Stein Architects

Ionic Building
Oakland, California
American Institute of Architects/City of Oakland Honor Award

The Ionic Building is a renovation of the old “Loft Bar” in Oakland, which was a dark stained shingled building dating back to the 1920s.  The building was originally a radio repair shop.

The new mixed-use structure was built out to maximize Oakland’s zoning regulations by adding a second-floor extension at the front.  This basic box was then carved out to provide a deck at the upper level and large multi-pane windows.  Taking cues from other commercial buildings in the neighborhood, the facade became a white stucco industrialized element contrasted by bright red ionic columns.