Modera Lake Merritt

During the past decade, Oakland’s downtown has emerged as a thriving, mixed-use community that celebrates the area’s rich history. Modera Lake Merritt, a new urban infill residential housing development by Mill Creek Residential, offers much-needed housing near both new and established businesses, while bridging disparate neighborhoods. Nestled between Lake Merritt and the Arts District, Modera Lake Merritt connects easily to transit, retail, and nearby attractions such as the Fox Theater and greenways surrounding a tidal lagoon. The project enlivens the streets day and night, fostering a dynamic, walkable neighborhood.

Situated mid-block, the Modera Lake Merritt gracefully mediates between neighboring structures of varying heights and styles, including a bow-truss warehouse, bulky office buildings, and a high-rise tower. The ground level is transparent and welcoming, seamlessly threading the building interior with the public realm. A spacious lobby doubles as a resident lounge and co-working space with a fitness center above, all visible to from the sidewalk. Zinc-clad bay windows, balconies, and horizontal bands add depth, character, and variety to the façade, creating interest along the street. Trees and planters complement the urban greenery around Lake Merritt, further anchoring Modera Lake Merritt in its surroundings and activating the neighborhood.

The building’s wood-frame construction allows for optimized density, facilitating a mix of pet-friendly studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Prioritizing health and well-being, windows and balconies are oriented to connect residents with Oakland’s distinctive sights and sounds, while offering passersby glimpses of life within. More than 80% of the units feature spacious balconies, providing residents an exceptional amount of private outdoor space in the heart of the city. A lushly planted rooftop patio, complete with a kitchen, outdoor grills, and plenty of seating, provides a secluded retreat for entertaining against the stunning backdrop of the Oakland skyline.