Waterfront Warehouse District in Oakland in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
George A. Posey Tube Oakland Portal
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, July 4, 2023
1. George A. Posey Tube Oakland Portal Marker
Construction Date: 1925-28
Architectural Style: Beaux Arts derivative/Art Deco
The Oakland Portals elaborate Beaux Arts faηade conceals eight massive fans that draw in fresh air to the Posey Tube, an underwater automobile tunnel.
At the time of its construction, the tube was the largest underground tunnel in the world and the first constructed entirely of reinforced concrete. Its forms were towed to the District by tugs from Hunters Point in San Francisco. The powerful architectural presence includes a three-story central section on each portal flanked by hip roof towers that are connected by a huge arched industrial sash window. The construction of this tube tore through blocks of tenements, a nickelodeon, gambling establishments, and a scrap iron yard, as shown on early maps.
A National Register Historic District
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 37° 47.763′ N, 122° 16.328′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area and on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fourth Street Circa 1962 (a few steps from this marker); Oakland Plumbing Supply, P.E. OHair & Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); Saroni Wholesale Sugar & Rice (within shouting distance of this marker); Poultry Producers of Central California Distribution Center (within shouting distance
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, July 4, 2023
2. George A. Posey Tube Oakland Portal and Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Oakland Plumbing (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Oakland Portal (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Fourth St. circa 1962 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Western Pacific RR (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Poultry Producers (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); American Bag Co. (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed); C.L. Greeno Co. (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); Autocar Sales (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. The Waterfront Warehouse District has special covered trash cans on street corners, with historical
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, July 4, 2023
3. Opposite Side of A Marker/Trash Can
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Previous Oakland Portal Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 538 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 3. submitted on July 5, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
