Oakland City Hall

Oakland City Hall is an 18-story government building featuring white granite and terracotta exterior walls with classical Beaux-Arts architectural details. A distinctive dome and ornamental facades define this administrative center in downtown Oakland.

The building was completed in 1914 and stood as the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River at that time. Its construction marked a significant achievement in western American architecture and government development.

The building serves as the civic center of Oakland, where residents gather for city council sessions, official ceremonies, and community events that shape local public life.

The building is located at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza in downtown Oakland and is open to visitors during regular hours. Check ahead for any building access restrictions or guided tour availability.

The foundation features rubber bearings that allow the building to shift horizontally up to 50 centimeters during earthquakes, protecting it from structural damage. This innovative seismic engineering approach was groundbreaking when the structure was built.

Location: Oakland

Inception: 1914

Architects: Henry Hornbostel

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Floors above the ground: 18

Address: 1421 Washington Street

GPS coordinates: 37.80530,-122.27200

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42