The Berkeley Zoning Adjustments Committee will meet today to discuss the zoning modifications proposed for 2298 Durant Avenue and 2360 Ellsworth Street in Berkeley. If approved by the committee, the application would allow for the demolition and merger of both lots, making space for the construction of a new eight-story apartment complex developed by Valiance Capital LLC.
2298 Durant Avenue Street Rendering, image by studio KDA
The buildings to be demolished are a single-story commercial building, a 7-unit apartment building, and an area of surface-level parking. In their place, the new building’s base would span both lots, with its roofline rising approximately 92 feet. This would create 80,000 square feet of new residential space, divided into 65 units of housing. Five of the constructed units would be set aside for very-low-income applicants, with an additional 2 being set aside for low-income applicants.
2298 Durant Avenue Lower Floorplans, image by Studio KDA
2298 Durant Avenue Upper Floorplans, image by Studio KDA
Studio KDA is responsible for the building’s design. Exterior renderings reveal a textured façade made from grey metal paneling interspersed with wood-look metal panels to break up the darker coloring. At street level, the building will have floor-to-ceiling glass windows, allowing for a more open and connected entryway.
2298 Durant Avenue Entry Rendering, image by studio KDA
The project site is located in Berkeley’s Southside neighborhood, near Downtown Berkeley. The area is served by multiple bus lines that operate along Durant Avenue, Bancroft Way, and Shattuck Avenue. It is also a 10-minute walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART. Station.
2298 Durant Avenue Site Location, image via Berkeley Planning
The plan to build on this particular site will require specific zoning adjustments by the City of Berkeley. Opponents of the project may criticize the demolition of existing housing and the significant change in property density. Advocates of the project cite how the project would help Berkeley meet its regional housing needs, as well as the shortage of accessible housing for UC Berkeley students and faculty. Meanwhile, the developers plan on utilizing a State Density Bonus to justify and support the increase in scale.
2298 Durant Height Comparison, image by Studio KDA
2360 Ellsworth Current Site (left building to be demolished), image via Berkeley Planning
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Even though this is obviously for students, the number of windowless bedrooms is just insane.