Credit: Robert Johnson/Berkeleyside
Over in Berkeley, an unassuming pavilion with a rich architectural pedigree (locally, at least) is looking to become a historical landmark. Commissioned by an influential Cal alum and creator of the California Pelican humor magazine that ran on campus from 1903 until the late-80s, The Pelican Building was designed by local architect Joseph Esherick and built in the 50's after Arts & Crafts mainstay Bernard Maybeck handed it off to him. Esherick, you might know, co-founded UC Berkeley's College of Environmental design (the architecture school) and as a token of his appreciation for the project, Esherick blended Maybeck's classic style with his own more modern take - resulting in "a unique overlap of First and Third Bay Area traditions." Continuing in that spirit of appreciation, the landmark application is sponsored by current Berkeley architect Gary Parsons, who names the under-appreciated Esherick as his mentor during his time at Berkeley. Plus, it's got a big statue of a Pelican in the yard to both amuse and annoying the Berkeley neighbors, so what's not to like?
· Storied Pelican Building is Considered for Landmark Status [Berkeleyside]