University Students' Cooperative Association
USCA: Providing Quality, Affordable Student Housing in Berkeley, CA since 1933
2424 Ridge Road, Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 848-1936   housing@usca.org
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  Casa Zimbabwe

2422 Ridge Rd
Berkeley, CA 94709
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Total Occupancy: 124 residents
(72+ residents during Summer)

Single Bedrooms: 32
Double Bedrooms: 28
Triple Bedrooms: 12
Parking Spaces: 15

Casa Zimbabwe will be closed for Spring 2007 and Summer 2007 for seismic and ADA retrofit.  It is scheduled to re-open for Fall 2007. 

Casa Zimbabwe, or "C.Z." as it's affectionately known by its inhabitants, has gone through many incarnations over the years since its construction in the 1960's as both the first building designed specifically to be a student co-op, and the first to house both male and female students.

Currently, most members have lost count of just which life CZ is on, but it is safe to say that the building, its inhabitants and culture are all undergoing a rebirth of sorts, in which a newly determined house membership has worked to transform CZ from what it was during a rowdy and somewhat infamous past into a comfortable and friendly place to live for all types of students.

Housing 124 students atop the "Holy Hill" of Berkeley, less than a block north of campus, the building resides in the subdued atmosphere of Northside, surrounded by several beautiful churches and seminaries.

In only the last year CZ has, wholly through the initiative and enthusiasm of its members, completely remodeled the downstairs common area into a multipurpose lounge, which boasts a piano, new pool table and several other enjoyments. Adjacent to this room is the CZ courtyard and garden, with a spectacular view overlooking campus southward. The garden is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the greenery and sunshine, or just relax while you watch the fish in the fish pond. These improvements are only the beginning of a true renaissance in Casa Z's spirit and community. Come and be part of the experience.

C.Z. offers...

Outdoor Amenities:
2 accessible rooftops w/ panoramic view of the Golden Gate bridge, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and the East Bay
Garden Patio (with giant inflatable pool during summer)
Summer vegetable garden on the roof

Indoor Amenities:
Garden
Exercise equipment
Piano
Electric organ
Excellent dinners 6 nights/week
Laundry: 25 cents for washers & dryers
Pool Table
Foosball Table
Fireplace
Dartboard
Climbing Wall
Access to workroom with tools, table saw, drill press

Common Rooms:
Screening Room/Home theater
Study room with library
Large dining room

Electronics:
DVD/VHS/computer video hooked up to projector
Stereo in 1 of 2 large common spaces + 1 hooked up to projector
Public computers
Fast in-house network

Typical Events:
Big Parties
Outdoor Event hikes, trips and large group outings to events in the area (frequently)
Open Mic Night (wonderful music, story-telling and strange talents)
Special Dinner (a lavish party which goes late into the night, with course after course of unbelievable food to celebrate a semester at its end.)