Tiles and Terra Cotta Part 1: Focus on Beaux Arts

Ceramic surfaces offer certain effects not duplicated by other materials. From 1908 to 1928 the facades of most of Oakland’s prominent buildings were partially or entirely clad with terra cotta or tiles. This was within the genre of Beaux Arts-influenced architecture for which terra cotta’s main role was to imitate carved stone. Despite that limitation we see a nice variety of glaze effects and individual architectural expressions. Many of these buildings are survivors from a long period of neglect and mistreatment. They provide case studies of various causes of damage and processes of restoration. Easy; a level walk

Image Credit: Riley Doty

Meeting Location: Howden Building, 337 17th Street, corner of Webster Street

Tour Guide: Riley Doty

NOTES:

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

• We kindly request you register in advance. In-person registration will be first-come-first-served on a space available basis. We cannot guarantee a spot will be available.

• 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.