BUSD Educator Housing Community Meeting 10/4
Would you like to share your ideas and thoughts about the project? Join us for this project update and community engagement session.
BUSD Staff
Project
Berkeley Unified School District selected co-developers Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) and Abode Communities to develop affordable workforce housing to replace a portion of the Berkeley Adult School parking lot facing San Pablo Avenue.
The development team proposes to build approximately 110 rental apartment homes and related parking in a six-story building for households earning between 30% and 120% Area Median Income, with a preference for individuals and families employed by Berkeley Unified School District. Amenities will include a resident center with kitchen, smaller indoor gathering spaces, and a spacious outdoor courtyard. The project also includes replacement parking for the Berkeley Adult School.
Design Subcommittee Review Meetings
team
Co-Developer
With more than 50 years of community development experience, Berkeley-based Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) currently owns and manages 65+ properties and over 3,300 units of affordable housing. SAHA has built a reputation as a leader in affordable housing development, property management, and resident services.
Co-Developer
Abode Communities is an influential and responsive nonprofit affordable housing provider working to bring housing and social equity to strengthen neighborhoods, enhance livelihoods, and connect people and places. Since its founding in 1968, the organization has developed nearly 50 affordable, supportive, and mixed-use residential communities serving more than 13,000 Californians.
Architect
PYATOK architecture + urban design is a mission-driven, full-service architectural specializing in the master planning and design of multifamily affordable, workforce, market-rate, and student housing. PYATOK’s design professionals are dedicated to the idea that the best urban communities come about through a partnership between project sponsor, community, city staff, and an open-minded design team.
General Contractor
Roberts-Obayashi and its predecessor companies have been working with nonprofit and private developers to plan and build high-quality housing developments since 1932. The philosophy of practicing honesty and integrity to build long-term repeat client relationships is the foundation for its work. The firm has successfully completed thousands of housing units and has more than 1,200 units currently under construction.
faq
Two community-based nonprofit housing providers, Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) and Abode Communities, have partnered with Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) to develop and operate approximately 110 affordable/workforce homes on a portion of the Berkeley Adult School parking lot facing San Pablo Avenue.
BUSD has been investigating the feasbility of developing workforce housing for several years. Given the mismatch between the relatively modest salaries of many BUSD staff and relatively high housing costs in the City of Berkeley, workforce housing will allow BUSD to continue to recruit and retain quality educators. After conducting a staff survey and commissioning a feasibility analysis, the District selected a portion of what is currently the Berkeley Adult School parking lot as the project site. In 2021, BUSD released a Request for Qualifications and Proposals to develop site, and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) and Abode Communities were selected to jointly develop and own the proposed development in partnership with BUSD.
In November 2018, Berkeley voters approved Measure O, a $135 million bond measure to support the development and preservation of affordable housing. In December 2019, City Council established a priority for a BUSD-sponsored educator housing project for the $24.5 million remaining in the second Measure O bond issuance.
SAHA and Abode Communities will own affordable/workforce housing in perpetuity. SAHA will serve as the onsite property manager.
The City of Berkeley has generously committed $24.5 million of long-term funding to the project. Other anticipated financing sources may include the California Housing Finance Agency’s Middle Income Program, the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Infill Infrastructure Grant program, both State and Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and a conventional mortgage.
Homes will be prioritized for households with one or more members who are classified or certificated BUSD employees.
Rents are updated annually by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. Using 2021 figures, we expect that rents will range from approximately $700 – $3,500 per month, depending on household size and income.
Security cameras will be installed at building entrances and within common areas, including courtyards. The building will be designed to include exterior down-lighting to illuminate entrances and along sidewalks for improved security at night for residents and passersby.
The current concept contemplates approximately 55 parking spaces for residents in an enclosed garage. In February 2021, the Berkeley City Council modified Berkeley Muncipal Code Chapter 23C.19 to impose a cap of 0.5 parking spaces per dwelling unit on developments such as this one with two or more residential units located within 0.25 miles of a major transit stop.
SAHA will begin accepting rental applications approximately six months after construction starts. To receive project updates, please subscribe here.
Entitlements: April 2022
Financing: 2022-2023
Permitting: 2023
Construction Start: Late 2023
Completion: 2025
Updates
BUSD Design Subcommittee Meeting 9/27
A public listening session for more information about density, massing, and design feedback of the planned educator workforce housing at 1701 San Pablo.
Community Meeting 5/24
A Design Subcommittee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 5/24 at Berkeley Adult School, 1701 Sab Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702 in room 209.
BUSD takes step toward building affordable housing
In a unanimous vote, the board approved the location for a project that could build up to 110 homes for its teachers and staff in the parking lot of the Berkeley Adult School at 1701 San Pablo Ave.
Board of Education Approves Berkeley Adult School Parking Lot as Site for Educator Housing
The Berkeley Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved the Berkeley Adult School (BAS) front parking lot, along San Pablo Avenue, as the site for the District’s Educator Workforce Housing at the February 17, 2021 School Board meeting.
BUSD Workforce Housing Community Conversation
Welcome and Introductions, Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, Abode Communities, Pyatok Architects, Background, Conceptual Design Options,, Questions / Comments, Next Steps.
Contact
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