🚀 $121M Advanced Semiconductor Facility Planned for West Oakland

Semiconductor manufacturer Akash Systems has signed a non-binding preliminary agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce for a proposed $121M advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility in West Oakland, adding a major boost to the neighborhood’s growing tech ecosystem.

The agreement, announced November 13, 2024, includes $18.2 million in proposed CHIPS Act funding and $50 million in federal and California state tax credits. The planned facility would transform an existing building’s 40,000-square-foot space into an advanced semiconductor manufacturing plant focused on diamond cooling technology, creating over 400 manufacturing and construction jobs.

We’ve reached out to Akash Systems asking about project timeline and location. It’ll be interesting to see if the advanced semiconductor plant joins other tech startups in West Oakland’s growing innovation district or chooses a different location in the neighborhood. Will update this post if we hear back any other details.

🏛️ West Oakland’s 16th Street Train Station Closer to National Register Status

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

🎸 New Performance Venue + Beer Garden Planned for West Oakland

The neighborhood’s about to get louder in the best way possible. Soundwave Studios is planning to expand beyond their music studios with a 275-person live performance venue and beer garden on Wood Street. Another spot to catch live music in West Oakland? Yes, please.

This stretch of Wood Street has had its struggles with encampments and vacant lots for years. But change is finally coming – new housing next door, the Oakland Ballers energizing Raimondi Park nearby, and the West Oakland Link‘s elevated bike path connecting it all to the waterfront. Good things ahead for this corner of the neighborhood.

Soundwave Studios’ owner is currently going through the permit planning process. He shared on a recent community call that he’d love have this new space ready to go in time for the Baller’s second season next year. [Oakland Planning]

📍Soundwave Studios, 2222 Wood Street, Oakland

🍔 New Burger Alert: Hyphy Burger Coming to West Oakland

Remember that old Allstar drive-through on West Grand that’s been sitting empty the past few years? It’s about to be serving up smashburgers, fries, and shakes. The mural’s already taking shape outside, and they’re building out their team. Good to see life coming back to this neighborhood spot, and can’t wait to try out a burger when they open. [Instagram]

📍Hyphy Burger, 898 W Grand Ave, Oakland

🏗️ West Oakland BART Development Milestone: Permits Filed

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