Ed Roberts Campus

Project Description

ECB acted as the Development Manager and real estate advisor for a collaboration of disability rights organizations that united to develop this 80,000 square-foot national center for independent living in Berkeley. The project includes offices and shared facilities such as conference rooms, reception, exhibit space and a fitness center specifically designed for people with wide-ranging disabilities. The project serves as a national model of universal design, environmental sustainability and non-profit collaboration.

For the Ed Roberts Campus (ERC), ECB managed an extensive community planning process, representing ERC in negotiations with the city of Berkeley, BART, the community and consultants. ECB managed the design and construction of the facility, coordinated the New Markets Tax Credit financing, and served as the initial property manager establishing leasing and operations. The $45 million building cost was financed by a combination of federal and state grants, program-related investment loans, foundation grants and commercial loans.

The $4.1 million tenant improvement cost was financed primarily with New Markets Tax Credits.

Awards

2010 Berkeley Design Advocates award —
one of six given every two years for projects in the City of Berkeley.

2011 Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence (National & Global).

2011 Excellence in Architecture Award from AIA San Francisco.