West Oakland’s Prescott neighborhood witnessed the grand opening of The Phoenix, an affordable housing development, yesterday. A celebration marked the occasion, during which local leaders and community advocates voiced their support for the project, which aims to aid low-income families and individuals transitioning from homelessness. Speaking at the event, Mayor Barbara Lee highlighted the development’s purpose, saying, “The Phoenix represents 100 new homes for Oakland families who deserve to stay rooted in the community that they love,” as reported by NBC Bay Area.
The newly unveiled housing complex at 801 Pine St. costs around $60 million and is expected to bolster the city’s struggle against chronic homelessness. With its 100 units priced below 60 percent of the area’s median income, the building hopes to be the foothold for many seeking stable living conditions. Despite struggling with funding and delays, The Phoenix, built through modular construction, stands as a testament to the potential solutions for housing scarcity. According to Janelle Chan, CEO of EBALDC, as reported by NBC Bay Area, “The Phoenix will be one of the very first 100% affordable housing that is built using modular building technology.” The East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation elaborated on the significance during the grand opening, emphasizing the shared vision with the local Prescott Neighborhood Association.
Amid the celebration, community ties were also at the forefront, with special emphasis on artworks gracing The Phoenix. As per EBALDC’s announcement, three murals pay tribute to local history, notably to Captain Shorey and the Pullman Railroad Porters. This connection between the residential space and community heritage served as a reminder of The Phoenix’s broader impact on the neighborhood…