Oakland YWCA Building
historic place
The Oakland YWCA Building, located in Alameda County, California, stands as a historic place. Completed in 1914, this Renaissance Revival style building was designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan. It was the first of seventeen YWCAs Morgan designed across the country. The YWCA in Oakland began in 1877 as the Ladies Evangelical Philanthropic Society, becoming California's first YWCA affiliate the following year. The building's primary function was to serve as a temporary home for young women moving to the city for work. It also hosted various women's groups, including a Travelers Aid Service and the Philomathian Club for Negro Women. Recognizing its architectural and historical importance, the Oakland YWCA Building was designated an Oakland Landmark in 1977. It was then added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today, the building continues to serve the community, housing the Envision Academy of Arts & Technology and co-living spaces. This site is significant for its role in the development of social services and its connection to the women's movement in Oakland.