A Study of Old Oakland
Transforming historic blocks and underused lots into a vibrant cultural and commercial destination.
Role: Co-designer with Haas Architecture.
Client: Private developer.
The project set out to reimagine Old Oakland as a vibrant cultural and commercial hub—one that celebrates its historic character while addressing vacant lots and inactive storefronts. The vision was to transform underutilized spaces into active, engaging places that extend life in the district beyond business hours, positioning Old Oakland as a celebrated destination within the city’s urban fabric.
Mapping amenities, pedestrian/bike access, transit nodes, and sun studies, alongside resident feedback calling for retail diversity, family-friendly activities, safety improvements, and support for local businesses
Above: Site observations. Below: Existing and proposed street levels conditions.
On 9th Street, several pathways for transformation were proposed:
Programming – Introducing a mix of local restaurants, boutique hotels, hybrid coffee spaces (coffee + retail, workspace, or cultural use), and cultural venues to serve both residents and visitors.
Shared economy & events – Activating vacant lots and streets through pop-ups, temporary retail, shared workspaces, and outdoor events, inspired by successful models like Proxy SF and Art Murmur.
Urban design interventions – Exploring options for plazas, sloped public spaces, infill buildings, and towers with setbacks, ensuring new architecture complements the historic fabric while supporting active ground-level storefronts.
Street transformations – Reimagining 9th Street as a cultural and pedestrian corridor, from temporary event closures to full pedestrian malls that prioritize people over cars.
Together, these strategies framed a vision for Old Oakland as a lively, inclusive district, blending heritage and innovation to strengthen its identity and economic vitality. By layering cultural programming with adaptive urban design, the proposal positioned Old Oakland to evolve into a place where history and contemporary city life meet.
