It was a sad day for Berkeley on March 17th when the University announced its final plans to demolish three landmarked buildings on the Anna Head School campus and to build a massive, 26-story tower that will house 2000 students. Despite six years’ effort by the Save Anna Head School Committee to work collaboratively with the University, and a consultant’s report demonstrating that it would be entirely feasible to build a large 850 student residence and save Channing Hall, the University has decided to construct a huge residence that will dwarf all other structures in the South Campus area. The committee appealed to Chancellor Rich Lyons and the administration repeatedly over the past year, including twice in early March, to reverse course, but our request was denied. Those interested can read the planning report from UC Berkeley here. A public meeting for comments on the scope of the plan will be held by the campus architect on April 2 at noon at this zoom link. Comments about the University’s decision and plans can be sent to Shraddha Navalli Patil at planning@berkeley.edu until 5:00 p.m. on April 20, 2026.