Reflections on Uptown

reflection of the Fox

The other week I went to Sears to pick up a garbage disposal for our new kitchen. I had my trusty point-and-shoot camera with me in case I saw any interesting signs, but I also got a better look at the empty lot that Living in the O and A Better Oakland wrote about a while back.

I haven't been in the area for a while, just passed through on Broadway, and all I can say is wow! Uptown is looking up. With the restored Fox Theater, the Uptown Apartments, and countless restaurants nearby, Uptown has never looked so good while I've lived in the East Bay. If I were looking for a place to live, the area is very appealing. Not only is there lots nearby, but it's hecka accessible to BART.

And I'm so glad that the efforts of Becks, V Smoothe, and others paid off, and that the city and developers won't be putting a surface parking lot in the empty lot. It's between the Fox, the Uptown Apartments, Sears, and Flora, and while there's a open park space at the other end, having a parking lot in the middle of this would be an eyesore (not to mention a waste of money as noted in the above blog posts.) I just wish they could keep the space open, and extend the park at the other end. Or make it a permanent open air market space for farmer's markets, craft markets, etc. That would make it an awesome space.

signs: Oaks Motel

The Oaks Motel

Just north of 35th on MacArthur is The Oaks Motel. It looks to be of a similar vintage to the Colonial Chapel, with faux scroll lines instead of faux wood grain.

signs: Colonial Chapel

On High St. near Brookdale is the Colonial Chapel funeral home. This one's a two-fer. They've got one sign on the roof which isn't anything special except it has a great clock. The other sign in the parking lot has lots of classic elements: neon, another clock (not as nice as the one on the roof, though) and the crowning touch, faux wood grain on the sign. What's not to like?

Colonial Chapel funeral home

signs: George & Walt's

George & Walt's Bar

George & Walt's is a bar along College in Rockridge. I haven't been there in years, since before my friend Dave died (he lived a short distance away), but I remember it as a worn out place, somewhat incongruous with the rest of Rockridge (well, except the liquor store a couple doors down). Despite that, it appears to still be a going concern. Their sign gets points for not only the classy typography, but some neon and of course the iconic martini glasses.

signs: Glenview Shoe Repair

Glenview Shoe Repair