Tiles and Terra Cotta Part 2: Focus on Art Deco

In the brief period from 1928 to 1931 a wave of colorful ceramic buildings appeared on the scene. Soon afterwards the economics of the Great Depression put a damper on new construction, and the more minimalist Streamline Moderne style supplanted the exuberant expressions from Oakland’s magic year of 1931. We are left today with an outstanding collection of colorful ceramic Art Deco buildings. Approximately half of the city’s original cluster of such buildings still survive. Some interesting examples of damage and subsequent facade restoration will be explored. Easy; a level walk

Image Credit: Riley Doty

Meeting Location: Southeast corner of 17th Street at Telegraph Avenue

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.