The iconic Beaux-Arts style 16th Street Train Station and Signal Tower just cleared a crucial hurdle toward joining the National Register of Historic Places. On November 7, the State Historical Resources Commission unanimously endorsed the nomination, making it one of the first sites recognized under the new “African Americans in California” category for its pivotal role in the Great Migration and labor rights history. Once the National Park Service gives final approval (expected within 60 days), the station will be eligible for federal tax credits worth up to 20% of restoration costs – a huge boost for any future rehab. [Oakland Heritage Alliance]

City Ventures (the developer that acquired this property) plans to engage the community on rehab proposals in 2025, according to the Prescott Neighborhood Council.

📍16th Street Station, 1601 Wood Street, Oakland

The massive transformation of West Oakland BART is getting real. Zoning permits just dropped for 241 affordable homes, plus 12,850 sq ft of ground-floor retail right at the station. This is part of the bigger Mandela Station project that’s planning to bring 762 units of housing, 300,000 square feet of office space, retail, and a public park next to the BART Station. With substantial funding locked and zoning permits filed for this part of the project, we’re one step closer. Waiting for the official updated construction timeline.

This is huge for the neighborhood. Those empty lots around BART are an eyesore, killing the vibe on 7th Street and making a terrible first impression on visitors. Once construction kicks off here, it’s going to transform the whole 7th Street corridor. Imagine stepping off BART onto a street with shops, housing, and actual foot traffic instead of vacant lots. Game changer. [SF Yimby]

📍West Oakland BART, 1451 7th Street, Oakland