Howard University is considering the possibility of opening a satellite campus in the Bay Area, but its focus is not on San Francisco. The university, based in Washington, D.C., and recognized as one of the leading historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has entered preliminary discussions with Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee about establishing a presence in Oakland, according to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle.
A spokesperson for Howard University stated to the Chronicle: “We have had preliminary discussions with Mayor Lee, but it is premature to discuss any real estate endeavors in this area at this time.” Mayor Lee, who graduated from Howard University, said in a statement: “I have been leading discussions with Howard University and will continue to engage with them about exploring opportunities in Oakland.”
Representatives from Howard have reportedly toured several properties in downtown Oakland. Among these is the Trans Pacific Centre at 1000 Broadway, which has seen significant vacancies after tenants such as the Oakland Unified School District and Cal State East Bay left. The university is said to be interested in approximately 60,000 square feet within the 375,000-square-foot building. The property’s owner, GCB Associates of Florida, previously considered converting the office tower into residential units.
Elsewhere in the Bay Area, other universities are also expanding their presence. The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania recently signed a long-term lease for all 80,000 square feet of space at “Cube,” located at 345 Montgomery Street within San Francisco’s 555 California Street complex. This move comes as many office buildings remain underutilized.
Vanderbilt University from Nashville is also looking for a location for its own outpost in San Francisco and is reportedly considering space within the upcoming 5M Project mixed-use development in South of Market.
In downtown Oakland itself, Samuel Merritt University plans to open its new $240 million campus at 525 12th Street this January after relocating from its current site on Telegraph Avenue.
