Crews have topped out for the eight-story apartment complex at 2000 University Avenue in Downtown Berkeley, Alameda County. The development, named Studio 2000, is poised to bring 82 new studio apartments to the city’s heart near Shattuck Avenue and BART. Read Investments is the property owner.
Studio 2000 seen from Milvia Street, rendering by Trachtenberg Architects
2000 University Avenue seen from Milvia Street, image by author
Trachtenberg Architects is the project architect. The exterior design, to be clad with tan brick veneer and charcoal-tone panels, will exhibit the firm’s established vernacular for Berkeley design. The sawtooth bay windows and bold delineation to add visual intrigue are distinctly contemporary. The lack of vehicular infrastructure allows the firm to embrace typical urban infill practices, keeping the streetscape active for pedestrians with retail and a residential lobby. The podium base will be clad with cast-in-place concrete and aluminum glazing.
2000 University Avenue corner view, image by author
Studio 2000 ground-level retail activity, rendering by Trachtenberg Architects
Talking with YIMBY last year, the architect firm principal, David Trachtenberg, shared that “two rooftop gardens help to break down the six-story mass of the building. The project is expected to be built largely off-site using modular/pre-fabricated units, which will be craned into place.” The project is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification.
The 84-foot tall structure will contain 43,570 square feet with 41,480 square feet for residential use and 1,415 square feet for commercial retail. Thanks to downtown zoning, parking will be included for 40 bicycles and no vehicles. Of the 82 apartments, a fifth will be affordable housing priced below market rate. By including affordable housing, the proposal will benefit from the State Density Bonus program, allowing the development to increase the housing capacity a certain percentage above the lot’s base zoning.
Studio 2000 floor plans, rendering by Trachtenberg Architects
2000 University Avenue existing condition, image via Google Street View
WEST Builders is the project contractor. Demolition work started on the former single-story structure on the 0.14-acre site last year. The new housing is likely to open later this year or early next year, at which point the team expects to receive LEED Gold Certification.
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Great that Berkley is creating more affordable units in an area well served by public transit. Also great that the offsite construction, quicker and less challenges, is bein used.
So disappointed that there is no houseboat on top to pique “Paul’s” comments