people signed the petition. A lively rally of opposition was sponsored by Upper Broadway Advocates (UBA), Piedmont Avenue Neighborhood Improvement League (PANIL), Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC) and Housing Action Coalition. Read about here: https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2022/11/14/the-home-depot-pulls-out-of-proposed-north-oakland-site/
Thank you all for signing, spread the word, rallying, and talking to the press. It worked because of you! Find survey results and more about The Ridge here
See CBS News TV interview of Oct. 15, 2022
See KTVU News Interview Oct. 15 2022
photo credit: Joe Johnston
What is happening on upper Broadway in North Oakland?
STORIES WE ARE FOLLOWING:
summer 2024
CCA SITE DEVELOPMENT: Environmental Impact report
The final ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) has still not been released. The DRAFT EIR can be seen here: DEIR and UBA’s DEIR Report in response to the issues our community identified in the DEIR.
Here is the City’s synopsis of the DEIR:
The CCA project may include:
The demolition of 10 historic buildings within the CCA Area of Primary Importance (API),
Preservation and renovation of the two Treadwell Estate Oakland Landmark buildings and the Broadway Wall and stairs
Renovation of 63,727 square feet of open space, and
Development of up to 510 residential units in two buildings of up to ten stories (95’ high),
16,945 square feet of commercial space,
227 parking spaces, and 510 bicycle spaces.
UBA reviewed the DEIR and submitted our comments to both the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board and the Oakland Planning Commission. Our volunteers analyzed the DEIR for how the proposed project would impact the environment of North Oakland, and submitted a lengthy and detailed response to both LPAB and OPC. As usual, we are focused on the issues that our community has told us are of primary concern: Traffic/Congestion, Aesthetics, Affordability, Zoning, Fire-Life Safety, Trees/Green Space, Historical/Cultural Preservation, Sustainability, and Density.
Download the DEIR
and UBA’s DEIR Report in response.
FALL 2O22
CCA SITE DEVELOPMENT:
UPDATE ON DESIGN GUIDELINES
Developer of the CCA site, Emerald Fund/Equity Community Builders released a revised design in Fall 2022 showing improvement over the Spring 2022 iteration: added height variation and setbacks would reduce the visual impact of these two very large buildings. Also, retained are the historic wall and gates, which would help shield the public park from a very busy street.
But there are some very negative aspects of the new design and its accompanying Design Guidelines (admin. draft of Oct. 2022) which were made public at the City’s Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board (LPAB) on September 12. They show an increasing height, now up to nine stories and 95 feet in several places, and one building over 450 feet in length. ( See response to the the updated Guidelines in the LPAB Staff Report, and response and comments from UBA and from the Oakland Heritage Alliance.)
The CCA site’s elevation adds height to any structure. For reference, the nearest tall building in North Oakland is the five story Merrill Gardens, 60 feet high, just across the street. There is also a four-story apartment complex directly behind the project which would be dwarfed by the proposed building. Other recently constructed residential projects along Broadway and other nearby commercial corridors have been five to six stories.
Also disturbing is the newly added “amenities” building, two or perhaps three stories, with large, ground-level view terrace. We don’t know what will be in this building — a pool, a spa, a gym, a bar? — but it, and its terrace, will NOT be open to the general public. This further reduces the size of the public park.
The project has also increased the number of units to 510. The developer should provide figures on the actual net residential square footage they propose, not just the number of units. Fifty-five percent of the units are studios or apartments of less than 800 sq. ft.
The percentage of affordable units remains at 10%, with “affordable” defined as a family of four earning up to $157,075.
The LPAB declined to endorse this project because it would destroy an important historic site (an API, Area of Primary Importance) and asked for further study.
Along with evaluating the actual project, the City also must consider the 100 page Design Guidelines provided by the developer. City staff requested site-specific design guidelines “to provide documentation of how characteristics of the existing Campus and the surrounding neighborhood could be incorporated into redevelopment of the site…” The Guidelines will overrule existing ordinances and codes, and will remain in force for any project that might be built, whether by the present developer or another. We see no way that the proposed Guidelines, which sanction building heights up to 95 feet (page 11), reflect the API nor the neighborhood context.
UBA’s position has been consistent. We have advocated for:
1. A height limit of seven stories — 75 feet;
2. 20% affordable housing including units for low-income families;
3. A large public park; and
4. A robust arts program in the two historic buildings to be preserved.
The Rockridge Community Planning Council has not taken a public position although in a letter to the developers RCPC did not object to the proposed height.
Go to 5212Broadway.com to see the developer’s latest proposal, including detailed drawings.
march 2021
CCA SITE design, continued…
UBA CONDUCTS THREE TOURS FOR THE DEVELOPERS AND ASSOCIATES
In March, developers Emerald Fund and Equity Community Builders (Emerald/ECB) gave a slide presentation to UBA illustrating their thinking so far on the CCA site project.. This included select examples of architecture from around the CCA campus and the area, and their second iteration of proposed plan options Go to 5212broadway.com to see the developer's latest proposals.
To us it appears the developers view the CCA site as an extension of the Broadway corridor with its high rises and cold, impersonal aesthetic, whereas we see it as the southern anchor to College Avenue with its small businesses and green, walkable neighborhoods.
Here is an excerpt of our follow-up letter: “Remember that the vast majority of space in Rockridge is residential and that is where the Rockridge style can be found. It is not wildly eclectic at all, as on College Avenue, but consistently rooted in tradition. The details may vary, even the styles from Craftsman to Mediterranean, etc., but they show a respect for historic values—masses, colors, rhythms, materials, relation to the street, landscaping, trees, etc.”
UBA LED TOURS OF THE CCA SITE AND NEIGHBORHOOD
for key members of the development team to show them the prevailing, largely traditional architecture of the neighborhood as a model for design that respects the context of Rockridge. Trees, gardens, and an openness to the street are evident everywhere. In short, the structures are welcoming and human-scale.
UBA give guests tours of CCA and the neighborhood
photo credit: Joe Johnston
MAY 2021
Tour 1. DESIGN GUIDELINES TOUR
UBA gave a tour for SiteLab, engaged by Emerald/ECB to develop Design Guidelines for the site, as requested by the City's Design Review Subcommittee. After the Design Guidelines are received, architects will begin the design process. In addition to the on-site tour UBA provided SiteLab with a comprehensive list of items of historical value we believe should be preserved on the CCA site.
JULY 2021
Tour 2. NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURE TOUR
Developers Emerald/ECB have replaced their former project architect with a new company, Mithun. UBA members conducted a neighborhood tour with a Mithun Partner, the Project Manager, and Project Designer.
We discussed with our guests the challenge of creating human-scale buildings that are tall and dense, as the project proposes, but also reflect the history of the site. We believe they understand that a contemporary Brutalist box with superficial details such as tile decoration and balconies is not acceptable. We also advocated for substantial recognition of the history and cultural value of the site, well beyond just placing a few explanatory plaques. And we continue to advocate for ways to incorporate 20% affordable housing for low and moderate incomes.
You can see the Emerald and SiteLab’s proposal dated 7/7/21 at https://app.box.com/s/rt0rk0u2e8of1awm4syjzhf6qi790jli We encourage you to send your comments to SiteLab's Director, Laura Crescimano, at lcrescimano@sitelaburbanstudio.com and please be sure to CC ubaoakland@gmail.com.
august 2021
Tour 3. LANDSCAPING TOUR
Lastly, UBA conducted a tour of the CCA site for members of CMG Landscape Architects, the firm Emerald/ECB has engaged for the project. We emphasized the importance of trees, greenery, and open space in our area, so starved for parks. As we had become increasingly alarmed by the disappearing trees and shrubbery on the CCA site, we wanted to ensure that CMG knew how important the trees - and their proper maintenance (including watering during extreme drought) - are to the neighborhood. However, as the property legally belongs to CCA, this duty would fall to them, not to the developer and associates. If you are interested in the trees on the site, see the arborists report and the map of trees on the CCA site. (Note: this does not include indication of trees recently removed.) UBA is watching the condition of the trees closely.
Spring 2021
UBA WELCOMES NEW TENANTS to former cca dorm
UBA brought welcome bags to our new neighbors
FINALLY SOME GOOD NEWS ABOUT HOUSING!
CCA's former dorm, Clifton Hall, at Clifton and Broadway, has been converted to a facility to house families in transition to finding permanent housing. By late January 59 residents, of whom 31 are children, had moved in.*
One floor of CCA’s former dormitory has been set aside for 20 families and differs from many others similar facilities in that men in the family are allowed, not just women and kids. Residents can remain all day while some other shelters require that everyone leave in the morning. Support services for residents are part of the project, as well as follow-up after a family moves to permanent housing. “The best thing about Clifton,” one of the mothers reported, “is that I can bring my family back together again…Clifton Hall does everything in its power to keep a family together.” A separate area of the dorm has been converted to permanent housing for senior men.
UBA WELCOMES NEW NEIGHBORS
Upper Broadway Advocates raised funds from our community and local merchants to provide Clifton Hall’s families and senior residents with welcome bags full of merchant gift cards and other small items. Thank you for your generosity, neighbors and local businesses!
*according to Patricia Springer, Lead Case Manager of Family Matters Shelter, the newest project of the East Oakland Community Project.
Who are Upper Broadway Advocates?
UBA was originally formed by independent, unaffiliated Rockridge neighbors* who live and/or work in the Upper Broadway area to respond to the development plans proposed for the former California College of the Arts site at Broadway and Clifton Streets. Our purpose is work with the City, developers, fair housing advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure that the community has input into what happens at this large, critical site and others in North Oakland — as in the rest of our City.
Our Mission is to:
Promote neighborhood evolution that is a model of beauty, sustainability, affordability and density
Aspire to reflect the diversity of Oakland and the character of Rockridge
Pursue a substantial increase in affordable housing
Focus initially on redevelopment of CCA Campus and surroundings
Continue the artistic heritage of the CCA site and trees
What are the issues?
Below are the main issues as identified by UBA and by the community poll we took in the summer of 2019. In sum, neighbors are concerned that Rockridge is becoming too gentrified, and we will lose even more diversity if only luxury units are built. Furthermore, Rockridge and the surrounding communities are some of Oakland’s most charming and livable areas; architectural styles and development size must be harmonious and contiguous with existing buildings while also bringing the appropriate infill and density and must be built to modern sustainable and green requirements.
Go to the Issues & Concerns page or click on each subject below.
1. affordability
2. design & aesthetics, scale & Density
3. sustainability
4. traffic, Parking, & safety
5. historic preservation and arts legacy
6. zoning & city planning
WHAT UBA WANTS TO SEE AT THE CCA SITE:
Substantially more affordable housing in the new construction.
Building heights in line with the five to six story buildings recently constructed on Broadway north of W. MacArthur. No building higher than 75 feet (six to seven stories.)
Ample space for rental cars, car shares, bikes, taxis, Uber, Lyft and other alternate forms of transport, free or reduced bus passes, a jitney to BART, increased enforcement of adjacent neighborhood residential permit parking.
Residential permit parking in the surrounding community (if they want it) to dissuade residents of the development from parking in the adjacent neighborhood.
A concrete plan to creatively preserve and re-use more of the existing historic buildings and surrounding landscape and to retain more trees.
A commitment from the city to complete a traffic study of the area to increase pedestrian safety and improve the flow of traffic.
Coordinated planning to include the adjacent Ridge development.
What have we been doing?
UBA has been following development project proposals for the Upper Broadway area of North Oakland: we actively engage with City and developers, keep the community informed and in turn facilitate communicating community feedback and concerns about possible impacts of proposed projects to the Oakland Planning Commission, Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board, and developers.
Our continuing engagement has borne results. Two examples are 1.) improvement of draft plans for the development at the CCA campus site resulting from UBA ensuring neighborhood voices are gathered and heard by City and developer; and 2.) defeat of the proposal for a Home Depot at The Ridge, which UBA sponsored with other neighborhood groups.
Learn more about our inclusive process on our Community Input page. Go to our UBA in Action page to learn more.
*UBA's Steering Committee of Rockridge residents:
Janis Brewer, Steve Cook, Leslie Correll, Joe Johnston, Nicole Lazzaro, Tom Lollini, Jennifer McElrath, Michael Reardon, Kirk Peterson, Myrna Walton.