Downtown Berkeley station
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | January 29, 1973 |
| Headquarters | Berkeley, California , United States |
Area served | San Francisco Bay Area |
| Owner | Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) |
Downtown Berkeley station is a subterranean Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) facility located in the Downtown Berkeley district of Berkeley, California. It is served by both the Orange and Red lines.
Southern Pacific
The Central Pacific Railroad launched its Berkeley Branch Railroad line to the intersection of Shattuck and University Avenues on August 16, 1876.[1] Early on, prominent local figure Francis K. Shattuck contributed land and financial support for its construction.[2] Initially, Berkeley served as the terminus until 1878 when the line was extended northwest along Shattuck Avenue. In 1885, the Central Pacific was leased to the Southern Pacific Railroad (SP), which transferred operations to its subsidiary, the Northern Railway, in 1888.[1] The original Berkeley station was a modest wooden structure at Center Street and Shattuck, later replaced in the 1890s by a somewhat larger building.[2]
Electric commuter rail service operated by the Key System began on October 26, 1903, running from Berkeley to San Francisco ferry terminals and directly competing with SP’s steam-powered trains running parallel along Shattuck.[3] Around this period, University of California president Benjamin Ide Wheeler along with other faculty members petitioned SP president E. H. Harriman for an upgraded station that would harmonize with architect John Galen Howard’s designs for the nearby university campus.[2] The aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake expedited these improvements.[2]
Survey work commenced in June 1906, and by September SP announced intentions to electrify suburban routes to provide more frequent service rivaling that of the Key System.[2] The new station, constructed of red brick with buff terracotta detailing and a red tile roof, opened on April 9, 1908. Although officially attributed to SP architect Daniel J. Patterson, its refined design hints at possible influence from Howard.[2] Full electrification of SP lines was completed by 1911.[3]
BART
In December 1965, the BART Board chose "Berkeley" as the station’s official name. The facility commenced operations on January 29, 1973, as part of an extension connecting to . The architectural design was undertaken by Maher & Martens from San Francisco in partnership with Parsons Brinckerhoff, Tudor Construction, and Bechtel.
To avoid confusion with North Berkeley station, it was renamed "Downtown Berkeley" in 1995.
Removal of rotunda
A renovation initiative started on August 29, 2016, culminating in a revamped plaza that opened on October 19, 2018. This $11.2 million upgrade was primarily financed by BART with additional funding from the City of Berkeley, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and Alameda County. Enhancements included new lighting installations, improved landscaping, upgraded drainage systems, repaved surfaces, and modern bus shelters. The original rotunda entrance was replaced by a glass pavilion resembling those found at stations in Downtown Oakland. Plans are ongoing for further interior modernization of the station.
Due to decreased ridership amid the COVID-19 pandemic, southern entrances were closed from April 13, 2020, until June 12, 2021. After security-related closures following September 11, the station restroom reopened on June 30, 2023; it underwent renovation and now features an attendant during operating hours.
Station layout
The Downtown Berkeley station is designed with two levels, a common configuration for subterranean BART stations: a mezzanine level containing faregates and an island platform that serves two tracks. There are five entrances at street level along Shattuck Avenue—two positioned at Addison Street, two at Allston Way, and one located at the intersection of Shattuck and Center Street. The Shattuck and Center entrance is distinguished by a unique 24-sided rotunda that features artwork inspired by the UC Botanical Garden.
External links
- Bay Area Rapid Transit stations in Alameda County, California
- Stations on the Orange Line (BART)
- Stations on the Red Line (BART)
- Buildings and structures in Berkeley, California
- Railway stations in the United States opened in 1973
- Railway stations located underground in California
- Transportation in Berkeley, California