Real Estate

Behold the view of Commercial Lane facing Mt. Diablo Blvd. Straight ahead, across the street is the upscale restaurant Va de Vi. The building next to Va de Vi on the left also happens to be the office of Brian Hirahara, the owner of B.H. Development. (No wonder why they wanted this project!) To the left you can see La Fogata restraurant. On the right is a parking lot. Some people have been asking whether this parking lot on the right was included in the project that was awarded to B.H. Development last week. It was not.

B.H. development will only get the parking lot on the left, next to La Fogata. So how can B.H. Development refer to a, “Commercial lane paseo dining concept” without having access to both sides of Commercial Lane? I’m not sure, but I do know the site where the parking lot on the right is located, as well as Walnut Creek Automotive (right behind), is an entirely separate site owned by neither the city nor Patson Companies which is developing Anthropologie next to it. Rumor has it that the owner of this plot is of an advanced age and so if I had to take a guess, I would bet there will be a bidding war between B.H Development and Patson Companies over this sliver of land in one of the most valuable locations in all of Walnut Creek within the near future. I will post more about this in a separate post.

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Last week B. H. Development was awarded the opportunity to purchase the parking lot at one of the most desirable retails areas in Walnut Creek, at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and N. Main St. One thing that stuck out in the description of the winning bid is, ‘Also proposes a “Commercial lane paseo dining concept”’. It really doesn’t seem like Commercial Lane is the right way to market such a dining concept and so surely the street name will be changed eventually.

So what does everyone think the street name should be changed to? Is there a historical Walnut Creek figure which could be used? Or something related to Walnut Creek, like a flower native to Walnut Creek? Chime in and get your voice heard first!

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This 2br house rental is located at 1734 Stow Ave. in the Almond/Shuey neighborhood of Walnut Creek.

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The Craigslist ad says:

Great opportunity to live downtown. Walking distance to BART, shopping, dining, trails, parks and more. Small, but cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Home has a newer granite kitchen, updated bath, wood flooring, new carpeting, crown molding, newly painted interior and exterior, one car garage, includes refrigerator, washer and dryer. French Doors leading to a quaint balcony, overlooking a yard. House is a back house rental, separate tenant lives in detached front house, and driveway is shared. Rent includes water, gardener, and garbage. No Smokers Please. Available March 1st.

At $1700 this seems like a great deal considering the location, assuming the other tenant is ok.

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Note: This is not the living room!

555YVR, a newish condo building a few years old located appropriately at 555 Ygnacio Valley Road in downtown Walnut Creek has a 1br 1ba available at $2100.

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From the Craigslist ad:

One of the few BRAND NEW condo complexes located in Downtown Walnut Creek. This unit is just over 2 years old and has complete upscale features and finishings. You are a 5 minute walk to Target, 7 minute walk to BART, and 10 minute walk to Downtown WC. Please email or call (805.704.5553) if interested. See details below:

INCLUDED:
Water/Sewer
Trash
PG&E
Comcast (TV and Internet)

Condo Unit (Available 2/15/2012):
1bd/1ba
Wide-plank upgraded hardwood flooring in living area (carpeted bedroom and tile bathroom)
Caesarstone Countertops
Bosch Stainless Steel Microwave, Gas Stove, Dishwasher, Refrigerator
European Cabinets with “soft-close” doors and drawers
Stackable Washer and Dryer included inside unit
1 Dedicated Parking Spot. Underground and Gated.
1 Storage Cage, roughly 5′ x 8′.

Community Amenities:
Gym
Roof Top Entertainment Area (Grills, Fireplace, Couches, Views)
Quiet, landscaped Courtyard w/ Wi-Fi in that area

Fine Print:
$2,100/month – 1 year lease preferred
$2,000 refundable security deposit
$30 non-refundable application fee (pays for background/credit check)
No Smoking (the entire condo complex is non-smoking)
Furniture is *negotiable* (Couch, Bed, TV)

Is $2100 a good price considering the location and newer building?

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Last October I posted that Harvest Market had closed and today I was able to get a look inside and found out that it will be reopening in late February with an expanded menu and be open for dinner in addition to lunch. There will be plenty of gluten-free options and all ingredients will be either organic or ‘natural’. In order to handle dinner preparation they now have a massive stove, and added new tables and chairs as well. According to the owner Damian De Larosa, who was previously the GM for McCovey’s restaurant, they plan on helping local artists showcase farm-related and local bay area artwork on the walls which will also be available for purchase.

Has anyone eaten here before it closed? How was it?

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Located in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek, at 1382 N. Main St. this looks like it could be a sweet rental. It’s a 2br 1ba at $1400/month, but a Craiglist posting for this address was recently removed so it may have already been rented out.

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Trinity House Apartments is located at 1812 Trinity Avenue in downtown Walnut Creek:

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From the Craigslist ad:

Upon entering the cut-stone courtyard of Trinity House (graced with a flowing fountain) you will find that the stress of your busy day simply melts away. Your comfortably-appointed apartment home offers you a welcome retreat, while the community’s idyllic downtown location, provides you with both luxury and convenience.
Walnut Creek is a cosmopolitan town by any standard. Living at Trinity House you are within walking distance to BART, world-class shopping and some of the Bay Area’s best restaurants.
Experience Trinity House and discover the best in East Bay rental living–where the quality is second to none.

They have a 1 br for $1595. Is that the going rate these days? Disclosure, I used to live here before the the Mercer complex was built, and thought the location was perfect. 10 minute walk to Bart, 5 minute walk to downtown. Now that Target offers groceries getting some quick food is convenient as well. However the going rate was a lot less than $1595 back then.

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