MacArthur Commons reimagines a once car-centric site adjacent to one of Oakland’s busiest BART stations and right up against the I-580 freeway into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly village. Transforming a former parking lot into a dynamic, mid-rise housing development, we introduced 400 new homes, retail and flex spaces, and a public mews, all at an intimately residential scale. While the design refocuses the area from cars to people, it still maintains a strong connection to its historic roots. The colorful, visually striking design of MacArthur Commons draws in visitors and locals alike, welcoming those arriving from the BART station to an energetic neighborhood at the crossroads of public transit and local culture. We considered how people would move through the site, placing the buildings to frame public spaces and buffer them from the nearby freeway. Retail spaces on the ground floor of all three buildings create a lively, accessible street level that invites pedestrians into the heart of the community. The thoughtful design balances transparency with privacy: resident lobbies, walk-up unit entries, and mixed-use spaces are tucked away from the main street, while the entire lower level remains open and welcoming, allowing clear sightlines through to a central courtyard. This outdoor space, along with terraces and pathways, connects the buildings and catalyzes the growth of the surrounding neighborhood. By blending a contemporary design with its surrounding context, MacArthur Commons creates a new village that complements the area’s character while standing out as a modern urban destination.