4th Street Paseo

Berkeley, California | 2017
As the Senior Associate and Project Manager for JNRA, Daniela Peña Corvillon led the design and execution of this project.

Berkeley’s popular 4th Street shopping area has been enhanced with a new paseo connecting 4th and 5th Streets between University and Hearst Avenues. This vibrant pedestrian walkway features a mix of new and renovated storefronts, maker spaces, and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere.

​​The paseo’s design includes cobblestone paving, lush plantings, ample seating, and an outdoor movie wall, all sheltered by a distinctive corten steel arbor. The project also incorporated the renovation of the historic Spenger’s Seafood Restaurant and added a 105-car parking lot. Emphasizing sustainability, the design integrates green infrastructure elements such as permeable cobblestones, flow-through planters doubling as seat walls, and bioswales for stormwater treatment. 

​​This thoughtful blend of commercial, cultural, and environmental elements has created a dynamic new space that enhances the district’s appeal while prioritizing eco-friendly urban design.

Size
2.5 acres

Client
Abrams & Milliken
Jamestown L.P.

​Team
JNRA (Landscape Architect)
Abrams & Milliken (Concept Design)
Kahn Design Associates (Architect)
Hohbach-Lewin Inc. (Civil & Structural)

​Awards
2019 Award for Design Excellence, Berkeley Design Advocates
Best Mixed Use Project, PCBC

Landscape Architecture Drought tolerant garden Drought tolerant plants Ecological Public Space Rain Garden Pollinator Garden Eco Garden Berkeley LID Low Impact Design Cobble pavers Water Capture Ecological Design Placemaking
Landscape Architecture Drought tolerant garden Drought tolerant plants Ecological Public Space Rain Garden Pollinator Garden Eco Garden Berkeley LID Low Impact Design Cobble pavers Water Capture Ecological Design
Drought tolerant garden Drought tolerant plants Ecological Public Space Rain Garden Pollinator Garden Eco Garden Berkeley LID Low Impact Design Cobble pavers Water Capture Ecological Design
Landscape Architecture Drought tolerant garden Drought tolerant plants Ecological Public Space Rain Garden Pollinator Garden Eco Garden Berkeley LID Low Impact Design Cobble pavers Water Capture Ecological Design
Drought tolerant garden Drought tolerant plants Ecological Public Space Rain Garden Pollinator Garden Eco Garden Berkeley LID Low Impact Design Cobble pavers Water Capture Ecological Design
Landscape Architecture Drought tolerant garden Drought tolerant plants Ecological Public Space Rain Garden Pollinator Garden Eco Garden Berkeley LID Low Impact Design Cobble pavers Water Capture Ecological Design
Drought tolerant garden Drought tolerant plants Ecological Public Space Rain Garden Pollinator Garden Eco Garden Berkeley LID Low Impact Design Cobble pavers Water Capture Ecological Design

Berkeley’s popular 4th Street shopping area has been enhanced with a new paseo connecting 4th and 5th Streets between University and Hearst Avenues. This vibrant pedestrian walkway features a mix of new and renovated storefronts, maker spaces, and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere.

​​The paseo’s design includes cobblestone paving, lush plantings, ample seating, and an outdoor movie wall, all sheltered by a distinctive corten steel arbor. The project also incorporated the renovation of the historic Spenger’s Seafood Restaurant and added a 105-car parking lot. Emphasizing sustainability, the design integrates green infrastructure elements such as permeable cobblestones, flow-through planters doubling as seat walls, and bioswales for stormwater treatment. 

​​This thoughtful blend of commercial, cultural, and environmental elements has created a dynamic new space that enhances the district’s appeal while prioritizing eco-friendly urban design.

Urban Water Sponge

Drought tolerant garden Drought tolerant plants Ecological Public Space Rain Garden Pollinator Garden Eco Garden Berkeley LID Low Impact Design Cobble pavers Water Capture Ecological Design

 This site embodies the concept of an Urban Water Sponge, designed to capture and manage all rainwater on-site. Through a series of innovative green infrastructure elements, the design mimics nature’s ability to absorb and slowly release water. Key features include permeable cobblestones that allow water to seep through, flow-through planters that double as seat walls, and bioswales for natural stormwater treatment.

 These smart design choices slow down water flow, maximizing absorption and filtration. By acting like a sponge, the urban landscape not only mitigates flood risks but also promotes water conservation and enhances the local ecosystem, demonstrating how cities can adapt to changing climate patterns while creating functional and attractive public spaces.

Drought tolerant garden Drought tolerant plants Ecological Public Space Rain Garden Pollinator Garden Eco Garden Berkeley LID Low Impact Design Cobble pavers Water Capture Ecological Design

© All rights reserved WiLD LandArch