International Boulevard has always been the backbone of East Oakland. It is a stretch of road that tells the story of the city’s grit, its cultural depth, and its constant evolution. If you have driven down this corridor lately, you know it is a landscape of transition. Old storefronts are meeting new rapid transit lines, and underutilized lots are finally being reimagined to serve a city in the middle of a chronic housing shortage. The latest chapter in this story is unfolding at 2700 International Boulevard, where the main building permits have just been filed for a transformative six-story development (SF YIMBY) [7].
The project, spearheaded by the non-profit developer The Unity Council, is more than just a fresh coat of paint or a standard apartment block. It is a 100% affordable housing initiative designed to keep Oakland residents in their own neighborhoods as costs continue to climb (The Unity Council) [1]. By replacing two aging three-story office buildings with 75 units of high-quality housing, the project aims to stabilize a community that has felt the pressure of displacement for years. This is transit-oriented development done with intent, situated just a short walk from the Fruitvale BART station and directly along the T1 rapid bus line (AC Transit) [4].
In this post, we are going to look at the specifics of the 2700 International project. You will learn about:
- The design philosophy behind the PYATOK-led architecture.
- How the project integrates supportive housing for formerly homeless veterans.
- The impact of mixed-use development on the San Antonio neighborhood’s economy.
The Shift from Office to Community Living
The site at 2700 International Boulevard currently houses 21 office suites within two three-story structures (SF YIMBY) [7]. While these offices served a purpose in the past, the current demand in Oakland has shifted drastically toward residential density. The Unity Council purchased the 26,500-square-foot site in March 2020, recognizing that the best use for this land was to provide "permanently affordable" options for those earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) (The Unity Council) [4].
Replacing office space with residential units is a trend seen across the Bay Area, but in East Oakland, the stakes are higher. The San Antonio neighborhood has seen significant demographic shifts, and projects like this act as an anchor (Oakland Housing Element) [2]. The demolition of the existing suites marks a clear pivot toward a "housing first" strategy in the district.
A Sanctuary for Veterans
One of the most critical aspects of 2700 International is its commitment to those who served. Out of the 75 units, 22 are being specifically carved out as supportive housing for formerly homeless veterans (The Unity Council) [4]. These aren't just apartments; they are lifelines. These units will be backed by 19 VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) vouchers, ensuring that the rent remains manageable for those on fixed incomes (U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs) [5].
To ensure these residents succeed, The Unity Council is partnering with Insight Housing to provide on-site supportive services (Insight Housing) [11]. This model: combining a roof over someone's head with the social services they need: is a proven method for reducing recidivism in homelessness. It turns a building into a community where people actually have the tools to rebuild their lives.
Architectural Integrity: The PYATOK Design
We see a lot of "box" architecture in new developments, but 2700 International is leaning into something more textured. The design firm PYATOK has proposed a patterned brick façade that feels more in tune with the historic industrial and residential mix of East Oakland (PYATOK) [3]. By using strategically inset areas, the architects are breaking up the visual mass of the six-story building, so it doesn't feel like an imposing wall of glass and steel (SF YIMBY) [7].
The ground floor is designed to be "porous," meaning it invites the neighborhood in. Large floor-to-ceiling windows will wrap around the commercial spaces, creating a vibrant street-level experience (PYATOK) [3]. This isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about safety and economic vitality. Active storefronts mean more "eyes on the street," which is a fundamental principle of good urban design (City of Oakland Planning) [12].
Transit-Oriented Development in Action
You can't talk about International Boulevard without talking about transit. The site is perfectly positioned for residents who want to live car-free or car-lite. It sits directly on the T1 International Boulevard Rapid Bus line, which provides frequent service through the heart of the city (AC Transit) [4].
Furthermore, the Fruitvale BART Station is roughly a 15-minute walk away (SF YIMBY) [7]. This connects residents to the broader Bay Area job market, from San Francisco to San Jose, without the burden of a long commute in traffic. Despite the transit-heavy location, the building will still include an internal garage with 33 parking spaces, acknowledging that for many families in East Oakland, a vehicle is still a necessity for work or childcare (The Unity Council) [1].
Building a Micro-Economy on the Ground Floor
Mixed-use is a buzzword, but at 2700 International, it’s a functional reality. The ground floor will feature three small commercial spaces (SF YIMBY) [7]. While it hasn't been confirmed if the previous office tenants will return, the intent is to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
For a neighborhood like San Antonio, having affordable retail space is just as important as having affordable housing. It allows the "mom and pop" shops that define Oakland to stay in the city. When you pair 75 new households with three new storefronts, you create a self-sustaining micro-economy that benefits everyone on the block (Bay City News) [6].
Amenities That Foster Connection
Affordable housing shouldn't mean "bare bones." The second level of the development is dedicated to the residents' quality of life. It will feature a landscaped courtyard and a community room (PYATOK) [3]. In dense urban environments, having access to secure outdoor space is a luxury that many families can't afford.
The courtyard will include a play area for kids and community gardens (The Unity Council) [4]. These amenities are designed to get people out of their units and talking to their neighbors. Whether it’s a shared laundry facility or a fitness center, these spaces are the "social glue" of the building.
Project Comparison: Current vs. Proposed
To understand the scale of this change, let's look at the numbers.
| Feature | Existing Site (2700 International) | Proposed Development |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Office (21 Suites) | Residential (75 Units) |
| Stories | 3 Stories | 6 Stories |
| Affordability | N/A (Market Office) | 100% Affordable (up to 60% AMI) [4] |
| Veteran Housing | 0 Units | 22 Supportive Units [4] |
| Parking | Surface/Street | 33 Internal Garage Spaces [7] |
| Commercial | Office only | 3 Ground-Floor Retail Spaces [7] |
| Open Space | Minimal | Landscaped Courtyard & Community Room [3] |
The Timeline: From Vision to Reality
The road to building affordable housing in the Bay Area is never short. Here is how the 2700 International project has moved forward:
- March 2020: The Unity Council purchases the 26,500 SF site (The Unity Council) [4].
- 2021-2022: Initial design phases and community outreach meetings are conducted (PYATOK) [3].
- 2023: Funding rounds and applications for tax credits are submitted to state agencies (California HCD) [9].
- April 2024: Updated renderings are released showing the refined brick façade (SF YIMBY) [13].
- Early 2025: Demolition permits for the existing office structures are reviewed (City of Oakland) [12].
- April 17, 2026: Main building permits are officially filed with the city (SF YIMBY) [7].
- Late 2026 (Projected): Expected groundbreaking for the six-story structure (The Unity Council) [1].
- 2028 (Projected): Completion and initial lease-up for residents (Estimated).
Case Example: The Success of Fruitvale Village
To see where 2700 International is headed, we only have to look a few blocks away at Fruitvale Village. Also developed by The Unity Council, Fruitvale Village is often cited nationally as a gold standard for "Transit-Oriented Development" (TOD). It successfully combined housing, retail, and a transit hub into a vibrant plaza (The Unity Council) [1].
The stakes were high for Fruitvale Village; critics feared it would lead to gentrification. Instead, it became a cultural hub that preserved the neighborhood's identity while providing essential services like the La Clínica de la Raza and the San Antonio neighborhood library (Oakland Museum of CA) [8]. The 2700 International project is essentially the next iteration of this success story, moving further down the boulevard to spread that stability and investment.
What Smart Critics Argue
Even with a 100% affordable project, there are valid concerns from the community and urban planners.
- Loss of Small Business Office Space: Critics argue that by demolishing the existing 21 office suites, the city is losing "incubation" space for small local businesses that don't need a retail storefront (Bay City News) [6].
- Response: While office space is valuable, the housing crisis in Oakland is currently the more pressing emergency. The ground-floor commercial spaces in the new building offer a more modern, accessible alternative for local business.
- Parking Scarcity: With only 33 spaces for 75 units, some neighbors worry about increased competition for street parking in the San Antonio district (SF YIMBY) [7].
- Response: The project is intentionally designed for transit users. By limiting parking, the developer can keep construction costs down, ensuring the units remain 100% affordable (California HCD) [9].
- Density and Character: Some argue that six stories are too tall for this specific stretch of International Boulevard.
- Response: Increased density along transit corridors is a primary goal of the Oakland General Plan. The PYATOK design uses brick and inset windows to respect the neighborhood’s architectural heritage while meeting density requirements (PYATOK) [3].
Key Takeaways
- 100% Affordable: All 75 units are reserved for residents earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) [4].
- Veteran Focus: 22 units are dedicated to formerly homeless veterans with on-site support [4].
- Prime Location: Situated on the T1 Rapid Bus line and a 15-minute walk from Fruitvale BART [7].
- Modern Design: Features a patterned brick exterior by PYATOK to blend with Oakland’s aesthetic [3].
- Mixed-Use: Includes three ground-floor commercial spaces to boost local business [7].
- Site Transformation: Replaces underutilized office buildings with high-density housing [7].
- Community Amenities: Includes a second-floor courtyard, play area, and community room [4].
- Managed Growth: The Unity Council will serve as the developer and long-term property manager [4].
Actions You Can Take
Building a better Oakland isn't just up to the developers. Here is how you can get involved:
- At Work: If you are in the trades or professional services, look into local hire initiatives and partnerships with Oakland-based non-profits like The Unity Council.
- At Home: Support local businesses along the International Boulevard corridor to ensure the commercial ecosystem remains strong during the construction transition.
- In the Community: Attend the City of Oakland’s Planning Commission meetings to voice your support for affordable housing projects that include veteran supportive services.
- In Civic Life: Stay informed on the "Housing Element" updates for Oakland to understand where the next 5-10 years of development are headed.
- Extra Step: Donate or volunteer with organizations like Insight Housing that provide the "wrap-around" services making these housing projects successful [11].
FAQ
Q: Who is eligible to live at 2700 International?
A: The units are for households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Specific units are reserved for formerly homeless veterans (The Unity Council) [4].
Q: How many parking spaces will be available?
A: There will be 33 internal parking spaces provided for residents and commercial use (SF YIMBY) [7].
Q: When will construction start?
A: Main building permits were filed in April 2026. Construction typically follows within 6-12 months of permit approval, pending final financing (SF YIMBY) [7].
Q: Will the existing office tenants be relocated?
A: The Unity Council has not publicly confirmed relocation plans, but they typically work closely with community stakeholders during the demolition phase (The Unity Council) [1].
Q: What kind of services will veterans receive?
A: Insight Housing will provide on-site supportive services, including case management and health referrals, supported by VASH vouchers (Insight Housing) [11].
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Sources
[1] The Unity Council, “Real Estate Development Projects,” Unity Council Official Site, Last updated 2025, https://unitycouncil.org/what-we-do/real-estate-development/, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[2] City of Oakland, “2023-2031 Housing Element Update,” Oakland CA Planning Bureau, 2023, https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/housing-element, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[3] PYATOK, “2700 International Boulevard Portfolio,” PYATOK Architects & Planners, 2024, https://www.pyatok.com/work/2700-international, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[4] The Unity Council, “The Unity Council Purchases 2700 International Blvd,” Press Release, March 2020, https://unitycouncil.org/news/unity-council-purchases-2700-international-blvd/, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[5] U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs, “HUD-VASH Vouchers,” VA Homeless Programs, 2025, https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[6] Bay City News, “Oakland Affordable Housing Pipeline,” Local News Report, January 2026, https://www.baycitynews.com/oakland-housing, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[7] Gabriel Clark-Clough, “Permits Filed For Affordable Development At 2700 International Boulevard In Oakland,” SF YIMBY, April 17, 2026, https://sfyimby.com/2026/04/permits-filed-for-2700-international-boulevard-oakland.html, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[8] Oakland Museum of California, “The Fruitvale: A History of Resilience,” OMCA Collections, https://museumca.org/oakland-history, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[9] California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), “Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program,” State of CA, 2025, https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-funding/active-funding/ahsc.shtml, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[10] U.S. Census Bureau, “QuickFacts: Oakland City, California,” 2020 Decennial Census, https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/oaklandcitycalifornia, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[11] Insight Housing, “Supportive Services for Veterans,” Insight Housing Official Page, 2026, https://insighthousing.org/services/, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[12] City of Oakland Planning Commission, “Case Files: 2700 International Blvd,” Planning & Building Records, 2026, https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/planning-and-building, Accessed April 18, 2026.
[13] Andrew Nelson, “Updated Plans Published For 705 Veterans Boulevard,” SF YIMBY, April 18, 2026, https://sfyimby.com/2026/04/updated-plans-705-veterans-boulevard.html, Accessed April 18, 2026.
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