Anchor House: Construction Updates & Project News

< Back: Anchor House homepage

Next: Anchor House Vision >

March 12, 2024

Project Update

Helen Diller Anchor House is anticipated to open for the fall semester 2024, offering UC Berkeley transfer students a transformational design that reimagines the student residential experience in a prime gateway location across the street from the western edge of campus. A hub of connection and belonging for transfer students, Anchor House will offer residents multiple community spaces and community resources.

Anchor House will be managed by UC Berkeley Housing. For details on eligibility, rates, and applying to reside in campus housing, please visit the UC Berkeley Housing website.

November 27, 2023

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from November 27, 2023, to December 31, 2023, will include:

Week of November 27:

  • Walnut Street
    • Brick Facade Install
    • Manlift opening close up
    • Storefront framing at Lobby
  • University Ave
    • Move fence out to reduce to 1 lane of travel
    • AB demo of sidewalk
    • Rynoclad installing metal panels on Façade
  • Oxford Street
    • 1 lane of travel
    • Canopy / Storefront Install
  • Berkeley Way
    • Brick Façade Install
    • Site Deliveries

Week of December 4:

  • Walnut Street
    • Brick Facade Install
    • Manlift opening close up
  • University Ave
    • Civil Sitework
    • Rynoclad installing metal panels on Façade
  • Oxford Street
    • Canopy / Storefront Install
  • Berkeley Way
    • Brick Façade Install
    • Site Deliveries

Week of December 11:

  • Walnut Street
    • Brick Facade Install
    • Manlift opening close up
    • Storefront framing at Lobby
  • University Ave
    • Civil sitework
    • Rynoclad installing metal panels on Façade
  • Oxford Street
    • Canopy / Storefront Install
  • Berkeley Way
    • Brick Façade Install
    • Site Deliveries

Week of December 18:

  • Walnut Street
    • Brick Facade Install
  • University Ave
    • Civil Sitework
    • Rynoclad installing metal panels on Façade
  • Oxford Street
    • Bump out fences to commence sitework
    • Canopy / Storefront Install
  • Berkeley Way
    • Brick Façade Install
    • Site Deliveries

Week of December 25:

  • Walnut Street
    • Brick Facade Install
  • University Ave
    • Civil Sitework (1 lane of travel)
    • Rynoclad installing metal panels on Façade
  • Oxford Street
    • Civil Sitework (1 lane of travel)
    • Canopy / Storefront Install
  • Berkeley Way
    • Brick Façade Install
    • Site Deliveries

Please note that the construction schedule is subject to change and may be influenced by various factors, such as the weather.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

August 4, 2023

Construction Update

A look at Anchor House construction activity at the corner of Oxford Street and Berkeley Way:

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

July 24, 2023

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from July 24, 2023, to August 31, 2023, will include:

Overnight precast installation (8 p.m. - 5 a.m.):

  • Level 14, outside panels install, July 24-26
  • Level 14, courtyard panel install, July 27-28
  • Level 15, outside panel install, July 31 - Aug 3
  • Level 15, courtyard panel install, Aug 4-7
  • West courtyard panel install, Aug 8-18

Exterior, Level 1 - Level 3:

  • South elevation, brick install from the second lift, July 12-26
  • South elevation, storefront install, July 17-28
  • East elevation, Level 2, punched window install, July 25-31
  • East elevation, Level 3, punched window install, Aug 1-7
  • East elevation, storefront install, Aug 8 - Sept 5
  • East elevation, first lift of brick to top of storefront install, Just 28 - Aug 9
  • North elevation, Level 2, punched window install, Aug 8-14
  • North elevation, Level 3, punched window install, Aug 15-21
  • West elevation, installation of flashing, SASM, WRB waterproofing, Aug 1-16

Interior rough-in/drywall framing:

  • Level 1 - Level 14, interior MEPS rough-in, framing, and sheetrock install, and MEPS vertical/horizontal distribution

Roof:

  • Area 1, install of cellcrete, Aug 8-14
  • Area 1, install of roofing, Aug 17-31
  • Area 2, install of cellcrete, Aug 15-21
  • Area 2, install of roofing, Aug 31 - Sept 14

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

June 28, 2023

Construction Notice

The following notice was mailed the week of June 26, 2023, to owners of properties adjacent to the Anchor House project site. Property owners were encouraged to share this notice with their tenants, if applicable, so that they may also be informed.

The notice informed neighbors that the City of Berkeley has The City of Berkeley has extended the issued permit authorizing overnight work through August 30, 2023.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

May 9, 2023

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from May 9, 2023, to May 26, 2023, will include:

Concrete structure:

  • Level 14, pour #1: Deck pour 5/9. All work and concrete truck delivery are within the approved site logistics permit and additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 14, pour #2: Proshore shoring installation 5/5 - 5/10.
  • Level 14, pour #2: Deck pour 5/16. All work and concrete truck delivery are within the approved site logistics permit and additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 15, pour #1: Proshore shoring installation 5/11 - 5/16.
  • Level 15, pour #1: Deck pour 5/24. All work and concrete truck delivery are within the approved site logistics permit and additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 15, pour #2: Proshore shoring installation 5/18 - 5/23.
  • Level 15, pour #2: Deck pour 6/2. All work and concrete truck delivery are within the approved site logistics permit and additional traffic control will not be needed.

Overnight (8 p.m. - 5 a.m.) precast installation:

  • Level 7: Courtyard panels installation 5/4 - 5/5.
  • Level 8: Outside panels installation 5/8 - 5/11.
  • Level 8: Courtyard plants installation 5/12 - 5/15.
  • Level 9: Outside panels installation 5/16 - 5/19.
  • Level 9: Courtyard plants installation 5/22 - 5/23.
  • Level 10: Outside panels installation 5/24 - 5/31.

Building equipment:

  • Manlift jump, Level 12 to Level 14: 5/21 - hoisting of manlift equipment to be done on Walnut Street within the approved site logistics plan and no additional traffic control/street closures are needed.

Interior rough-in/drywall framing:

  • Level 1 to Level 9: Interior MEPS rough-in, framing, and MEPS vertical and horizontal distribution is ongoing.

Offsite utility work:

  • Installation of a new manhole on Oxford Street is currently in progress. Work tracking is to be completed by 5/22. There is currently a Traffic Control Permit for the shutdown of one (1) lane southbound on Oxford Street, from Berkeley Way to University Avenue, for daytime work and it is reopened at the end of each work shift.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

April 10, 2023

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from April 10, 2023, to April 28, 2023, will include:

Concrete structure:

  • Level 12, pour #1: Deck pour 4/13. All work and concrete truck delivery will be within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control is not needed.
  • Level 12, pour #2: Proshore shoring installation 4/11 - 4/14.
  • Level 12, pour #2: Deck pour 4/20. All work and concrete truck delivery will be within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control is not needed.
  • Level 13, pour #1: Proshore shoring installation 4/17 - 4/20.
  • Level 13, pour #1: Deck pour 4/26. All work and concrete truck delivery will be within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control is not needed.
  • Level 13, pour #2: Proshore shoring installation 4/24 - 4/27.
  • Level 13, pour #2: Deck pour 5/3. All work and concrete truck delivery will be within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control is not needed.

Over-night (8 p.m. - 5 a.m.) precast installation:

  • Level 5, outside panels: Install 4/6 - 4/11
  • Level 5, courtyard panels: Install 4/12 - 4/13
  • Level 6, outside panels: Install 4/14-4/19
  • Level 6, courtyard panels: Install 4/20-4/21
  • Level 7, outside panels: Install 4/24-4/27
  • Level 7, courtyard panels: Install 4/28-5/1

Building equipment:

  • Manlift jump, level 10 to level 12: 4/23 - Hoist of manlift equipment to be done on Walnut Street within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control is not needed.

Interior rough-in/drywall framing:

  • Level 1 through Level 8, interior MEPS rough-in, graming, and MEPS vertical and horizontal distribution are ongoing.

Offsite utility work:

  • No work is currently scheduled to begin within the 2-3 week look-ahead for the sanitary sewer lateral/manhole connections. Logistics/permit confirmation is still pending.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

March 16, 2023

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from March 16, 2023, to April 6, 2023, will include:

Concrete Structure:

  • Level 10, pour #1: Deck pour 3/16. Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will work within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 10, pour #2: Proshore shoring installation 3/13 - 3/17
  • Level 10, pour #2: Deck pour 3/22. Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will work within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 11, pour #1: Proshore shoring installation 3/20 - 3/23
  • Level 11, pour #1: Deck pour 3/29. Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will work within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 11, pour #2: Proshore shoring installation 3/24 - 3/29
  • Level 11, pour #2: Deck pour 4/4. Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will work within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 12, pour #1: Proshoring shoring installation 3/31 - 4/5
  • Level 12, pour #1: Deck pour 4/11.

Building Exterior:

  • Precast panel installation starts on 3/20. Nightwork 8 p.m. - 5 a.m. per nightwork plan approved by the City of Berkeley.

Building Equipment:

  • Manlift jump Level 8 to Level 10 on 3/26. Hoisting of manlift equipment to be done one Walnut Street within the site logistics plan. Additional traffic control will not be needed.

Interior Rough-in/Drywall Framing:

  • Level B2 through Level 6: Interior MEPS rough-in, framing, and MEPS vertical and horizontal distribution is ongoing.

Offsite Utility Work:

  • No work is currently scheduled to start within the look-ahead for the sanitary sewer lateral/manhole connections. Still pending logistics/permit confirmation.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

March 7, 2023

Construction Notice

The following notice was mailed the week of March 7, 2023, to owners of properties adjacent to the Anchor House project site. Property owners were encouraged to share this notice with their tenants, if applicable, so that they may also be informed.

The notice informed neighbors that the City of Berkeley has The City of Berkeley has extended the issued permit authorizing overnight work through July 1, 2023, in order to make up for weather delays due to the extensive rainstorms.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

February 22, 2023

Progress underway on the construction of Anchor House and the Gateway

One year after the project's groundbreaking, the structural frame of Anchor House is rising higher by the day. In mid-February 2023, concrete pours and rebar installation are currently underway for the seventh floor. The Anchor House structure is expected to reach its final height of 14 stories and top-off later this summer. [continue reading]

February 13, 2023

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from February 6, 2023, to March 15, 2023, will include:

Concrete Structure:

  • Level 7, Pour #2: Vertical columns and core wall pours on 2/6 - 2/8. All work and concrete truck delivery will work within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control is not needed.
  • Level 8, Pour #1: Deck pour on 2/9. All work and concrete truck delivery will work within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control is not needed.
  • Level 8, Pour #2: Proshore shoring install 2/8 - 2/13
  • Level 8, Pour #2: Deck pour 2/16. All work and concrete truck delivery will work within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control is not needed.
  • Level 9, Pour #1: Proshore shoring install 2/14 - 2/21
  • Level 9, Pour #1: Deck pour on 2/27. Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will work within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control is not needed.
  • Level 9, Pour #2: Proshore shoring install 2/23 - 2/28
  • Level 9, Pour #2: Deck pour on 3/6. Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will work within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control is not needed.
  • Level 10, Pour #1: Proshore shoring install 3/1 - 3/6

Building Equipment:

  • Manlift jump level 6 to level 8 on 2/26. Hoisting of manlift equipment to be done on Walnut Street within the approved site logistics plan. No additional traffic control or street closures are needed.

Interior Rough-in/Drywall Framing:

  • Levels B2, B1, L1, and L2: Interior MEPS rough-in, framing, and MEPS vertical/horizontal distribution are ongoing.

Offsite Utility Work:

  • No work is scheduled to start within the next three weeks for the sanitary lateral and manhole connections. Logistics and permit confirmation are pending.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

January 9, 2023

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from January 9, 2023, to January 27, 2023, will include:

Concrete Structure :

  • Level 7: Pour #2, rebar top installation 1/27-1/30
  • Level 7: Pour #2, proshore shoring installation 1/20-1/24
  • Level 7: Pour #1, concrete deck pour 1/25 (Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will work all within of the approved Site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.)
  • Level 7: Pour #1, proshore installation 1/13-1/19
  • Level 6: Pour #2, concrete deck pour 1/17 (Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will work all within of the approved Site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.)
  • Level 6: Pour #1, concrete deck pour 1/11 (Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will work all within of the approved Site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.)
  • Level 5: Pour #2 , strip deck/reshore in progress complete by EOW

Interior Rough-in /Drywall Framing :

  • Level B2: Area #1, MEPS rough-in 1/6-1/12
  • Level B2: Area #2, fire risers and distribution 1/9-1/13
  • Level B2: Area #2, frame walls and corridors 1/17-1/23
  • Level B2: Area #2, HVAC distribution 1/24-1/30

Offsite Utility Work :

  • No work currently scheduled

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

December 21, 2022

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from December 21, 2022, to January 6, 2023, will include:

Concrete Structure:

  • Level 7: Pour #1, proshore install start on 1/4 and completes on 1/6.
  • Level 6: Pour #2, deck pour on 1/6. Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will be within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 6: Pour #2, proshore install completes 12/29.
  • Level 6: Pour #1, proshoring installation in progress and scheduled to be complete Friday 12/20.
  • Level 5: Pour #2, deck pour 12/21. Note that all work and concrete truck delivery will be within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 5: Pour #2, corewall reinforcement install for west/north corewalls tracking to complete 12/21.
  • Level 5: Pour #2, west/north corewall pours 12/23 and 12/27.
  • Level 5: Pour #1, strip/reshore in progress and tracking to complete 12/20.

Interior Rough-in /Drywall Framing :

  • Level B2: HVAC distribution install 12/21-12/28
  • Level B2: Frame ceilings/top down/pre-rock 12/29-1/6
  • Level B2: Fire risers and distribution 12/7-12/13
  • Level B1: Area #1, shoring removal completes on 12/23
  • Level B1: Area #1, layout/top track 12/27-1/10

Offsite Utility Work :

  • No work currently scheduled.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

December 14, 2022

Construction Notice

The following notice was mailed the week of December 14, 2022, to owners of properties adjacent to the Anchor House project site. Property owners were encouraged to share this notice with their tenants, if applicable, so that they may also be informed.

The notice informed neighbors that the City of Berkeley has approved the overnight installation of structural precast concrete panels on the north, south, east, and west exteriors on levels 4 through 14 of the UC Berkeley student housing project at 1950 Oxford Street (Anchor House). The City of Berkeley, after review by the City Department of Public Works, has issued a permit authorizing overnight work starting January 3, 2023, through May 31, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Overnight work will not take place on January 16 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), February 20 (Presidents’ Day), and May 29 (Memorial Day).

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

November 14, 2022

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from November 14, 2022,  to December 5, 2022, will include:

  • Level 3: Hoisting of air handler units from street level to level 3 on Friday 11/18. Work is within the site logistics plan. Additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 4: Pour #1, Proshoring installation in progress and scheduled to be complete Friday 11/18.
  • Level 4: Pour# 2, Proshoring installation 11/21-11/30.
  • Level 4: Pour # 1, deck pour is scheduled for Tuesday 11/29. Note that all work and concrete truck deliveries will be within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 4: Pour #2, deck pour is scheduled for Wednesday 12/7. Note that all work and concrete truck deliveries will be within the approved site logistics permit. Additional traffic control will not be needed.
  • Level 4: Pour #1, Corewall hoisting/installation of formwork panels.
  • Level 4: Pour #1, Corewall pour on Thursday 12/1.
  • Level 5: Pour #1, Proshoring installation 12/5-12/9.
  • Levels B1 and B2: Interior rough-in and drywall framing work.
  • University Ave. existing sanitary sewer main demo and cut/cap of sewer laterals from 11/21-11/28. Work is outside of the approved site logistics plan. A traffic control plan with an encroachment permit has been issued to proceed with this work.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

September 23, 2022

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from September 23 to October 16, 2022, will include:

  • Level 2: Suspended deck hoisting and installation of core form panels for the north, sounds, east, and west cores
  • Level 2: Core pours Sept. 23, Sept. 26, and Sept. 29
  • Level 1: Excavation around the perimeter of the site for cantilever L1 slabs, demolition of DSM walls, and removal of temporary shoring beams to below grade - work begins Sept. 30
  • Level 2: Proshore installation for deck pours #1 - #3
  • Level 2: Deck pour #1 on Oct. 6 - concrete delivery will be within the approved site logistics plan
  • Level 2: Deck pour #2 on Oct. 13 - concrete delivery will be within the approved site logistics plan
  • Pour for manlift pad on Oct. 13
  • Manlift car installation on Oct. 16
  • Level 2: Deck pour #3 on Oct. 20 - concrete delivery will be within the approved site logistics plan
  • Basement 2, Area 1/Area 2: Plumbing and electrical work

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

August 28, 2022

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from August 28, 2022 to September 16, 2022, will include:

  • Level 1, Pour #1: Rebar top installation, Aug. 29 - Aug. 30.
  • Level 1, Pour #1: Deck pour, Sept. 2, all work to be within the approved site logistics plan without the need for additional traffic control; Night noise approval.
  • Level 1, Pour #2: Deck shoring installation, Aug. 29.
  • Level 1, Pour #2: Deck rebar install, Aug. 30 - Sept. 8.
  • Level 1, Pour #2: Deck pour, Sept. 9, all work to be within the approved site logistics plan without the need for additional traffic control; Night noise approval.
  • Level 1, Pour #3: Deck shoring installation, Aug. 30 - Sept. 6.
  • Level 1, Pour #3: Deck rebar installation, Sept.7 - Sept. 12
  • Level 1, Pour #3: Deck Pour, Sept. 14, all work to be within the approved site logistics plan without the need for additional traffic control; Night noise approval.
  • Start of dewatering wells system decommissioning, Sept. 15 - Sept. 16.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

August 8, 2022

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from August 8, 2022 to August 26, 2022, will include:

  • Level 1: Suspended Deck Hoisting/Installation Core Form Panels for Cores 2, 3, 4
  • Level 1: Suspended Deck Proshore Shoring installation, August 13 - 23
  • Level 1: Columns Form Hoisting/Installation
  • Level 1: Rebar Truck Deliveries to be taken within the approved site logistics plan
  • Basement 1: Stair Delivery/Hoisting to take place on August 16 with work within the approved site logistics plan
  • Level 1: Perimeter Shotcrete wall #1 placement to be Shot on August 11 and Perimeter Shotcrete Wall#2 to be shot on August 15

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

July 18, 2022

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from July 18, 2022 to August 5, 2022, will include:

  • Basement 2: hoisting/installation of cores form panels for cores 2, 3, and 4
  • Basement 2: column reinforcement installation
  • Basement 2: column form hoisting/installation
  • Basement 2: core #2 pour July 18 . Work within site logistics plan without the need for taking additional lanes and needed traffic control permit .
  • Basement 2: core #3 pour July 21. Work within site logistics plan without the need for taking additional lanes and needed traffic control permit .
  • Basement: shotcrete wall #3, mat #1, north elevation wall shoot July 21
  • Basement: shotcrete wall #4, mat #1, west elevation wall shoot July 22
  • Basement 2: core #4, lead side/double-up form installation July 21 - July 26
  • Basement 2: core #4, pour July 27 Work within site logistics plan without the need for taking additional lanes and needed traffic control permit.
  • Basement 1: pro-shore decking installation from north elevation July 20 - July 29
  • Basement 1: bottom reinforcement/top reinforcement install August 1 - August 5

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

June 17, 2022

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from June 17, 2022 to July 8, 2022, will include:

  • Water proofing of slab for MAT pour at south end of site.
  • Tower crane installation June 18 - June 19. Walnut Street to have full closure during the installation. All permits and traffic control have been approved, and the contractor has reached out to the neighboring properties and the fire department to provide notice of the planned activity.
  • MAT rebar installation on June 29, and on July 6.
  • Concrete pour July 2 - July 3. A night noise permit will be in place for these dates, along with traffic control permit specific for the work in place starting at 1 AM on July 2. Anticipation of completion at 3 PM on July 3. Permit #P2021-00209.
  • During the concrete pour July 2 - July 3, Walnut Street will have full closure, and Berkeley Way will have full closure. Oxford Street will have one southbound lane closed. University Avenue will not be impacted. All of the neighboring properties and the fire department have been provide advanced notice of the planned activity, dates, and street/lane closures.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

May 24, 2022

Construction Update

Anchor House construction activity from May 23, 2022 to June 6, 2022, will include:

  • Water proofing of the elevator pits, sewage ejector, and tower crane footings. This activity is not anticipated to effect traffic on all streets surrounding the project site.
  • Wednesday, May 25, mobile crane for hoisting in rebar materials on Walnut St. Work will take place within the site logistics plan.
  • Walnut St. will be fully enclosed on Friday, June 3, during the day, for concrete trucks, pumping and pouring of the base working slab. Concrete deliveries will take place between 7 AM - 3:30 PM that day.
  • Monday, June 6, mobile crane to set the tower crane base.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

May 2, 2022

Construction Update

Anchor House construction work from May 2, 2022 to May 27, 2022, will be devoted to completing mass excavation.

  • Mass excavation soil off haul due to complete by Monday 5/16.
  • Excavation of pits for tower crane, elevator cores, and sewage ejector due to start Tuesday 5/17 and complete Saturday 5/21.
  • Excavation bottom working slab placement on Monday 5/23. Concrete delivery trucks between 7 AM – 3 PM.
  • Fine Grading 5/23-5/27.

Project questions: 510-495-5786 or capitalstrategies@berkeley.edu

February 1, 2022

UC Berkeley breaks ground on Helen Diller Anchor House

Construction has begun on a 772-bed, apartment-style housing project for UC Berkeley transfer students that is being designed, built and funded by the Helen Diller Foundation. The 500,000 square-foot building, named Helen Diller Anchor House, will be gifted to Berkeley upon its completion and is anticipated to be open in time for the 2024-2025 academic year. Rent for each housing unit will be below market rate, and the building will require no public funds to construct or operate. [continue reading]

November 5, 2021

Notice of Construction.

The following construction notice was mailed to neighbors of the project site and adjacent property owners. [continue reading]

July 22, 2021

Filing of Notice of Determination.

This Notice of Determination is to advise that the University of California (Lead Agency) has approved the above-described project on July 22, 2021, and has made the following determinations: [continue reading]

June 17, 2021

Downtown Berkeley Association Gives Full Support of Anchor House.

I am writing on behalf of the Downtown Berkeley Association regarding our full support of the Anchor House project, bounded by Oxford and Walnut, and University and Berkeley Way in Downtown Berkeley.

This project will significantly contribute to the ongoing revitalization and cultural vitality of Downtown Berkeley by providing housing for 772 students and approximately 15,000 square feet of ground level retail on key perimeter linking the Downtown and campus. Specifically, the project provides the following: [continue reading]

June 15, 2021

San Francisco Housing Action Committee Endorses Anchor House.

The Housing Action Coalition is pleased to endorse Anchor House, an exemplary mixed-use project in Berkeley. After a detailed presentation, the committee determined the project exceeds our high standards in addressing our region's affordability and displacement crisis.

The committee commends the project's excellent land use, as it will develop an underused site into a 14- story building with 244 furnished apartments and 772 single rooms. UC Berkeley provides the lowest amount of student housing among all UC campuses, thus worsening the city's already-severe housing shortage. Anchor House would provide nearly nine percent of the campus housing goals for the next 10 years without requiring any public funds. Additionally, all net operational revenue will fund 100 annual scholarships, including for first-generation college students and students from underrepresented communities. [continue reading]

June 7, 2021

Anchor House Cultivates Opportunity, Connection, and Healthy Foods.

UC Berkeley’s first donor-funded housing since 1942, Anchor House will be much more than a dormitory when it opens in 2024. By prioritizing housing for transfer students, generating revenue for scholarships, and providing unique opportunities for developing life skills — including a healthy relationship to food — Anchor House makes an important contribution to cultivating a more inclusive and vibrant campus culture.

The facility’s amenities include a teaching kitchen and a 1,000-square-foot rooftop garden that will serve the Berkeley Food Institute (BFI) and the Rausser College of Natural Resources (RCNR) as well the nearly 800 students who will live there. 

“The new teaching kitchen space within the Anchor House will fill a critical need on campus,” says Nina F. Ichikawa ’00, the BFI’s executive director who was herself a transfer student. “We look forward to inviting local chefs and food producers to share their wisdom with us, while breaking bread together.” [continue reading]

June 4, 2021

Berkeley Chamber of Commerce Expresses Support for Anchor House.

I am writing on behalf of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce to express support for the Anchor House student housing project at the corner of University Avenue and Oxford Street in Berkeley, just one block from the UC Berkeley campus. The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce is Berkeley's premier organization for Berkeley businesses and supports the economy of Berkeley by providing education, advocacy, and connection to its member businesses.

This project will result in many benefits. In the first place, Anchor House will prioritize housing for transfer students, who face greater challenges (compared to their first-year counterparts) in finding accessible and affordable housing near campus and successfully transitioning into the campus community. A higher percentage of transfer students come from disadvantaged backgrounds as compared to incoming freshman students. In addition, the Anchor House project will also address vital needs of commuter students by providing the campus's first dedicated commuter lounge with lockers and restrooms, as well as access to the indoor/outdoor fitness facilities. [continue reading]

February 22, 2021

An update from Chancellor Christ on two UC Berkeley student housing projects.

Four years ago, a campus task force documented the extent of our student housing crisis, and set the stage for an urgent initiative to address it. UC Berkeley houses fewer undergraduate and graduate students than any of the other UC campuses. Due to the high cost and low supply of housing close to campus, we estimate that 40% of our students are not able to live in Berkeley, undermining your ability to thrive, succeed and fully partake in all that the university has to offer… [continue reading on BerkeleyNews]