New Mixed-Use Project to Energize Revitalization of Downtown Emeryville

The recent completion of an exciting, transit-oriented mixed-use project is the latest step in Emeryville's ongoing efforts in revitalizing its downtown area. Called Avenue 64, the development was designed by MVE & Partners for BRE Properties and covers more than three acres in a former industrial district of the city. It consists of 341k sf of new space, including 224 rental housing units and 3.9k sf of retail space, which includes a 3.2k sf space for a leasing office.

Creating a sense of place and community has become a hallmark of MVE & Partners' urban projects and one that is embraced by BRE Properties. Avenue 64 is no exception. The new urban village comprises four buildings laced together by walkways, gallery spaces and common areas. The courtyard configuration shields residents from nearby freeway noise, while creating space for community amenities expected in an upscale development - lush landscaping, swimming pool, audiovisual lounge, health club, as well as business center and conference room for telecommuting and home-based businesses. The three- and four-story-high structures are classified as "podium buildings," which are defined by multiple stories of useable space rising above subterranean or on-grade parking.

As a true mixed-use project, Avenue 64 offers ground-floor retail space fronting Christie Ave to establish a pedestrian presence and connection to nearby developments. "This project brings color, architecture and a sense of community to a part of Emeryville that needed it," said Ernesto Vasquez, AIA, partner at MVE & Partners. "Importantly, the new project embraces the surrounding neighborhoods, and is integrative, and thus gains from, and adds to, the neighborhood."

In addition to Vasquez, the MVE & Partners design team included Chek Tang, AIA, Principal; John Kosi, Associate Partner and design lead; and Radziah Loh, Associate and project architect. Project affiliates were Sundt Construction (contractor), The Guzzardo Partnership (landscape architects) and L.S. Mason (structural engineers).