Tag Archives: Downtown Berkeley
The “big clean-up” of downtown Berkeley begins
A clean-up has begun in downtown Berkeley, part of a larger campaign to improve the area’s environment and boost economic development. It is being funded to the tune of $1.2 million by the Property Based Business Improvement District (PBID) that was passed by 71% of local property owners last June.
Last Friday, following three days of training, ten members of the new Downtown Berkeley Association (DBA) Cleaning Team in their neon yellow shirts hit the streets en masse. The first day was spent painting furniture and fixtures, and general litter removal and weeding. On Sunday, the team started pressure washing sidewalks on Shattuck north of University.
The intention is to deep-clean and beautify the entire 30-block area of Downtown Berkeley, and the work will include the removal of all graffiti and gum stains, painting all furniture and fixtures, and new landscaping, including new hanging flower baskets. Around $850,000 is being allocated to beautification services and improvements.
The DBA hired Louisville KY-based firm Block By Block to oversee the clean-up and ambassador services. The company has worked on similar projects in downtown Oakland, Santa Monica, and Pasadena, among others. Block By Block is also committed to hiring employees locally, as well as second-chance programs for hiring from social service agency partners. … Continue reading »
How to improve downtown Berkeley? Have your say
The Downtown Berkeley Association is working on implementing a a Strategic Marketing Plan for the the city’s downtown after it was voted a property-based improvement district (PBID) in June.
As part of its analysis work to determine how to enhance the area’s environment and boost economic development, the DBA is soliciting the opinions of Berkeleyans. Do you visit downtown? If not, why not? What is your perception of downtown Berkeley? How could it be improved? What are the priorities you would like … Continue reading »
Berkeley’s future art museum already a magnet for art
A certain white wall on Center Street is clearly proving very inviting for street artists on the hunt for a fresh canvas.
The building on the corner of Center and Oxford, which will one day house the Berkeley Art Museum after it moves from its seismically unsafe home on Bancroft Way, has been used by a number of artists of late.
On Monday, two college students from out of town were carefully gluing black paper cutouts of butterflies … Continue reading »
Berkeley merchants reach out to raise funds for Japan
As the news from Japan just gets worse, and the images more horrifying, a number of Berkeley merchants are taking action to help the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that took place there last week.
Saturn Café, at 2175 Allston Way, is hosting an art show and fundraiser on Thursday 17th, 7-10pm, with all proceeds going to Doctor Without Borders to fund aid for Tsunami victims in Japan. There will be music, art, food, drinks and community. The featured artist for the night will be Berkeley’s Stoye Milburn who will showcase his Cosmology set in the Space Lounge. Stoye is also a member of the Firehouse art collective in Berkeley. Music comes courtesy of local musician Ryan Dishen.
Stores on Center Street in Downtown are matching donations from customers to support Japan relief efforts — donations will be matched up to a total of $1,000. … Continue reading »
New Helios building rises rapidly in downtown Berkeley
Last summer it was a diggers’ delight of a demolition site, warranting a special outing for many young Bob The Builder fans. Today construction is well under way and the stories are rapidly going up on what will become the new Helios Energy Research Facility at 2151 Berkeley Way at Shattuck.
How did Berkeley do on those 2010 resolutions?
A year ago, we suggested 10 resolutions for 2010 for Berkeley (we’ll have our 2011 resolutions tomorrow). How did our city do?
We went back to look at those 10 resolutions and scored them 0 for no movement (or backward movement), a ½ point for some improvement and a full 1 point for true progress. We have to say that, even with the most generous grading possible, we can only give ourselves a score of four out of 10.
Here … Continue reading »
High hopes for new apartment project on Shattuck
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 … Continue reading »
Berkeley Art Museum seeks architect, again
Following its decision to move into the former University of California printing plant at Center and Oxford streets in downtown Berkeley (pictured top right), the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is looking for an architecture firm to revamp the space for them.
According to John King in today’s Chronicle, ten architectural firms have submitted initial proposals and the museum hopes to narrow the list to three and name its designer in June.
FedEx Office to open in old Eddie Bauer space
FedEx Office is taking over the old Eddie Bauer space at 2201 Shattuck with an expected opening date in late May or early June.
The move is in fact a relocation from its current retail store at 2295 Shattuck which will close down. A FeEx Office spokesperson said they chose the new store because it is a “better, more convenient location for customers”.
Berkeley beautification: Transforming the utilitarian
Following our coverage of the mosaic-covered bollards on Ashby and Fulton, the person behind their metamorphosis, Lisa Bullwinkel, got in touch to let us know of a great way for people to get involved with a beautifying project for our fair city. She writes:
Attention local businesses and artists:
There are 60 utility boxes within the Downtown Berkeley Area. All of them are grey. [Ed: As shown in photo, top left. The other … Continue reading »
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