Market Square Condominiums at 585 9th Street, Oakland: The Ultimate Buyer’s & Seller’s Guide

Located at 585 9th Street in the heart of historic Old Oakland, Market Square Condominiums has established itself as one of downtown Oakland’s premier condominium communities. Combining contemporary architecture, thoughtfully designed residences, resort-style amenities, and one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the East Bay, Market Square continues to attract first-time buyers, professionals, investors, downsizers, and those relocating from San Francisco who want to experience an authentic urban lifestyle without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Old Oakland possesses a character unlike any other neighborhood in the city. Beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings line tree-shaded streets filled with independent restaurants, coffee shops, wine bars, local retailers, art galleries, and some of Oakland’s most celebrated culinary destinations. Living at Market Square means stepping outside your front door and enjoying everything from a morning coffee to an evening dinner, a weekend farmers market, or a waterfront walk to Jack London Square—all without needing to get behind the wheel. It is this unique combination of history, walkability, and modern convenience that continues to make Old Oakland one of the Bay Area’s most desirable urban neighborhoods.

Market Square was developed during the mid-2000s as a purpose-built condominium community rather than a converted warehouse or office building. This distinction is important because it allowed architects to create homes designed specifically for modern residential living. The community contains approximately 202 residences featuring a variety of one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, many incorporating flexible office or den areas that have become increasingly valuable as hybrid and remote work have become part of everyday life. Unlike many newer urban condominiums where every square foot feels compressed, Market Square residences are known for practical layouts that provide generous living spaces, comfortable bedrooms, and kitchens designed for daily use rather than simply maximizing density.

Many residences feature open-concept living and dining areas filled with natural light from oversized windows. Updated kitchens often include stone countertops, stainless-steel appliances, abundant cabinetry, and breakfast bars that create an inviting space for both everyday living and entertaining. Select homes offer spacious walk-in pantries, an uncommon feature in urban condominium living that provides valuable storage space. Primary suites are often generously sized and paired with updated bathrooms featuring contemporary finishes, while stackable washer and dryer units are discreetly tucked away within the residence for added convenience. Many owners appreciate the thoughtful separation between living and sleeping areas, creating homes that feel substantially larger than their square footage might suggest.

The larger two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plans have become especially sought after because they accommodate a wide variety of lifestyles. Whether used by professionals sharing ownership, young families, empty nesters seeking to downsize, or homeowners needing a dedicated office, these flexible layouts continue to appeal to today’s buyers. Many residences include spacious den or office areas that easily function as workspaces, reading rooms, fitness areas, or guest accommodations without compromising the home’s primary living areas.

While the residences themselves are impressive, Market Square’s extensive amenity package further distinguishes the community from many surrounding condominium developments. Residents enjoy access to a fully equipped fitness center featuring both cardio equipment and free weights, allowing many owners to eliminate the need for a separate gym membership. A relaxing sauna offers the perfect place to unwind after a workout or a long day at work. The beautifully landscaped interior courtyard serves as a peaceful oasis in the middle of downtown Oakland, providing a quiet retreat where residents can relax with a book, meet neighbors, or simply enjoy a break from the energy of city life.

One of the building’s signature amenities is its expansive rooftop deck. Complete with barbecue stations, outdoor seating areas, and sweeping views of the surrounding city skyline, the rooftop has become a favorite gathering place for residents hosting friends, enjoying sunset dinners, or simply appreciating Oakland’s mild year-round climate. The building also offers a business center, conference room, secure package handling, elevators, bicycle storage, and controlled building access, all contributing to the convenience and security homeowners have come to expect from a premier condominium community.

The location of Market Square is arguably one of its greatest assets. Residents are within walking distance of Swan’s Market, one of Oakland’s most beloved culinary destinations featuring artisan food vendors, specialty shops, and local restaurants. The weekly Old Oakland Farmers Market has become a neighborhood tradition, offering fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and locally produced products that bring together residents from throughout the city. Chinatown, Jack London Square, downtown Oakland, City Center, numerous breweries, entertainment venues, and an ever-growing collection of restaurants are all located within a short walk, making Market Square one of the most pedestrian-friendly communities in the East Bay.

For commuters, few Oakland locations offer greater convenience. The 12th Street BART Station is only a short walk away, providing direct service to San Francisco, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Fremont, and numerous employment centers throughout the Bay Area. Those who drive enjoy immediate access to Interstate 880, Interstate 980, Interstate 580, Highway 24, and the Bay Bridge, while Oakland International Airport is only a short drive away. Whether commuting daily or traveling throughout Northern California, residents benefit from exceptional regional accessibility.

Beyond convenience, Old Oakland offers something increasingly difficult to find in today’s urban environments—a true sense of community. Residents often know the owners of neighborhood coffee shops, greet familiar faces at the farmers market, and enjoy seasonal community events that celebrate the area’s rich history and diverse culture. The neighborhood successfully blends historic architecture with ongoing investment, creating an environment that feels both established and continually evolving.

Market Square has also demonstrated consistent appeal in the resale market. Recent sales within the building illustrate the continued demand for well-designed condominiums in this highly desirable neighborhood. During the past two years, nine residences have sold, with closing prices ranging from $399,000 to $625,650, depending on floor plan, size, condition, location within the building, and level of interior updating.

One-bedroom residences have recently sold between $399,000 and $445,000, offering approximately 721 to 965 square feet of living space. These homes achieved prices ranging from approximately $461 to $603 per square foot, demonstrating that updated finishes, premium locations within the building, natural light, and overall presentation can significantly influence market value. Buyers often find these residences particularly attractive because they provide substantially more functional living space than many similarly priced condominiums elsewhere in the inner East Bay.

The building’s larger two-bedroom homes continue to attract particularly strong buyer interest. Recent sales have ranged from $569,000 to $625,650 for residences measuring approximately 990 to 1,233 square feet. These homes have generally sold between $523 and $616 per square foot, offering buyers spacious floor plans, multiple bathrooms, dedicated work-from-home space in many layouts, and an overall value proposition that remains competitive compared to similar condominium communities throughout Oakland and nearby Berkeley or Emeryville.

The overall market statistics are equally encouraging. The median sale price among these recent transactions was approximately $569,000, while the average sale price exceeded $533,000. Homes averaged only 28 days on market, with several selling in less than two weeks and one receiving an accepted offer immediately upon listing. Those numbers suggest that properly priced homes in desirable condition continue to generate meaningful buyer interest despite changing market conditions.

Of course, no two residences within Market Square are identical. Even homes sharing the same floor plan may command noticeably different prices depending on their location within the building. Courtyard-facing residences often appeal to buyers seeking additional privacy and tranquility, while upper-floor homes may enjoy enhanced natural light and views. Updated kitchens, remodeled bathrooms, premium flooring, custom built-ins, fresh interior paint, upgraded lighting, and modern appliances all contribute to a home’s desirability. Parking location, storage availability, and overall condition also play important roles when determining market value.

For prospective buyers, understanding these nuances is critical. Two homes with identical square footage may sell for dramatically different prices depending upon their level of renovation and presentation. Reviewing recent comparable sales provides valuable context, but thoughtful adjustments must be made to account for differences in condition, orientation, upgrades, and market timing. Automated valuation models frequently fail to recognize these distinctions, making experienced local market knowledge especially valuable when buying within a condominium community like Market Square.

For homeowners considering selling, these same factors present tremendous opportunities. Buyers shopping in today’s marketplace are highly informed and typically begin their search online. Professional photography, compelling property descriptions, accurate pricing, virtual tours, floor plans, and strategic digital marketing can substantially increase buyer interest. Homes that present well from the very first day on the market often generate stronger activity and better offers than comparable properties that receive less thoughtful preparation.

Condominium ownership also extends beyond the individual residence itself. A well-managed homeowners association contributes significantly to preserving long-term property values by maintaining common areas, planning for future capital improvements, and protecting the overall appearance and financial health of the community. Prospective buyers should always review the association’s governing documents, financial statements, reserve study, insurance coverage, and any planned maintenance projects during the escrow process to gain a complete understanding of both the responsibilities and benefits of ownership.

As Old Oakland continues to evolve, Market Square remains well positioned to benefit from ongoing public and private investment throughout downtown. New restaurants, retailers, office development, transportation improvements, and neighborhood enhancements continue to strengthen the area’s appeal while preserving the historic charm that makes Old Oakland such a unique destination. For many buyers, purchasing at Market Square represents not only acquiring an exceptional home but also becoming part of one of Oakland’s most vibrant and enduring neighborhoods.

Whether you are purchasing your first condominium, relocating from another part of the Bay Area, investing in Oakland real estate, or preparing to sell your current home, Market Square offers an exceptional combination of location, amenities, community, and long-term appeal. Its spacious floor plans, secure environment, impressive amenity package, excellent commuter access, and walkable neighborhood continue to make it one of downtown Oakland’s premier condominium communities.

If you’re considering buying or selling at Market Square, I’d be happy to provide recent comparable sales, current market trends, HOA information, and a personalized market analysis tailored specifically to your home. As both a California real estate broker and attorney specializing in East Bay condominiums and townhomes, I provide clients with informed guidance throughout every stage of the buying and selling process.

Derek M. Wagley, Esq.
Broker Associate | Keller Williams Realty
California DRE #01724531

Phone: (925) 451-6679
Email: dwagley@kw.com
Website: https://www.eastbaycondoguide.com