Demetrius Chapin-Rienzo & The Leaper Team Presents
Fully Vacant N. Berkeley Fourplex
$1,795,000
All Property Photos
Property Details
Bedrooms
4
Bathrooms
6
Square Feet
3,440 sq ft
Neighborhood
Gourmet Ghetto, Berkeley
Property Details
1521 Josephine Street is a uniquely compelling opportunity to own a fully vacant four-unit property in North Berkeley’s famed Gourmet District. Tucked between Cedar and Vine on a picturesque tree-lined street, this vintage brown shingle compound features two charming buildings surrounded by greenery, flowers, vines, and inviting outdoor spaces that capture the natural beauty of North Berkeley.
The front building includes a spacious three-bedroom and three full bath primary residence with hardwood floors, generous rooms, and a mix of meaningful architectural details and thoughtful updates throughout. Below it sits a large one-bedroom and one-bath unit with high ceilings and a comfortable layout. The rear building offers two twin studio units in an upper and lower unit configuration, ideal for rental income*, extended family, or flexible living.
The property sits on a beautifully landscaped lot with layered plantings, Japanese maples, a welcoming front patio wrapped in green vines, and a wide back deck that creates harmonious integration of indoor and outdoor living. Fully vacant and ready for the next owner, this is a rare chance to purchase a multi-unit property in Berkeley with outstanding access to shops, restaurants, UC Berkeley, parks, and everything that makes this neighborhood so special.
DETAILS
Four fully vacant units
Two wonderful vintage brown shingle buildings on a 5,400 sq ft lot**, fully fenced with inviting front, side, and rear yards
A great opportunity for owner occupancy with income**, multi-generational living, a family compound, or a strong rental investment
Interiors painted and exterior trim painted (2025)
New and refinished flooring (2025)
Refreshed landscaping with irrigation (2025) to complement the mature vegetation
Radiant natural light
Off-street parking
Storage
Minutes to North Shattuck, Northbrae, and Solano Ave shops
BREAKDOWN OF UNITS
Primary residence
Spacious 3-bedroom and 3-bathroom on two levels
Refinished hardwood oak floors and new luxury vinyl planks
Thoughtful kitchen, bathroom, and lighting upgrades
Well-cared-for original woodwork
Modern gas fireplaces
Lower level
Spacious 1-bedroom and 1-bathroom unit
Formal entry, living room, dining area
An open kitchen floor plan
Rear building
Two matching studios - upper and lower unit configuration
Eat-in kitchens
New flooring (2025)
*Per public record. **Neither seller nor listing agent has investigated or verified the accuracy of any of these sources of information, nor do they guarantee any short-term, or increase in future long-term rental income. **Per public record. ***Sq. Ft. per measured floor plan.
The front building includes a spacious three-bedroom and three full bath primary residence with hardwood floors, generous rooms, and a mix of meaningful architectural details and thoughtful updates throughout. Below it sits a large one-bedroom and one-bath unit with high ceilings and a comfortable layout. The rear building offers two twin studio units in an upper and lower unit configuration, ideal for rental income*, extended family, or flexible living.
The property sits on a beautifully landscaped lot with layered plantings, Japanese maples, a welcoming front patio wrapped in green vines, and a wide back deck that creates harmonious integration of indoor and outdoor living. Fully vacant and ready for the next owner, this is a rare chance to purchase a multi-unit property in Berkeley with outstanding access to shops, restaurants, UC Berkeley, parks, and everything that makes this neighborhood so special.
DETAILS
Four fully vacant units
Two wonderful vintage brown shingle buildings on a 5,400 sq ft lot**, fully fenced with inviting front, side, and rear yards
A great opportunity for owner occupancy with income**, multi-generational living, a family compound, or a strong rental investment
Interiors painted and exterior trim painted (2025)
New and refinished flooring (2025)
Refreshed landscaping with irrigation (2025) to complement the mature vegetation
Radiant natural light
Off-street parking
Storage
Minutes to North Shattuck, Northbrae, and Solano Ave shops
BREAKDOWN OF UNITS
Primary residence
Spacious 3-bedroom and 3-bathroom on two levels
Refinished hardwood oak floors and new luxury vinyl planks
Thoughtful kitchen, bathroom, and lighting upgrades
Well-cared-for original woodwork
Modern gas fireplaces
Lower level
Spacious 1-bedroom and 1-bathroom unit
Formal entry, living room, dining area
An open kitchen floor plan
Rear building
Two matching studios - upper and lower unit configuration
Eat-in kitchens
New flooring (2025)
*Per public record. **Neither seller nor listing agent has investigated or verified the accuracy of any of these sources of information, nor do they guarantee any short-term, or increase in future long-term rental income. **Per public record. ***Sq. Ft. per measured floor plan.
walkthrough
3D Virtual Tour
Floor Plans
Floor plan
Site plan
about this
Neighborhood
This popular Berkley neighborhood is known by at least a few names, including Gourmet Gulch, North Shattuck ,and Gourmet Ghetto. Located less than a mile north of Downtown Berkley, Gourmet Ghetto is often considered the birthplace and epicenter of California Cuisine.
The homes in the Gourmet Ghetto range from well-preserved Victorian-style homes to bungalows and meticulously preserved Craftsmans. In fact, the eclectic mix of real estate in the Gourmet Ghetto garners so much attention, the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association conducts regular neighborhood tours in the area. Thanks to the nearby BART Station and central shopping district, the Gourmet Ghetto is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Berkeley.
Everything from Oakland to the bustling Downtown San Francisco area is less than an hour commute from Gourmet Ghetto. Oakland Medical Center is less than 20 minutes from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and residents can be at Google’s headquarters in less than 45 minutes. UC Berkeley is just a mile away, making Gourmet Ghetto a great place for students, faculty, and staff to call home.
Live Oak Park, located near Shattuck Avenue between Eunice and Rose Streets, is ideal for a variety of events and recreation. Amenities include basketball courts, a volleyball court, lighted tennis courts, picnic areas, and an open-air theater which hosts children’s plays and Shakespearean productions. Just east of Live Oak Park is the Berkeley Art Center, which proudly displays a variety of exhibits, art openings, and lectures.
The true origin story of the moniker 'Gourmet Ghetto' is contested, but it's easy to see how the name came about. The strip of Shattuck Avenue between Cedar and Vine streets is anchored by Alice Waters' world-famous Chez Panisse Restaurant & Café, The Cheese Board Collective, and the original Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Each of these restaurants have been icons in the neighborhood for decades and there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. Simply put, the area is a laid-back mecca for those who want to eat, drink, and live well. Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association conducts regular neighborhood tours in the area. Thanks to the nearby BART Station and central shopping district, the Gourmet Ghetto is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Berkeley.
Everything from Oakland to the bustling Downtown San Francisco area is less than an hour commute from Gourmet Ghetto. Oakland Medical Center is less than 20 minutes from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and residents can be at Google’s headquarters in less than 45 minutes. UC Berkeley is just a mile away, making Gourmet Ghetto a great place for students, faculty, and staff to call home.
Live Oak Park, located near Shattuck Avenue between Eunice and Rose Streets, is ideal for everything from morning walks to outdoor sports and a plethora of other events. Amenities include basketball courts, a volleyball court, lighted tennis courts, picnic areas, and an open-air theater which hosts children’s plays and Shakespearean productions. Just east of Live Oak Park is the Berkeley Art Center which proudly displays a variety of exhibits, art openings, and lectures.
Alice Kahn first used the phrase “Gourmet Ghetto” over 40 years ago. The strip of Shattuck Avenue between Cedar and Vine streets is anchored by Alice Waters’ world-famous Chez Panisse Restaurant & Café, The Cheese Board Collective, and the original Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Each of these restaurants have been icons in the neighborhood for decades and there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. Simply put, the area is a laid-back mecca for those who want to eat, drink, and live well.
The homes in the Gourmet Ghetto range from well-preserved Victorian-style homes to bungalows and meticulously preserved Craftsmans. In fact, the eclectic mix of real estate in the Gourmet Ghetto garners so much attention, the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association conducts regular neighborhood tours in the area. Thanks to the nearby BART Station and central shopping district, the Gourmet Ghetto is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Berkeley.
Everything from Oakland to the bustling Downtown San Francisco area is less than an hour commute from Gourmet Ghetto. Oakland Medical Center is less than 20 minutes from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and residents can be at Google’s headquarters in less than 45 minutes. UC Berkeley is just a mile away, making Gourmet Ghetto a great place for students, faculty, and staff to call home.
Live Oak Park, located near Shattuck Avenue between Eunice and Rose Streets, is ideal for a variety of events and recreation. Amenities include basketball courts, a volleyball court, lighted tennis courts, picnic areas, and an open-air theater which hosts children’s plays and Shakespearean productions. Just east of Live Oak Park is the Berkeley Art Center, which proudly displays a variety of exhibits, art openings, and lectures.
The true origin story of the moniker 'Gourmet Ghetto' is contested, but it's easy to see how the name came about. The strip of Shattuck Avenue between Cedar and Vine streets is anchored by Alice Waters' world-famous Chez Panisse Restaurant & Café, The Cheese Board Collective, and the original Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Each of these restaurants have been icons in the neighborhood for decades and there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. Simply put, the area is a laid-back mecca for those who want to eat, drink, and live well. Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association conducts regular neighborhood tours in the area. Thanks to the nearby BART Station and central shopping district, the Gourmet Ghetto is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Berkeley.
Everything from Oakland to the bustling Downtown San Francisco area is less than an hour commute from Gourmet Ghetto. Oakland Medical Center is less than 20 minutes from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and residents can be at Google’s headquarters in less than 45 minutes. UC Berkeley is just a mile away, making Gourmet Ghetto a great place for students, faculty, and staff to call home.
Live Oak Park, located near Shattuck Avenue between Eunice and Rose Streets, is ideal for everything from morning walks to outdoor sports and a plethora of other events. Amenities include basketball courts, a volleyball court, lighted tennis courts, picnic areas, and an open-air theater which hosts children’s plays and Shakespearean productions. Just east of Live Oak Park is the Berkeley Art Center which proudly displays a variety of exhibits, art openings, and lectures.
Alice Kahn first used the phrase “Gourmet Ghetto” over 40 years ago. The strip of Shattuck Avenue between Cedar and Vine streets is anchored by Alice Waters’ world-famous Chez Panisse Restaurant & Café, The Cheese Board Collective, and the original Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Each of these restaurants have been icons in the neighborhood for decades and there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. Simply put, the area is a laid-back mecca for those who want to eat, drink, and live well.
Demetrius Chapin-Rienzo
The Leaper Team
Red Oak Realty
Realtor® Associate
- DRE:
- #00408309 / 01741458
- Mobile:
- 510.410.2344
- Office:
- 510.410.2344
www.TheLeaperTeam.com
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Demetrius Chapin-Rienzo
The Leaper Team
Red Oak Realty
Realtor® Associate
- DRE:
- #00408309 / 01741458
- Mobile:
- 510.410.2344
- Office:
- 510.410.2344
theleaperteam@redoakrealty.com
www.TheLeaperTeam.com