The Lake Merritt sits right on the water at Lake Merritt and has a real sense of history, with its Mediterranean Art Deco style going back to 1928, showing off tall ceilings, crown molding, and big windows that let you look out over the lake, the city, or the Oakland Hills, with views where you can sometimes see the Necklace of Lights sparkling at night. People can choose from junior one-bedroom and full one-bedroom apartments, all pretty spacious with nice touches like hardwood, tile, or carpet floors, plus ceiling fans, kitchens with dishwashers, microwaves, and refrigerators, and no extra fees for utilities since the building covers electricity, gas, water, trash, sewer, and heat, something that can really add up. There's lots to do around here too, with a gym open all the time, a library, a game room, and community rooms where people gather for different activities, with maintenance staff on hand every day of the week and on-site laundry you can access any time. Pets-both dogs and cats, no matter the size-are allowed, and there's no pet rent, making things a bit simpler for those who have a furry family member. People who need extra help can arrange for home care partners or health aides to come in, so they can keep living here as they age, and there are short-term stays as well, sometimes for recovery or just relaxing.
The security has some layers-controlled access, a virtual and remote doorman that's available 24/7, plus gated entry, so you end up with a feeling of being both open to the community and fairly safe. If you like to walk or get out, you'll find walking paths, parks, and two BART stations nearby, and you can wander over to nearby restaurants, stores, or just watch the lake. For residents who drive, there's garage parking, a parking lot, and bicycle storage. Everyone in the building can use high-speed wireless internet and cable, ready to go throughout the building, and there's even a package receiving service if you get deliveries often.
The Terrace Room, a restaurant inside, serves meals with fresh, local meat and produce, always focusing on health, giving options with less sodium, less fat, or less sugar, and the bar and lounge make it easy to bring family or friends for a visit. This spot welcomes all ages really, with community rooms and family spaces, making for a lively place that still feels like part of the bigger neighborhood, and you'll definitely notice those Art Deco details and the original design, like the big dance floor and grand piano in the event space. The Lake Merritt hosts lots of events-weddings, corporate meetings, social gatherings-and offers in-house catering and decor, earning some awards for being a nice venue, especially with those panoramic window views. The big thing about living here is there's a steadiness to the place; it's been around a long time, sits steps from the lake, and mixes comfort, service, and a connection to the community, all in a building that's got character and a bit of grandeur, but isn't trying to be too fancy for its own good.
