Project
Remodel of the former Levant Rug space at 5450 College Ave to serve as the East Bay Red Cross blood donor center. City approval was granted over a year prior but work had been stalled. Work has now resumed and a workman on site expected it to open late summer.
5450 College Avenue
The American Red Cross wants to convert the former Levant Rug Company building at 5450 College Avenue into a blood donor center. The change of use requires a conditional use permit from the City of Oakland. RCPC's Land Use Committee is concerned about long-term non-pedestrian uses and is recommending the Red Cross and property owner present plans at an upcoming RCPC board meeting.
The Red Cross's proposal to convert the former Levant Rug building on College Avenue into a blood donor center is advancing through RCPC review. RCPC asked the Red Cross and the property owner to present their plans at the December board meeting, after which RCPC will decide whether to oppose the City use permit process.
Remodel of the former Levant Rug space at 5450 College Ave to serve as the East Bay Red Cross blood donor center. City approval was granted over a year prior but work had been stalled. Work has now resumed and a workman on site expected it to open late summer.
“"We're going to be responsible just like everybody else," said Matt Jones, Real Estate Project Manager for the National American Red Cross. "We would bring in more foot and car traffic [than retail would]. We have a pretty solid base of donors. We're only going to improve the neighborhood."”2020_11 - Red Cross project manager quoted in article
“"A long-term authorization for a medical or administrative use without a strong draw for pedestrians would be problematic," said Stuart Flashman, who heads the Rockridge Community Planning Council's Land Use Committee.”2020_11 - RCPC Land Use Committee chair quoted in article
“At the committee's recommendation, the Board has asked the Red Cross and the property owner to present their plans for the building at the Board's December meeting. After review of those plans, RCPC will decide whether or not to oppose the proposal during the City's use permit process.”2020_12 - RCPC Land Use Committee Update December 2020
“Work has resumed at 5450 College Ave. (formerly The Levant Rug) to serve as the East Bay Red Cross blood donor center. Although the City gave approval well over a year ago, the work had been stalled since last year.”2022_05 - Red Cross Remodel: Update sidebar