Construction is commencing this month for Berkeley Station, an innovative affordable housing project by the Community Corporation of Santa Monica, located on Berkeley Street. This development at 1342 Berkeley Street in Santa Monica is set to provide much-needed housing solutions in the area.
Berkeley Station, aptly named for its Berkeley Street address, will be a four-story building featuring 13 one-bedroom apartments. Notably, the development will not include on-site parking, aligning with urban planning trends that prioritize walkability and reduced car dependency in dense city areas like Santa Monica. Five of these apartments are specifically designated for transition-aged youth (18-24 years old) earning up to 50 percent of the area median income. The remaining eight units will cater to families earning up to 30 percent of the area median income, ensuring housing accessibility for a range of vulnerable populations.
Brooks + Scarpa, a renowned architecture firm, is the design force behind Berkeley Station. The project utilizes their NEST Toolkit, employing a kit-of-parts approach to construction. This 11,000-square-foot building will be constructed using prefabricated modular units, clad in durable and aesthetically pleasing cement panels. The modular design not only promises efficiency in construction but also allows for creative spatial arrangements, including outdoor spaces for residents on the upper levels. Furthermore, the design incorporates a community garden at street level, fostering a sense of community and providing green space for residents.
The City of Santa Monica has demonstrated its commitment to affordable housing by previously approving approximately $10 million in funding for this project. This financial support underscores the city’s proactive approach to addressing the housing crisis.
“Berkeley Station is an exciting and innovative project,” stated Tara Barauskas, executive director of Community Corporation, in a news release. She highlighted the project’s unique aspects, noting, “and represents two firsts for us – our first development specifically for vulnerable youth, as well as our first modular development built in a factory.” Barauskas emphasized the significance of Berkeley Station as “a great example of the type of housing that needs to be built to help alleviate Santa Monica’s affordable housing crisis.”
Community Corp. and Brooks Scarpa have a history of successful collaborations, including Brunson Terrace apartments, a larger 48-unit affordable housing development in Santa Monica’s Pico neighborhood. Berkeley Station on Berkeley Street represents another important step in their ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing options in Santa Monica.
This development on Berkeley Street is poised to make a significant impact by providing stable, affordable housing for transition-aged youth and low-income families in Santa Monica, utilizing innovative modular construction and thoughtful design to create a thriving community space.
