Related California and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) have broken ground on the first phase of a transit-oriented development at the El Cerrito BART Station. The first phase will yield 70 affordable apartments in a project that ultimately will see 743 units built on 6.5 acres of underutilized BART parking lots.

Along with new homes, the broader master plan includes a 22,000-square-foot public plaza spanning from Liberty Street to the BART station, 20,000 square feet for a potential public library, up to 2,100 square feet of commercial space, secure bike parking, a new bus zone and 145 parking spaces for BART riders in a new garage. Funding related to the TOD will also improve the surrounding area’s bike lanes and street parking management. 

“The El Cerrito Plaza development represents an incredible opportunity to leverage BART-owned land to connect residents to jobs and amenities, promote increased BART ridership, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Ann Silverberg, president and CEO of Related California Affordable. “This first phase moves us closer to a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood that will serve El Cerrito for generations.” 

Don’t Miss It! Join us on Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026, at the Connect Midwest Multifamily Trends Conference as JDL Founder, Jim Leitchinger, is honored with the Changing Skyline Award followed by an exclusive Keynote Interview. This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand insights from one of the region’s most influential visionaries in multifamily development.