Igniting Creativity In Montclair

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.