Experience the quintessential urban village lifestyle at Opera Plaza, San Francisco's landmark mixed-use condominium community in the heart of the Civic Center cultural district. Located at 601 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102, this pioneering live-work-play development was designed by renowned architect John Carl Warnecke and completed in 1982 as one of San Francisco's first large-scale mixed-use communities.
Opera Plaza was conceived as a groundbreaking "urban village" designed to provide residential and commercial space in a high-density urban setting while creating a peaceful oasis where residents can live, work, shop, and relax. The complex features three mid-rise towers rising 15 stories, containing 450 residential units plus over 80,000 square feet of retail and office space at the plaza and mezzanine levels. The development includes 600 subterranean parking spaces and multiple landscaped courtyards.
This architectural masterpiece by John Carl Warnecke set the standard for future San Francisco mixed-use developments, creating an entire self-contained neighborhood on a full city block.
Opera Plaza offers studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom condominiums, plus multi-level townhouse residences ranging from 442 to 1,737 square feet. A typical home is approximately 723 square feet. Many residences feature private balconies with stunning City Hall dome views, downtown San Francisco skyline vistas, wood-burning fireplaces, bay windows, hardwood floors, generous closet space, and updated kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.
Opera Plaza provides exceptional amenities including 24-hour security staff and attended lobby, heated outdoor swimming pool with sun deck, covered heated spa/jacuzzi, state-of-the-art fitness center, racquetball and basketball courts, separate men's and women's locker rooms with showers and saunas, club room for entertaining, concierge services, on-site professional management, multiple landscaped courtyard areas, and leased parking available in the underground garage.
HOA fees include water, garbage, high-speed internet, AT&T basic cable, building maintenance, building insurance including earthquake insurance, and all amenities.
Opera Plaza's 601 Van Ness Avenue address places you at the epicenter of San Francisco's renowned cultural district, steps from the War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco Ballet, San Francisco Opera, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Public Library, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, and the magnificent San Francisco City Hall.
The ground-floor plaza features on-site dining, shopping, and entertainment including Max's Opera Café, Books Inc. bookstore, Peet's Coffee, Opera Plaza Cinemas (fine arts movie theater), and numerous retail shops and professional offices—creating a true live-work-play urban village.
The Civic Center/Van Ness location offers a Walk Score of 98 (Walker's Paradise) and exceptional public transit access. Civic Center BART station is just blocks away, while numerous Muni bus lines (5, 10, 21, 47, 49) and the F-line streetcar provide connections throughout San Francisco. Easy freeway access to Highway 101, I-280, Bay Bridge, and Golden Gate Bridge makes commuting effortless.
The vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood with boutique shopping and acclaimed restaurants is minutes away, while downtown San Francisco, the Financial District, and SoMa are easily accessible.
Living at Opera Plaza means world-class performing arts are literally at your doorstep. The San Francisco Opera, Symphony, and Ballet are all within a short walk, while the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Public Library, and numerous theaters offer endless cultural experiences. The location also provides convenient access to California Pacific Medical Center Van Ness Campus (0.4 miles) and is centrally positioned for tech commuters with easy access to SoMa, Mission Bay, and downtown tech companies.
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