Tapscott is a dynamic mixed-use residential development located in Oakland’s Uptown district, one of the city’s most culturally and economically active neighborhoods. Completed in 2022, the project occupies a previously underutilized surface parking lot and now delivers 85 modern apartment units above more than 7,000 square feet of street-level retail. It incorporates LEED Gold-certified sustainability features, efficient construction systems, and community-centric design that supports both housing needs and neighborhood vitality. Residential offerings range from studios to three-bedroom layouts, supported by amenities such as co-working lounges, fitness space, rooftop terrace, and secure bike storage. Tapscott promotes a walkable, transit-oriented lifestyle within minutes of downtown Oakland, BART, AC Transit, and major bike corridors.
The development balances contemporary aesthetics with contextual sensitivity, blending materials and scale that reflect the neighborhood’s architectural diversity. Community engagement was foundational from the outset, shaping the project’s inclusive programming and public-facing features. Tapscott received both the 2023 AIA East Bay Award for Urban Residential Excellence and the Oakland Sustainable Development Council’s Green Building Leadership Award. The retail component includes a locally owned bookstore and café, helping activate the street and sustain small businesses. Tapscott’s model of equitable infill development positions it as a benchmark for sustainable urban living in the Bay Area.
Rooted in community—urban living designed for Oakland’s next generation.
Tapscott was developed as a strategic response to Oakland’s demand for dense, sustainable, and community-integrated housing within its urban core. The project aimed to activate a dormant parcel while preserving neighborhood character and creating equitable access to transit, jobs, and culture. Early and sustained community outreach informed its design, amenities, and commercial partnerships. Through a focus on inclusive urbanism, Tapscott contributes to long-term resilience and economic vibrancy in the Uptown district. Its mix of market-rate units and accessible design features reflects a mission of creating lasting community value.
- 85 residential units with a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts
- Over 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space for neighborhood-serving businesses
- Rooftop terrace, fitness center, co-working lounges, and pet-friendly features
- LEED Gold certification with solar-ready infrastructure and greywater reuse
- On-site bike storage, drought-tolerant landscaping, and permeable paving systems
Tapscott is located on a previously vacant site at the intersection of residential and commercial zones in Uptown Oakland. Surrounded by early-20th century commercial buildings and post-war apartments, the design mediates architectural history with modern form. The site’s placement within walking distance of BART, AC Transit, and the Broadway-Valdez bike corridor maximizes regional mobility options. The ground plane was activated through wide sidewalks, retail transparency, and native landscaping. Its location supports compact urban living while reinforcing the neighborhood’s creative and economic identity.
- 2019– Initial design, entitlements, and environmental review
- 2020– Permitting, site prep, and early construction
- 2021– Framing, MEP installation, and vertical buildout
- 2022– Finishes, inspections, occupancy, and grand opening
Current Status: Fully completed and operational, with all retail and residential units leased.
Tapscott’s LEED Gold-certified design emphasizes operational efficiency, climate resilience, and indoor health. Features include low-VOC materials, energy-efficient HVAC with zoning controls, and drought-tolerant green roofs. Permeable paving and greywater systems reduce stormwater runoff and support water conservation. Rooftop solar conduits and smart thermostats enhance building performance without sacrificing comfort. Together, these innovations position Tapscott at the forefront of sustainable urban housing in California.
Tapscott supports Oakland’s long-term housing goals while fostering inclusive growth and local economic activity. The project generated over 150 construction jobs and secured community partnerships for tenant services and arts programming. Its ground-floor retail boosts pedestrian vitality and supports local entrepreneurship. As a resilient infill model, it stabilizes housing supply and contributes to a healthy urban ecosystem. Tapscott reflects Oakland’s values of equity, culture, and sustainability.
Project Awards – Tapscott
- 2023 AIA East Bay Award – Urban Residential Excellence
Recognized for architectural quality, urban infill design, and contribution to Oakland’s dense, transit-oriented housing fabric. - Oakland Sustainable Development Council – Green Building Leadership Award
Awarded for LEED Gold performance, sustainable building strategies, and leadership in environmentally responsible urban development.
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