201 4th Street #301, in Jack London Square, is the essence of a true loft with distinctive, modern style that distinguishes it from the rest.

Housed within New Market Lofts, this historic building was built in 1929 and served as the Safeway headquarters until the early 1990’s. It’s character and history were preserved as an integral cornerstone of the original Oakland Waterfront Warehouse District as evidenced by the inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, and its historic placard. The building is immaculate and features excellent design features in it’s common areas. Earthy palettes, custom wood finishes and cork flooring highlight the airy hallways and entry that are accented with art that harkens back to its roots. Each home has a prominent front door with a Porthole window (nice touch).

As lofts became popularized in the early part of the millennium, and entered the mainstream fray, they began to lose some cache. These former industrial units were no longer home to starving “creative” trailblazers, but instead to those who could afford to pay for nice finishes and fixtures. Truthfully, they were impressive aesthetically, and quite comfortable. But many new loft owners rested on what was already there, instead of maximizing their unique environments. Original “Lofters” saw open space, great scale, and wall space and with it an opportunity to customize a home for ultimate urban dwelling.

This loft delivers on that spirited urban endeavor. The creative, diligent owner went to extraordinary lengths to take advantage of a large sun-lit canvass to impart a modern sensibility and it encompasses maximum utility of an urban space with an abundance of storage. All the while with a keen eye for using sustainable materials and maximizing energy efficiency.

The twelve foot ceilings give this 1,123 square foot unit a large, expansive feel. Upon entry, the Le Klint pendant lamp catches your attention and beautifully sets your eyes along the gallery style art display wall, and into the main living area. With the aluminum rails and suspension cables, it is a true gallery display.

Within the nearly fifty foot entry hall is a barely noticeable, but wonderfully appointed custom workstation made from Walnut stained, Figured Ash and a Quartz type Acrylic Resin table top. There is plenty of smart storage including custom overhead shelving enclosed with frosted glass, aluminum doors.

(After each breathless paragraph I will throw in an additional feature: There are 2 ceiling mounted bike racks which look awesome)

The large bathroom is nicely laid out, as there is a divide that creates an ample powder room for guests. The fixtures are top of the line and energy efficient. The highlight of the bathroom is the custom solid Plyboo bamboo cabinetry with self closing drawers. It is topped with a Zodiaq Quartz finish. The George Kovacs lighting works well with the designer 32″ round mirrors. The frameless shower door is custom by Schicker and has a beveled edge and acid etched finish.

(Laundry inside the unit: Energy Star rated Bosch Washer and Dryer)

The kitchen placement is well thought out and appointed. Looking from the back corner of the Living Area it features an unusual amount of counter space for a loft and smart space savers abound. The floating peninsula granite counter top is a consummate gathering spot and from it’s bar stools you gaze at the impressive Heath Ceramic Subway Tile back splash. An excellent color choice of dark neutrals and a bold band of orange make it pop. Three Venetian glass pendants lights hang high above.

(The pendant lights and ceiling fans mount with round industrial chrome fixture and it creates nice uniformity above)

The Living Room achieves a warmth and coziness you would not expect from such a large space. The orange accent wall and design touches help in this way and the 11 foot double-panel draperies (sheer with a muslin backing panel) add a nice dramatic effect. But the star of this room is the intelligent and attractive Ligne Roset P&P Wall Mounted Storage System which is imbued with the warmth from the Walnut stain Figured Ash backpanels that support it. It is so sleek and is back lit for ambiance. It refuses to shout, even though it could. I like it alot!

(The closet space and storage in the unit is impressive: almost every area of this nature has custom organization)

Finally, the bedroom loft in it’s simplicity manages to become a completely different environment within the same four walls. Stepping onto the sea grass carpeting off the polished stamped cement is quite unique. The bedroom is intimate yet still offers a commanding view of the gallery hall and living room area.

I believe this loft best exemplifies the creativity and design for what can be done with loft space, and it was done with precision and quality. I hope you will pass this on to those who might be interested and invite them to arrange a time to see it, or comment! It will be my pleasure to sell this property to someone who can appreciate it’s sophistication and beauty.

This property is being exclusively offered by Sothebys International Realty at $379,950. Homeowners Dues are around $350 per month. It is zoned Live/Work and includes one deed parking spot.

Call me, Jon Di Rienzo, or email for a showing at 415-744-4161 or jon.dirienzo@sothebysrealty.com.
dre#01354297