First Unitarian Church (Berkeley, California) facts for kids
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First Unitarian Church
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| Location | 2401 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, California |
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| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| Built | 1898 |
| Architect | A. C. Schweinfurth |
| Architectural style | Shingle Style, Bay Area Tradition |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000143 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 10, 1981 |
The First Unitarian Church building in Berkeley, California, was built way back in 1898. It was designed by a clever architect named Albert C. Schweinfurth. He used a style called Shingle Style architecture, which was usually for houses, to create a church! This made the building very unique.
It also had other unusual features for a church. It used metal windows, like those found in factories. Some pillars were made from parts of redwood tree trunks. The building looked very flat and wide, and it had a round back section with a cone-shaped roof. This special building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a California State Historic Resources Survey site and a City of Berkeley Landmark. Today, it is known as the University Dance Studio or Bancroft Dance Studio because of its current use.
Contents
History of the Building
Early Days and Location
When the church was first built, it was not part of the University of California, Berkeley campus. However, it is now the second oldest building still standing on the campus! Back then, it was on a street called Dana Street, which doesn't exist anymore. It joined other churches that had been built since the 1870s. The university actually encouraged these churches to be built nearby.
In 1960, the university bought the land where the church stood. They used a process called eminent domain. This means the government can buy private land for public use, even if the owner doesn't want to sell. The university wanted to build a student center there.
A Meeting Place for Ideas
The church building was also important for a group called the Hillside Club. This club started in 1898. They wanted to promote the ideas of the Arts and Crafts movement in Berkeley. This movement focused on handmade items and simple designs.
The Architect's Story
A. C. Schweinfurth, the architect, was becoming very famous. He had even worked for the rich Hearst family. But this church ended up being his very last project. While the church was being built, he went on a two-year trip to Europe with his family. Sadly, he got sick and passed away in September 1900.
Later Changes and Preservation
In 1908, the church members built another building next door called Unity Hall. It was designed by a member named Bernard Maybeck. But this building was torn down in 1965 to make way for Zellerbach Hall. Luckily, the original church building designed by Schweinfurth was saved! It was made a landmark and fixed up in 1999. It got new shingles and was made stronger to withstand earthquakes.
See also
