The Berkeley City Council has approved plans for the eight-story apartment complex at 1598 University Avenue in Central Berkeley, Alameda County. The proposal is one of nine high-density projects by the same developer, NX Ventures, that could bring nearly two thousand homes across the city. Trachtenberg Architects is the project architect.
1598 University Avenue view from California looking northwest, rendering by Trachtenberg Architects
Once built, 1598 University will create 207 apartments, of which 21 will be designated as affordable. The 89-foot tall structure will yield around 134,050 square feet, with 121,550 square feet for housing and 5,940 square feet for commercial retail. Unit sizes will vary, with 149 studios, 20 one-bedrooms, and 38 two-bedrooms. Additional parking will be included 92 bicycles and 39 cars in the 6,560-square-foot room via triple-car lifters.
Trachtenberg Architects has assisted NX Ventures with all nine proposals, including what could become the tallest tower in Berkeley. For 1598 Univeristy, the firm proposes a cast-in-place concrete base, insulated metal panels for the residential floors, decorative metal screens at the balconies, and aluminum windows with metal infill panels.
1598 University Avenue sidewalk activity, rendering by Trachtenberg Architects
1598 University Avenue, aerial view by Google Satellite
The 0.66-acre parcel is located between Sacramento Street and California Street. For pedestrians, the North Berkeley BART Station is a 10-minute walk, while Downtown Berkeley is 15 minutes away. The plan is one of nine proposals by NX Ventures for transit-oriented housing in Berkeley. At full build-out, NX could create 1,868 units across Berkeley, including the city’s future tallest tower at 1974-1998 Shattuck Avenue. The 16-story infill for 2420 Shattuck Avenue is NX’s second-tallest proposal, and 2109 Milvia Street is the team’s third-tallest plan.
The estimated cost and timeline for construction have yet to be shared.
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Enjoy seeing what the building will replace: a parking lot, an old restaurant and a one story building. Good improvement.