Casa Arabella Design Tour | Housing Forum 2022

Designed by PYATOK and developed by The Unity Council & East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC), Casa Arabella is a model transit-oriented development for the Bay Area. Its thoughtful, innovative, efficient design maximizes use of the site while creating a new, supportive community. The project matches the ambition and generosity of the landmark Fruitvale Transit Village, for which this project is a subsequent phase of development.

A mix of townhomes and flats are arranged on a triangular site around three courtyards to create a simultaneously outward- and inward-facing community. The courtyards and open-air walkways ensure residents have access to through-ventilation and shared outdoor space while reducing overall energy demand. The townhomes along East 12th Street include front stoops and balconies, while apartments along the BART tracks are equipped with sound-insulating windows. A pedestrian path on the BART frontage connects neighbors with Fruitvale Station, and a paseo anticipates an adjacent development that will complete the Transit Village. A ground floor community room positioned between the main courtyard and paseo joins other resident amenities including a computer lab, bike room, parking garage, laundry, package lockers, and offices for supportive services.