Cathedral Building

The Cathedral Building is a Gothic Revival skyscraper located at the intersection of Telegraph Avenue and Broadway in downtown Oakland. It has distinctive terracotta spires, a triangular shape, and stepped layers that create a striking profile along the street.

Built in 1913 under architect Benjamin Geer McDougall's design, it was the first Gothic Revival skyscraper constructed west of the Mississippi River. This achievement made it a pioneering example of the style in the western United States at that time.

The north wall features a large mural by artist Zio Ziegler created in 2015 to honor the signing of the United Nations Charter. This public artwork has become a recognizable landmark that draws people to stop and notice it while walking through the neighborhood.

The building sits at a busy intersection in downtown Oakland and is easily accessible by public transportation. It can be viewed and photographed from street level without any special arrangements or access requirements.

The building earned the nickname 'Wedding Cake' due to its layered stepped appearance and triangular shape, drawing comparison to New York's Flatiron Building. Despite being designed years later, it became a distinctive landmark with a similar visual impact in Oakland.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 37.80620,-122.27000

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:02