2161 Allston Way, Berkeley CA  

Allston Oak Court is one of the early 5-story residential buildings of the Downtown Berkeley building boom.  It contains 60 units and with its close proximity to UC Berkeley, it mostly houses students.  The project was situated in order to maintain a 100 year-old heritage coast live oak within a generous street front setback.  The project is also notable for creating the first thru-block passageway connecting Allston Way and Oxford Lane with the hope that it would be continued all the way through the next block to the University Art Museum.  The passageway also created a public space at mid block for art and public gatherings.  A large rooftop deck provides residents with quiet views of the downtown and of campus.