Picardy Drive Centennial

Join local guides Andy Carpentier and Kara Nielsen in Central East Oakland—near Mills College—to explore the legacy of 1920s housing developer and architect, Hillen & Dixon. Their Modest Mansions first appeared a century ago along Morse Drive, then two years later culminated with a unique collection of homes on Picardy Drive, a block away. Picardy Drive, called Normandy Gardens in that era, retains much of its original design and Storybook Bungalow charm; it’s also considered Oakland’s Christmas Tree Lane for its annual holiday lighting traditions. The tour will include excerpts from Hillen & Dixon’s published works—with photographs and plans—of College Court homes, reaching the century mark this year, and a visit inside a few homes to observe the interior details. A level walk. —Andy Carpentier & Kara Nielsen

Image credit: Alan Templeton

Meeting Location: 2800 55th Ave.

Tour Guides: Andy Carpentier & Kara Nielsen

NOTES:

• PLEASE MEET 15 MINUTES BEFORE listed time to allow for registration.

• We kindly request you register in advance.

• We offer fee waivers for limited income residents— just ask!

• Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water.

• Vouchers, limited-income accommodation, and any other special circumstances should be handled in advance. Please email info@oaklandheritage.org for assistance

• Check your email the morning of the walking tour for any last-minute changes, clarifications, or cancellation.

• If you need assistance navigating Humanitix, please reach out to us at info@oaklandheritage.org or call our office at (510) 763-9218 and we’d be happy to help.

• Due to the ongoing presence of Covid, we will continue to make masks available. If you feel ill the day of a tour, please stay home. If after a tour, you become ill and test positive, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you.

• Please check out the profiles of tour leaders. We are grateful for their skill and generosity.

• These tours support Oakland Heritage Alliance, a non-profit that tells Oakland’s story through walking tours, lectures, newsletters and advocacy. We welcome volunteers and new members!

Accessibility Note: Easy; a level walk.

About Oakland Heritage Alliance

Oakland Heritage Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization which advocates the protection, preservation, and revitalization of Oakland's architectural, historic, cultural and natural resources through publications, education, and direct action.