Chamber of Commerce Building, Berkeley
The Chamber of Commerce Building was notable as Berkeley's first high rise. The 12-story brick and terra cotta building was designed by architect Walter H. Ratcliff, Jr., who was Berkeley's first City Architect.
The building, completed in 1927, was named after the Chamber of Commerce due to the fact that the Chamber occupied the top floor. For many years, the building housed the American Trust Company. Today, it is home to Wells Fargo Bank.
The Central Berkeley Building Company funded the construction of the Chamber of Commerce Building in part to influence the state government to move the capital from Sacramento to Berkeley. The ploy was partially successful. The legislature placed the motion on a ballot in 1908. The voters chose against the move.
The Chamber of Commerce Building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Despite restorations over the years, the building is almost entirely original. The only significant changes were to the roof sign, which was removed in 1962, and the wood storefront that was replaced with bronze anodized aluminum in 1978.
The building, completed in 1927, was named after the Chamber of Commerce due to the fact that the Chamber occupied the top floor. For many years, the building housed the American Trust Company. Today, it is home to Wells Fargo Bank.
The Central Berkeley Building Company funded the construction of the Chamber of Commerce Building in part to influence the state government to move the capital from Sacramento to Berkeley. The ploy was partially successful. The legislature placed the motion on a ballot in 1908. The voters chose against the move.
The Chamber of Commerce Building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Despite restorations over the years, the building is almost entirely original. The only significant changes were to the roof sign, which was removed in 1962, and the wood storefront that was replaced with bronze anodized aluminum in 1978.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Berkeley. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Chamber of Commerce Building on Map
Sight Name: Chamber of Commerce Building
Sight Location: Berkeley, USA (See walking tours in Berkeley)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Berkeley, USA (See walking tours in Berkeley)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Berkeley, California
Create Your Own Walk in Berkeley
Creating your own self-guided walk in Berkeley is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Telegraph Avenue Shopping
In addition to other attractions, the colorful and joyful city of Berkeley, California offers a wide variety of places to shop. Perhaps the most notable among them is Telegraph Avenue, a vibrant and eclectic thoroughfare, featuring a unique blend of cultural diversity and youthful energy.
One of the standout landmarks on Telegraph Avenue is the Berkeley Hat Company. Here, you'll find an... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
One of the standout landmarks on Telegraph Avenue is the Berkeley Hat Company. Here, you'll find an... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Berkeley's Historic Landmarks Walking Tour
Berkeley, California, boasts a fair amount of landmarks distinguished for their historical value and representative of the city’s architectural beauty.
One such gem is the Thorsen House, an iconic residence designed by the renowned architectural firm Greene and Green, showcasing the American Craftsman style.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, is another notable sight. Its mixed design... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
One such gem is the Thorsen House, an iconic residence designed by the renowned architectural firm Greene and Green, showcasing the American Craftsman style.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, is another notable sight. Its mixed design... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
University of California in Berkeley Walking Tour
The University of California, Berkeley, often referred to as UC Berkeley or simply Berkeley, is a part of the larger University of California system, known for its distinguished academics and vibrant campus life. The UC Berkeley campus is the core of Berkeley's attractions. Its design resulted from an 1898 architectural competition, with each building having its own story to tell.
Start... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Start... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Berkeley Introduction Walking Tour
The Ohlone people were the original inhabitants of the area that is now known as Berkeley, California. Many of them were casualties of the presence of the first settlers of European descent who arrived with the De Anza Expedition of 1776.
Among the soldiers in this expedition was Luis Peralta, who was gifted the land that would become Berkeley by the King of Spain. Peralta gifted the land to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Among the soldiers in this expedition was Luis Peralta, who was gifted the land that would become Berkeley by the King of Spain. Peralta gifted the land to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles