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| Learn about Windows Our Services Galleries About Us Request a Free Quote Architects & Contractors Contest The Winner The Runners-up Panel of Judges Links Newsletter Home 849 29th Street Oakland, CA 94608
email: info@woodenwindow.com |
The Cohen-Bray Home, Fruitvale District, Oakland.  Listed
in the National Register of Historic Places, a California and Oakland landmark,
it is unique for a number of reasons. It typifies the Stick style of architecture
of the 1880’s and still contains many examples of its original furnishings
in the Aesthetic style of Charles Eastlake. The original interior decoration
of the house also remains - quintessential example of the Anglo-Japanese
design craze that so caught the fancy of both American and British tastes
in the 1880’s. This interior, its most distinguished aspect originally,
is all the more remarkable today for having survived intact into the 21st
Century. Originally a wedding gift to Emma and Alfred H.Cohen, the house
stands as a testament to a time that was focused more on family and entertaining. Cindy Heitzman, Executive Director of the California Preservation Foundation and Naomi Schiff, Director of the Oakland Heritage Alliance, both stated in their critiques of the contest submissions that all the entries met or exceeded the “ugly” threshold, but the Cohen Bray house windows are ugly, deteriorated and contributing to additional damage within the structure due to water infiltration. The damage goes beyond the visual to the destruction of historic features and fabric. They’re all worthy projects, all ugly, but the Cohen Bray house is the hands down winner.  The winners’ presentation was held at the Pardee Home Museum in Oakland. Buzz Leer and Bill Essert made the presentation to Barbara and Patty Donald, descendants of the Cohen-Brays. Shortly after that, Wooden Window met with the members of the Board of Directors of the Cohen-Bray house to begin the process of designing the new window. The Fruitvale District has evolved into a densely populated residential and commercial area of Oakland, but was once large rural estates. The estates were eventually subdivided and sold into small residential properties or business strips. The one-acre parcel is surrounded by mature trees and spacious garden beds. The unusually large parcel of land, combined with the architectural style and interior design of the Victorian era, cannot be replicated today. The fact that the house has survived in this urban landscape is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the late 19th Century. Request a Free Quote | Architects & Contractors Contest | Links | Newsletter | Home Contractor's License #640153 Association of General Contractors NARI - Nat. Assoc. of the Remodeling Industry |
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