Civic Center Vision Plan

Phase III of the Civic Center Vision and Implementation Plan proposes to modernize and stabilize historic structures in the Civic Center, including the Maudelle Shirek Building (Old City Hall), and the Veterans Memorial Building. Modernizing the buildings allows for the return of these buildings to community use. Specifically, upgrades for Maudelle Shirek Building will support the return of civic functions to the building through accessible council chambers, meeting rooms and community-serving spaces. Upgrades for the Veterans Memorial Building will support the creation of visual and performing arts spaces for Berkeley's cultural and artistic groups. 

These projects are a part of a the larger Civic Center Vision & Implementation Plan (Phase I, funded by the T1 bond, adopted by council in 2020), and Design Concept (Phase II, funded and adopted by Council in 2023), that is based on extensive outreach to commissions, the community, and non-profit partners between the years of 2019-2023 via open houses, stakeholder interviews, meetings, tours, and surveys. 

The preferred design concept proposed for Civic Center has three components:

1. The Maudelle Shirek Building, it would return to being the seat of the city's democracy - with flexible hearing, meeting rooms, and chambers for government and community use, and accommodate vision-aligned non-profits whose missions provide community services and support community resilience.
2. The Veterans Memorial Building is envisioned as a Community Arts Center, run by the City, with performance venues, teaching and exhibit space, accessible by all in the community.
3. Civic Center Park and Surrounding Streets would be a safe nature-based urban oasis for all of Berkeley. The park design will support community use throughout the day, evening and weekend for strolling, relaxing, having lunch, visiting, and attending an impromptu gathering or organized event.

Civic Center Vision Statement (adopted by Berkeley’s City Council September 2020):

Civic Center will be the heart of Berkeley’s community. Civic Center will be the prime space for civic life, culture, and the arts. It will reflect the city’s diverse identities, celebrate its history, and contribute to shaping its future. A place of shared resources and a platform for free expression accessible to all, Civic Center aims to manifest the city’s values, advance social justice, and demonstrate the power of true public space.

We continue to welcome input from people regarding the future of Berkeley’s Civic Center. Email civiccenter@berkeleyca.gov to receive project updates and learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved.