Located in mixed neighborhood in downtown Oakland, the site for this project was a vacant lot that was a gas station at one time. The site is adjacent to both residential and commercial properties and is across the street from a major urban elevated freeway. The existing ecosystem was poor.
The project design made a priority of creating a sunny on-grade courtyard as a major amenity for the residents. In addition, the street sides of the building include grade level planters, vertical green screens shielding the parking garage and vegetated green screens at upper floor balconies. The outdoor areas were designed in conjunction with the Bay Friendly rating system. The project received over 100 points (with 60 points being minimum).
Landscape planting was limited to native California or Mediterranean species that are wildlife friendly. Berry and fruit plants that support bird populations were given preference. A large new native Oak tree was a feature of the courtyard design. The maintenance plan uses compost and naturally occurring, non-synthetic fertilizers.