This time last year it was a demolition site. Today, the new five-story Helios building in downtown Berkeley stands tall — and vibrant — at 2151 Berkeley Way at Shattuck, not yet complete, but well on the way.
The Helios Energy Research Facility, a UC Berkeley-Berkeley Lab initiative supported with funding from BP, will house Energy Biosciences Institute researchers whose focus is alternative energy. The building took the place of Department of Health Services offices that had stood vacant since 2006.
The bright green color on the walls currently on display is temporary and due to exterior water proofing. Work began last week to install electrical and data lines across Hearst Avenue. Tomorrow should see concrete pours in the basement and on the roof, and the exterior ‘skin’ of the building will soon include window and glass installation.
Construction updates on the building are available on the Helios Energy Research Facility website.
