Tiny Houses Pop Up At BART Parking Lot

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — Sixteen parking spaces at the Castro Valley BART station are currently occupied by two tiny houses, or Accessory Dwelling Units.

Bay Area-based Spacial is a company that specializes in ADUs. It set up the tiny houses .

For BART, it's an opportunity to generate extra revenue, with ridership still depressed from the pandemic. "In the real estate department, we strive to generate non-fare box revenue to help support the District," said Paul Voix, BART Principal Property Development Officer. "Here was the opportunity of underutilized patron parking that could result in a win for all, as we collect rent for the space. And it allows Spacial a central Bay Area space to showcase their ADUs, which will, in some ways, serve to alleviate the affordable housing crisis in the Bay Area."

According to a report from BART, "During the pandemic, amidst lower ridership, BART has reimagined its parking lots as COVID testing sites, farmers markets, vaccination sites, and is considering a Meals-On-Wheels hub."

The ADUs will be there for nine months, and the rental agreement could be extended.