Project Spotlight: Prescott Station Brings Modular Housing to West Oakland
- mbharch
- May 29
- 3 min read
Project Overview
Name: Prescott Station
Location: 2121 Wood Street, Oakland, CA
Client: Harbinger Homes (formerly Factory_OS) & Holliday Development
MBH Role: Factory and Site Executive Architect
Size: 199,861 SF
Units: 235 units / 285 beds
Construction Type: 5 Stories Type III-A Modular over 1 Story Type I-A
Affordability: 100% income-restricted
Parking: 239 surface spaces, 280 bicycle spaces
Sustainability Features: EV chargers, bio-planters, modular construction
Community Amenities: Rooftop deck, maker spaces, café infrastructure
In a neighborhood shaped by industrial legacy and community resilience, Prescott Station stands as a new model for modular, affordable housing. Completed by MBH Architects in collaboration with Harbinger Homes and Holliday Development, the six-story, 235-unit development at 2121 Wood Street delivers much-needed homes while contributing to the reinvestment and revitalization of West Oakland.
Originally entitled by David Baker Architects in 2012, Prescott Station was paused for nearly a decade before MBH was brought on board in 2021 to reinitiate design and guide the project through construction. Our team served as Factory and Site Executive Architect, leading a comprehensive process to align the original vision with updated budgets, codes, and site conditions.
Volumetric Modular Housing in Practice
Prescott Station uses volumetric modular construction to expedite the delivery of housing and reduce the carbon footprint of on-site activity. Each residential unit was assembled from one or two prefabricated modules, built offsite by Harbinger Homes and delivered to the Oakland site for final assembly. While modular delivery typically shortens project timelines, in this case, the approach also helped mitigate a specific urban risk: reducing exposure to fire during construction, a concern in areas where unfinished buildings may be vulnerable.
With a mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, the development provides 285 beds of 100% income-restricted housing, including units designated for local essential workers such as teachers and city staff.
Designing for Context and Comfort
Prescott Station is designed to feel at home in the evolving West Oakland landscape. A notched massing defines the central entry plaza, creating a welcoming threshold flanked by ground-floor commercial spaces. These spaces were envisioned as “maker spaces” to allow craftspeople and entrepreneurs to live and work on site. The ground level also includes infrastructure to support a small café, further enhancing neighborhood activation.
Facing the street, a light-toned facade engages the pedestrian realm, while the darker-toned west elevation helps shield the interior from the adjacent I-880 freeway. Sound mitigation was a key design challenge due to the building’s proximity to the highway. MBH coordinated closely with acoustical consultants to implement enhanced STC-rated wall assemblies, flexible duct layouts, and ductless HVAC systems that support closed-window ventilation and interior comfort.
A rooftop garden and communal BBQ area provide shared amenities for residents, offering views of downtown Oakland and San Francisco.
A Node of Neighborhood Renewal
Prescott Station sits directly across the street from the Oakland Ballers’ new home field and just blocks from the Prescott Market Food Hall. What was once one of the largest unhoused encampment sites in the city is now a thoughtfully designed, community-oriented development contributing to a broader narrative of neighborhood reinvestment.
With 239 surface parking spaces, 280 bicycle parking spots, EV chargers, and bio-planters supporting stormwater management, Prescott Station integrates functionality, sustainability, and livability.
A Modular Milestone
Prescott Station demonstrates how modular construction can respond to complex site and community needs, offering flexibility without compromising quality or architectural intent. For MBH, it’s a project that showcases the power of adaptability—reviving a long-paused development to deliver affordable housing at scale in one of the Bay Area’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
Interested in learning more about our modular and multifamily housing expertise?
