The Community Housing Development Corporation filed permits yesterday to begin the demolition and initial site preparations for a planned development at 1708 Harmon Street in Berkeley. The South Berkeley location is currently occupied by a single-story structure and surface level parking lot for the neighboring church. The proposal will remove the buildings and parking lot, replacing them with two five-story residential structures, joined at their corners.
1708 Harmon Street, site map by Kodama Diseno Architects
Each of the buildings will contain 40 units, for a total of 80 new residential units in the development. 79 of the new units are to be designated for affordable senior housing, with a single manager’s unit included on site. Residential amenities will include the community room, laundry, and an outdoor podium-top courtyard.
1708 Harmon Street community garden, rendering by Kodama Diseno Architects
Kodama Diseno Architects is responsible for the design. Facade materials will include redwood panels, stucco, board-formed concrete, and Hardie plank siding. The site plan envisions a cohesive ground-level plaza connecting the housing with the church.
1708 Harmon Street seen from Harmon Street and King Street, rendering by Kodama Diseno Architects
The site location is a 10-minute walk from the Ashby BART station, with nearby access to additional bus and alternative transportation options. The flexibility of transportation options means that residents will be well-connected, while church members will be minimally impacted by changes to their parking lot. Additionally, the development will still provide a 43-bicycle and 61-car parking area, with 26 car spaces reserved for church use.
1708 Harmon Street existing site, image via Kodama Diseno Architects
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Brutal turn of events for whoever lives at 3230 Ellis St and 1710 Harmon. They had great south facing exposure and no neighbor, just a parking lot. Now a five story building will block their light forever, once the 30 months of extremely loud noise is done. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened?
lol wut
Okay, but as far as fae deals go, I would give up some of the sunlight in my home for 79+ seniors to have secure, affordable housing. But I guess this project is a real tragedy if you look at it from your point of view.
To be clear, I’m in favor of this housing 100%. Just a bad turn of events for the homeowners!