El Cerrito by El Cerrito Historical Society

The historical society is also planning more guides to homes and buildings in other parts of the city, including the hills, he said. Weinstein, who often leads guided hikes in El Cerrito’s Hillside Open Space, said he may offer walking tours of the sites mentioned in the guide. The historical society hopes to distribute the brochure by placing copies in retail stores as well as City Hall, the library and other public buildings. “It was designed by (well-known architect) Milton Pflueger and is an excellent example of ranch-style, midcentury modern,” Weinstein said. The brick structure also served as the first home of the Contra Costa Civic Theater from 1959 to 1968.Īlthough El Cerrito wants to replace its 55-year-old public safety building on San Pablo Avenue across the street from City Hall, Weinstein said the building received a listing on the brochure because it has a lot of architectural interest. was constructed during World War II to house the Vista movie theater. The guide reveals a number of little-known facts including that the building that now houses Atlas Liquor at 11382 San Pablo Ave. and the former Wagon Wheel, now the Bayview Eagles Hall at 3223 Carlson Blvd. The adobe was completed in 1839 by Victor Castro, the son of Francisco Castro, who received a grant to Rancho San Pablo, the site of present-day El Cerrito and Richmond, by the King of Spain.Ī couple of buildings associated with the city’s notorious gambling era, “Big Bill” Pechart’s two-story fortress at 9951 San Pablo Ave. All of the structures mentioned still exist, with the exception of the Victor Castro Adobe, the first building erected by a Spanish settler within the current El Cerrito city limits. The guide has descriptions of 24 structures, including 15 with photos of the buildings. “Oakland has one for Jack London Square and Berkeley has several of them, but El Cerrito has never had one.” “A lot of towns have many (historical guides),” Weinstein said. The brochure was prepared by Dave Weinstein, a freelance writer and longtime El Cerrito resident who specializes in articles about art and architecture, along with fellow society members Tom Panas and Joanne Rubio. EL CERRITO - The city might not have as many buildings of historic interest as such East Bay cities as Berkeley or Oakland, but its historical society is taking steps to help residents learn about the ones that do exist.Īt its annual meeting last month, the El Cerrito Historical Society introduced the first guide to the historic structures in the city’s “commercial core,” mostly on or near San Pablo Avenue.

El Cerrito by El Cerrito Historical Society