North Berkeley Housing Partners Double BART Station Project Size to 750 Units

The North Berkeley BART station’s parking lot is set to undergo a significant transformation, with developers proposing a substantial increase in the scale of the housing project.

Doubling the Scope

Originally planned with six buildings, the project will now feature 13 structures, reaching heights of up to eight stories. The expanded plan, submitted by North Berkeley Housing Partners, aims to accommodate nearly 750 housing units, with over half designated as affordable housing.

Key Players and Legislative Framework

The North Berkeley Housing Partners consortium, composed of affordable and market-rate developers along with a nonprofit organization, submitted the new application under AB 2011, a state bill expediting housing projects on commercially zoned land.

Project Details

The project encompasses a diverse range of buildings, including six-story, eight-story, and three-story structures, each allocated to different developers within the consortium. Additionally, plans include amenities such as a childcare facility, public open spaces, and community-serving ground floor uses.

Phased Construction and Timeline

Construction is planned to commence in 2025, with a phased approach starting with affordable housing buildings and open spaces, followed by market-rate buildings.

Context and Future Prospects

This project is part of a broader trend of housing development on BART-owned land, with several similar projects in progress across the Bay Area. Rezoning efforts in 2022 paved the way for increased housing density around BART stations, reflecting the city's commitment to addressing housing shortages. Mayor Jesse Arreguin views these developments as crucial in meeting housing targets set for the city.