First phase of Transit-Oriented Development underway at El Cerrito Plaza Station
On Thursday, March 5, leaders from BART, the State of California, the City of El Cerrito, and development partner Related California celebrated the groundbreaking of 70 affordable apartments at the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station, marking the official start of construction on the first phase of a transformative Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). This milestone is the first in a multi-phase effort that will ultimately transform approximately 6.5 acres of underutilized BART parking lots into 743 new apartments.
In addition to the 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.
Phase One – the Parcel A South building – will construct 70 homes for qualifying low-income individuals and families earning 30% to 60% of the Contra Costa County Area Median Income. Construction on Parcel A South began in November 2025 and is expected to take approximately two years. Future phases will follow as funding is secured, building toward a vibrant, walkable community centered on transit.
“This project exemplifies what we can accomplish when transit, housing, and community priorities align,” said BART Director Barnali Ghosh, whose District 3 includes El Cerrito Plaza Station. “By building high-quality, affordable homes right next to BART, we make it easier for families to thrive while reducing traffic, emissions, and long commutes, strengthening both our neighborhoods and our regional transportation system.”
“This groundbreaking reflects years of collaboration between the City of El Cerrito, BART, and our development partners,” said El Cerrito Mayor Gabe Quinto. “As a designated Pro-Housing City, El Cerrito is committed to expanding housing opportunities through projects like this that support sustainability, reduce car dependency, and create vibrant, walkable communities near transit, retail, and schools. This development advances the City’s goals by providing housing at a range of income levels while helping meet our region’s housing needs.
“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. “Alongside our partners, we share a clear vision to help more residents stay in the Bay Area by strengthening the connection between affordable housing and transit. This first phase moves us closer to a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood that will serve El Cerrito for generations.”
El Cerrito Plaza is one of several major TOD projects that BART is advancing across its system, designed to generate ridership and contribute to the agency’s long-term financial sustainability, strengthen local economies, and provide equitable access to opportunity.
BART’s TOD program delivers well-designed, mixed-use, higher-density housing and community amenities adjacent to BART stations. TODs help reduce household transportation costs and environmental impacts while boosting transit ridership and supporting regional housing goals.