1902 Virginia St

North Berkeley is one of the most desirable residential areas in the East Bay, offering a rare combination of stability, strong rental demand, and long-term growth potential. Situated just north of Downtown Berkeley and the University of California, the neighborhood benefits from a steady flow of students, faculty, and professionals seeking quality housing. Its quiet, tree-lined streets and well-preserved architecture give the area strong curb appeal, making rental properties here attractive to a wide tenant base. For investors, this translates into consistently low vacancy rates and strong rental income opportunities. The neighborhood is well known for its lifestyle amenities, which further enhance its desirability as a rental market. The famed Gourmet Ghetto, anchored by institutions like Chez Panisse, offers world-class dining and boutique retail that draw both residents and visitors. Proximity to North Shattuck Avenue, Solano Avenue, and Monterey Market provides tenants with easy access to cafes, groceries, and neighborhood services, while nearby parks and green spaces, such as Live Oak Park and Codornices Park, add to the area's livability. North Berkeley’s walkability and bike-friendly infrastructure make it especially appealing to tenants who prioritize convenience and quality of life. Transit access also makes North Berkeley a compelling investment location. The North Berkeley BART station connects residents to San Francisco, Oakland, and the broader Bay Area, catering to professionals who commute across the region. The presence of UC Berkeley ensures an ongoing pool of high-quality tenants, while the area’s limited housing supply continues to drive strong rental demand. For investors focused on long-term appreciation and stable cash flow, North Berkeley represents one of the most resilient and high-performing submarkets in the East Bay.Distinctive, architecturally striking, and on a prominent corner in the heart of North Berkeley, 1902 Virginia Street holds a central place in the city’s cultural identity. The historic home of St. Heironymus Press and the Berkeley Free Press before it, here printer, graphic artist, and calligrapher David Lance Goines crafted the aesthetic soul of Berkeley. The handsome mixed-use building has a traditional layout: at street level there are four storefronts facing the major thoroughfare of Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The corner orientation allows for a separation of residential and commercial purposes. The entrance on the less-travelled Virginia Street is accessed up a flight of stairs where a gracious second-level entry reveals an interior courtyard with an Old World feel. Six spacious residential units are on the second and third levels and feature high ceilings, wood floors, arched windows, and open-air terraces. The building benefits from major structural improvements to comply with city ordinances. Current rents are approx 40% below market providing tremendous opportunity for rental upside potential upon turnover*. Located near UCB, BART, Downtown shopping and restaurants.