Gilbane Development Company has officially begun construction on Pique, an innovative student housing development located at 2587 Telegraph Ave in Berkeley, CA, just four blocks from the University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley). Designed to address the student housing shortage with cutting-edge amenities and thoughtful design, the project will transform the former Buffalo Exchange store into an eight-story, 52-unit residential building with 485 beds. Scheduled for completion in summer 2026, Pique will also feature 2,900 square feet of ground-floor retail space, further enriching the vibrant Telegraph Downtown Corridor.
A New Standard in Student Housing
Pique aims to deliver affordable Class A Premium Student Housing (PBSH) with a focus on efficiency, privacy, and functionality. Each of its units is designed with 100% balconies, bedroom/bathroom parity, bed/vanity parity, and split bathrooms, ensuring a balance of luxury and practicality while promoting mental well-being.
“Our goal is to innovate and cater to the specific needs of Berkeley students at an affordable price point,” said Christian Cerria, Development Director at Gilbane Development Company. “Pique is the first project in our portfolio to fully embody this design philosophy.”
Amenities Tailored to Student Lifestyles
Pique’s extensive amenities are carefully designed to meet the lifestyle needs of students, offering:
- Indoor/outdoor yoga and fitness center
- Outdoor study areas and a cabana lounge
- Two rooftop decks:
- West-facing with stunning Bay Area views for social gatherings
- East-facing for tranquil, contemplative spaces
- Ground-floor coworking lounge
- Smart food lockers
- Private study pods on each floor
- Comprehensive bike/scooter storage and charging stations
Inside the units, students will find stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry, stone countertops, and flat-screen TVs. Larger units (5- and 6-bedroom) feature dual washer/dryer sets and double pantries. Additional touches like key fob access, vinyl plank flooring, and doorbells enhance the modern and secure living experience.
Fostering a Sense of Community
Pique places a strong emphasis on building connections among residents. A Community Terrace on Level 3 is designed for relaxation and social engagement, promoting a sense of belonging within the student community.
“The groundbreaking of Pique is a significant milestone,” said Katy Moore, Director of Leasing at Gilbane Development Company. “This project not only addresses Berkeley’s critical student housing shortage but also enhances the vibrancy of the community while fostering well-being and interconnectedness.”
Addressing UC Berkeley’s Housing Shortage
UC Berkeley, recognized as the #1 public university in the US by Forbes, faces a pressing shortage of on-campus housing. Pique aims to alleviate this challenge by providing a dynamic community that supports students academically and socially. Leasing for Pique is set to begin in fall 2025, ahead of its anticipated opening in summer 2026.
For more details or to join the VIP list, visit piqueberkeley.com.
About Gilbane Development Company
Gilbane Development Company is the real estate development, financing, and ownership arm of Gilbane, Inc., a 154-year-old family-owned company. With over $8.5 billion in development and more than 25,000 housing units completed or underway, Gilbane Development specializes in multifamily housing, student housing, mixed-use developments, and public-private partnerships. Learn more at www.gilbaneco.com/development.
