ActivSpace

My experience has been good so far. The only thing I wish the Developer has thought of was to have a common conference room and rent by the hours. My space work really well for me but my recent meeting of 5 guests has been tight.

Good rental deal — rented from here for a little over a year for a woodworking space. I would recommend it if you’re willing to forfeit your deposit when you vacate — if you go into it with that assumption, you’ll be happy with the space. There is a lot of noise and dust during the day, so it’s not exactly a peaceful spot to work.
I was extremely offended when I saw that they were using a photo mocking Caitlyn Jenner in their elevator — they always have a sign up reminding community members to keep the building safe. I, and everyone I’ve shown it to, found the sign featuring Ms. Jenner extremely offensive and tasteless.
When I first moved in, they had a photo of President Obama featured in their safety sign, which I also felt was inappropriate because it should be a safe space for anyone to rent, not just Democrats or liberals. Anyone. I love President Obama, and voted for him, but I thought it was inappropriate. A space like this should feel welcoming to everyone who uses it.

Rented a storefront space at the Berkeley ActivSpace location. Very pleased with the affordability, size of the unit and well maintained facility. Staff was friendly and prompt in responding to inquiries. Tenants are respectful, and Nina’s (restaurant) hospitality is wonderful — you must try her home-​style soup!
Stayed the six-​month minimum and received full refund of deposit. Gave notice accordingly and got timely feedback to leave unit per management expectations. I would highly recommend this facility to those seeking affordable work, art space in east bay.
Aswan

These folks are scammers. Not only will they keep your deposit, they will send you a bill for repairs which were not necessary.
I smell a class action lawsuit.

They are scammers — had same deposit issues as listed below. If you move in read the fine print: You are expected to leave your space BETTER than it was, so make sure it’s perfect before moving in, and expect they will find a way to keep your deposit even if you leave it as you found it. If you try to fight it, they will tell you to write some mailing address in Seattle that you’ll never hear from, after treating you unprofessionally. Too bad it has gone this path, as it’s otherwise a decent environment. Ripping off artists is not cool.

BEWARE!!! I rented spaces twice at the Berkeley Activspace location in past years and had absolutely no problem with management or services.
For the third time, I rented a small unit in 2011. I gave required written notice saying I’d vacate at the end of February 2011 after one year’s use. Before the end of February 2011, I cleaned the place on time and turned in the key. The Manager checked the unit and asked me to dust the venetian blinds – which I did – before the last day of February.
After a month, I had to call to ask about my $ 450 security deposit refund. I was told it could take 60 days to receive my refund.
Today I received a BILL from Activspace saying they charged me $ 50 for cleaning. The BILL then charged me $ 20 for «Unit Turnover – Card Key Chg» and $ 378 for Painting and Prep! The paint job was crap when I moved in and I was told by the then-​manager that there would be no problem with the refund if I didn’t mind how the place looked when I moved in.
When I rented other units in the past there were none of these charges – or attitude.
I just called the Berkeley Manager who said she isn’t responsible for the refund charges or policy. I asked if she wasn’t the one who reported the condition of the unit, who was? She referred me to the Seattle Office for my complaint.
This current manager (Tama) was not employed there when I rented spaces in the past or when I rented this third unit in February 2011.
I will write to the Seattle office and take it to Small Claims Court if I must.
So, prospective renters, BEWARE! The front end might look good, but I think Activspace is trying hard to wring every possible penny out of even good tenants.

Just to update — Don’t know if James. S the building manager is referring to MY comment. I am NOT a former employee! I rented for almost 4 years
By the way James –as to your response to me which was to send a formal written petition to the company back in Seattle — with only a snail mail address — no name or phone number or email —
Well I DID send them a letter of complaint and request. I sent it certified — just to make sure it was delivered. It came back a few months later — unaccepted by the Activ space management.
I have never been treated so shabbily by any place I have rented from!
AND yes — they’ve won– I did not further pursue the $ 75. they deducted from my deposit. Perhaps it doesn’t seem like that much to some people — but after also spending my own money and time — it adds up — and I still feel
TOTALLY RIPPED OFF!

I have been with Activspace since December of 2009 and recently moved May 2011 and WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR DEPOSIT, i was charged for paint and cleaning not needed. I have move-​in and move-​out pix to prove it. I wonder if they charged the previous tenant the same $ 278 for paint and cleaning YET they do nothing to the unit. I am going to Superior Court and fight them to the END! Their Rental Agreement is deceptive and the Manager Joshua Pollack makes false statements. DO NOT RENT AT ACTIVSPACE unless you want to forfeit your $ 450 Deposit. Ps the rental agreement says they may deduct for unpaid rents, fees or damages… Paint and cleaning is not damages… that is routine maintenance… SEE YOU IN COURT!

Best rental deal in Berkeley.
Management is very professional and pragmatic. As a former property manager – with rather high standards — I am pleased.
Other tenants are kind and contentious, but not invasive.
Excellent space to get your work done without distraction.

I rented a great space right across from the old Bayer factory and wrote for several days a week All the trains arrive on time at Activspace. Professionally run for the functionally creative, I only wish I had the time to have a full time space there.

I’ll admit up front that this review is a little biased as I work for the company and manage this particular property. I really want to say just a few words about Berkeley Activspace since most of the community have no idea what we are. If you are an artist, hobbyist, light manufacture of awesome things, designer, tinker or what have you AND you need to get off the kitchen table, away from your husband/​wife/​kids/​pets etc. Then we have space for you! Many of our art/​craft people participate in Pro Arts, Berkeley Artisan’s Open Studios, and organize our own ActivSpace Art Walk Open House events. We provide lot’s of amenities such as PRIVACY, water, windows, security, parking… Wow you say? Well the list goes on… So, I invite you to come down and check out our little community.

My dream has come true. I have a workshop!
Heat, Water, Utilities are all included with a killer Mexican restaurant (Juans) and coffee shop (Uncommon Grounds) around the corner. I can Blast Johnny Cash, Sabbath or The Clash at 4 am while geeking out on my next fixie, welding furniture or ripping plywood for that cabinet im supposed to make. The place is secure with ²⁴⁄₇ access and any questions/​issues ive had have been answered within a few hours. I know 3 other people with spaces there and its nice to check out what other people are doing. I only gave it 3 stars because of the price. 690 for a 14×16×12 space with man and garage door. But hey, this is the bay area and I dont have to pay rent where i live so its not too bad.