Finding use in underdeveloped infill parcels is important in meeting critical housing needs – especially in the Bay Area. Urban infill development not only reduces developments on the urban edge and helps contain sprawl but can also help alleviate auto travel when located in walkable areas and near transit lines. Additionally, many neighborhoods benefit from these new investments which in turn help build up our local businesses and communities. While appealing in theory, it can be difficult in practice. Exceptional planning, understanding a neighborhood’s history, and making sure the project fits well within the neighborhood context is essential in successfully delivering such projects.

The Electric Lofts is a great example of an urban infill multi-family project – utilizing under-developed land and bringing to market affordable housing by design. Lowney Architecture worked with Trestlebuild to design a 6-story, co-living apartment building featuring 89 micro- studio units and two floors of co-working community space for residents to work, meet, take a break, or share a meal with friends and neighbors. While the units themselves ranged from 220sf – 340sf, the building offers residents spacious floor plans featuring convenient amenities to make residents feel at home. In addition to the co-working space, the community amenities include a communal kitchen, laundry room, bike storage, and rooftop deck overlooking the Oakland skyline shaded by a trellis, and equipped with a BBQ grill.

Modern interiors include hardwood floors, stainless steel microwave & mini-fridge, premium quartz countertops, and customer built-in wardrobes for comfort and design.

Electric Lofts, located at 2415 Valdez Street, is a part of the greater Broadway Valdez District Specific Plan which “…supports socially- and economically-sustainable mixed-use development; captures local sales tax revenue; celebrates the cultural and architectural influences of the neighborhood’s past and present-day prosperity, and implements a “green,” “transit-first” strategy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the use of non-renewable resources.” (Sourced: City of Oakland – Broadway Valdez District Specific Plan)

This project is an all-electric building with a specifically large battery backup for emergency power and includes centralized shared electric hot water boilers with heat recovery systems. Located near the BART station, there is no designated resident parking, but bike usage is encouraged with a secure storage room.