Partners in Preservation Program
The following speech was given by Board Member Pamela Magnusen-Peddle at
the Award Ceremony at the Altenheim December 2002.
Partners in Preservation was conceived in 1995 to acknowledge the efforts of
Oakland residents, property owners and organizations for enhancing Oakland for
all. At the holiday season Oakland Heritage Alliance likes to celebrate
preservation projects that make us aware and proud of our combined cultures, our
history and our city. We celebrate projects downtown and in the neighborhoods,
one time building rehabilitations or ongoing cultural events. The projects that
we honor bring to light, through their special efforts, our combined histories
and promote preservation efforts.
Civic Projects
Hegenberger Corridor Project. The Hegenberger Corridor Project was
conceived as a gateway design to revitalize Hegenberger Road from the I-880
Freeway to the airport and the surrounding area. It was a collaborative effort
with Oakland's Redevelopment Agency, the City of San Leandro, the Alameda County
Transportation Authority and the Port of Oakland. The project includes 75 - 6
foot banners along Hegenberger and 14 - 17 foot banners along a newly designed
landscape median with tall palm trees between east west traffic lanes.
Banner images include Oakland's historic buildings, such as the Paramount and
City Hall, and destinations including Lake Merritt Band Shell and the Chabot
Space and Science Center. Other images are of Oakland Airport history - the
original North Field buildings and famous women aviators Amelia Earhart and
Bessie Coleman, one of the first African American women with a pilots license in
the United States.
Awardees: For the City of Oakland Community Economic Development Agency: Jay
Musante, project manager for Redevelopment, Leslie Gould (who worked on the
project as head planner for the City of San Leandro), now Director of the
Planning, and Danny Lau, project manager for Public Works; and Daniel Quan of
Daniel Quan Design, banner design; Reed Dillingham, Landscape Architect for
Dillingham Associates.
Portview Park. "Room with a View" The Port of Oakland has conceived
and created a number of projects as a result of the loss of National Register
districts and buildings along the Estuary. One of these is "Room with a View".
This comprehensive historical exhibit is made of illustrated panels which are in
the top floor of a 1910 converted rail transfer switching station. The structure
was moved to Portview Park which is at the western end of Seventh Street. Celia
McCarthy, Cultural Resources Planner and Project Manager for the Port of
Oakland, oversaw the creation of the exhibit which describes the port's early
beginnings and how rail and water transportation merged in the late 1870s.
Visitors gain not only a historical perspective from the panels, but have a
unique and "up close" vantage point from which to view the bay and the
constantly changing transportation scene of Oakland's busy port facilities. A
soon to be realized connecting project, again with Ms. McCarthy as project
manager, is the completion of the Middle Shoreline Park. The Port worked with
the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board, other cultural resources groups and
local historians to commemorate important aspects of Bay area history.
Awardees: Celia McCarthy, Cultural Resources Planner and Project Manager for
the Port of Oakland. Ross Turner, Assistant Art Director for the Port of
Oakland. Terry Lim, Terry Lim Graphic Design, consultant to the Port
Individual buildings:
Wakefield Building. Commissioned by Dr. William Howard Wakefield, an
Oakland native, the Wakefield building was constructed in 1924 to provide many
stories of quality medical offices, with a pair of storefronts at ground level.
Designed by McCall and Davies, lead architect Charles McCall, it features
restrained, elegant ornament based on Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance
sources. After many years of gradual decline and ill-advised remodeling, the
building was purchased and redeveloped by its current owners, Tom Coates, Tim
Scherer and Brad Colton. The renovation was directed by Keith Turner of the
Huntsman Architectural Group. The project proved more difficult and more time
consuming than originally foreseen, but all stuck with it to completion. It is a
welcome contribution to the revival of downtown Oakland. One of the main tenants
is the Sierra Club which saw the potential for setting up their legal offices
here in an especially environmentally friendly way, taking advantage of the
access to natural light and windows which actually open. The Wakefield may
become a model for other projects, combining both aesthetic and practical
considerations successfully.
Awardees: Wakefield Investors LLP, owners - Tom Coates, Tim Scherer and Brad
Colton. Keith Turner, Associate Principal of the Huntsman Architectural Group of
San Francisco
Regillus Apartment Building Renovation. One of the most distinguished
apartment buildings in Oakland, the Regillus, on Lake Merritt, has long been a
prestige address. It was designed in 1921-22 by architect Willis Lowe. This fine
Beaux Arts building incorporates many Renaissance and Baroque elements, and high
quality materials are used throughout. It is reminiscent of some of the great
apartment buildings of Europe. It had last been renovated in the 1970s. The new
renovation, by its homeowners association, has reinforced its position as one of
the premiere residences in all of Oakland.
Awardees: Regillus Homeowners Association - Brent Fischer, project manager,
for the Homeowners Association with valuable support from Romaine Cervarch,
Eileen Lewis, President, Rudy Perez, Paul Saari, Gloria Pieretti, Oliver
Gilliland, and James Stofan. Eugene DiLuigi, Contractor, DEI Construction,
Anaheim, California
Linden Homes Project. The Linden Homes Project is a restoration of two
Victorian homes on Linden Street in West Oakland. The project began when
Margaret Majua and Dorothy Noyon were looking for property for a community
garden, and a solution to the lack of affordable housing in Oakland. They found
the two abandoned homes in bad need of repair on a large lot. They bought the
property and with a partnership between the City of Oakland Housing Division,
the Northern California Land Trust, and help from the Alameda County for lead
abatement they were able to rehabilitate the houses sensitively, but
inexpensively. The units are sold as condominiums, the land held in trust to
keep it affordable. This creative synergy of forces means there now is a lovely
garden, rejuvenated affordable housing, with the fabric of the Victorian
neighborhood intact.
Awardees: Rick Lewis, Northern California Land Trust; Margaret Majua and
Dorothy Noyon, Oakland Butterfly and Urban Gardens; John Hudson and Janet
Howley, Housing Division, City of Oakland Community and Economic Development
Agency; Peter Belanger, Lead Project Manager, Alameda County Poisoning
Prevention Program.
Individuals:
Wendy Markel. Ms. Markel, Chairperson of BONC, Berkeley Oakland Neighbors
of the Claremont Hotel is being recognized for her tireless efforts to nominate
the Claremont Hotel to the City of Oakland landmark status. Ms. Markel is a
founding member of the committee who wanted to see this unique hotel receive
official landmark designation. She also directed getting the building listed on
the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel was built in 1915, designed
by noted Bay Area architect Charles W. Dickey, and is considered his masterwork.
The handsome, sprawling, Tudor Revival Craftsman hotel with towers and gables,
is prominently sited amidst mature landscape. It was commissioned as a grand
destination resort by Oakland real estate developers Frank Havens and Francis
"Borax" Smith. It is famous for its prominent guests and the big band musicians
who performed there. It is one of the few "grand hotels" built in the era still
standing, and a rare example of one in an urban setting. Thanks to the dedicated
efforts of Ms. Markel and the committee, the Claremont's landmark status is now
assured.
Awardee: Wendy Markel, Chair of Berkeley Oakland Neighbors of the Claremont
Hotel
Oaklandish /City of Dreams - The Nonchalance Collective
The Nonchalance Collective is an affiliation of local artists dedicated
to promoting "Original Oakland Charm". Through various street-art campaigns they
bring images and voices from Oakland history into public space. The first
project was "City of Dreams, an Oakland Love Retrospective", a digital slideshow
set to original music, projected onto the walls of various Oakland landmarks -
130 images of the patron saints and sinners from our city's past. The next
project was the Oaklandish Poster Campaign - eleven black and white designs
featuring local legends who have had an undeniably broad influence on global
popular culture. Intending to represent the sense of renegade innovation
occurring throughout Oakland's history, the posters included; Julia Morgan,
Bruce Lee, Sonny Barger, Rosie the Riveter, and others. From there
Nonchalance grew to include The Bay Area Aerosol Heritage Society, whose
slideshow, "The Legendary Eighties" features over 200 masterpieces from the
golden-age of graffiti art - a wonderful introduction to the art form.
Nonchalance is motivated by a spirit of civic pride, creativity, and activism.
With its concern for the evolving identity of the East Bay area it attempts to
preserve the history and flavor of this beloved place.
Awardee: The Nonchalance Collective - whose members include Jeff Hull,
Leah Roderman, Sean and Katie Aaberg, Geoff St. John, 'Fredimac'
Macondray, Kemrexx, and Refa One
Sandy Strehlou, Chair of Oakland Studio Arts Association. Ms. Strehlou
has supported Studio One Arts Center as a participant in classes and as chair of
OSAA, Oakland Studio Arts Association - dedicated to preserving and promoting
the arts center. Studio One is in a 100 year old orphanage built by funds raised
by the Ladies Relief Society, an early Oakland philanthropic group. The simple
two-story masonry building with two flanking wings - one boys' side, one girls'
- and a sheltered courtyard is in the Temescal district. It was converted to a
recreation and arts facility in the 1950s when neighbors and local businesses
raised funds to buy and donate the building to the city of Oakland. It soon drew
East Bay residents with its affordable classes by first rate instructors. But
following the Loma Prieta Earthquake, the building was listed as an unreinforced
structure, which now required repair. Ms. Stehlou and OSAA were committed to
retaining the building and finding funds for needed renovation. They were
crucial in making sure that Studio One was included in recent bond Measure DD
and then launched a grass roots campaign to get the bond passed- ensuring funds
for the retrofitting of the building.
Awardee: Sandy Strehlou, Chair of Oakland Studio Arts Association
2302 11th Avenue
This grand Queen Anne Victorian, built in 1891, was a shadow of its former self
when Sam Cohen purchased it in January, 2001. Years of deferred
maintenance and insensitive modifications had altered its beauty and character.
With attention to detail, help from a number of professionals including George
DeVecchi/DeVecchi Construction for the carpentry, Gunter Kitsch/Hans & Gunter
Roofing, and painting by Enrique Rodriguez/E. Rodriguez painting, Mr. Cohen
repaired the work of previous owners and rehabbed the house. Amongst the
exterior work involved was removing the stucco, reroofing, replacing damaged
siding, reconstructing missing trim, adding period dormers to replace the
plastic bubble skylights; sanding to the bare wood and repainting, as well as
structural work to ensure the house's stability. Interior work included
repairing and refinishing floors and plaster repairs. And then he tackled the
landscaping and added a decorative iron fence. A labor of love, his efforts
restored this beauty which is now a credit to this beautiful neighborhood.
Awardee: Sam Cohen
Cultural:
The California International Dragon Boat Festival. The Dragon Boat
tradition dates back some 2,000 years to ancient China. It has been brought to
Oakland and beyond by the tireless efforts of Oakland resident, Shirley Gee. Now
in its sixth year, the California International Dragon Boat Festival involves
people of all ages and backgrounds in sport, teamwork, the arts, and more. It is
especially aimed at getting young people involved in positive group activities,
showing them what they can accomplish by working together and is indirectly,
though deliberately, leading many of them to take their futures more seriously,
as well as building community spirit and self-esteem. This year, the
organization also very successfully hosted the U. S. Nationals at Lake Merritt
in order to select participants for the world championships to be held next year
in Shanghai. It is likely only a matter of time until the world championship
itself comes to Oakland. Many people have contributed to the growing success of
this project, but the driving force from the beginning has been Shirley Gee.
Awardee: Shirley Gee
Black Nativity, Allen Temple Baptist Church. In 1981, looking for
something more Afrocentric to celebrate Christmas, Betty Gadling, Minister of
Art and Music at Allen Temple Baptist Church, secured permission to perform
Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" from the publishing company holding the
rights. Described as a gospel song play, "Black Nativity" had had its debut in
1961, but then was lost. It was rediscovered in the 1970's. When Ms. Gadling
received the permit to perform the play, she discovered that there was no music
to play. A list of songs was suggested only. Undaunted she wrote music for the
production to capture the spirit of the play. Over the years the production has
grown. What started at as a small performance with home made costumes, has grown
to an annual performance with rehearsals starting in August, and includes
children and adult dancers, 45 singers, and audiences over 1000. An important
piece of American tradition has been rediscovered, revived and grown to be a
holiday "must attend" for Oakland/East Bay and its families.
Awardees: Betty Gadling, Minister of Arts and Music, Dr. J. Alfred Smith,
Sr., Senior Pastor
Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California. Originally known as the
Scottish Rite Cathedral, the majestic structure at 15th and Madison is a
distinctive, Mission Revival masterpiece designed by Carl Werner and Matthew
O'Brian and built 1908-9. Inside there is rich, Gothic-inspired detailing as
well as more classical elements such as the Corinthian columns of the Banquet
room. The building is also renowned for its many fine, stained glass windows
with graceful, geometric designs. After many years of slow deterioration, it has
come back to life as the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California. It has
become an important center for cultural, social, religious and educational
activities and even features a play area for children. Over time, its board of
directors has been having it restored and is making good use of this important
Oakland building.
Awardees: Mr. Hamid Rezapour and the board of directors of the Islamic
Cultural Center of Northern California
Lifetime Achievement:
Helaine Kaplan Prentice. With our lifetime achievement award, we
recognize Helaine's 28 years of service in the Planning Division of the City of
Oakland, which includes 12 years as secretary to the Landmarks Preservation
Advisory Board. Her work has had a profound effect on the urban fabric and
landscape of our city. As the first woman planner in the City, she has
covered every possible design issue from buildings, trees, views, to helping the
city recover from the earthquake. In 1976, she published Rehab Right as a
project with the city planning department, with her husband Blair Prentice. It
is now a classic guide for correct and sensitive rehab solutions for homes; it
won awards and had enormous impact. As secretary to the Landmarks
Preservation Advisory Board, her skilled advice forged directly or indirectly a
wide variety of projects including: Frank Ogawa Plaza, the Rotunda, Petalta
Hacienda, Seventh Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, Old Oakland. She and her
husband, an architect, were involved in the birth of Preservation Park -
conceiving the essential elements of the project's streetscape, plantings, color
schemes and the fountain of Diana. New buildings - our future landmarks, also
carry her imprint and influence - the Federal Building, the State Administration
building, and Chabot Science Center. I would like to read Helaine' s own
quote from her farewell speech on the importance of our city's identity -as a
product of heritage and as an economic force. "Oakland's identity is found in
its downtown and neighborhoods, creeks and hillsides, its oak trees and bay
woodlands, its waterfront, its churches and vernacular houses, theaters,
libraries, markets and parks, its new high-rises, creative new housing and old
commercial buildings. In your vision for Oakland, make the most of these
assets." Her work is always marked with intelligence, wit, grace, humor and a
generous dollop of diplomacy. She has set a high example for us all to follow.
Awardee: Helaine Kaplan Prentice
The selection process for nominees is open to the public and we do encourage our
membership and citizens at large to contribute ideas and suggestions; we need
eyes and ears in the community to help us with selections we might not have
thought of. A small committee of interested individuals puts the program
together every year. If you would like to join us, or if you have any
suggestions, Please call the OHA office at 763-9218. Its a great way to honor
the special members of our community who make this such a great place to live.
