Historic Zen-inspired home of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s fiercest activist allies hits the market in Berkeley for $1.8 million
On a quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac in Berkeley stands CA’s iconic Elmwood neighborhood, a beautifully preserved 1929 Craftsman home that not only boasts an incredible architectural legacy, but also a deep connection to the Bay Area’s history of activism, social justice, and educational equity.
The four-bedroom, two-bedroom home was once home Lyle “Butch” grand piano And Jean Yonemura grand pianotwo of the region’s most respected advocates who hosted some of the world’s most important civil rights activists – including Rev. Jesse Jackson—within the building.
On the market for the first time in 22 years, with an asking price of $1.8 million, the Zen-inspired abode has come a long way since it was built nearly 100 years ago.
The house covers 2,266 square meters and sits on a plot of 3,212 square meters; The real estate agent promises it will be “the best in Berkeley.” Jodi Nishimura with Kai Real Estate.
The craftsman home dazzles with original built-ins, beautiful hardwood floors, bright windows and picture rails, all complemented by recent custom pine work and shoji screens carefully crafted by a master woodworker.
All these elements come together with a Zen garden to give the home a feeling of peace and space, according to Nihimura, that’s what makes it stand out.
“Craftsman with a Japanese, Zen twist. Shoji screens made by a master woodworker, custom spruce built-ins, even the original architecture, I happen to think, has an Asian-inspired roofline,” she said.
The flow of the home, from the spacious, updated kitchen to the formal dining and living rooms, and on to the family room that opens to a sunny patio and backyard, creates a feeling of warmth.
Roof-lit bathrooms, generous natural light and upper-floor bedrooms with serene views of the Berkeley Hills enhance the sense of tranquility.
In the home’s landscaped backyard, bamboo, maple and river rocks create a tranquil garden perfect for reflection or entertaining. Every detail, from the Japanese-influenced roofline to the custom woodwork, demonstrates thoughtful craftsmanship and an eye for harmonious design in a sought-after location.
“This is the best of Berkeley. Great shopping area, beautiful tree-lined streets and architecture, close to transportation options including BART, Bay Bridge, walking trails and water. The upper bedrooms have views of the Berkeley Hills,” Nishimura explains.
But the story of 3033 Regent St. goes far beyond just its architecture. Butch Wing was a lifelong Asian American activist and coalition builder who helped bridge communities across races and classes.
As co-founder of Asian Americans for Jesse Jackson in 1984, and an early member and founding board member of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he worked to increase the participation of people of color in political and civic life. He even met Nelson Mandela shortly after Mandela’s release from prison.
Jean Yonemura Wing, his late wife, was a celebrated educator and researcher who was recognized by the San Francisco Chronicle as a “warrior for educational equality.”
She pioneered the study of racial achievement gaps in urban schools, especially through her work at the Berkeley Unified School District. She co-edited “Unfinished Business: Closing the Racial Achievement Gap in Our Schools” with Pedro Nogueraa groundbreaking exploration of race, achievement, and schooling that continues to influence education reform across the country.
Jean’s father, Mas Yonemurawas an activist figure in his own right. He interned during World War II, graduated from Boalt Hall, UC Berkeley, served in U.S. Army Military Intelligence, and became a lifelong advocate for Japanese-American civil rights.
He represented internees forced to renounce their citizenship and helped restore their legal status, earning the Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Emperor of Japan for strengthening U.S.-Japan relations.
The Wings bought their Berkeley home in 1993 for just $335,000 and it remains in a trust tied to Butch’s name.
Together, the Wings cultivated a home that reflected their values: a place of balance, beauty and social purpose. Hosting leaders like Jackson and other figures from the civil rights movement, the house was a center for dialogue, advocacy and change.
In addition to its historical legacy, the house’s location is optimal in Berkeley. Elmwood is loved for its charming historic commercial district, shopping, dining and the Julia Morgan-designed live performance theater.
The neighborhood has a rich history of political activism and was once home to notable figures like Fredrika Newtonwife of Black Panther Huey P Newtonand even Jane Fonda for a while.
At 3033 Regent St., the combination of architectural grace, serene outdoor spaces, and a legacy of activism makes this home uniquely appealing.
As Nishimura notes, Craftsman elegance with a Zen-inspired twist is “a rare find, one that provides not just a home but a living piece of Berkeley’s progressive history.”
