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1911 1

The Casa Rosa Apartments were at 1421 Market Street (1211-1213 before renumbering) across from 15th Street. They opened in 1909 and were built for J.J. Kennedy. When constructed they included a number of unusual features for the time. J. Cather Newsom was the architect. Along with electric lights, Holmes Disappearing Beds, a built-in vacuum system, and on-demand water heaters, the building featured a roof garden. Mrs. H.O. Wilson was the manager of the 18 unit building. 2

An article in the Tribune describes the features and construction at length:

  • the building included a 40 gallon chemical fire extinguisher with a 100' hose
  • furniture from E.G. Arps Furniture Company
  • each apartment included "two pure silk floss mattresses"
  • 7 paragraphs were devoted to the lighting system, from Jenkins Fixture Company
  • on-demand "Pittsburg" Water Heaters from the Peterson Company
  • painting and window shades by James Cahill & Company
  • plastering by N.K. Andersen
  • wiring by Edward A. Klein
  • sheet metal by Yager Sheet Metal and Plumbing Co.
  • plumbing by Burchaell & Crowley

The article also noted nearby businesses, including J.W. Palmer & Son hardware, Ralph's Market, Maple Cream Store, and Eureka Market. 2

19091912 Sanborn excerpt

On the 1961 Sanborn maps, the building is labeled Carver Hotel. Newspaper references to that name appear from at least 1950 to 1968.

1961 Sanborn excerpt

Links and References

  1. Greater Oakland edited by Evarts Blake, Pacific Publishing Co., 1911
  2. Casa Rosa Apartments Oakland Tribune July 25, 1909
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