The Essex Condos for Sale — 1 Lakeside Drive, Oakland
The Essex on Lake Merritt at 1 Lakeside Drive is Oakland's premier lakefront luxury high-rise — a 21-story, 270-unit condominium designed by SmithGroup and completed in 2001, positioned directly on the shores of Lake Merritt in the heart of Oakland's Gold Coast. Comprising a 20-story tower and an interconnected 9-story wing linked by a glass bridge, The Essex offers studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with sweeping views of Lake Merritt, the Oakland Hills, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. With a Walk Score of 95, 0.5 miles to Lake Merritt BART, and full-service amenities including a 24-hour concierge and heated infinity pool, The Essex is the definitive Lake Merritt condo address.
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The Essex Building Overview
Built in 2001 and comprising 270 units across 21 stories, The Essex features studio units from 641 square feet, one-bedroom homes from 694 to 1,269 square feet, two-bedroom units up to approximately 1,300 square feet, and penthouse and two-story townhouse configurations at the upper levels. Interior finishes include hardwood and tile flooring, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets, private balconies or terraces, and in-unit laundry. Building amenities include a 24-hour attended lobby, full-service concierge, heated infinity pool and spa on the garden terrace, fitness center, business center, clubhouse and residents' lounge, outdoor dining area with barbecue, and controlled underground parking. The HOA covers water, trash, recycling, and 24-hour front desk security.
The Essex Pricing & Market
The Essex offers one of Oakland's most complete ranges of luxury condo price points, from studio and junior one-bedroom units in the mid-to-high $400,000s to two-bedroom lake-view homes in the $700,000–$900,000 range and penthouse residences above $1,000,000. The combination of lakefront setting, full-service amenities, and 270-unit scale provides relatively consistent availability compared with smaller luxury buildings. For buyers comparing Lake Merritt condos or evaluating Oakland's broader condo market, The Essex consistently represents the neighborhood's top tier.
Location & Transit
The Essex sits at 1 Lakeside Drive on the western shore of Lake Merritt — Oakland's 155-acre urban lagoon and the nation's first wildlife refuge — 0.5 miles from the Lake Merritt BART station providing direct service to San Francisco in approximately 20 minutes. The 19th Street Oakland BART station is also within walking distance. Whole Foods, the Oakland Museum of California, Children's Fairyland, Lakeside Park, and Lake Merritt's 3.4-mile jogging and cycling path are all steps away. Downtown Oakland, Jack London Square, and the Grand Lake and Lakeshore restaurant corridors are minutes by foot or bike. Interstates 580 and 880 provide quick freeway access for drivers.
Why Buy at The Essex?
The Essex combines a one-of-a-kind lakefront setting with Oakland's most complete high-rise amenity package — 24-hour concierge, heated pool, fitness center, business center, and attended lobby — in a 270-unit building large enough to provide consistent resale liquidity. For buyers who want true waterfront luxury at a fraction of comparable San Francisco pricing, The Essex on Lake Merritt has no direct competitor in the East Bay. Compare with nearby Park Bellevue Tower and Adams Point condos to identify the right Lake Merritt building for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions — The Essex Condos
Where is The Essex located?
The Essex is located at 1 Lakeside Drive on the western shore of Lake Merritt in Oakland, 0.5 miles from Lake Merritt BART and within walking distance of the 19th Street Oakland BART station.
How many units are in The Essex?
The Essex has 270 units across 21 stories, including a 20-story tower and a 9-story wing connected by a glass bridge. Floor plans range from studios at 641 square feet to two-bedroom homes, penthouse units, and two-story townhouses at street level.
What amenities does The Essex offer?
Building amenities include a 24-hour attended lobby, full-service concierge, heated infinity pool and spa, fitness center, business center, clubhouse and residents' lounge, outdoor dining area with barbecue, and controlled underground parking. HOA fees cover water, trash, recycling, and 24-hour front desk security.
What is the price range for The Essex condos?
Pricing ranges from the mid-to-high $400,000s for studio and one-bedroom units to $700,000–$900,000+ for two-bedroom lake-view homes, with penthouse residences trading above $1,000,000 depending on floor, view orientation, and condition.
What are the views like at The Essex?
Most units overlook Lake Merritt, with upper-floor and tower units delivering panoramic views spanning the lake, Oakland Hills, East Bay, Bay Bridge, and San Francisco skyline. On clear days, views extend to South San Francisco and beyond.
Work With a Local Essex Specialist
Bruce Wagg has building-specific knowledge of The Essex including HOA history, reserve fund profile, floor and view orientation comparables, and recent sale data across all unit types. Whether you are buying your first home at The Essex or selling a lakefront unit, Bruce provides the local expertise that gets results at Oakland's premier Lake Merritt address.