I. Magnin Building

The I. Magnin Building is an eight-story Art Deco structure in Uptown Oakland featuring a distinctive green terra-cotta exterior with ornamental detailing. It now houses multiple retail businesses and office spaces that are nearly fully occupied.

The building opened in 1931 as a high-end department store designed by architects Weeks and Day. It operated until 1995 when the store closed, leading eventually to renovation and conversion into mixed-use space.

The rear wall displays a large floral mural by artist Jet Martinez that draws from Mexican folk art traditions. This artwork reflects the creative energy that flows through the surrounding neighborhood.

The building sits on Broadway in the heart of Uptown and is easily reached on foot or by public transit. Ground-floor shops invite casual browsing, and the rear side with the mural is worth exploring on foot.

The building's green serpentine facade is unusual for Art Deco structures of that era and makes it instantly recognizable in Oakland's architectural landscape. This bold color choice has preserved its distinctive character across the decades.

Location: Oakland

Inception: 1931

GPS coordinates: 37.80919,-122.26832

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:43