In a surprising turn of events for downtown Oakland's skyline, a groundbreaking 19-story tower, hailed as one of the world's tallest mass timber structures, is facing a potential delay of up to a year in its grand opening. The developer, oWow, had planned to unveil the 236-unit complex at 1510 Webster St. in January. However, the project has hit a roadblock due to an unexpected shortage of electrical transformers.

Company president Andy Ball was taken aback when he learned that the three subsurface distribution transformers needed for the project wouldn't be available until at least the second half of 2024. The shortage, attributed to a "component shortage" by PG&E, affects 540 customers, offering them a difficult choice between redesigning projects to use above-ground transformers or waiting for the subsurface equipment to become available.

This scarcity of subsurface transformers poses a challenge for urban infill projects like the one in downtown Oakland. Most infill districts, including the bustling Oakland neighborhood, mandate transformers to be placed below ground. Lisa Vorderbrueggen, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Building Industry Association, highlighted the difficulty developers face when striving for density in construction while grappling with transformer shortages.

The impact extends beyond Oakland, reaching San Francisco's affordable Granada Hotel project at 1000 Sutter St., where the installation of a transformer could face a delay of at least four months. As the demand for transformers rises with the increase in electric cars and the shift toward all-electric construction, the industry faces a critical shortage that needs urgent resolution.

While PG&E has offered to cover the cost of redesigning the electrical system for the Oakland project, developers must navigate bureaucratic hurdles and seek city waivers for above-ground transformers. The unexpected delay poses a significant financial risk for developers, emphasizing the challenges they face in meeting the demand for housing amid unforeseen obstacles in the construction process.

Source: sfchronicle.com