Representatives from the Cities of Emeryville and Oakland joined EAH Housing, colleagues from Alameda County and guests for the groundbreaking of a new affordable Apartment community today. The $64M project was designed by international award-winning firm KTGY Architecture + Planning.

The new transit-oriented development, Estrella Vista, will provide studios and one to four bedroom apartments. 100% of the units are affordable and will be reserved for people whose income is 20%-60% of the area median income (AMI). Estrella Vista is a reference to the nicknamed “Star Intersection” that comprised the meeting of San Pablo, Adeline and MacArthur streets.

“Having 87 new affordable housing units will bring vitality to the neighborhood. It offers families an opportunity to live near where they work. The City of Oakland is thrilled to welcome Estrella Vista,” states Michele Byrd, Director of Oakland’s Department of Housing & Community Development.

The development is a testament to collaboration across city lines, as over 15 partners (public and private) worked to realize the project.

Representatives from the City of Emeryville expressed how proud the city is to be involved in an incredibly innovative partnership at Estrella Vista. Working with the City of Oakland and Alameda County has shown a shared vision in Emeryville’s commitment to increasing affordable housing in the Bay Area.

Such a project would be impossible were it not for the commitment of private financing.

“Affordable housing creates economic diversity and healthy communities. Wells Fargo believes that investing in affordable housing is a smart investment for all of us in Emeryville and throughout the Bay Area,” says Tim McCann, Wells Fargo Senior Vice President and Regional Equity Manager – Tax Credit Investment Group.

This EAH Housing mixed-use development will include 7000 sq. ft. of retail space along San Pablo Avenue, and the building will utilize sustainable sources of energy, including solar thermal generation and a photovoltaic (PV) system. The community will feature services for residents, such as after-school programs and resource referrals.

“We recognize that California, specifically the Bay Area, has been in a housing crisis for a while. Our project managers have worked hard to keep it going and piece funding together as the economy swirled. Today, it is so rewarding to see the shovels hitting the ground and to know that hundreds more people, including children and seniors, will soon have an affordable place to call home at Estrella Vista,” says Mary Murtagh, President and CEO of EAH Housing.

The City of Emeryville used redevelopment to acquire the land and an EPA grant to remediate the site of a former auto repair business in 2012. Kurt Brinkman, Jennifer West, Nora Davis, Ruth Atkin and Jac Asher were on Council at the time of approval.

Construction was originally anticipated for Spring of 2016 but the project had to overcome several funding challenges according to Community Development Director Charles S. Bryant. Construction is expected to be completed by July 2019.

To be eligible for a below-market-rate (BMR) rental unit, your current income must be under the income limits charted above, based on your current 2016 gross household income projected for a year (or an average of the prior year and your year-to-date gross income, if your income varies, or an average of your prior two years’ net income, if you are self-employed).

For those interested in applying for one of these units, please review the downloadable information packet and add your name/email to the city’s affordable housing notification list.