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5 Shocking Facts About The Upper Hearst Parking Structure And Its Imminent Demolition

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The Upper Hearst Parking Structure, officially known as Parking Structure H on the University of California, Berkeley campus, is currently at the center of a massive, transformative development project. As of December 2025, this iconic, decades-old structure is slated for demolition, marking the end of its era as a major parking hub and the beginning of a significant expansion for the university. This concrete giant, a familiar sight to students, faculty, and visitors near the eastern edge of the campus, is not just losing its parking spaces; it is being replaced by new academic facilities and much-needed student housing, fundamentally reshaping the Northside landscape.

The impending closure and replacement of the structure is a direct result of the UC Berkeley 2020 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP), which prioritizes academic growth and housing density over surface-level parking. The project, officially titled the Upper Hearst Development, will bring a new face to the intersection of Hearst Avenue and La Loma Avenue, addressing critical space needs for one of the world's leading public universities.

The Upper Hearst Development Project: A New Era for UC Berkeley’s Northside

The decision to demolish the Upper Hearst Parking Structure (Structure H) is the linchpin of a major capital campaign designed to modernize the campus infrastructure and meet growing enrollment demands. The structure, originally built in the late 1960s or early 1970s, is set to be replaced by a combined facility that will serve two primary, high-priority campus needs: academic expansion and University housing.

Academic Expansion: The Goldman School of Public Policy

A significant portion of the new development is dedicated to the expansion of the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP). The GSPP, a globally recognized institution for its work in public affairs, has long been constrained by its existing facilities. The new buildings will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, research spaces, and administrative offices, allowing the school to grow its programs and impact.

  • Key Entity: Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP)
  • Project Goal: Provide modern facilities to support the school's growing academic mission.
  • Location: Adjacent to the GSPP’s current buildings on the Northside of campus.

Addressing the Housing Crisis with New University Housing

The second critical component of the Upper Hearst Development is the creation of new University housing. The severe housing shortage in Berkeley and the greater Bay Area has been a major challenge for the campus community. The replacement project will introduce residential units for various campus populations, helping to fulfill the goals of the LRDP to increase the number of students housed in University-owned facilities. This move aligns with other recent and ongoing housing projects, such as the Foothill Student Housing complex located nearby.

The Legacy of Structure H: Brutalism and Unexpected Recreation

Before its demolition, the Upper Hearst Parking Structure holds a unique place in UC Berkeley’s architectural and recreational history. It is a prime example of the Brutalist architecture style, characterized by its use of raw, unpainted concrete and massive, monolithic forms.

The structure’s aesthetic has been a point of discussion for decades, with its rounded façade elements sometimes noted as reminiscent of classical temple architecture, albeit through a stark, modern lens. Its sheer scale and concrete exterior make it a distinctive landmark on the campus periphery.

The Unofficial Sports Field on Top

Perhaps the most famous—or infamous—feature of the Upper Hearst Structure is the sports field situated directly on its roof. This multi-use recreational space has served as an informal athletic field for decades, providing a much-needed open space in the densely developed Northside area. The loss of this field is a significant concern for campus recreational groups, and the development plan includes provisions for replacement recreational space, though the exact nature and location are subject to planning.

The structure is also a key access point for major campus venues, including the Hearst Greek Theatre and Cal Performances events, making its logistical role indispensable for special events.

Navigating Parking: Current Logistics and Mitigation Plans

For those who currently rely on the facility, the impending closure of the Upper Hearst Parking Structure represents a major logistical shift. As one of the largest parking facilities on the Northside, its removal necessitates a clear strategy for replacement parking to mitigate the impact on faculty, staff, and visitors.

Current Parking Details (Structure H)

The structure, which operates under the UC Berkeley Parking and Transportation department, is designated as Structure H on campus maps. It primarily services those with specific campus permits, though visitors often utilize it for access to the northern and eastern parts of the campus, including the nearby Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Foothill North area.

While specific hourly rates for Structure H can fluctuate based on event schedules (such as those at the Greek Theatre), general daily rates for campus parking are a useful benchmark:

  • Visitor Central Campus Daily: Approximately $16.50
  • NW Daily Permit (Faculty/Staff): Approximately $10.50
  • Construction Daily Scratcher Hangtag: Approximately $20.00
  • Residence Hall Overnight Permits (RH): Available at other nearby structures like Ellsworth Structure and Clark Kerr Campus for approximately $1,914.00 per year.

Commuters should always check the official UC Berkeley Parking and Transportation website for the most current rates and availability, especially as the demolition date approaches and operational changes occur.

The Replacement Parking Strategy

To offset the loss of spaces from Structure H, UC Berkeley has developed a comprehensive mitigation plan. This plan includes the construction of new parking facilities elsewhere on the campus periphery. The most notable replacement project is the Bancroft Parking Structure Replacement.

The new Bancroft structure is a major undertaking, designed to provide over 600 parking spaces, including a significant number of stalls equipped for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging. This project, which began construction in May 2025, is a key component of the university's commitment to maintaining necessary parking capacity while advancing its sustainability goals.

The Upper Hearst Parking Structure is more than just a concrete parking facility; it is a symbol of a campus in transition. Its demolition is a calculated step toward a future where academic expansion and student housing take precedence, fundamentally altering the landscape and logistics of the Northside campus area. The Upper Hearst Development for the Goldman School of Public Policy and new University housing represents a significant investment in UC Berkeley’s future, balancing historical architecture with modern needs.

5 Shocking Facts About the Upper Hearst Parking Structure and Its Imminent Demolition
upper hearst parking structure
upper hearst parking structure

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