Columbia Park was a neighborhood centered at Columbian Drive and Greenly Drive in the 1920s and 1930s. Not to be confused with the more recent Columbia Gardens.
In 1922, the Realty Syndicate held a contest for the home built in the shortest time. With the help of some friends, Thomas W. Davis constructed his small home in 8 hours. He won the lumber used plus $25. 1 Perhaps coincidentally, the city started cracking down on homes built in the area without proper permits. "The regulations concerning the size of foundations and other matters were totally ignored. The houses were just put up." 2
The poor construction quality of some of the homes, insufficient transit, 3 and other factors led to it being rated "D" (red) in the 1937 redlining map. 4
1937 map
Links and References
- Builds Home in 8 Hours Oakland Tribune July 9, 1922
- Home Builders Are Ordered To Obtain Permits Oakland Tribune January 4, 1923
- Mayor Appeals for Late Train Service Oakland Tribune April 3, 1924
- Area D-16 T-Races website (p2)
- City Seeks Closing of Paving Row Oakland Tribune May 5, 1933
