OAKLAND COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO HEAR OUR PROPOSED PROJECT
JUNE 24, 1:30 pm in Council Chambers, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza.
eComments can be sent directly to Council members and staff BEFORE the meeting (must be sent at least 24 hours prior to the meeting).
Click on https://oakland.legistar.com/calendar.aspx; then click on the 'eComment' link for the June 24th Economic Development Committee meeting.
All are welcome to attend in person and speak on behalf of this community proposal for a 15-year lease of the derelict Montclair Firehouse
and its rehabilitation for use as a community arts center.
Igniting Creativity In Montclair
Sign Our Petition to Breathe New Life Into a Historic Landmark for Everyone to Enjoy
What Drives Us
Our mission is to honor the landmarked status of the Montclair Firehouse, restoring the exterior & re-adapting the interior into the public space of its original design. The history of this building begins in the 1920's when subdivisions were opening from Moraga Avenue to the Piedmont line and the need for services became apparent. In keeping with the residential character of the neighborhood, both the new Montclair library and firehouse were designed as cottage-like, though utilitarian, structures. The second floor of the firehouse was intended to serve double duty as a public meeting room but this use was never carried out. This firehouse was designed by Eldred E. Edwards from the Oakland Department of Buildings and Public Works in "Mother Goose" or "Hansel and Gretel" style. The walls of the second story are formed by the steep Gothic arches of the roof. Decorative finials on the roof represent flames. A firemen's pole connected the firemen's dormitory to the garage below. The City landmarked the large parcel, including the firehouse building, in 1980; however, this designation did not include any maintenance provisions.
Rehabilitation
Goals
Creating a
Civic/Cultural/Artistic Space
Creating a Community Arts Hub in Oakland
Located in the heart of Oakland, the Montclair Firehouse Arts Center is a transformative project aimed at revitalizing a historic firehouse into a vibrant community arts hub. By supporting our arts center petition, you’re helping to bring creative programs, gallery space, and workshops to the neighborhood.
Get Involved and Make an Impact
Join us in reshaping this Oakland landmark into a space where artists, community members, and families can connect and inspire one another. Together, we can revitalize this firehouse into a lasting part of our city—reach out to us to learn more about getting involved!
