Modera Lake Merritt

During the past decade, Oakland’s downtown core has emerged as a thriving, mixed-use community rooted in the area’s rich history. Modera Lake Merritt, a new infill residential housing development by Mill Creek Residential, adds 173 units in a site-specific composition that connects neighborhoods. Situated just west of Lake Merritt and east of the Arts District, Modera Lake Merritt plays an important role in activating the street during off-business hours by tapping into nearly three miles of greenways around the tidal lagoon, linking to cultural institutions like the Fox Theater, and providing much needed housing close to newly emerging and existing businesses.

Located mid-block, Modera Lake Merritt mediates between adjacent high-rise buildings to the east, mid-rise buildings to the north, and low-rise buildings to the south. The ground level is transparent and welcoming, fusing the interior to the public realm with the addition of street trees and planters that complement the existing expression of urban green that is found along Lake Merritt. A variegated façade is achieved with bands while grounding the structure to the street. The façade is finely tuned to present the housing program with individual expressions in small-scale features, such as bay windows and balconies, as well as larger expressions of community such as the roof terrace and entries to the building and garage. Through sustainable façade strategies such as exterior shading screens for temperature control, Modera Lake Merritt is targeting Green Point Rated.

With pet-friendly studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms, the 8-story Modera Lake Merritt is tailor-made for creative minds. Amenities support a live, work, play ethos and include a retail space, fitness center, coworking lounge, and a planted roof terrace. The rooftop patio is a host’s dream with seamless indoor/outdoor connections from the community kitchen to the deck. The outdoor grills and fire pits create a private oasis to enjoy the Oakland skyline. Modera Lake Merritt is walking distance to public transportation and local amenities in the Lake Merritt area will promote pedestrian traffic over vehicular transportation. A partially below ground parking garage provides 132 parking spaces by using mechanical parking stackers. Modera Lake Merritt helps create a balanced, urban neighborhood that combines commercial, retail, entertainment, and residential development for mutual benefit of all adjacent uses.