The San Francisco call., 1907-06-03
Building Work in Oakland and Berkeley Shows
Brisk Activity Owing to Gains In Population

OAKLAND, June decidedly better
feeling was manifested IN the realty
market the last week than for some
time. Conditions which were looked
upon as somewhat unfavorable TO a
wide movement this summer have
changed appreciably for the better.
This is due to a belief that the unset
tied labor affairs in San Francisco are
IN a fair way TO be adjusted Oakland
has been slightly affected by the upset
conditions across the bay, but, on the
whole, the general observation Of busi-
nessmen leads to the opinion that the
conditions are clearing.
The east side Of the bay offers much
n the way of residence and business
opportunities that are not to be ex-
celled IN any other bay locality, so the
handlers of realty have no doubt as to
the future. The week was not produc
tive of much that was new in the
building line, yet the large number OF
residences in course of erection in Oak
land, Berkeley and Fruitvale show no
dinlinution. The recent gains in popu-
lation in Oakland. Berkeley and the
adjacent suburban districts have re-
suited in great demands for home and
business sites. and record breaking con-
struction activity is expected this sum-
iner and autumn The lower prices
Of lumber also have aided greatly in
holding the increase in building work,
both in the business and the residential
sections Many extensive business
blocks and hotels are being erected.
This month the $1,000, 600 bond issue
FOR public parks will be offered for sale.
Mayor Mott, whose stimulating infiu-
Cnce has been largely responsible for
the new spirit Of progress in Oakland,
has expressed the opinion that the
bonds would be sold at a good pre-
MUM. Negotiations continue with the
owners Of the various properties that
are TO be taken under the issue. Prices
viii be made that will be fair. both to
the city and the sellers.
BERKELEY, June "A carload Of
steel has arrived for Berkeley's next
new skyscraper which the Berkeley
national bank will erect at Shattuck
avenue and Center street and the con-
tractors who will erect the structure
are waiting for the transfer of the
banks operations from the old build
ing 10 new quarters across the street
10 begin operations.
This construction work is scheduled
TO commence on June 10. The old
building, which has stood in the center
of the business section for many years,
viii be torn down. The building will
be nine stories in height, class A, of
stone, sleSl ana DflcK II VIII nave a
frontage of IS feet on Shattuck avenue
and so feet on Center street
The entrance to the bank will be at
the corner Of Center street and Shat
tuck avenue. Safe deposit vaults will
be placed in the basement. The bank
Offices will occupy the first floor and
the upper floors will be used as business
Offices. The building is to cost $500, 600.
George P. Baxter, president OF the
bank, will direct the construction, all
the plans having been made in accord
ance with his ideas.
The realty situation was discussed
today by +. z. Reed of the Realty COM
pany as follows:
The insistent demand for residences in Berke-
Icy. where the outsider can come into our city
snd Immediately occupy his home. is becoming
embarrassing 10 the real estate man. Almost
anything that IS available at all has been pur-
CHASED and IN many instances property has been
sold while in course Of construction. Builders
fbis condition and Enthusiastically helping values
materially in all parts OF the city
We making every effort TO rush work on
our Rockridge place and expect Il win be on
The market within a brief time Our surveyors
and construction crews are working hard TO
make IL of the most perfect residence sites
living between Oakland and Berkeley. The
healthy and steady growth Of Oakland toward
Berkeley and Berkeley toward Oakland makes
Rockridge. which lies just between the
two places. the coming residence section