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.

Contact the host of Picardy Drive Centennial