The Opportunity: Prime Emeryville Development Site
The Opportunity: Prime Emeryville Development Site
CBRE Capital Markets proudly presents the exclusive opportunity to acquire the fee simple interest in 5801 Christie Avenue — a premier development site located in the dynamic city of Emeryville, California. This is more than just a real estate acquisition; it’s a strategic opportunity to participate in one of the Bay Area’s last major undeveloped parcels, positioned to meet growing housing demand while capturing exceptional financial returns.
Site Overview and Redevelopment Potential
The property spans approximately 3.74 acres and currently includes a vacant office and warehouse structure. Its true value lies in its Mixed-Use with Residential (MUR) zoning and its immediate readiness for transformation. With approvals for demolition of existing improvements, the site offers an expedited path to development—avoiding delays that typically accompany brownfield or operational conversions.
The MUR zoning designation allows for a maximum density of 170 dwelling units per acre, presenting the potential to deliver roughly ±635 residential units along with complementary retail and commercial square footage. This entitlement capacity allows developers to optimize construction efficiencies, maximize economies of scale, and fortify long-term return metrics.
Addressing Housing Demand and Capturing Premium Rents
The proposed redevelopment directly aligns with the Bay Area’s urgent housing needs. The site’s orientation, location, and superior access create a significant advantage for high-end rental and mixed-use demand.
- Location Advantage: Spectacular panoramic Bay views combined with a short commute to Downtown Emeryville’s shopping, dining, and business centers.
- Transit Connectivity: Easy access to I‑80, I‑580, and I‑880, as well as nearby Amtrak and AC Transit hubs, make this an exemplary transit-oriented (TOD) location linking San Francisco, Oakland, and the broader East Bay workforce.
- Premium Rents & Market Demand: The limited supply of modern, new housing units in Emeryville ensures sustainable absorption rates and rent premiums among young professionals and medical staff from upcoming developments.
Strategic Market Drivers and Catalysts
Timing amplifies the project’s potential. The site is positioned to benefit from significant regional growth initiatives and economic catalysts within Emeryville and the East Bay corridor:
- Sutter Health $1 Billion Medical Campus: Scheduled to open in 2032, this transformative healthcare investment ensures a stable housing demand generated by medical professionals, operations staff, and affiliated services.
- Proximity to Emeryville Public Market: A thriving retail, food, and entertainment hub that enhances day-to-day livability and strengthens rental market desirability.
- Innovation Corridor: The adjacent Oakland–Berkeley biotech and innovation zones continue to attract top-tier employers, driving upward pressure on localized housing and mixed-use demand.
Market Fundamentals: Why This Site Excels
- Supply Scarcity: Few large tracts remain developable or transit‑connected in Emeryville, reinforcing pricing strength and reduced competition.
- Job Growth: Ongoing expansion in neighboring East Bay innovation hubs sustains renter demand.
- Transit Orientation: Fulfills urban mobility goals while appealing to environmentally conscious, car‑optional residents.
Comprehensive Development and Investment Profile
| Feature | Details | Investment Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 5801 Christie Avenue, Emeryville, California | Prime East Bay location with scenic views and major freeway access |
| Site Size | 3.74 Acres (Fee Simple Interest) | Ample footprint for vertical residential and mixed‑use structures |
| Current Status | Vacant office and warehouse structures | Clear path to demolition and redevelopment |
| Zoning | Mixed‑Use with Residential (MUR) | Allows high-density development with mixed commercial components |
| Max Density | 170 Units per Acre | High-density capacity unmatched in comparable Bay Area markets |
| Total Yield | ±635 Residential Units + Retail/Commercial Space | Achieves economies of scale and premium market returns |
| Demand Driver 1 | Sutter Health’s $1 Billion Medical Campus (Opening 2032) | Stable long-term tenant base of medical and administrative professionals |
| Demand Driver 2 | Proximity to Emeryville Public Market | Enhances community vitality and rental attractiveness |
| Connectivity | Direct Access to I‑80, I‑580, Amtrak & AC Transit | High mobility appeal for San Francisco & Oakland commuters |
| Investment Appeal | Favorable zoning & market timing in supply‑limited region | Opportunity for exceptional capital growth and asset stability |
Investment Summary
The acquisition of 5801 Christie Avenue represents a rare chance for developers and institutional investors to shape the evolving Emeryville skyline. This shovel‑ready site combines powerful fundamentals—favorable zoning, supply scarcity, and transformative infrastructure—in a single, high‑impact opportunity to deliver long-term portfolio value.
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