Lake Merritts grand Bellevue Club is up for sale

The Bellevue Club, a historic building with expansive views of Lake Merritt, has been relisted for sale after plans to develop it into a San Francisco private club hub collapsed. The property, initially opened in 1929 as the Women's Athletic Club, was purchased in June 2021 for $9. 9 million but struggled financially, leading to its closure during the pandemic. The Birches, who bought the property, aimed to create a community-focused club but did not disclose detailed plans in the intervening years. The closure affected local businesses that rented space in the building, highlighting its significance to the community.

The Bellevue Club's rich history and architectural design, resembling a French château, add to its appeal. The property is now managed by real estate firm CBRE. While Michael Birch had initially expressed optimism about further investments, the lack of transparency about future plans has raised questions. The sale marks a significant shift for a building tied to Oakland's social history and community engagement.