Updated Permits For 1708 Harmon Street in Berkeley

Building permits have been filed for the five-story affordable housing complex at 1708 Harmon Street in South Berkeley, Alameda County. The proposal could bring new senior housing in the backyard of the Ephesians Church Of God In Christ. The project will be developed by the Community Housing Development Corporation of North Richmond.

1708 Harmon Street aerial view of the site, rendering by Kodama Diseno Architects

1708 Harmon Street building along Ellis Street, rendering by Kodama Diseno Architects

The proposal aims to create 80 apartments with a ground-level garage and podium-top courtyard. Unit sizes will vary with 79 one-bedroom units and a two-bedroom apartment. Residential amenities will include the community room, laundry, and common space. Affordability will range from 22 units for households earning around 30% of the area’s median income, 15 units of 45% AMI, 42 units for 50% AMI, and one market-rate residence for the on-site manager.

The proposal would build two five-story connected wings, each with over 20,000 square feet of residential space for 40 apartments. Each structure will include four floors of wood framing above a single-floor concrete podium. The 1.05-acre property will be split, with the church occupying 0.42 acres and the rest for housing. Parking will be included for 61 cars and 43 bicycles. In the garage, 26 spaces will be dedicated for church use.

1708 Harmon Street, site map by Kodama Diseno Architects

1708 Harmon Street existing site, image via 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.

The full-acre parcel is on a lot bound by King Street, Harmon Street, Ellis Street, and Alcatraz Avenue. While the existing church will remain throughout construction, an auxiliary building and former church structure are planned to be demolished. The new permits specify that CHDC will receive funding from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. An estimated timeline for construction and completion has not yet been established.

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