URGENT UPDATE: Groundbreaking for Berkeley’s historic Chamber of Commerce building occurred exactly 98 years ago today on August 11, 1925. This significant development took place at the bustling intersection of Center Street and Shattuck Avenue, marking the beginning of what would become a landmark structure in the East Bay.
The building, now known as the Wells Fargo Building, was celebrated as Berkeley’s first commercial high-rise, soaring an impressive 13 stories tall. At the time, it stood as the tallest structure in the city, second only to the iconic Campanile. The Berkeley Daily Gazette described the project on August 4, 1925, as a key aspect of “downtown’s gigantic progress,” highlighting the ambition behind this architectural endeavor.
While the city was buzzing with excitement over this new construction, officials were also petitioning the California Railroad Commission for permission to extend Addison Street across a triangular parcel of land near the site. This extension aimed to enhance connectivity to the downtown area, which housed the Southern Pacific railroad station, vital for business owners eager to attract visitors to the proposed grand entrance of the University of California, Berkeley, at Addison and Oxford streets.
In a parallel development, real estate ads from that era lured Berkeley residents to the emerging community of Orinda, just over the Berkeley Hills. Promising a “complete change of climate” and a variety of recreational activities, the ads pitched land at “not-excessive” prices, enticing families to relocate.
Also notable in 1925, the city introduced 500 new ‘boulevard stop’ signs throughout Berkeley, a measure aimed at enhancing traffic safety. As reported on August 4, the City Council authorized these signs, which were provided at cost by the California State Automobile Association. Initially met with some controversy, these signs would become a staple of urban traffic management.
City Manager John Edy mandated that contractors obtain permits for any construction obstructing public streets, a necessary step given the increased construction activity throughout the city.
As the community reflected on its past, members of the University of California track team from the historic 1895 championship season planned a reunion on the Berkeley campus. This team’s journey through the East Coast and Midwest marked a pivotal moment in UC Berkeley’s athletic history, establishing its reputation as a national competitor.
Today, the legacy of the Chamber of Commerce building and its surrounding developments continue to shape Berkeley’s identity. As we honor this milestone, the historical significance of these events showcases the dynamic growth of our community.
What’s Next: Residents and historians alike are encouraged to reflect on this pivotal moment in Berkeley’s development. As the city commemorates this milestone, discussions about future urban projects and their impact on the community are expected to gain momentum.
For more on the history and significance of Berkeley’s architectural advancements, stay tuned for updates.
