On Location: Avenue 64, Emeryville, CA

Photography and text by Sean Garrison, Contributing Editor

The San Francisco Bay Area stands unrivaled among metropolitan centers. The natural beauty, thriving arts and a diverse business environment surrounding Emeryville make it a gem of the cities that ring the bay. Expansive networks of regional parks pepper the landscape and are as convenient as the nightlife and unique cuisine of San Francisco. They are as much a part of Avenue 64, an apartment community owned and managed by BRE Properties, as the pleasure of staying in for a quiet evening.

The property features stylish floor plans and sprawling views. Depending on the location within the community and the level of amenities desired, residences at Avenue 64 range from studios to three-bedrooms. Options include a stainless steel or black finish for appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, hardwood-style flooring and a gourmet kitchen with two styles of cabinetry from which to choose.

A spacious yoga area for stretching and meditation is coupled with a fitness center that boasts soaring floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking a heated pool. For residents who work from home, Avenue 64 hosts a business center complete with conference rooms. For play, the popular lounge is a pavilion to meet neighbors or host guests with plasma TVs, a full kitchen, Nintendo Wii, billiards and free Wi-Fi. A truly local East Bay feature of the property is an art gallery that highlights local artists in conjunction with the  annual Emeryville Art Exhibition. The gallery gives residents of Avenue 64 a special insight into a thriving creative community.

In order to further a community connection, Avenue 64 recently joined Zip Car and provides access to vehicles for residents who choose not to own  cars of their own. The Emery-Go-Round, a free shuttle service that provides a direct link to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), the Bay Fair Mall and the greater Emeryville neighborhood, stops in front of Avenue 64. Also included is a parking spot for every unit, with easy access to three major freeways.

Every Sunday, Avenue 64 hosts a continental brunch in the lounge where residents mingle over fresh fruits, mini quiches and an assortment of pastries. Avenue 64 residents also enjoy an annual summer barbeque by the pool, and since the community is pet-friendly, it is currently planning a pet fashion show.

It is this spirit of conviviality and family that makes “Be here, Be home” an apt tagline for Avenue 64, as well as for BRE Properties Inc. One resident enthused, “I have a great view, awesome layout and wonderful neighbors. [If] I need something fixed, it’s done. I can pay rent online or [with] ACH and they have dog treats in the office. The staff is professional, and they bend over backwards to accommodate residents.”

“For prospects or residents, we’ll do everything in our power to make sure their expectations are exceeded,” says Community Manager Ali Ghatala. “The management and maintenance team is very responsive, proactive and gives 110 percent every time.”

Resident retention is simply a priority. Management contacts residents every 30, 60 and 90 days to ensure all aspects of the move-in process went well. Staff strive to establish relationships that last and continue to grow for many years.