Two developers have submitted permits to formalize a limited partnership for the affordable housing proposal at 1701 San Pablo Avenue in Northwest Berkeley, Alameda County. The existing surface parking lot is owned by the Berkeley Unified School District. Once complete, the 110 affordable apartments will prioritize School District employees and familiars. Abode Communities and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates will be joint developers.
1701 San Pablo Avenue seen from Francisco Street, rendering by 1701 San Pablo Avenue
1701 San Pablo Avenue courtyard view, rendering by 1701 San Pablo Avenue
The two developers have been involved with the project since mid-2022 when BUSD revealed initial details for the project. Last week, the team filed a zoning certificate business license, formalizing a limited partnership to pursue development. Construction is expected to start in March of next year, according to a recent article by Hannah Kanik for the San Francisco Business Times.
Oakland-based Pyatok is the architect. Illustrations show a streamlined modern aesthetic where two sections of the facade stretch a mansard roof-like metal shingle from the sloped sixth floor down to the sidewalk. The bay window-adorned complex will be divided into several massings visually separated by setbacks and two distinct styles.
1701 San Pablo Avenue establishing view, rendering by 1701 San Pablo Avenue
1701 San Pablo Avenue, image via Google Satellite
The existing 0.78-acre property is occupied by a portion of the surface parking lot for the Berkeley Adult School. Even with the site at 1701 San Pablo Street removed, the school will retain 100 spaces, and the school will remain in operation. Future residents will be ten minutes from the North Berkeley BART Station on foot.
Once construction starts, work is expected to last until 2027. Financing will come from a range of public sources, including Berkeley Measure O, state and federal tax credits, and two State housing programs. According to the project website, “SAHA will begin accepting rental applications approximately six months after construction starts.”
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I’ve never seen San Pablo look so serene and clean. Likewise Francisco. No cars parked on the street. No garbage in the gutter.
Build on the entire parking lot please! It’s only a ten minute walk to BART and is on a main thoroughfare with excellent transit. No need for a huge parking lot.