The Ashby BART station in Berkeley is set to undergo a significant transformation with the unveiling of plans for a major transit-oriented development. The project, spearheaded by Adeline Alliance Partners, aims to create a dynamic urban hub that integrates housing, commerce, and transportation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the city’s infrastructure and provide more affordable housing options.
The development team presented initial renderings of the project to over 150 community members and advocacy groups at an open house held at the South Berkeley Senior Center. The plans showcase a vision for a mixed-use complex that will include up to 600 apartments, with half designated as affordable housing. The project will be built atop the station’s West parking lot, situated between Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Adeline Street, and Ashby Avenue.
Design and Features of the Development
The proposed development consists of five buildings, featuring 25,000 square feet of commercial and office spaces. The renderings depict a row of six-story buildings along Martin Luther King Jr. Way, with the tallest structure rising eight stories above Adeline Street, or nine stories from the ground level of the sunken parking lot. The design aims to create a seamless blend of residential and commercial spaces, fostering a vibrant community.
The project will include 85 parking spots for BART riders, who currently have access to 535 parking spaces at the station’s west lot. Additionally, up to 300 parking spaces will be available for residents. Each apartment will have one bike parking space, and 308 more bike spaces will be provided for BART users. The BART entrance will be flanked by two buildings, with a canopy of trees creating a shaded transit hub that includes a bikeway, bus stop, and pedestrian walkway. A plaza will be built on the east side of the development along Adeline Street, serving as a community space and home to the weekend Berkeley flea market.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
The renderings presented are not final, as the development team plans to engage with the community through various public listening sessions. Justin Smith of Relequity Enterprises emphasized the importance of understanding the context of the community and developing a design that reflects their input. The project is expected to break ground in 2029, with the low-income apartments being constructed first. The total cost of the project is estimated to be at least $500 million.
The development team will seek permits from the city of Berkeley next year, following extensive stakeholder input. The final design is expected to be completed in 2028. Housing developments on BART property are eligible for an expedited approval process, which does not require approval from city boards such as the Zoning Adjustments Board or City Council. The BART Board of Directors awarded the contract to Adeline Alliance Partners over another developer group, the Ashby BART Strategic Alliance.
Community Reactions and Expectations
Community members have expressed a mix of enthusiasm and concern about the project. Lori Hines, a South Berkeley resident, praised the design for encouraging different forms of transportation access, such as bicycling. She emphasized the importance of the development being a transportation hub and a living hub stating that it is just perfect for the community. Hines also expressed hope that the apartments would be open to low-income individuals.
Darinxoso “Dar” Oyamasela, a prominent community advocate, was critical of the project, stating that 600 apartments stacked on top of each other is just ridiculous. He questioned the definition of low-income homes and emphasized that many residents in Berkeley, especially in his building, do not earn enough to qualify under certain standards. Oyamasela advocated for housing priority to be given to families who were displaced when the BART station was built.
Wilhelmenia Wilson, Executive Director of Healthy Black Families, is partnering with community members to push for 100 percent affordability in the project. She cited the Maudelle Shirek Building across Ashby BART, which comprises 87 low-income apartments for residents averaging $21,000 per year, as a model that could be replicated. Wilson stated, If it’s been done in one place, it can be done.
The development team, including members from The Pacific Companies, Strategic Urban Development Alliance, Relequity Enterprises, and Resources for Community Development, remains committed to engaging with the community and incorporating their feedback into the final design. The project represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment in Berkeley.
