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small medical office in Berkeley is set to be replaced by a 63-unit apartment complex, according to plans filed by Studio KDA Architects. The seven-story building at 2372 Ellsworth Street will feature studio, two-, three- and four-bedroom units, totaling 50,000 square feet. A gray and white exterior with mustard accents and balconies on either side is envisioned.

    The project's location in the newly rezoned East Bay city area has drawn developers seeking to meet a housing shortage for students and faculty. Zone changes in November allowed buildings up to 12 stories, prompting plans for several high-rise developments. One such proposal, a 20-story tower at 2425 Durant Avenue, would destroy three historic Victorian homes.

    The new state density bonus law, AB 1287, has enabled developers to exceed local zoning codes and build taller structures in Berkeley. The city's South Side neighborhood has seen significant changes, with the City Council increasing building height and easing open space requirements last year. This move nearly doubled development potential, allowing for an additional 2,652 homes.