PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SOUTH BERKELEY SENIOR CENTER

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
Specification No. 26-11770- C
PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SOUTH BERKELEY SENIOR CENTER 
PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE OPENED AND READ PUBLICLY

RFQ Opens:                February 20, 2026
RFQ Questions Due:            March 13, 2026 (at 5:00pm PT)
RFQ Responses Posted:         March 20, 2026
RFQ Closes:                April 27, 2026 (at 5:00pm PT)

Applications Accepted Through Submittable: https://cityofberkeleyoed.submittable.com/submit

Proposals will not be accepted after the date and time stated above. Incomplete proposal or proposals that do not conform to the requirements specified herein will not be considered. Issuance of the RFQ does not obligate the City to award a contract, nor is the City liable for any costs incurred by the proposer in the preparation and submittal of proposals for the subject work. The act of submitting a proposal is a declaration that the proposer has read the RFQ and understands all the requirements and conditions.

I.    PROJECT SUMMARY

SOUTH BERKELEY SENIOR CENTER
The Judge Henry Ramsey Jr. South Berkeley Senior Center, located at 2939 Ellis Street, has been a vital community hub since opening in 1979 as Berkeley’s first senior center. Established through the leadership of Judge Henry Ramsey Jr. - a lawyer, educator, veteran, civil rights leader, and City Councilmember - the center reflects his vision of creating spaces where older adults could connect, engage, and access essential services. Situated in South Berkeley, a neighborhood long recognized for its African American cultural heritage and civic activism, the center continues to uphold Judge Ramsey’s legacy of equity, inclusion, and community service.

Today, the South Berkeley Senior Center remains a vital hub for social, recreational, and supportive programs that foster wellbeing and connection among older adults. Services include daily congregate lunches, exercise and arts classes, cultural events, and educational workshops. The center’s social services staff also provide case management and referrals to help seniors access housing, health care, and transportation resources. Beyond senior-focused programs, the facility serves as an important community gathering space, hosting neighborhood meetings, nonprofit activities, and special events. Its multipurpose rooms, classrooms, and dining hall are used by a wide range of community groups, reinforcing the center’s welcoming, intergenerational character.

In 2023, the City of Berkeley selected Noll & Tam Architects to design the South Berkeley Senior Center Improvements Project. The renovation will provide seismic, electrical, and accessibility upgrades, and staff space reconfiguration. Expected to be completed in Spring 2028, the project will create a safer, more energy-efficient, and inclusive facility.

Click here for more information on the South Berkeley Senior Center.
Current images of the building are located on this RFQ under XI. IMAGES.