For decades, the University Avenue corridor has been well known as a problematic neighborhood, with drug dealers and crime galore. However, in the 1990s, Berkeley officials began to revitalize the area, building affordable housing and closing down the shady Berkeley Square.

According to city officials, the new school will be a major step in the revitalization process. A former liquor store, located next door to the school, will be replaced by Congregation Netivot Shalom's new synagogue. Nearby, developer Panoramic Interests and Jubilee Restoration are developing a 72-unit housing project with 10,000 sf of commercial space. In addition, the city and school will combine resources to build a biking and pedestrian trail behind the school.

The school bought the site for developer Catellus Corp. last year and will fund the new school project with the proceeds of a recent $1 million fund-raising campaign and the sale of school construction bonds, according to a school representative. The new 5,700-sf school is slated to open in February 2004.