A new development of mixed-use apartments is set to rise at 2600 Shattuck Avenue after developer City Centric secured entitlements to build the $60 million project.
The hope is that the development — which will include 155 units, a 188-spot parking garage and 19,600 square feet of retail space – will revitalize something of a dead zone in Berkeley.
“Our vision is to really create a sense of place and really transform the neighborhood,” City Centric co-founder Mark Rhoades told the San Francisco Business Times.
Parker Place (rendered above) will consist of studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, 20% of which will be offered below market rate.
City Centric is a real estate development partnership focusing exclusively on development projects in Berkeley. Ali Kashani and Mark Rhoades founded the company in 2007, before which they had a role in over 20 development projects in the city.
Completed City Centric projects include the Wesley Foundation, Peralta Creek, and the Warm Springs Professional Center. The company is also looking to develop the space at 1200 Ashby Avenue as another mixed-use project.
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Much as I support additional housing in Berkeley–especially that which is high-intensity, mixed-use, and features an affordable component–I am always disappointed to see buildings that showcase neither architectural tradition or inspiration. The number of parking spots for this building is also exceptionally disappointing for an area relatively well-served by transit. Considering these are all studios, it’s also likely that it will be mostly students and young people–those who arguably need cars the least.
I guess you could say, like its uses, my feelings on the project are mixed.
Can’t wait to see how they’re going to sell the east-facing units, with the lovely bird’s eye view of the decrepit, decaying lot across Shattuck. Perhaps call the vibe “Urban goth”?
The foreground may not be great, but a view of the hills, morning light, and bright, indirect afternoon light are not hard sells at all.
Besides, most of Berkeley’s Downtown/Southside apartment stock badly needs an upgrade, some of it is downright attrocious. People are willing to put up with any number of other minor things to have a space that is more livable and 21st century.
I’m dubious of certain aspects of the project, but I don’t think they’ll have too much trouble renting out sparkly new units so near Downtown Berkeley.
I am curious how the 3BRs will rent out. Will these be to families or groups of students?
Good luck to them – it is a weird spot along Shattuck, where the road is wide and there isn’t much else happening except a few low volume retail stores and Yoga studio. It will definitely make an improvement.
Did I misread something? The post says that the building will be all studios–is a correction in order?
The roof deck cottages have always been my favorite surreal element of the project.