Comments on: High hopes for new apartment project on Shattuck

By: EBGuy

EBGuy — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:46:57 +0000

The roof deck cottages have always been my favorite surreal element of the project.

By: Eric Panzer

Eric Panzer — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:03:51 +0000

Did I misread something? The post says that the building will be all studios–is a correction in order?

By: Need a change

Need a change — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:35:37 +0000

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.

By: Eric P.

Eric P. — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:55 +0000

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.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 03 May 2010 23:40:34 +0000

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”?

By: Eric P.

Eric P. — Mon, 03 May 2010 23:05:22 +0000

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.