Post by David Baker Architects

We're honored that the North Berkeley BART Transit-Oriented Development Plan has received a 2026 Urban Design Merit Award from AIA California. The jury recognized the plan's human-centered design, thoughtful integration with the surrounding neighborhood, and extensive community engagement process. They specifically highlighted the project's ability to transform an underutilized transit site into a vibrant, connected place that welcomes both BART riders and the broader Berkeley community. The plan reimagines nearly eight acres of surface parking as a mixed-use, transit-oriented neighborhood with 739 new homes, including 50% affordable housing, more than 50,000 square feet of public open space, neighborhood-serving retail, a childcare center, and new connections to the Ohlone Greenway. At its core, the project demonstrates how transit-oriented development can do more than create housing. It can strengthen neighborhoods, improve connectivity, expand access to opportunity, and create a stronger sense of place. We're grateful to our partners East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC), Insight Housing, AvalonBay Communities, EinwillerKuehl Landscape Architecture, Yes Community Architects, and the many community members whose input helped shape this vision. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this award-winning plan to life. BART City of Berkeley #AIACalifornia #UrbanDesign #TransitOrientedDevelopment #AffordableHousing #CommunityEngagement #UrbanPlanning #Architecture #HousingForAll #BerkeleyCA #DavidBakerArchitects