Historic Oakland University Campus to Be Redeveloped as Single-Family Homes

Developer plans to demolish 14 buildings and build 165 single-family homes on the 58-acre Holy Names University site.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Less than three years after purchasing the 58-acre Holy Names University campus in Oakland, real estate investment firm BH Properties has filed zoning permits to redevelop the site. The plans call for demolishing 14 existing buildings and constructing 165 single-family homes ranging from two to four bedrooms with two-car garages. The developer plans to preserve some historic structures, including the iconic midcentury McLean Chapel, bell tower, and performing arts center, as well as the historic McCrea House.

Why it matters

The redevelopment of the Holy Names University campus highlights the ongoing tension between preserving historic educational institutions and meeting the demand for new housing in the Bay Area. While the developer claims the project will maintain the "feel of an idyllic college campus," the loss of 14 institutional buildings raises concerns about the future of the site and the impact on the surrounding community.

The details

According to planning documents, BH Properties wants to subdivide the 58-acre property into 195 parcels, with 165 residential lots for the single-family homes. The developer is using Senate Bill 330 to speed up the application process and is seeking to waive certain zoning requirements, such as building height, minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage, and floor area ratio. At least 5% of the units will be deed-restricted for very-low-income households, but the developer is not planning to take advantage of the state density bonus to increase the amount of housing.

  • In 2023, BH Properties purchased the Holy Names University campus for $65 million.
  • On Monday, zoning permits were filed to redevelop the campus and demolish 14 existing buildings.
  • The redevelopment project is currently in the planning and permitting stage.

The players

BH Properties

A real estate investment firm that purchased the 58-acre Holy Names University campus in 2023 and is now planning to redevelop the site.

Holy Names University

A historic university in Oakland, California, whose 58-acre campus was sold to BH Properties in 2023.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The site offered 'a unique opportunity to provide facilities for the many educational institutions seeking expansion alternatives.'”

— BH Properties (BH Properties statement)

What’s next

The redevelopment project is currently in the planning and permitting stage. If approved, the developer plans to demolish 14 existing buildings and construct 165 single-family homes on the site.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the Holy Names University campus highlights the ongoing tension between preserving historic educational institutions and meeting the demand for new housing in the Bay Area. While the developer claims the project will maintain the "feel of an idyllic college campus," the loss of 14 institutional buildings raises concerns about the future of the site and the impact on the surrounding community.