Berkeley’s Tallest Tower Project Threatened by Loan Default on Shattuck Avenue Parcel
The development of a planned 28-story high-rise intended to be Berkeley’s tallest building faces serious jeopardy after real estate firm NX Ventures defaulted on a $2.2 million loan tied to the property site, according to county records filed on August 17, 2026. First Republic Bank is threatening foreclosure to recover the debt on the 1974 Shattuck Avenue parcel.
The Bottom Line
- The Default: NX Ventures’ affiliate defaulted on a $2.2 million loan that matured in February 2025, with First Republic Bank threatening foreclosure on the Spats Bar parcel at 1974 Shattuck Ave.
- Project Scale: Approved by Berkeley officials in 2025, the planned tower spans 1950 through 1998 Shattuck Ave. and calls for 599 residential units, including 58 designated for low-income residents.
- Unsecured Parcels: NX Ventures owns only a portion of the development footprint, having yet to acquire the remaining parcels needed to construct the tower as currently approved.
The Financial Mechanics Behind the Shattuck Avenue Default
Documents filed with the Alameda County Recorder’s Office show that the loan default applies specifically to the 1974 Shattuck Avenue property, a parcel where Spats Bar currently operates. According to property records cited by the San Jose Mercury News, the affiliate originally purchased the parcel for just under $2.1 million in 2014.
The proposed 28-story tower footprint stretches along Shattuck Avenue from Berkeley Way to University Avenue, encompassing addresses at 1950, 1974, 1984, and 1998 Shattuck Ave. Public records indicate that NX Ventures, led by business entrepreneur Nathan George, does not yet own all the parcels required for the footprint. A McDonald’s restaurant also operates as a tenant on the development site, while other independent groups hold the remaining necessary acreage.
Project Scope and Municipal Approvals
City planning files outline an ambitious design for the site that earned municipal approval in 2025. Here is the math: if built according to current city approvals, the 28-story high-rise would introduce 599 residential units to downtown Berkeley. Crucially, the plan incorporates inclusionary zoning metrics, setting aside an estimated 58 units for low-income residents. NX Ventures has proposed several housing development projects across Berkeley, positioning itself as a major player in local transit-oriented densification.
Ground has not yet been broken on the site.
| Metric / Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Height | 28 Stories (Berkeley’s Tallest) |
| Total Units / Affordable Units | 599 Units / 58 Low-Income Units |
| Delinquent Loan Amount | $2.2 Million (Matured February 2025) |
| Defaulting Entity | NX Ventures Affiliate (Led by Nathan George) |
| Target Parcel Affected | 1974 Shattuck Ave. (Spats Bar Site) |
Navigating Capital Constraints in Urban Real Estate
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
