Melrose Sound Studios is ten Live/Work units designed exclusively for musicians. Each apartment includes its own built in sound studio and control room/vocal booth. Rehearse and record whenever you want, 24/7. While you’re playing to your heart’s content in your sound studio, your roommate can be sleeping peacefully just a few feet away in their bedroom.
These Live/Work spaces were converted to code and with permits. They are legal for Live/Work occupancy, with an Occupancy Permit issued by the city of Oakland.
Melrose Sound Studios began its life in 1945 as the Oakland Ring Shop Garage. Designed by well-known Oakland Architect Clay Burrell, Melrose is built in the Streamlined Moderne style, and joins other Clay Burrell-designed commercial and industrial buildings such as the California Hotel and the White Building, both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.”
LIVE. WORK. CREATE.
In 1990, the building was renamed Riff and and repurposed into ten live/work sound studio/apartments, adding separate 100 amp electrical service to each unit, extensive soundproofing, earthquake retrofit, and other upgrades that would appeal to serious musicians. In 2014, newly renamed as Melrose Sound Studios, the property received significant investments into renovation and soundproofing improvements.
The Melrose district is a thriving commercial and industrial area within Oakland. Melrose Sound Studios is just up the street from the famous Dutch Boy and Boise Cascade artist lofts, with their thriving artist communities. The nearest BART stop is Fruitvale station, a mere 16 minute walk door to door. The Fruitvale neighborhood offers multiple opportunities for shopping, groceries, bakeries, and restaurants. The nearest bus stop is at 46th and International, only one block away.