B. Ratcliff Building
The single story Ratcliff building, with its distinctive
lines and detailed windows, is perhaps the district's most recognized
historic structure. Neighborhood stories about the building abound,
including that it was once a schoolhouse. These stories have been fostered
by the unique look of this 1916 city construction. On closer examination,
it is clear that the structure was designed to function as a barn and
garages, but also with "special reference to adaptability for use
with present equipment or complete motor equipment."(20)
A special architectural study was undertaken for this
construction at the Corporation Yard. The result was a single story,
decorative structure, with a long rectangular shape to create a courtyard.
The original entrances of the building were inside this courtyard, helping
to isolate operations from the surrounding neighborhood.
The building's design, with its sensitivity to zoning
and the neighborhood, is quite noteworthy. Because of the new Housing
Code and Zoning Ordinance instituted in 1915, this was probably the
first time an industrial structure was built in Berkeley to appear more
residential both in its scale and style. The city architect, Ratcliff, who designed the building, played an important role in developing these
new standards.