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The Rose Walk Complex
$6,395,000
2501 Rose Walk, Berkeley
Presented by
Arlene Baxter
Coming Soon!
Arlene Baxter
Coming Soon!
All Property Photos
Features
The Rose Walk Complex:
OWN A RARE PIECE OF HISTORY
Welcome to a property of rare architectural heritage, unparalleled historic provenance, and civic beauty. This impressive complex is composed of nine units: four duplexes and one cottage, designed by Henry H. Gutterson in consultation with renowned architect Bernard Maybeck. Designed in 1924, the complex was completed in 1936, and designated a Berkeley Landmark in 1991. It now enjoys the remarkable tax advantages of a Mills Act Agreement for the preservation of historic properties. It is ideal for buyers with vision! Experience pride of ownership now, with many options for upside in revenue, and future enjoyment of this one-of-a-kind treasure!
It is an honor to again represent the Rose Walk Complex, a property I have known and loved over the past 19 years, since a client purchased it from the University of California. Over those years I've heard many tenants share how much they've enjoyed living amidst this architectural beauty and rarefied location. Agents who saw the complex for the first time recently described their visit as being part of a fairy tale!
The five structures that comprise this property were designed as part of an integrated urban community of single and multi-family residences bordering a pedestrian path, and facing "an immense garden with nothing to show that it is not all one owned by each." (B. Maybeck)
The complex was designed as a model for housing in a high-density urban area. When completed it was considered a triumph of urban planning, and one of the most artistic urban developments in the country.
The four duplexes each contain two single-floor units used as two+ bedroom, one bath residences. Each duplex is unique in design, and set apart from the others so as not to encroach on views. These handsome structures are distinctive for their integrated-color stucco, vertical wood siding, salmon colored trim and original tile roofs. The duplexes are nestled along a lush garden that borders Rose Walk, the handsome public pathway designed by Bernard Maybeck in 1913.
While unique, all units enjoy hardwood floors, fireplaces, wooden windows with vintage custom hardware and individual architectural details. Several units include sun porches, while others enjoy private balconies or decks. Many of the kitchens have been tastefully updated.
Completing the complex is a cottage of all-wood interior and exterior set in a redwood grove, with its own spacious redwood deck with carved railings, that sits atop a three-bay garage. The complex has a total of nine garages, all located along Codornices Road. Most of the garages are rented as a separate source of income. For detailed rental and financial information, please contact me.
The Walk itself
Rose Walk is a hidden Berkeley treasure, inaccessible by cars, but beloved by all who have discovered it as part of an exceptional path to enjoy the beauty of North Berkeley. Rose Walk is undoubtedly one of the grandest of Berkeley's pedestrian pathways, constructed to easily link areas in the hills to the central areas by means of shortcuts. These paths would play an important role as emergency exits in event of fire, such as was experienced in North Berkeley in 1923.
Rose Walk was completed in 1913 by Bernard Maybeck with the financial support of its adjoining neighbors. The property on either side was purchased by Florence Dickens Gray and her husband Dr. B. Frank Gray after the fire of 1923 in North Berkeley. The walk was deeded to the City of Berkeley in 1924, and in 1976 it became a landmark.
Location
Residents enjoy the ultimate location for an urban life: located within blocks of UC Berkeley and a block from the beautiful Rose Garden and Codornices Park; buses stop in front of the property, and easily make connections to the campus, downtown Berkeley, and from the BART station anywhere in the Bay Area.
Details
According to public records, the total square footage of the buildings is 9571. Interior size of the duplex units range from 822 to 1007* sq. ft; the cottage occupies 624 sq. ft. Property consists of two parcels totalling 20,000 square feet**.
Rental demand has always been high. One unit and two garages are being kept vacant to provide easy viewing, as well as an option for the buyer. Five units are occupied by tenants who have been in residence for less than three years, and there are three longer-term tenants.
Upper units all have lovely views, and their stairwells provide an additional sense of spaciousness; they tend to have greater demand as a result.
Each unit is separately metered for PG&E, with tenants paying for their own gas and electricity. A coin-operated shared laundry room generates additional income. Unit 2523 now enjoys its own laundry hookup, a recent upgrade.
*according to survey measurements **according to public records
OWN A RARE PIECE OF HISTORY
Welcome to a property of rare architectural heritage, unparalleled historic provenance, and civic beauty. This impressive complex is composed of nine units: four duplexes and one cottage, designed by Henry H. Gutterson in consultation with renowned architect Bernard Maybeck. Designed in 1924, the complex was completed in 1936, and designated a Berkeley Landmark in 1991. It now enjoys the remarkable tax advantages of a Mills Act Agreement for the preservation of historic properties. It is ideal for buyers with vision! Experience pride of ownership now, with many options for upside in revenue, and future enjoyment of this one-of-a-kind treasure!
It is an honor to again represent the Rose Walk Complex, a property I have known and loved over the past 19 years, since a client purchased it from the University of California. Over those years I've heard many tenants share how much they've enjoyed living amidst this architectural beauty and rarefied location. Agents who saw the complex for the first time recently described their visit as being part of a fairy tale!
The five structures that comprise this property were designed as part of an integrated urban community of single and multi-family residences bordering a pedestrian path, and facing "an immense garden with nothing to show that it is not all one owned by each." (B. Maybeck)
The complex was designed as a model for housing in a high-density urban area. When completed it was considered a triumph of urban planning, and one of the most artistic urban developments in the country.
The four duplexes each contain two single-floor units used as two+ bedroom, one bath residences. Each duplex is unique in design, and set apart from the others so as not to encroach on views. These handsome structures are distinctive for their integrated-color stucco, vertical wood siding, salmon colored trim and original tile roofs. The duplexes are nestled along a lush garden that borders Rose Walk, the handsome public pathway designed by Bernard Maybeck in 1913.
While unique, all units enjoy hardwood floors, fireplaces, wooden windows with vintage custom hardware and individual architectural details. Several units include sun porches, while others enjoy private balconies or decks. Many of the kitchens have been tastefully updated.
Completing the complex is a cottage of all-wood interior and exterior set in a redwood grove, with its own spacious redwood deck with carved railings, that sits atop a three-bay garage. The complex has a total of nine garages, all located along Codornices Road. Most of the garages are rented as a separate source of income. For detailed rental and financial information, please contact me.
The Walk itself
Rose Walk is a hidden Berkeley treasure, inaccessible by cars, but beloved by all who have discovered it as part of an exceptional path to enjoy the beauty of North Berkeley. Rose Walk is undoubtedly one of the grandest of Berkeley's pedestrian pathways, constructed to easily link areas in the hills to the central areas by means of shortcuts. These paths would play an important role as emergency exits in event of fire, such as was experienced in North Berkeley in 1923.
Rose Walk was completed in 1913 by Bernard Maybeck with the financial support of its adjoining neighbors. The property on either side was purchased by Florence Dickens Gray and her husband Dr. B. Frank Gray after the fire of 1923 in North Berkeley. The walk was deeded to the City of Berkeley in 1924, and in 1976 it became a landmark.
Location
Residents enjoy the ultimate location for an urban life: located within blocks of UC Berkeley and a block from the beautiful Rose Garden and Codornices Park; buses stop in front of the property, and easily make connections to the campus, downtown Berkeley, and from the BART station anywhere in the Bay Area.
Details
According to public records, the total square footage of the buildings is 9571. Interior size of the duplex units range from 822 to 1007* sq. ft; the cottage occupies 624 sq. ft. Property consists of two parcels totalling 20,000 square feet**.
Rental demand has always been high. One unit and two garages are being kept vacant to provide easy viewing, as well as an option for the buyer. Five units are occupied by tenants who have been in residence for less than three years, and there are three longer-term tenants.
Upper units all have lovely views, and their stairwells provide an additional sense of spaciousness; they tend to have greater demand as a result.
Each unit is separately metered for PG&E, with tenants paying for their own gas and electricity. A coin-operated shared laundry room generates additional income. Unit 2523 now enjoys its own laundry hookup, a recent upgrade.
*according to survey measurements **according to public records
About the Architect
HENRY GUTTERSON;(1884-1954)
Henry Gutterson graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Architecture in 1905 and attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1906 to 1909. He worked for John Galen Howard on the Panama-Pacific Exposition and St. Francis Wood, and for the City of Oakland before opening his own practice in 1914. Gutterson's major projects include the duplexes and cottages along Berkeley's Rose Walk, 75 houses in St. Francis Wood where he was supervising architect, and many Christian Science churches. He worked with Bernard Maybeck on several projects including the First Church of Christ Scientist Sunday School and the Principia College Library (Illinois). Gutterson taught briefly at the University of California from 1910-1911 and from 1920-1921. In 1946 he received an award from the A.I.A. for his contributions to the unification of the profession.
The Henry Gutterson collection contains a limited number of original drawings, blueprints, and specifications relating to residential and church designs. Projects in the collection include the First Church of Christ Scientist (Santa Barbara), the Berkeley High School auditorium, Ninth Church of Christ, Scientist (San Francisco), the A.A. Tibbe Residence (Oakland), and the Principia College library (Illinois).
Henry Gutterson graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Architecture in 1905 and attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1906 to 1909. He worked for John Galen Howard on the Panama-Pacific Exposition and St. Francis Wood, and for the City of Oakland before opening his own practice in 1914. Gutterson's major projects include the duplexes and cottages along Berkeley's Rose Walk, 75 houses in St. Francis Wood where he was supervising architect, and many Christian Science churches. He worked with Bernard Maybeck on several projects including the First Church of Christ Scientist Sunday School and the Principia College Library (Illinois). Gutterson taught briefly at the University of California from 1910-1911 and from 1920-1921. In 1946 he received an award from the A.I.A. for his contributions to the unification of the profession.
The Henry Gutterson collection contains a limited number of original drawings, blueprints, and specifications relating to residential and church designs. Projects in the collection include the First Church of Christ Scientist (Santa Barbara), the Berkeley High School auditorium, Ninth Church of Christ, Scientist (San Francisco), the A.A. Tibbe Residence (Oakland), and the Principia College library (Illinois).
The North Berkeley Neighborhood
Perched above the city and offering the best panoramic views in the entire Bay Area, North Berkeley Hills is an incredibly peaceful residential neighborhood, yet not far from the hustle and bustle of the city’s more urban areas. Homes in the neighborhood are built in a variety of styles and feature spacious patio decks, manicured lawns and lushly landscaped gardens. The University of California campus is just a few blocks from this complex, making this an ideal location for faculty, administration members and students alike.
Residents of this complex can enjoy views of the San Francisco and Oakland skylines, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Mount Tamalpais. For even more lovely views plus a variety of great outdoor activities, residents can take a short trip to nearby Tilden Regional Park. Park amenities vary between free and paid activities. Free activities available at TIlden Park include a beautiful botanical garden, the Little Farm, and nearly 40 miles of scenic hiking trails. For a small fee, the public can also swim at Lake Anza, take a spin on the Merry-Go-Round, or enjoy a round of golf at Tilden Park Golf Course. Just a block away is the wonderful Berkeley Rose Garden, a very popular location for picnics, as well as weddings and photo shoots. And across the street is Codornices Park, another popular venue for picnics as well as sports activites.
Residents in this part of the North Berkeley Hills are near the thriving retail district on Shattuck Avenue referred to as the Gourmet district. There you can enjoy both elevated fare at Chez Panisse, a remarable sandwich from Gregoire's, or the renowed pizza, breads and cheeses from The Cheese Board. Saul's is a favorite for great deli fare, especially their latkes! And therre's also the original Peet's Coffee at Walnut and Vine.
Head further north to Solano Avenue. featuring a wide variety of stores, shops, and plenty of great restaurants, including:
Andronicos: Located at the southwest corner of Solano and Fresno Avenues, this is a great place to check off everything on your grocery list. Nearby is the popular Pegasus Books, Fern Garden for great gifts, and a newer wonderfully eclectic food and wine purveyor: Of All Places. There are several rug galleries, including Noor & Sons Rug Gallery: Find handcrafted Oriental Rugs for your home, as well as rug cleaning and repair services. There are wonderful restaurants of various ethnicities, including great Thai, Indian, Greek, Chinese and Mediterranean, just in the first two blocks! And then there's Peet’s Coffee: It all started in Berkeley, and this location is ideal for your morning cup of coffee before you begin your commute. Or for a special treat: I Scream!
Despite its elevated location, the North Berkeley Hills is extremely transit-friendly. The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District bus lines that serve the neighborhood pick and and drop residents right in front of this complex, and can transport you to the Downtown Berkeley BART station for a quick commute to downtown San Francisco or beyond.
Residents of this complex can enjoy views of the San Francisco and Oakland skylines, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Mount Tamalpais. For even more lovely views plus a variety of great outdoor activities, residents can take a short trip to nearby Tilden Regional Park. Park amenities vary between free and paid activities. Free activities available at TIlden Park include a beautiful botanical garden, the Little Farm, and nearly 40 miles of scenic hiking trails. For a small fee, the public can also swim at Lake Anza, take a spin on the Merry-Go-Round, or enjoy a round of golf at Tilden Park Golf Course. Just a block away is the wonderful Berkeley Rose Garden, a very popular location for picnics, as well as weddings and photo shoots. And across the street is Codornices Park, another popular venue for picnics as well as sports activites.
Residents in this part of the North Berkeley Hills are near the thriving retail district on Shattuck Avenue referred to as the Gourmet district. There you can enjoy both elevated fare at Chez Panisse, a remarable sandwich from Gregoire's, or the renowed pizza, breads and cheeses from The Cheese Board. Saul's is a favorite for great deli fare, especially their latkes! And therre's also the original Peet's Coffee at Walnut and Vine.
Head further north to Solano Avenue. featuring a wide variety of stores, shops, and plenty of great restaurants, including:
Andronicos: Located at the southwest corner of Solano and Fresno Avenues, this is a great place to check off everything on your grocery list. Nearby is the popular Pegasus Books, Fern Garden for great gifts, and a newer wonderfully eclectic food and wine purveyor: Of All Places. There are several rug galleries, including Noor & Sons Rug Gallery: Find handcrafted Oriental Rugs for your home, as well as rug cleaning and repair services. There are wonderful restaurants of various ethnicities, including great Thai, Indian, Greek, Chinese and Mediterranean, just in the first two blocks! And then there's Peet’s Coffee: It all started in Berkeley, and this location is ideal for your morning cup of coffee before you begin your commute. Or for a special treat: I Scream!
Despite its elevated location, the North Berkeley Hills is extremely transit-friendly. The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District bus lines that serve the neighborhood pick and and drop residents right in front of this complex, and can transport you to the Downtown Berkeley BART station for a quick commute to downtown San Francisco or beyond.
Arlene Baxter
The Agency
2012 REALTOR of the Year, BAR
- DRE:
- #01209552
- Mobile:
- 510.717.1799
www.GreenBungalows.info
I'll be your Guardian Angel and your Devil's Advocate!
Whether representing buyers or sellers, my top priority is to understand your goals and priorities, and make sure that together we accomplish them, keeping the process as stress-free as possible!
Today’s consumers have a wealth of information available to them. When it comes to real estate, most people don’t need more data, but they do need a guide to interpret that data and sort through what’s accurate, and what’s most important in achieving their particular goals. And in this evolving market both buyers and sellers need an expert negotiator working on their behalf. My negotiating skills have been described as “masterful.” I enjoy the process of assuring that all parties have offered the highest and best terms within their powers.
I have a special passion for vintage properties, and especially those in the styles of the Arts & Crafts movement, such as this remarkable complex. The proud owner of a Julia Morgan home, I am sensitive to the details that make these buildings enjoy a time-honored appeal.
All of my listings in all markets have sold above original list price, and in almost 30 years in this industry, all of my residential listings have received multiple offers. That’s a remarkable record!
My job as real estate advisor is not to simply give you information, or to tell you what you want to hear, but to actively listen to you and provide expert guidance—to be both your Guardian Angel and your Devil’s Advocate!
I have a special interest and extensive knowledge about conserving energy and sustainable building practices. I am proud to have chaired both Green Councils and the Climate Action Committee for our local Association of REALTORS.
I’m honored by my recent client testimonials. If you’d like more information, please visiit my website: GreenBungalows.info I am always happy to provide customized details. I love to discuss real estate, as well as the great architecture and life style here in the East Bay! Thank you for reading this brief summary!
Today’s consumers have a wealth of information available to them. When it comes to real estate, most people don’t need more data, but they do need a guide to interpret that data and sort through what’s accurate, and what’s most important in achieving their particular goals. And in this evolving market both buyers and sellers need an expert negotiator working on their behalf. My negotiating skills have been described as “masterful.” I enjoy the process of assuring that all parties have offered the highest and best terms within their powers.
I have a special passion for vintage properties, and especially those in the styles of the Arts & Crafts movement, such as this remarkable complex. The proud owner of a Julia Morgan home, I am sensitive to the details that make these buildings enjoy a time-honored appeal.
All of my listings in all markets have sold above original list price, and in almost 30 years in this industry, all of my residential listings have received multiple offers. That’s a remarkable record!
My job as real estate advisor is not to simply give you information, or to tell you what you want to hear, but to actively listen to you and provide expert guidance—to be both your Guardian Angel and your Devil’s Advocate!
I have a special interest and extensive knowledge about conserving energy and sustainable building practices. I am proud to have chaired both Green Councils and the Climate Action Committee for our local Association of REALTORS.
I’m honored by my recent client testimonials. If you’d like more information, please visiit my website: GreenBungalows.info I am always happy to provide customized details. I love to discuss real estate, as well as the great architecture and life style here in the East Bay! Thank you for reading this brief summary!
Recent Listings
Schedule
Broker Tour, Thursday, January 8th, 10 am until noon at 2523 Rose Walk.
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Arlene Baxter
The Agency
2012 REALTOR of the Year, BAR
- DRE:
- #01209552
- Mobile:
- 510.717.1799