1523 Harrison Apartments

About the property

1523 Harrison Street is a new construction development of 284 family low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) apartments. All 281 rent-restricted homes serve households earning between 30% and 70% of the area median income, with 28 studios at 30% AMI, 33 studios at 50%, 204 one-bedrooms at 60%, and 18 two-bedrooms at 70%. Three additional units are reserved for on-site management. The project is being developed by Community HousingWorks and oWOW LLC through a joint venture partnership.

The site was an uncovered, paved surface parking lot.

The building rises 11 stories and 107 feet, with mass timber construction above a concrete podium, set on a concrete mat foundation and served by two elevators. Mass timber replaces much of the concrete and steel used in a conventional high-rise with engineered wood panels that store carbon and are fabricated off site, shortening the construction schedule and reducing noise and waste for surrounding blocks. The total gross floor area is approximately 196,000 square feet with no commercial space. All units are built to ADA accessibility standards under Chapter 11B.

Onsite amenities include approximately 3,700 square feet of resident amenity space with a gym, community room, and laundry; 800 square feet of resident services space; and a 1,900 square foot access-controlled courtyard. The podium garage provides covered parking across two levels.

Construction began in Early 2026, with completion projected for late 2027 and lease-up beginning in early 2028.

Highlights

• 11-story mass timber building over a concrete podium, delivering sustainability, efficiency, and speed of assembly
• 100% affordable to households earning 30% to 70% of area median income
• Quarter mile from 12th Street BART in downtown Oakland
• Joint venture partnership between Community HousingWorks and oWOW LLC