Helen MacGregor Plaza

The Helen MacGregor Plaza proposed redesign was developed as part of a community engagement process facilitated by UCSF, the City of Oakland, and Bay Tree Design. The site program and design are centered on community input, pedestrian catchment and safety, historical research of the neighborhood, and the existing opportunities of the site and neighborhood. This small slice of land sits at the crux of three neighborhoods – Santa Fe, Longfellow, and Bushrod – that have each have a vibrant and diverse community, and is also located along the edge of the historical red line maps, within the neighborhood of Little Italy, near location of the origins of the East Bay Negro Society, and is located across 52nd street from the Church of the Good Shepherd which was an active community beacon.

The proposed site design focuses on three threads: designing for pedestrians and diminishing the auto dominance of the space; designing for comfort and safety; and designing for the community. The redesign of Helen MacGregor Plaza aims at becoming a new reference point for future neighborhood events, community building, and stewardship, thus, fostering this wonderful sense of community and togetherness.

Project Information

Client: UCSF and City of Oakland

Location: Oakland, CA

Size: 13,640 sq ft