Crown Harbor Homeowner Association

Crown Harbor

Townhomes in Crown Harbor present a sweeping view of Ballena Bay Marina and "Sunny Cove," a particular nook in the waterline that has welcomed swimmers, boaters, and recreation of all types since the 19^th Century.

From the comfort of your couch, bed, or bath, the bay presents an endless panoply of natural beauty: geese, pelicans, and hummingbirds; even the occasional sea lion will pass by. Glorious windows to the water give one the feeling of sailing across the bay while nestling up to cozy fireplaces. Vaulted ceilings and mirrored closet doors give master suites an expansive feel. Second-floor balconies provide opportunities for outdoor interludes.

Nearby Crab Cove and Crown Beach, parts of the East Bay Regional Park District, not only offer recreational and natural activities but the location is bookended with Alameda history. Beginning with the arrival of the South Pacific Coast Railroad along Central Avenue in 1878, the southern shoreline of Alameda gave rise to multiple commercial bathing ventures designed to take advantage of the breathtaking views and natural beauty.

Dozens of these outfits over the years eventually culminated in the Neptune Beach amusement park nicknamed "The Coney Island of the West." Neptune Beach played host to generations of beachgoers on the site of nearby Crab Cove. There, health club founder Jack Lalane and Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer (and Hollywood's first "Tarzan") Johnny Weissmuller honed their skills.

On the other side of the Crown Harbor neighborhood, at today's Paden School, sat Sunny Cove Baths, home to "Alameda's Mermaid" Nellie Schmidt. Nellie was a notable swimmer of her day, outpacing most men in swim races across the Golden Gate and in other places. She eventually joined a Vaudeville troupe performing aquatic acrobatics and toured the U.S.

When it comes to touring the Bay Area or beyond, Crown Harbor is located minutes from the Main Street Ferry Terminal and two international airports. Combining the wonderful commute to San Francisco by ferry with convenience of nearby shops and recreation makes the pace of life easy and relaxed in the Crown Harbor neighborhood.

Secure within a gated community, Crown Harbor blends privacy with openness and remoteness with convenience. Just steps from the Bay Trail along the waterfront, busy Webster Street's vast array of delicious eateries, Paden Elementary School and Encinal High School, the location easily provides access to the best of Alameda and the Bay Area.

Alameda

Alameda was once a peninsula connected to the Oakland docks. In 1902, a canal was dredged to enable easier shipping access, and that turned Alameda into an island. A little off the beaten track, Alameda has a laid-back vibe all its own. Despite its 80,000 residents, there's still a small-town feeling in Alameda.

A 4^th of July Parade, complete with horse-drawn carriages, embodies the small-town feel in Alameda, which has preserved much of its Victorian housing stock, cottages, and central, walkable shopping district along Park Street. The Alameda Theater on Park Street was restored to its art deco glory. Civic pride runs high here; formerly the Carnegie Library, the Alameda Free Library was transformed into a multimillion-dollar showplace that earned a Silver LEED certification. Children play soccer on former parade grounds of the converted army barracks. Crown Memorial State Beach and Shoreline Drive attract wind surfers.

With more than 10,000 buildings constructed before 1930, there is a rich and varied architectural heritage in the area playing a role in Alameda's real estate market conditions. Historic Queen Anne's, more than 1,500 ornately decorated Victorians, and California Craftsmans are some of the most desirable homes here along its tree-lined streets.

Contact

Erik Schuler
(510) 919-9485
erik@teamschuler.com

More Info

For more information, see the historical fun facts for the area.