Preliminary permits have been filed invoking Senate Bill 684 for a residential development at 2201 Blake Street in Southside, Berkeley. The proposal would remake the rear yard behind the historic Bartlett Houses, converting a former stable into housing and constructing a three-story duplex. Studio KDA is responsible for the application on behalf of the property owner, Nathan D. George of NX Ventures.
2201 Blake Street facade elevation, illustration by Studio KDA
Despite the most recent activity for the site being a preliminary application, these development plans have been winding through the city’s planning department for a few years. Studio KDA filed permits in 2024 to streamline the approval process under SB 330. Now, the team is invoking SB 684 to ensure ministerial approval and CEQA exemption.
The project would not touch the landmarked Bartlett Buildings along Blake Street. The West Bartlett House is the primary landmarked structure, constructed in 1877 in the Victorian Italianate style. The secondary landmark structure, East Bartlett House, was finished in 1892 in the Queen Anne architectural style.
2201 Blake Street site plan, illustration by Studio KDA
2201 Blake Street, image via Google Street View
Plans call for relocating the existing stable structure closer to Fulton Street and converting the interiors into a single dwelling unit. Construction would then start on a new three-story duplex designed by Studio KDA. Renderings show an historicized building complete with Victorian vernacular, wood or wood-look siding, and shingle roofing.
The 0.3-acre property is located at the corner of Blake Street and Fulton Street, a block away from Shattuck Avenue and three blocks from Telegraph Avenue. The estimated cost and timeline for construction have not yet been shared.
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This looks so charming, I love it