We have received member inquiries about the current status of the Anna Head School redevelopment proposal released earlier this year. As a result, we would like to provide an overview of the project, its upcoming timeline, and our recent advocacy.
UC Berkeley announced last Spring that it was planning to demolish all of the Anna Head School buildings except those previously renovated. Notably this includes the most architecturally and historically significant structure: Channing Hall (pictured above). Channing Hall, completed in 1892, is considered the first brown-shingled building in Berkeley and provides a crucial stylistic link between the East Coast Shingle Style and the architecture of the First Bay Tradition. The building also has extensive historic significance because of its association with the pioneering Anna Head School and the Institute for the Study of Societal Issues. We have joined with the City of Berkeley Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Save Anna Head School Steering Committee to support the preservation of this structure as part of the planned residence hall.
UC Berkeley is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Report for the project (a “Subsequent” EIR or SEIR adding to the Long Range Development Plan EIR). Previously, the University invited the public to provide comment on the scope of the proposed report. The University held a public Zoom meeting on April 2, 2026. BAHA provided verbal comment. The recording of this meeting is available at this link. We followed up with a written comment on April 20, 2026, which is available here.
The University’s timeline, as outlined in the April 2 meeting is as follows:
- Late Summer 2026: release of the Draft SEIR
- Late Summer/Fall 2026: public comment period on the Draft SEIR
- End of 2026: release of the Final SEIR
- Early 2027: Final SEIR Certification
UC Berkeley has chosen to locate one of the tallest structures ever proposed in Berkeley on top of the National Register Anna Head Campus. Even given this proposed density, the University could still retain Channing Hall if it was relocated on the parcel. Our comment letter focused on the need to study this alternative project. We completed a detailed study of this alternative (see images below), demonstrating that this was possible even while retaining much of the University’s current schematic design. Demolishing Channing Hall should not be considered an “unavoidable impact” under CEQA. UC Berkeley can and should avoid demolition of this irreplaceable structure as part its housing project. Renovated as office, study, or recreational space associated with the residence hall, a renovated Channing Hall would be an asset well worth the cost of renovation.
BAHA will continue to push for the preservation of Channing Hall throughout the SEIR process. We welcome all to write, call, and meet with University officials to help make the case, and we will be following up about the Draft SEIR when it is published. Below are a few relevant contacts:
Chancellor Rich Lyons: [email protected], 510.642-7464
Vice Chancellor Marc Fisher: [email protected], 510.642.3100
University Architect Wendy Hillis: [email protected], 510.643.7384