A sprawling 60-acre property in the Oakland hills, formerly home to Holy Names University, is slated for a major transformation. The new owner, BH Properties, has submitted plans to convert the defunct campus into a residential community featuring 165 single-family homes, marking a significant new chapter for the landmark site.
The proposal aims to address the region's housing needs while preserving key architectural and natural elements of the historic campus, which closed its doors in 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Plans have been filed to build 165 single-family homes on the former Holy Names University campus in Oakland.
- The developer, BH Properties, will preserve the iconic chapel, bell tower, and a 400-seat theater for community use.
- Approximately 30 acres, or half of the property, will be maintained as public open space with hiking trails.
- The project represents one of the largest single-family home developments proposed in Oakland in recent years.
A New Vision for an Oakland Landmark
Los Angeles-based real estate firm BH Properties, which acquired the campus for $65 million last year, has outlined a plan to integrate new housing into the existing landscape. The university ceased operations following financial difficulties, including declining enrollment and a default on a $49 million loan, creating an opportunity for redevelopment.
Initial efforts to attract another educational institution to the site were unsuccessful, prompting the shift towards a residential project. The proposed development is designed to blend with the surrounding hillside neighborhood.
Details of the Housing Plan
The development will consist of two distinct residential areas. A clustered village of about 125 homes, ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 square feet, will be built around the campus's central quad and chapel. On the steeper hillsides, approximately 40 larger homes, between 2,500 and 3,000 square feet, are planned.
The project intends to deliver much-needed market-rate housing for a variety of residents. In a statement, BH Properties said the community “will become a place for families, empty nesters, and singles alike to enjoy the richness and fullness of life the college campus affords.”
Project by the Numbers
- Total Area: 60 acres
- Proposed Homes: 165
- Open Space: 30 acres (50% of the site)
- Purchase Price: $65 million (in 2023)
Preserving History and Nature
A central component of the redevelopment plan is the preservation of the campus's most cherished structures. The mid-century McLean Chapel and its distinctive bell tower, both designed by architect John Pflueger, will be repurposed as a library and communal gathering space.
The campus's 400-seat performing arts theater, built in 1993, is also slated to be retained. The developer envisions it as a cultural hub for the broader community, potentially operated by a nonprofit organization to host performances, lectures, and classes.
“We believe in Oakland and are committed to transforming the former Holy Names campus into a win for the property, community and the city,” said Jim Brooks, president of BH Properties. “This is a particularly compelling location, and we believe that homes of this type can be delivered in the near term.”
Beyond the buildings, the natural environment is a key focus. Half of the 60-acre property will be dedicated to open space, with plans for meandering hiking trails through redwood groves and wooded areas, offering views of the San Francisco Bay.
Community and Context
The proposal has drawn early support from local figures who see it as a balanced approach to development. Former Oakland City Councilmember Dick Spees, who also served on the university's board, praised the project's sensitivity to its environment.
“Holy Names is one of Oakland’s most special places, shaped by its hills, trees and long civic legacy,” Spees stated. He compared the careful planning to his experience founding the Chabot Space & Science Center, emphasizing that “the best development respects its setting, serves the community and thinks generations ahead.”
Oakland's Development Landscape
The Holy Names project stands out in a city where large-scale single-family home developments are rare. If approved, it would be the second-largest such project in Oakland. The largest, the 918-home redevelopment of the former Oak Knolls Naval Medical Center, has faced significant delays for nearly three decades. Another high-profile education-to-housing conversion at the former California College of the Arts campus is currently stalled due to financial challenges.
BH Properties is working with development advisor Tidewater Capital on the project. Kyle Winkler, development director at Tidewater, noted the unique setting. “Holy Names is an incredible location surrounded by a mature hillside neighborhood,” he said. “The plan is in its early stages, but adds much needed housing that will mirror the look and feel of the surrounding neighborhood.”
With the formal application now submitted, the developer plans to begin a community engagement process to gather feedback from city officials and local residents to refine the final plans for the site's future.
