Developer Proposes 20-Story Housing Tower in Oakland
The plan for 3403 Piedmont Avenue features 334 residential units and the conversion of an existing building.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Commercial
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Developer oWow has unveiled plans for a new 20-story affordable housing complex at 3403 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. The project includes the residential conversion of the current Saw Mill Furniture Building.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to increase housing density on a 0.4-acre site located at a major transit and traffic intersection. The project is expected to undergo a historic review process before development can move forward.
The proposed tower includes 334 total dwelling units, with four reserved for on-site property managers. The development provides 98 parking spaces for cars and storage for 200 bicycles.
The players
oWow
oWow is the real estate development firm responsible for proposing the high-density housing project at the Piedmont Avenue site.
The details
Located at the intersection of Broadway and Piedmont Avenue, the site is bounded by I-580 and features a planned exterior with a sand-toned palette. The project requires a lot merger to facilitate the conversion of the existing furniture building.
Timeline
The initial planning process for the site began in 2022.
Culture Shift
This development reflects the broader trend of urban densification near major infrastructure like I-580. The project follows the pattern of adaptive reuse, prioritizing the integration of historic assets into the modern urban housing supply.
Residents living near the Broadway and Piedmont Avenue intersection should anticipate future updates regarding the required historic review process. The project will eventually alter the local skyline and traffic patterns near the I-580 corridor.
The takeaway
Large-scale urban infill projects like this one highlight the ongoing efforts to repurpose older commercial properties for residential use. Interested residents can track the progress of the proposal through the standard municipal planning and historic review channels.
Further reading
For more information on local development trends, visit the Oakland Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco YIMBY.
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