2145 Columbia St, Palo Alto, California 94306, Palo Alto, 94306 - 4 bed, 3 bath
ACTIVE$2,500,000
2145 Columbia St, Palo Alto, California 94306
4Beds
3Baths
1,456Sqft
6,250Lot
Price Vs. Estimate
The estimated value ($2,655,834.475) is $155,834.475 (6%) higher than the list price ($2,500,000). This property may be underpriced.
Key pros and cons
Top Pros:
Great Schools: High School: Palo Alto High School (9/10).
Top Cons:
Potential Non-Conforming Use: The property is 'currently used as three rental units' but the 'Use Code: Duplex (allowing two units in any combination)' indicates a potential non-conforming use for the third unit, which could lead to legal challenges, require costly modifications, or limit future rental options.
Compared to the nearby listings
Price:$2.50M vs avg $3.58M ($-1,075,000)5%
Size:1,456 sqft vs avg 2,014.5 sqft20%
Price/sqft:$1.7K vs avg $1.8K38%
More Insights
Built in 1940 (85 years old).
Condition: Built in 1940, this property shows significant signs of age and deferred maintenance. The exterior images reveal peeling paint on stairs, cracked pavement, and an overall unkempt appearance. The listing description explicitly states 'no mention of recent renovations' and that the property 'likely requires significant updates to its systems, finishes, and overall modernization.' While no interior photos are provided, the exterior condition and age strongly suggest that the kitchen, bathrooms, and other interior components are severely outdated and in need of substantial repairs and rehabilitation to meet current standards. It is currently livable as rental units, but requires major investment.
Year Built
1940
Close
-
List price
$2.5M
Original List price
$2.5M
Price/Sqft
$1,717
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
41119070
Home ConditionPoor
Features
View-
About this home
Located in the highly sought-after College Terrace neighborhood of Palo Alto, this property offers exceptional convenience just a short walk to Stanford University, major tech employers, and leading venture capital firms. The property consists of two primary units currently used as three rental units, situated across a single-story building and a two-story building, and includes an attached three-car garage. Zoning: R1. Use Code: Duplex (allowing two units in any combination)
Nearby schools
7/10
Escondido Elementary School
Public,•K-5•0.2mi
7/10
Barron Park Elementary School
Public,•K-5•1.1mi
8/10
David Starr Jordan Middle School
Public,•6-8•1.7mi
7/10
Terman Middle School
Public,•6-8•1.8mi
9/10
Palo Alto High School
Public,•9-12•1.3mi
9/10
Henry M. Gunn High School
Public,•9-12•1.8mi
Price History
Date
Event
Price
02/19/10
Sold
$1,275,000
Condition Rating
Poor
Built in 1940, this property shows significant signs of age and deferred maintenance. The exterior images reveal peeling paint on stairs, cracked pavement, and an overall unkempt appearance. The listing description explicitly states 'no mention of recent renovations' and that the property 'likely requires significant updates to its systems, finishes, and overall modernization.' While no interior photos are provided, the exterior condition and age strongly suggest that the kitchen, bathrooms, and other interior components are severely outdated and in need of substantial repairs and rehabilitation to meet current standards. It is currently livable as rental units, but requires major investment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Great Schools: High School: Palo Alto High School (9/10).
Prime Location: Situated in the highly sought-after College Terrace neighborhood of Palo Alto, offering exceptional convenience with a short walk to Stanford University, major tech employers, and leading venture capital firms, ensuring high demand and potential appreciation.
Income-Generating Potential: The property is currently configured for multiple rental units (two primary units used as three rental units), providing an immediate opportunity for significant rental income, especially given its proximity to Stanford and tech companies.
Excellent School District: Access to top-rated public schools in Palo Alto, including Escondido Elementary, Palo Alto High, and Henry M. Gunn High, which is a major draw for families and contributes to property value.
Duplex Zoning Advantage: Despite being in an R1 zone, the property has a 'Use Code: Duplex (allowing two units in any combination)', offering valuable flexibility for owner-occupancy with rental income or pure investment, a rare and desirable feature in this area.
Attached Three-Car Garage: A substantial attached three-car garage provides ample parking, storage, or potential for conversion (subject to local regulations), adding significant utility and value in a dense urban environment.
Cons
Potential Non-Conforming Use: The property is 'currently used as three rental units' but the 'Use Code: Duplex (allowing two units in any combination)' indicates a potential non-conforming use for the third unit, which could lead to legal challenges, require costly modifications, or limit future rental options.
Age and Condition (Implied): Built in 1940, and with no mention of recent renovations, the property likely requires significant updates to its systems, finishes, and overall modernization to meet current market expectations, maximize rental income, or achieve optimal resale value.
Limited Unit Size: With a total of 1456 sqft divided into multiple units (even if only two are legally permitted), individual unit sizes are likely small, which could limit appeal to certain tenant demographics or reduce per-unit rental income potential compared to larger units.