California Hotel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
California Hotel
|
|
.JPG)
California Hotel in 2009
|
|
 Location in Oakland, California
|
|
| Location | 3443–3501 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, California |
|---|---|
| Built | 1929–30 |
| Architect | Clay N. Burrell Sommarstrom Bros. |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000969 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1988 |
The California Hotel is a historic building located in Oakland, California. It first opened its doors during the early years of the Great Depression, a time when many people faced economic challenges. This hotel quickly became a very important cultural center for the African-American community in the East Bay area of San Francisco during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Because of its historical importance, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 30, 1988.
Contents
Hotel History
Early Days and Location
The California Hotel officially opened on May 18, 1930. It was a tall building with five stories, plus a mezzanine and a penthouse. At the time, it was the tallest building in its neighborhood. The hotel cost $265,000 to build and had 150 rooms. It also included shops on the ground floor.
Even though the hotel was about 1.5 miles from downtown Oakland, it was easy to reach. It was close to train stations for the Santa Fe Railroad and stops for the Key System streetcars. The hotel was built at 3501 San Pablo Avenue, near major roads. In 1937, the opening of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge brought even more cars past the hotel. Later, in 1962, the MacArthur Freeway was built. This freeway blocked the street view but made the hotel visible to many people driving to and from the bridge.
The hotel opened during a difficult economic period. To attract more guests who drove cars, the owners added a "motorists patio" in 1933. This patio had a special entrance from the parking area directly into the lobby. Next to the patio, there was a garage, a service station, and a repair shop for cars. An advertisement from 1943 described the hotel as having "spacious, airy rooms" with showers and tubs. It also had dining areas, banquet rooms, a coffee shop, and cocktail lounges, with a garage right next door.
A Welcoming Place for Everyone
During World War II, the California Hotel became famous for its lively music. Its ground-floor bars and ballrooms often featured blues, jazz, and other popular music styles. At first, due to unfair rules at the time, African American guests were not allowed to rent rooms at the hotel. However, many people came to enjoy the music and performances.
On January 16, 1953, the hotel got new owners. These new owners made an important change: they ended the unfair rules and welcomed all guests. A big "reopening" celebration was held. Famous guests included Oakland-born comedian Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, boxing champion Joe Louis, and popular singer Lena Horne. The hotel became a place where many well-known Black visitors to Oakland could stay. At that time, it was the only full-service hotel in the East Bay that welcomed Black people. In 1956, The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide for Black travelers, listed the California Hotel as a top choice.
Many famous African American entertainers stayed and performed at the hotel. These included Big Mama Thornton, B.B. King, Lou Rawls, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Richard Pryor.
Later Years and Renovation
After the 1960s, the California Hotel, like many other places that served the African American community, saw fewer visitors. This was because Black entertainers and patrons could now stay and perform in any hotel or club. This was a positive change for society, but it meant the hotel's special role became less needed.
By the 1970s, the hotel was in poor condition and was closed off. In the 1980s, it was repaired and used as affordable housing. In 2012, work began to restore the building. After a big renovation that cost $43 million, the California Hotel reopened in 2014. Today, it continues to provide low-rental housing for people in Oakland.
