The Van Buren Tower, a 13-story condominium building completed in 1965, stands as a notable fixture in Oakland's Adams Point neighborhood. With 70 units, this mid-century structure offers residents a prime location just steps away from Lake Merritt. The building's design, while straightforward, maximizes its setting with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame picturesque views of the surrounding area. From panoramic vistas of Lake Merritt to the rolling Oakland Hills and the vibrant cityscape, the Van Buren Tower provides a unique vantage point for urban living.
Versatile layouts with stunning views
The Van Buren Tower offers a range of floor plans to suit various lifestyles. One-bedroom units span from 630 to 731 square feet, with some featuring an additional bathroom, and are priced between $500,000 and $540,000. These compact yet efficient spaces are ideal for singles or couples looking for a city pied-à-terre.
Two-bedroom units are more spacious, ranging from 1,000 to 1,540 square feet, all with two bathrooms. These larger apartments, priced around $610,000, provide ample room for small families or those who desire extra space for a home office or guest room.
For those seeking the ultimate in space and luxury, the building also offers three-bedroom units. These expansive homes, approximately 1,700 square feet in size with three bathrooms, represent the pinnacle of urban living in the Van Buren Tower.
Regardless of size, all units in the Van Buren Tower share some common features that make them stand out. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a hallmark, flooding the living spaces with natural light and offering breathtaking views of Lake Merritt, the Oakland skyline, or the East Bay Hills. Many units boast private balconies, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or evening relaxation while taking in the scenery.
Interior finishes vary, with some units retaining their original mid-century charm through features like parquet wood floors, while others have been updated with modern touches such as quartz countertops, glass tile backsplashes, and stainless steel appliances. Some renovated units feature open-concept layouts, creating a seamless flow between living, dining, and kitchen areas.
The monthly HOA fees, ranging from $500 to $600, cover a variety of services including garbage collection, landscaping and gardening, maintenance of common areas and the building's exterior, management fees, reserves, and water/sewer services. This comprehensive coverage allows residents to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle in this iconic Oakland tower.
Modern conveniences in a classic setting
The Van Buren Tower offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the living experience of its residents. Security is a top priority, with electronically keyed and coded elevators ensuring controlled access to the building. The gated garage provides assigned parking spaces for residents, a valuable asset in an urban setting. For those embracing green transportation, the building offers EV charging stations and gated bike storage.
Community spaces are a highlight of the Van Buren Tower. The sophisticated lobby serves as a welcoming entrance, while outdoor terraces provide communal areas for residents to relax and socialize. These spaces are meticulously maintained, contributing to the overall appeal of the building.
For added convenience, the building features app-driven community laundry facilities, eliminating the need for in-unit washers and dryers. Additional on-site locked storage is available, offering residents extra space for their belongings beyond their apartments.
The building's amenities extend to visitor accommodations as well, with guest parking available - a rarity in many urban settings. This thoughtful addition makes hosting friends and family a breeze for Van Buren Tower residents.
Practical needs are also addressed with two elevators servicing the building, ensuring efficient vertical transportation even during busy times. The pick-up/drop-off driveway adds a touch of convenience for residents and their guests, especially valuable for ride-sharing or taxi services.
While the Van Buren Tower may not boast luxury resort-style amenities, its thoughtful selection of services and facilities caters well to the needs of urban dwellers seeking a balance of comfort, security, and convenience in their home environment.
Urban oasis with lakeside charm
The Van Buren Tower's location in Adams Point places residents at the heart of one of Oakland's most vibrant and accessible neighborhoods. This area is characterized by its proximity to Lake Merritt, often referred to as the "Jewel of Oakland," which offers a 3.4-mile walking and jogging path, picnic areas, and a variety of recreational activities.
Just steps away from the building, residents can explore the bustling Grand Avenue and Lakeshore Avenue shopping districts. These areas are home to an eclectic mix of boutiques, bookstores, and cafes, providing endless options for shopping and dining. The historic Grand Lake Theater, an iconic Oakland landmark, is within walking distance, offering residents easy access to both current films and classic movie experiences.
Food enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of culinary options in the neighborhood. From the Michelin Guide-listed MAMA Oakland on Grand Avenue to casual eateries and international cuisines, there's something to satisfy every palate. The Saturday Grand Lake Farmers Market is a neighborhood institution, where residents can purchase fresh, local produce and artisanal goods while enjoying live music and a community atmosphere.
For everyday needs, the area is well-served by grocery stores. Whole Foods Market is just a 10-minute walk away, offering a wide selection of natural and organic products. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, Grocery Outlet is about a 20-minute walk or short drive from the building.
Fitness enthusiasts have several options nearby. FITNESS SF - Oakland is a mere 10-minute walk from the Van Buren Tower, providing state-of-the-art equipment and classes. For those who prefer outdoor activities, the shores of Lake Merritt offer numerous opportunities for jogging, cycling, or paddling.
The neighborhood also boasts several parks and green spaces. Lakeside Park, adjacent to Lake Merritt, is just a 10-minute walk away and features picnic areas, a bonsai garden, and the popular Children's Fairyland amusement park. For a different outdoor experience, the Morcom Rose Garden, known for its beautiful floral displays and tranquil atmosphere, is about a 20-minute walk from the building.
Cultural attractions abound in the area. The Oakland Museum of California, showcasing the art, history, and natural sciences of the state, is within easy reach. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown Oakland also means easy access to a variety of performing arts venues, galleries, and nightlife options.
For families with children, the neighborhood is served by the Oakland Unified School District. While local public schools have mixed ratings, there are several well-performing options nearby, including the highly-rated Oakland Technical High School.
The Adams Point neighborhood, with its mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, provides Van Buren Tower residents with a dynamic and convenient lifestyle, truly embodying the best of what Oakland has to offer.
Connected living with multiple transit options
The Van Buren Tower's location in Adams Point offers residents a variety of transportation options, making it easy to navigate both the immediate neighborhood and the greater Bay Area. The area's excellent walkability means that many daily errands and activities can be accomplished on foot, reducing the need for frequent car use.
For those relying on public transportation, several bus lines serve the immediate vicinity. The Grand Av & Perkins St bus stop is just a 5-minute walk from the building, offering access to multiple lines including the MLK Jr. - Temescal - Grand line and the MacArthur - Airport All Nighter. These routes provide connections to various parts of Oakland and beyond.
For longer journeys or commutes to other parts of the Bay Area, the 19th St Oakland BART station is approximately a 20-minute walk or a short 5-minute drive from the Van Buren Tower. This station is served by multiple lines, including the Richmond - Millbrae line and the Pittsburg/Bay Point - San Francisco International Airport line, providing direct access to San Francisco, Berkeley, and other key locations throughout the East Bay and beyond.
Cyclists will appreciate the area's bike-friendly infrastructure. With dedicated bike lanes on many nearby streets and easy access to the Lake Merritt path, cycling is a viable option for both commuting and recreation. The building's secure bike storage adds an extra layer of convenience for residents who prefer two-wheeled transportation.
For those who do rely on personal vehicles, the Van Buren Tower's location provides easy access to major thoroughfares. Interstate 580 is nearby, offering quick routes to other parts of Oakland and the East Bay. The building's gated garage with assigned parking spaces ensures that residents always have a secure spot for their vehicles, a valuable amenity in an urban setting. The addition of EV charging stations in the garage also caters to the growing number of electric vehicle owners.
When it comes to air travel, the Oakland International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away, making it convenient for both business and leisure trips. For international or cross-country flights, the San Francisco International Airport can be reached in about 35 minutes by car, or via a direct BART connection from the nearby 19th St Oakland station.
The variety and accessibility of transportation options from the Van Buren Tower mean that residents can easily tailor their commutes and travel plans to their personal preferences, whether they prefer the convenience of a personal vehicle, the eco-friendliness of cycling, or the efficiency of public transit.
Was this overview helpful?
Building Details
Views
Panoramic
Chain Of Lake
Downtown
Park or Greenbelt
Recreation
Private Pool
Amenities
Coin Laundry
Gated Community
Parking
1 Garage Space Per Unit
1 Car Garage
Electric Vehicle Home Charger
Guest Parking
Condo Association
$840 Monthly HOA Fees
Monthly HOA Fees Range from $485 - $840
Association fees include common area maintenance, exterior maintenance, management fee, reserves, trash, water/sewer, insurance, ground maintenance
Van Buren Tower Association, Phone Number (800) 341-8940
Collateral AnalyticsCollateral Analytics
Collateral Analytics AVMs (Automated Valuation Model) employ a number of statistical approaches combined with neighborhood-specific comparable selection guarantees the most up-to-date and precise valuations.
Black Knight®Black Knight
Black Knight’s AVM (Automated Valuation Model) is a state-of-the-art online residential property valuation tool that provides a quick and accurate estimate of the value of almost any home in the U.S.
First AmericanFirst American
First American Data & Analytics’ next-generation AVM combines unrivaled data assets with a blended ensemble of valuation models to produce highly accurate, reliable valuations you can trust.
Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Moderate Crime
Crime Score®
5/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
88/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
94/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
66/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Lakeside Park
8 min walk
Lake
Picnic Area
Events
The Gardens at Lake Merritt
10 min walk
Eastshore Park
11 min walk
Playground
Parking Lot
Splash Pad Park
11 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Waterpark
Snow Park
15 min walk
Trails
Playground
Cleveland Cascade
15 min walk
Mandana Plaza Park
3 min drive
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Henry J. Kaiser Memorial Park
3 min drive
Trails
Pine Knoll Park
3 min drive
Lake
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
