A rare 16-unit trophy asset in the heart of Downtown Palo Alto. This stunning 1920s-era Spanish Colonial Revival building sits on a generous 15,000 SF lot with 11,035 SF of building area, half a block from University Avenue's renowned dining, shopping, and retail - an A+ location that speaks for itself. The unit mix features 9 1-bed/1-bath units and 7 oversized studios, almost all with updated kitchens and baths, and in-unit laundry in all large 1-bedroom units. The property is a showpiece: tile roofline, stucco exterior, arched windows/doorways, wrought-iron, and a lushly landscaped courtyard centered on a classic tiered fountain - the kind of building people stop to photograph. Ownership invested ~$1.3M in capital improvements in 2019, including new 400 AMP electrical panel, updated interior sub-panels, copper plumbing, Romex wiring, and exterior stucco refresh. 8 onsite garages, add'l storage, and dedicated laundry room. Recently signed June 2026 leases confirm market rents are achievable. Rarely does a property like this come to market - an architectural beauty in an irreplaceable location, offering stable in-place cash flow, proven rent upside, and the kind of curb appeal that simply can't be built today. A true once-in-a-generation opportunity for the discerning investor!
| MLS # | ML82054084 |
|---|---|
| Listing Type | For Sale |
| Sub-Type | Resale |
| Status | Active Under Contract |
| Year | 1927 |
| Days On Site | 61 |
| Listing Provided By | Coldwell Banker Realty | Kelly Griggs |
| SQ Feet | 11,035 |
|---|---|
| Units | 16 |
| Building(s) | 1 |
| Zoning | RM5 |
| Acreage | 0.34 |
| Cooling | None |
|---|---|
| Heating | Electric |
| Heating Yes / No | Yes |
| Cooling Yes / No | Yes |
| Roof | Bitumen, Tile |
|---|---|
| Lot Features | Level |
| Property | 126942 |
|---|
| State | CA |
|---|---|
| County | Santa Clara |
| City | Palo Alto |
| Zip Code | 94301 |
| Area | 699 Not Defined |
| Listing VS Median (in 94301) | |
Price: $10,500,000 low | high Med: $3,725,000 sqft: 11,035 low | high Med: 2,574 $ / sqft: $952 low | high Med: $1,448 On site: 61 low | high Med: 52 | |
| State | CA |
|---|---|
| County | Santa Clara |
| City | Palo Alto |
| Zip Code | 94301 |
| Area | 699 Not Defined |
| Listing VS Median (in 94301) | |
Price: $10,500,000 low | high Med: $3,725,000 sqft: 11,035 low | high Med: 2,574 $ / sqft: $952 low | high Med: $1,448 On site: 61 low | high Med: 52 | |
![]() | $11,000,000837 Cowper StreetPalo Alto, CA 94301 |