1254 East 12th Street, Oakland, California 94606
In the vibrant heart of Oakland sits The Compound — a truly distinctive six-unit residential property designed for creative living and inspired thinking. Originally conceived as an artist’s haven, this gated urban retreat features a lush central courtyard surrounded by loft-style units that blend industrial character with residential comfort.
Set on a generous 10,000 sq. ft. lot, The Compound offers three off-street parking spaces, an automatic gate, solar panels, and a new roof (2018). The sewer lateral was completed in 2012 and remains certified through 2033, providing sustainability, efficiency, and ease of ownership. Every corner of this property has been designed to foster community — a hallmark of Oakland’s long-standing creative and cultural spirit.
All six units are currently tenant-occupied, providing solid, diversified income from day one, with Unit #6 delivered vacant at close of escrow, allowing flexibility for an owner-occupant, artist-in-residence, or additional rental opportunity.
Current Monthly Rents:
• Unit #1: $2,000/ Month (1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath)
• Unit #2 & #3 (combined): $2,800/ Month (Loft Style 2 Bedroom/ 1 Bath)
• Unit #4: $1,200/ Month (Studio/ Sink & Toilet)
• Unit #5: $4,500/ Month (3 Bedroom/ 2.5 Bath, ~2,500SF + ~1,000 SF studio space)
• Unit #6: $750/ Month (2 Bedroom/ 2 Bath, ~1,500 SF, + studio + ~500 SF private deck, delivered vacant @ COE) Estimated Prospective Rent ~$3,500- $4,000/ Month
A Creative Legacy Rooted in Oakland’s History
For over a decade, The Compound has been home to a diverse community of artists — including African American and Chinese American creatives whose work and collaboration have defined its legacy. The property’s ethos mirrors Oakland’s own story: a city shaped by innovation, resilience, and the arts. From its historic jazz corridors and warehouse galleries to the vibrant murals that color its neighborhoods today, Oakland has long been a haven for those who make and imagine. The Compound continues that lineage — a living embodiment of the city’s creative pulse.
The surrounding East Oakland and San Antonio districts are rich in history and transformation. Once home to bustling industrial spaces, these neighborhoods have evolved into a dynamic crossroads of culture and enterprise — where local makers, musicians, and entrepreneurs thrive. With its mix of residential comfort and creative adaptability, The Compound captures that essence, offering both income stability and the opportunity to be part of something authentically Oakland.
Architecturally, the property reflects the adaptive reuse aesthetic that defines many of Oakland’s most beloved spaces: open layouts, flexible studios, and communal courtyards designed for connection. It’s a place where creativity and livability intersect — and where art doesn’t just hang on the walls, but lives in the air.
An Investment in Community and Culture
Beyond its proven income and structural updates — solar panels, new roof, and sewer compliance through 2033 — The Compound represents something more enduring: a rare opportunity to own a piece of Oakland’s creative heritage. The property’s blend of artistry, architecture, and steady rental income make it a compelling addition to any investor’s portfolio, or a unique live-work environment for those seeking to curate their own community.
With its thoughtful layout, artistic lineage, and prime location at the intersection of tradition and reinvention, The Compound stands as a testament to what makes Oakland extraordinary — a city where the past and the future meet in perfect rhythm.
Own a piece of Oakland’s creative history — and help shape its next chapter.
Highlights:
• 6 Residential Units on a 10,000 SF Lot
• 3 Off-Street Parking Spaces + Automatic Gate
• Solar Panels & New Roof (2018)
• Sewer Lateral Compliance (Valid Through 2033)
• Central Courtyard & Artistic Heritage
• Unit #6 Delivered Vacant at Close of Escrow
• Located in Oakland’s San Antonio District, rich in cultural and architectural history