Update, 01.07.13: Telegraph Gardens is now largely complete and more details about the building and rentals can be found on its website.

Construction is under way at the corner of Telegraph and Ashby Avenues to build a five-story, mixed-use building which will house 38 residential units, community areas and 4,000 sq ft of street-facing retail space.

Designs for the new building, which is at 3001 Telegraph Avenue opposite Whole Foods, show new landscaping and a roof terrace. The project architect is Rony Rolnizky.

The lot has been vacant since 2008 when a gas station that used to occupy the site was demolished.

It has been so rare to see major construction projects under way in the past few years, that it’s quite a novelty to spot earth movers and cement mixers at work.

Full details of the project, including drawings and permit applications, can be seen on the City of Berkeley’s planning department website.

Tracey Taylor is co-founder of Berkeleyside and co-founder and editorial director of Cityside.