Kaiser Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kaiser Center |
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| Alternative names | Kaiser Building |
| General information | |
| Type | Commercial offices |
| Location | 300 Lakeside Drive Oakland, California |
| Coordinates | 37°48′32″N 122°15′52″W / 37.8088°N 122.2644°W |
| Completed | 1960 |
| Owner | The Swig Company |
| Height | |
| Roof | 118.72 m (389.5 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 28 |
| Floor area | 90,673 m2 (976,000 sq ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Welton Becket |
| Main contractor | Robert E. McKee Contractor, Inc. |
The Kaiser Center, also known as the Kaiser Building, is a tall office building in Oakland, California. It has 28 stories and is located right next to Lake Merritt. The building was designed by the famous architectural firm Welton Becket & Associates.
When it was finished in 1960, the Kaiser Center was the tallest building in Oakland. It was also the biggest office tower west of the Rocky Mountains. A smaller three-story building for offices and shops was added next to the main tower in 1963.
The Kaiser Center used to be the main office for Kaiser Industries. This was a very large company that made many different things. It was led by Edgar F. Kaiser when the building was constructed.
Contents
A Landmark Building in Oakland
The Kaiser Center is located at 300 Lakeside Drive. It is surrounded by Lakeside Drive, 20th Street, 21st Street, and Webster Street. Its location near Lake Merritt makes it a well-known landmark in downtown Oakland.
Who Built the Kaiser Center?
The Kaiser Center was built for Kaiser Industries. This company was founded by Henry J. Kaiser. He was a very important industrialist. By 1960, Henry J. Kaiser had given control of the company to his son, Edgar F. Kaiser. Edgar was in charge when the building was completed.
The Unique Rooftop Garden
One of the most special parts of the Kaiser Center is its roof garden. This garden was designed by Theodore Osmundson & Associates. It was the first roof garden built in the United States after World War II.
Inspiration for the Garden
Some people thought that Henry J. Kaiser lived in an apartment on the 28th floor. However, it was more likely his son, Edgar, who used any living spaces. Edgar was inspired by the beautiful gardens at Rockefeller Center in New York City. He asked for the rooftop garden to be added after the building was already designed.
Current Use of the Building
Today, the Kaiser Center is still a busy office building. Many different companies and organizations have their offices there.
Major Tenants Today
- The headquarters for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) moved into the building in 2003. They moved because of concerns about earthquakes at their old location. BART announced in 2019 that they would be leaving the building in 2021.
- The University of California Office of the President also has offices here.
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan is another tenant.
- Other businesses like The Port Company and California Bank & Trust are also located in the Kaiser Center.
- The global technical services company AECOM moved into the building in 2016.
Images for kids
- Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) No. CA-3, "Kaiser Center, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, Alameda County, CA", 22 photos, 18 measured drawings, 6 data pages, 3 photo caption pages
See also
In Spanish: Kaiser Center para niños
