If you’ve ever been to Monterey Market (a true treasure), kitty corner to the building you’ll find Red Oak’s Hopkins office at 1575 Hopkins Street in Berkeley. It’s one of our favorite locations - not just because it’s in the heart of Northbrae, so close to Gioia Pizzeria and the great oysters at Monterey Fish Market - but because of the property itself.

 

This summer it went through a significant remodel and had its grand re-opening just last week. As you can see from the photos below, the space was completely transformed. The Home Co, a fellow local- and woman-owned business, helped to create a welcoming yet modern twist on a shared work environment with warm, textured elements more reminiscent of a home than an office.

 

Some describe it as a “hotel lobby” or a “spa,” and that’s just what we were hoping for.

 

 

But if we turn back the clock even further, we can see how much the area has changed. Below is a photo from the late 30s and was taken from Monterey facing south towards Hopkins (current day version here). That grassy field on the left is where Red Oak stands now.

 

 

Source: Dave's Electric Railroads

 

Years later the property became a Flying A gas station (a predecessor of Atlantic Richfield, or ARCO). Then in the early 1960s, the owner, Mr. Robert Hinds, had the tanks removed and turned into offices. It first housed a Locators Real Estate office, then in about 1983, Northwestern Title Company moved in. It closed its doors in the fall of 2001.

 

That’s when Tim Cannon, an agent who is with Red Oak, snatched up a lease and operated Berkeley Home Real Estate. During his tenure, a local artist/sculptor/garden designer, Keeyla Meadows, designed her demonstration garden in the back corner, which included plants, artwork and custom furniture and fencing.

 

He kept the business until 2009, when it merged with Marvin Gardens. Marvin Gardens was run by Todd Hodson and Marion Henon - whose team is still active in East Bay real estate - and Ron Egherman. Ron was an architect by training and oversaw the remodel of the space. He even used recycled bowling alley lanes to make some of the furniture.

 

In 2019, Red Oak acquired Marvin Gardens, and we have been doing our best to keep the unique soul of the property but evolving it to a modern look and feel. Last year we worked with Sita Rupe to redesign the garden; it remains a welcoming and often-used gathering space for our company.

 

 

We welcome you to stop by and take a look. And if you have any questions, we’re happy to chat.