2636 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley, California 94705, Berkeley, 94705 - 4 bed, 3 bath

2636 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley, California 94705 home-pic-0
ACTIVE$1,695,000
2636 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley, California 94705
4Beds
3Baths
2,273Sqft
5,400Lot
Year Built
1912
Close
-
List price
$1.7M
Original List price
$1.7M
Price/Sqft
$746
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
41117044
Home ConditionGood
Features
Deck
View-

About this home

Great Deal:The estimated price is 6% above the list price. We found 4 Cons,5 Pros. Rank: price - $1.70M(30th), sqft - 2273(40th), beds - 4(55th), baths - 3(50th).

Urban living at its finest! This enchanting single-level Craftsman enjoys an A+ location at the Rockridge / Elmwood border - just steps from the most beloved shops and restaurants along College Avenue. Behind its understated entry lies a storybook garden oasis, offering rare tranquility in the heart of the city. Inside, the main home showcases timeless architectural charm, from handcrafted built-ins to box-beamed ceilings. To the left, a vintage sitting room invites quiet reflection; to the right, a bright and contemporary dining room sets the stage for lively gatherings with family and friends. The classic prep kitchen - unchanged for over a century - connects seamlessly to a modern open-concept kitchen and family room. Beyond this central hub awaits a serene primary suite plus two additional bedrooms for restful nights. A spacious rear deck seamlessly extends the home’s living area, offering tranquil views of the private backyard framed by a magnificent, towering redwood. The detached ADU offers a full 1-bed / 1-bath suite with kitchen - perfect for an au pair or in-laws. A double parking pad at the front of the home provides exceptional convenience. Steps from BART, AC Transit, and top-rated Peralta Elementary. Berkeley 94705 postal / Oakland 94618 legal.

Price History

Date
Event
Price
11/08/25
Listing
$1,695,000
03/30/23
Sold
$1,850,000
08/22/07
Sold
$828,500
08/16/04
Sold
$500,000
Condition Rating
Good

This 1912 Craftsman home presents a compelling blend of historic charm and significant modern updates. While the property's age suggests potential underlying infrastructure concerns, the main kitchen and all visible bathrooms (including the ADU) have undergone extensive, high-quality renovations that appear very recent, featuring modern appliances, cabinetry, fixtures, and finishes. The original architectural details, such as built-ins and box-beam ceilings, are beautifully preserved and well-maintained. The listing explicitly mentions a 'classic prep kitchen - unchanged for over a century,' which is a dated element, but it's presented as a secondary space to a 'modern open-concept kitchen.' Given the move-in ready condition of the primary living spaces, main kitchen, and bathrooms, the property aligns with a 'Good' rating, indicating it's extensively renovated in key areas within the last 5-15 years, despite its overall age and one notably outdated secondary kitchen space.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Exceptional Urban Location: Prime Rockridge/Elmwood border, steps from College Avenue shops/restaurants, and excellent public transit (BART, AC Transit) and top-rated elementary school access.
Income-Generating/Flexible ADU: Detached 1-bed/1-bath ADU with kitchen offers significant value for rental income, multi-generational living, or a dedicated home office.
Historic Craftsman Charm with Modern Flow: Retains timeless architectural details like handcrafted built-ins and box-beamed ceilings, complemented by a modern open-concept kitchen and family room.
Private Garden Oasis: A 'storybook garden oasis' with a spacious rear deck and magnificent redwood provides rare tranquility and outdoor living space in an urban setting.
Convenient Off-Street Parking: A double parking pad at the front of the home is a valuable amenity in this dense urban neighborhood.

Cons

MLS Listing Discrepancy: Bedroom count discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing bedroom count = 4, other record bedroom count = 3.
Outdated Secondary Kitchen Space: The 'classic prep kitchen - unchanged for over a century' suggests a highly dated and potentially less functional area that may require significant renovation to meet modern standards.
Age-Related Maintenance Concerns: As a 1912 build, the property may have underlying infrastructure (plumbing, electrical, foundation) that could require future updates or maintenance, despite visible renovations.
Potential for Urban Noise: While offering a private oasis, its 'A+ urban location' directly adjacent to bustling commercial streets and public transit hubs may lead to ambient noise levels that could impact tranquility.

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