Demolition of Old PGE Substation Makes Way for Townhouses
Following final City approval years ago, residents watched the PG&E building deteriorate while awaiting the new townhouse project.
Soon there will be a group of townhouses below the Oakland Avenue bridge. In preparation for construction of the Piedmont Station townhouse complex, the 5,688-square-foot concrete former PG&E substation is being demolished. The triangular .4 acre site abuts the Oakland Avenue bridge over Linda Avenue.
The seven townhouses designed by Jarvis Architects consist of four units fronting on Linda Avenue, one at the corner of Linda Avenue and the Oakland Avenue bridge, and two facing the bridge. Three of the units have views of the bridge support structure and roadbed. The four-story (including basement level two-car garage) attached dwellings have four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. One gated and roofed driveway from Linda Avenue will provide access to the seven garages plus one guest parking space for the project. By providing two covered parking spaces for each unit, LSA indicates the parking requirement in the City Code has been satisfied. (See also “Traffic Analysis: Piedmont Station Townhomes” prepared for the City of Piedmont by DKS Associates of Oakland.)
Jarvis Architects designed the units with cross ventilation in deference to green building goals in California. However, the Piedmont Planning Commission required the addition of air conditioning in all the units.
Read earlier PCA article about the project and the 2010 CEQA study.
Given how much Piedmont needs affordable housing, will these large townhouses (4 bedroom, 3.5 baths) be in the price of affordable housing?
No. The Planning Department made no recommendation that this be a requirement for the project. Market rate.