Elmwood in Berkeley in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
J. Gorman & Son Building
Constructed circa 1880
| | Additions and renovations 1890, 1906, 1940, 2005 | |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 7, 2010
1. J. Gorman & Son Building Marker
City of Berkeley Landmark
designated in 1982
John and Margaret Gorman moved their furniture and upholstery shop to this location in 1880. It is one of Berkeley's oldest commercial buildings and a surviving example of the Victorian-era "corner store." The original two-story structure fronts Telegraph Avenue. The Parker Street wing, diagonal corner entrance, and turret were added in 1906. The entire structure was renovated in 2005.
Gorman's inventory became known for the unfinished yet functional beds, bookcases, and desks that served the burgeoning university community. In the early days they also made coffins. Four generations of the family operated the business until it was sold in 1997 and later moved to Oakland.
Erected 2007 by Berkeley Historical Plaque Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1982.
Location. 37° 51.809′ N, 122° 15.511′ W. Marker is in Berkeley, California, in Alameda County. It is in Elmwood. It is at the intersection of Telegraph Avenue and Parker Street, on the right when traveling north on Telegraph Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2599 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley CA 94704, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: "In Tribute to Chiura Obata" (about 400 feet away,
this page online
Also see . . . J. Gorman & Son Building. Berkeley Landmark's page on the Gorman Building, with pictures of the building several renovations prior to its current incarnation. By Daniella Thompson. (Submitted on March 31, 2010.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 7, 2010
2. J. Gorman & Son Building viewed from across Telegraph Avenue
The marker is mounted on the far north (picture-left) end of the building, to the left of the left-most window.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,327 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 31, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
