The Berkeley Zoning Adjustments Board is scheduled to review plans for the 28-story residential proposal at 1950-1998 Shattuck Avenue in Downtown Berkeley, Alameda County. If approved, the project may become the tallest residential tower to be approved with streamlining from Senate Bill 330. NX Ventures and Rhoades Planning Group are jointly responsible for the application.
1950-1998 Shattuck Avenue aerial, rendering by SDT Architects
1950-1998 Shattuck Avenue corner entrance, rendering by SDT Architects
The proposal is expected to reach 317 feet above street view, which would make this building the tallest structure in the city, surpassing the Campanile’s 307-foot pinnacle in the heart of the UC Berkeley campus. According to Mark Rhoades, “this may be the tallest CEQA Exemption in California history, using the tools that the legislature has provided for infill development over the years. This project is a real proving ground for state laws – density bonus, CEQA, and probably most importantly – SB 330 (Nancy Skinner).” The development will designate 58 units as affordable to very low-income households.
The proposal is expected to rise 317 feet tall with 411,330 square feet of floor area, including 599 apartments, 16,140 square feet of retail, and a 154-car garage. Additional parking will be provided for 284 bicycles. Unit types include 489 studios and 110 two-bedroom residences. The structure will offer 13,030 square feet of residential open space across the second-floor open space, podium-top terraces, and rooftop deck.
1950-1998 Shattuck Avenue space along Berkeley Way, rendering by SDT Architects
1950-1998 Shattuck Avenue aerial view looking south-west, rendering by SDT Architects
Residential amenities will include a fitness center, conference room, club rooms, and lounges on the second and 14th floors. The rooftop terrace will be connected to a commercial restaurant, offering customers a dining experience with a panoramic view across the region.
Stackhouse De La Peña Trachtenberg Architects, formerly Trachtenberg Architects, is responsible for the design. Details about the drafted tower have not changed since the developers increased the proposal in late 2022. Facade materials will include off-white metal cladding, wood soffits, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
1950-1998 Shattuck Avenue pedestrian view, rendering by SDT Architects
1998 Shattuck Avenue expanded property site outlined by YIMBY, image via Google Satellite
Mark Rhoades and Nathan George have a decade-long connection to the site, having opened the Spats restaurant and bar together in 2015 at 1974 Shattuck Avenue.
Future residents will be just a block away from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and one block from UC Berkeley. While George sees it as inevitable that some college students will look at the apartments, the project is expected to appeal mainly to young professionals in the region.
The Zoning Adjustments Board is scheduled to meet tomorrow, Thursday, February 27th, starting at 7 PM. The remote event will be held in person at 1231 Addison Street and on Zoom. For more information, visit the meeting agenda here.
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An impressive new building for Downtown Berkeley that will surely reshape it. I appreciate the density and the generous parking to facilitate a soft transition away from cars. Let’s see if they can finance it. If not, this will happen in the next up-cycle.