Living at the Top of the Bay

Renaissance of Waterfront Living in Point Richmond

Greasing the wheels of commerce has always been the waterfronts’ raison d’etre. It started with the Industrial Revolution, when people first discovered that water was the best and cheapest way to move manufactured goods.

For the last hundred years or so, a blink of the eye historically speaking, the internal combustion engine, and the freeways it spawned, lured people from waterfront communities inland to so called "planned" communities.

And, as with every major city throughout the country, this influx to suburbia meant longer commuting times, traffic jams and less time for family, friends and relaxation.

What does it mean for the waterfront? A reverse migration, which is already underway. Large numbers of people are rediscovering the practicality and beauty of waterfront living. Whether it’s the calming allure of the water, the sense of oneness with nature, proximity to the arts, convenient transportation such as the ferries, or the desire to live in a vacation atmosphere, the waterfront offers a lifestyle that is prized and unique.

Waterfront communities like Benicia, Martinez and Alviso, all left behind in the headlong rush to soulless suburbia, now look forward to a renaissance of their beautiful waterfront downtowns. Artists are moving in droves to lofts along the Oakland/Alameda Estuary. Sumptuous condominiums have opened near Pac Bell Park and near Jack London Square. Much more is to come.

We wanted to talk to someone on the front lines of this sea change in the way Bay Areans live, work and play. It’s self-serving, we admit, but what better way, thought we, than to check in with an advertiser?

Intessa Corporation is the developer of the Pinnacle at Brickyard Landing, the name given to the final phase of the build-out of Brickyard Landing, a secluded condominium community at Point Richmond’s Marina Landing.

We called, and Adam Lubow, Vice President of Marketing for Intessa, was cheerfully willing to meet us at the Pinnacle, their new waterfront condominiums, and chew the fat.

Monoliths like Catellus and Lennar have contracts to redevelop broad swaths of Bayfront, much of it retired military land. The Pinnacle, at 69 units, is the biggest project to date for the mid-sized Intessa, a San Rafael firm. Up to now, the firm has specialized in what Lubow colorfully terms "scrapers"; teardowns, or older homes on desirable lots that are torn down to make way for showpiece homes.

Why is Intessa laying down its chips on waterfront development?

"We specialize in urban in-fill development", explained Lubow. "We seek transit-oriented sites to build upon. We think people are bored with the white picket fence and seek a return to urban living. The waterfront combines all these elements."

How significant a factor is the waterfront for potential homebuyers?

"Very," says Lubow, "Our polling shows that views, location and water access were cited by fully 82% of Brickyard Cove residents as reasons they bought here."

Adam, and his Marketing and PR Director Sandra Schaumleffel, gave us a tour of the Pinnacle. "People want the ‘lock and leave’ convenience of a condo," Sandy told us. "They want everything taken care of by someone else; the pool, spa and rec room. Nearby there is also has a great regional park system and the historic town of Pt. Richmond is a big draw".

The charming Sandy, warming to her role as pitchperson, extolled the many fine features of the Pinnacle condominiums, including so-called "smart boxes," built-in connections allowing the very latest in high-speed Internet access. "You could run Bay Crossings from right here," Sandy assured us, taking in the breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay with a sweep of her arms. "For only $400-600 thousand!"

Given the absurdity of Bay housing prices, it did seem surprisingly reasonable considering the views and location, but Sandy clearly does not know, or was too polite to acknowledge, the harsh economic realities of journalism.

Atop the Pinnacle, where construction of swank penthouse apartments is nearing completion, Lubow reiterated his company’s belief in the waterfront. "Our next project is near the Oakland waterfront, developing lofts in West Oakland on the Mandela Parkway. There is a certain dynamic of being on or near the water. It’s a lifestyle our customers want. We’re excited about the return to the waterfront and happy to be part the movement."