I stopped in to see the new condos at 238 Olive this week. There are eight 2BR/2BA condos with split floor plans, meaning the bedrooms are located on either side of the open kitchen/dining/living area. Finishes include Euro-style cabinetry, Ceaserstone countertops, porcelain-tiled backsplashes, and high-end appliances. There are two units per floor, and square footage ranges from 997-1,102.
Pricing starts at $739,000 and goes up to $819,000 for a unit on the top floor. Kitchens like these are becoming almost standard in new condo developments:
But they are quite crisp and modern. And there’s also a solar-powered roof:
The units have reasonable space, and are nicely done. I think the biggest drawback is the location; Olive is on a small street between Van Ness and Franklin, and Ellis and O’Farrell. So you have to be okay living on what’s known as the Van Ness corridor—an area that’s near desirable neighborhoods like Hayes Valley and Lower Fillmore, but isn’t exactly where you want to be. The block itself is all right; you’re adjacent to a large commercial building, which looks like a partial parking garage. Outlooks aren’t great, but the units get decent natural light. And if you buy #502—the top-floor, rear unit—you’ll get an awesome view of every local satellite dish atop all the neighboring buildings.
None of the eight units are in contract yet. Biggest competition is probably right around the block at The Artani, which also has two bedrooms in the $700,000s. But that building has a lot more units (52), so those looking for a smaller, lower-key building might prefer 238 Olive.
