NOVA, a permanent supportive housing development in Oakland, recently celebrated its grand opening. The multifamily complex provides affordable housing and on-site services to help formerly homeless and families.

NOVA was constructed almost entirely during the pandemic period. Acknowledging the urgent need for housing projects of this type, the project team worked in concert with the city on special considerations to streamline the planning process, leading the city’s first 100 percent affordable housing development to receive entitlement in a record period of three months. The entitlement milestone was of extra significance as it was secured during an exceptionally busy time for city planners.

DAHLIN Group Architecture Planning worked in partnership with Affirmed Housing and Cahill Contractors on the project.

“Bringing NOVA to completion through a global pandemic has made a notable project even more remarkable,” said Padru Kang, a design director with DAHLIN. “The drive by the entire team to move this project forward through adversity demonstrates an unwavering commitment to delivering vital, transformative resources for people who need them.”