VERY well maintained building and the front desk staff is WONDERFUL!…read more Never had a request for help or attention to a community item needing attention go unaddressed within the first 24 hours.

I love the Jack London Square area, and have been touring many of the properties in the area. The…read moreEllington is a beautiful building, well-designed with great amenities. But, I must admit that the HOAs do turn me off. If you are also in the market, do go check it out in person.

Was thoroughly impressed with leasing agent, Michael's follow-through. After I submitted my…read moreapplication, he updated me promptly as soon as each step was completed. I never had to guess or chase down information--it was all communicated clearly and on time. Overall, this leasing agent delivered some of the best customer service I've experienced. Their reliability, courtesy, and professionalism set a high standard. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a smooth and positive leasing experience.

FRAUDULENT PEOPLE!…read more We live next door to this building in condos, and they have received misdelivered packages for our building, even being photographed in their mailroom. They refused to give them to us, even though they are addressed to us and obviously misdelivered. Then they say "oh we don't have them" despite photographed evidence. Next is "oh we can't find them". They claimed to have sent them back, although we went to them the very next morning. Asking how did they send them back, they stated with a driver. This being with me going to when their package room opened for business hours, and no delivery came yet, and the delivery in question happened the night before right as they were closing. So did Santa come and get them overnight? Especially when I see several boxes marked RTS right there? Obviously very shady management and company. Not good people at all. Not even good neighbors. Probably keeping packages for themselves.

This review is from a renter's point of view. I've loved living here in a 1BR/1BA unit. In over a…read moreyear, we haven't had any major issues that required any work or outside help. We haven't had any plumbing problems; water pressure has been great. We will definitely miss living here when we move! Pros: - In-unit washer/dryer! Yessssss! - Modest gym w/2 treadmills, 2 stationary bikes, 2 ellipticals, a stair machine, weight benches, etc. - Heated pool Apr-Oct. There's a hot tub too. - Right off of Hwy 24 - super convenient to just hop on the freeway - Transbay bus to San Francisco stops literally right at the complex - Most (but not all) reserved parking spots are in a covered garage - 2 grassy patches exclusively for dogs to do their business - Dispensers with free poop bags for your pup - Usually there's plenty of free guest parking available, but most of it is concentrated near the entrance - which means a short uphill hike for your guests if you live in the back of the complex Cons: - 1BR comes with only 1 reserved parking spot - it's hard to get additional parking - Occasional vehicle break-ins at night, even though there's an overnight security guard - Can sometimes hear neighbors talking loudly, but it's not too intrusive - Outdoor rain drainage pipes are really tall, leading to obnoxious dripping sounds if your window is near one of these pipes. I wear earplugs to sleep when it rains. - Bedroom windowsill consistently re-grows mold even after we clean it - No charcoal BBQ grills allowed (must be gas only) - No stores/restaurants/businesses within walking distance

Living here was so bizarre. One on hand my landlord was great, the property is beautiful even if…read moremaintenance could have been better. On the other people are just comically racist. I had one person blatantly, repeatedly, call me by the name of a famous black person they felt I looked like even after telling them to call me by name. They never could so I simply ignored them. Then, an Asian woman and white man older couple tried to insist I didn't live in my apartment and looked absolutely terrified. After clearing that up, the Asian woman saw me a second time later going to my car and watched me from the corner as if to try and verify I wasn't doing something suspicious. I greeted her so she knew I knew what she was doing and then she tried to act embarrassed. Within 3 months of living here I started to take the stairs to get home because I had to many racist encounters in the elevator. Specifically, several of my Asian neighbors would literally close the elevator or see me coming through glass doors and then turn around and take the stairs instead. Other times they'd smile at my white husband and blatantly ignore me (white residents would do this often). We both started ignoring these people as a result because it had become so blatant. I'd never interacted with these people, they just always treated me differently. At times I would take a walk or sit on the benches to rest and some residents would stare or look worried like I was a vagrant. It got so uncomfortable I just stopped going outside. When we finally moved out a year later as planned our upstairs neighbors who we had never met said things like "oh yeah everyone moves out from under us every year, I have a niece, sorry we were LOUD," and it was so weird and hostile. Eventually the neighbor confirmed they assumed we were moving because they were noisy and we later learned they had an ongoing feud with our landlord that we knew absolutely nothing about. I will say the oldest residents local to Oakland, both white and asian, were kind and normal toward us. Which makes sense, they probably don't see black people as homeless criminals first and foremost. A lot of these behaviors are typical of the Bay Area and I'm so glad I'm out but unless you're used to this kind of culture I would not recommend living here.

My girlfriend and I just moved into The Bond at 311 2nd Street in Oakland and I have to say it is…read moreone of the most luxurious and well-thought-out developments you will find anywhere. It is truly an ideal combination of luxury amenities, first-class customer service, and great location. For me to be saying this is pretty hard, as I am a very picky and uptight tenant but I feel confident in saying that this building has blown away any expectation that I had of luxury living. I'll share a few of the most important factors in why we personally chose the Bond: Amenities: In-Unit: Each unit has central air, granite countertops, 10' ceilings, stainless steel appliances, marble floors in the bathrooms, hardwood kitchen floors, and beautiful views from the massive windows. Also: the windows are sound-proofed! I am a very light sleeper and our unit sits directly against the Amtrack rail and I haven't heard one train at night. I am truly amazed because I most recently lived a few blocks away and the train woke me every single night! Lobby: The lobby is appointed with beautiful furnishings and art pieces as well as the residence services desk that is manned by passionate and courteous staff that has gone above-and-beyond to help us feel at home. Another amazing benefit of The Bond is the secure ATM in the lobby. That's right, no more ordering food and having to run to the bank because you're out of cash! Which also plays a key part in enjoying the neighborhood since The Bond is only one block from the Jack London Square Farmer's Market and Heinhold's bar (both of which are cash-only establishments). Gym: The gym is fully equipped with technogym cardio/weightraining equipment. The machines have cable TV and I-pod docks. Roof-deck: The Gym opens onto the 3rd floor roofdeck which has a grill, beautiful landscapes and an outdoor training surface for Yoga, weight-training, etc. Although these amenities are all great, the most amazing asset of The Bond is far-and-away the dog park that is connected directly to the building! This is such a great benefit because my only issue with living in Jack London Square has been it's lack of a leash-free dog park. Besides all of these great innovations, The Bond has some very subtle nuances that we love: Separate trash and recycling chutes are on each floor so no more hauling bottles to the garage; Garage access is triggered by parking sticker so no keys are needed; refreshments in the lobby; direct elevator entrance from the garage; convenient access to the 880 freeway; only 10 minutes from San Francisco; etc. Needless to say, we are extremely happy with our choice to live in The Bond and would suggest it to anyone looking for luxury housing anywhere in the Bay Area.

The Bond changed their management company for the better to Common Interest Management Services. We…read morehad a revolving door of front desk staff before Natalie started a year ago. Wonderful customer service and very dependable. I know I can speak for everyone here at The Bond by saying we are so glad she joined the new management company and stayed with us. Thanks for everything you do!

Clean, safe, and super warm cozy apartment neighborhood. Management really takes care of the…read moreresidents from all parts of the company! Moved here from the Lark (part of the company in San Mateo) and it still feels like home here in Berkeley!

I want to express my sincere gratitude to you and the entire team, Ruby, Nila and Cesar . Everyone…read morehere has been so kind and welcoming, and I've truly enjoyed my time at Blake. I consider it my second home, and for that, I am deeply thankful. In the future, if any of my friends ask for apartment recommendations in Berkeley, I will certainly recommend Blake at Berkeley:)

This neighborhood has been improving as new complexes and business are moving in around the block…read more If you are a commuter like me, this location in Emeryville cannot be beat. The free shuttle to BART and a ton of buses stop right in front of this building. This is the closest location via the Emery-Go-Round to the MacArthur BART. It's a short drive to hop on the freeway or onto the bay bridge. It takes about 20 minutes to drive into the city without traffic. In terms of dining, there are quite a few top-rated spots around including the popular Wally's cafe, a Taqueria, and Lanesplitter pizzeria. There is also a Sushi place on the first floor of the building, a CVS and a Safeway across the street which makes grocery shopping a breeze. Target, Home Depot and Best Buy are within walking distance. There is an indoor parking garage, which has plenty of spaces, an indoor gym and a heated spa. The walls between units seem to be well insulated to keep unwanted sound out much better than apartments that I have lived in before. All units are owner-owned and have occasional vacancies. They tend to be posted on craigslist.

Really nice place! Feels like it's well built and has a young, open, and bright feel to it. Walls…read moreseem pretty thick and noise isn't really an issue. SO MUCH good food around and it's very walkable to everything (being an old cheeseboard fan, I was pleased to discover Arizmendi down the street). BART is only 0.7 miles away, and if you want to bus, it is only 1 stop from the free Emery-go-round, which stops at your door! Awesome place to live. Added bonus: Pub across the street, and japanese restaurant downstairs (with $3 large beers after 8:30)

Fantastic place and location to live…read more I have lived here from 1991. One of the best places I ever lived. Well managed building. Superb security staff. Very polite and professional. Love them all. Highly recommend living here.

I really love living here, even though it is Emeryville. Moved to the East Bay from living in the…read moregorgeous Marina neighborhood in San Francisco. The Marina was nice and picturesque, but the PPP building makes my life so much easier and more convenient. 1. Parking! Ample parking! and guest parking! 2. discounted movie tickets ($6 each) 3. Pretty nice gym 4. Nice view (assuming you are above the 5th floor) 5. I don't hear my neighbors to my right, left, above, and below 6. they pick up all my UPS and Fedex packages 7. Free shuttle to Bart 8. Pool, hot tub, sauna 9. Much cheaper rent than SF rents 10. 24 hour security 11. My own thermostat 12. laundry facilities on each floor What are the cons? Just a few and maybe this is just specific to my apartment. 1. I hate the carpet in my bathroom. Now I always have to train my male guests to hover over the toilet and aim right. 2. The windows don't open and I have to open the balcony door in my room to ventilate the air in my apartment 3. My parking spot is far from my apartment. I have to take the elevator from the 5th floor to the 1st and walk to the main entrance and then take another elevator to the 19th floor to my apartment. 4. the hallways of each floor reminds me of the 80's...red carpet, fake flowers...needs an upgrade! 5. don't like my electric stove Overall, I love living here!

After living in the south bay for 13 years, I realized I could sell my house and go nearly anywhere…read morein the world I wanted. After an extensive self-examination of my goals and desires I found Phoenix Commons, which was exactly what I was looking for: 1) a nicely sized single-bedroom condo with gorgeous views of the Oakland estuary, the Park Street bridge, Alameda, and beyond. Sorry everybody, I got the best unit in the place. 2) Large shared spaces and people for an active social life 3) A hot tub! 4) Convenient access to San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and all their rich cultural possibilities 5) Secure garage parking with charging for my electric car 6) Beautiful boardwalk along the estuary for walking my dogs But the true benefit of living at Phoenix Commons is the people and the community we are building together. We are more than just neighbors. We are a true family. We have delicious group meals at least 3 times a week, prepared by volunteer chefs from the community. We have movie nights and craft days and sunset cruises on the bay. We argue and work it out together, for the benefit of all. We take care of each other in a myriad of ways, large and small. If you want to participate in a true community for your advanced years, Phoenix Commons is the place!

I am a member of Phoenix Commons. I joined the community before the building was competed and I…read moremoved into my condo / home in the Spring of 2016. "Lori" has it wrong. Yes, there are some units above $700,000 (and they have balconies with views of San Francisco and the Oakland - Alameda Estuary!) But there are many at a lower price. Phoenix Commons is a Senior Cohousing Community (ages 55+.) Cohousing is a concept that started in Denmark in the 1960's. We all have our own complete individual condos, which we purchase. AND we all own a share of the whole first floor of our building, which includes a shared living room, community room, library, gym, dining room and kitchen. We share meals, cooked by members, several times a week. I love it here. Yes, we live in Oakland, and yes, we had a couple of break-ins when we first started. That's Oakland. But we have a great security system, and an even greater sense of community. All of us here have chosen to live in an urban, diverse part of town. We partake of both the ethnic diversity of the Fruitvale section of Oakland as well as the small town feeling of the island of Alameda. Lucky us! Cohousing is not for everyone. But if you are intrigued by the idea of living independently, yet close to neighbors in a tight-knit community, check us out. Just tonight I had several neighbor- friends stop by to chat and one, who happens to be a great cook, brought me a plate of what she was cooking for dinner. Lucky me! Our sense of community is strong and thrives on fellowship and support. We are "aging in place" and loving it. Check us out.

I lived at 1200 Lakeshore from 2020 to 2023, and while the apartment itself is beautiful with…read morespacious units and great views, the overall experience was far from perfect. The neighbors were awful--racism was rampant. Once, in the laundry room, my partner was loading a dryer when a woman literally pushed her and said, "residents have priority," clearly assuming she was someone's maid. Another time in the laundry room a different woman asked her "what are your rates?" And when we said "we're your neighbors!" She didn't even apologize she just gave us that "oh you're being too sensitive" look. That kind of behavior was shocking and completely unacceptable. I also had a Mexican flag and a BLM flag on my balcony, and the property manager passive-aggressively asked me to take them down for "drone photos of the building." When I asked when this would take place so I could put the flags back up, he got nervous and mumbled something about needing the building to look "uniform." It was clear the flags weren't the kind of "uniform" he had in mind. While this isn't directly the building's fault, it absolutely must be mentioned: the area is not safe at all. In the three years I lived there, there were three murders within just a couple of blocks. No joke--check Oakland crime stats if you don't believe me. It's a very dangerous area, which only adds to the list of concerns. 1200 Lakeshore is a lovely building on the surface, but between the hostile neighbors, management's sketchy priorities, and the unsafe neighborhood, it's not the haven you'd hope for.

A Special Place to Live 1200 Lakeshore Ave., apartments…read moreoverlooking Lake Merritt is an outstanding apartment complex in Oakland. We have lived here for almost 4 years and have found the apartments to be spacious and immaculately clean and secure. There is a workout room fully equipped with the latest workout machines. There is a gorgeous patio complete with top-of-the-line furniture and a wonderfully landscaped garden. I cannot say enough about the staff. They are kind, generous and willing to help in anyway. They are simply the best .David Solis, manager, and staff go out of their way to accommodate our needs. Some of the tenants in this building have been here for many many years. Currently the tenants if if they so desire can participate in some fun activities. 1200 Lakeshore deserves the highest rating. Please come and check it out. You won't be sorry! Joyce Rubenstein Addendum: the east side of the building overlooks the Oakland Hills. In addition, all of the units have large patio areas Sent from my iPhone

Communication‼. Gentleman handling the apartment rentals was very gracious, thorough, helpful,…read morepro-active & patient too!

Lived here for a few months - LOVE these apartments!…read more HERE'S WHY: ------------------- 1.) Month-to-month rent terms! 2.) Smaller than most security deposit + reasonable pet deposit (they allow dogs here, too)! 3.) Many apt sizes including quaint studios! 4.) Beautiful grounds (see pic of center fountain in courtyard)! 5.) All bills paid! Woohoo! And free cable! 6.) Under 2 blocks away from Crab Cove, the SF BAY, the beach, and a huge park! 7.) Only a few miles from a BART station! 8.) TONS of parking (half covered) in a private, free parking lot. 9.) Near tons of restaurants & shopping. 10.) Built 1925 & used to be a Neptune Beach resort!! (An Alameda historical building!) ***THAT'S JUST TO NAME A FEW REASONS!*** .. So yeah. Great apt homes.. I recommend checking 'em out!!!