Essex
E L E V A T E
New Construction: 20 stories; 270 units,270,000 sf, Oakland, CA
The Essex at Lake Merritt residential tower brings concierge living to Oakland’s prestigious Lakeside district. Designed and built as rental units, then mapped and sold as condominiums, the project stands out as one of Oakland’s most successful contributions to then Mayor Jerry Brown’s campaign to repopulate the downtown with 10,000 new households. Designed in collaboration with Ai and Architectural International, the project follows the curve of the site to provide views of both the East Bay Hills and bridges at San Francisco Bay.
The residential buildings shelter a podium level outdoor garden and pool area flanked by a mid-rise wing that scales to the existing 6 story, Deco era Lake Merritt Hotel. A double height lobby and gym overlook the Lake and communicate directly to vehicle drop-off and underground parking. Balcony overhangs provide sunshading for units beneath and multiple operable windows allow for natural ventilation of all throughout.
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