Stephanie Wright Hession

In downtown Oakland, a historic property offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Strolling through the grand entrance of Preservation Park, with its ornate metal arch and twin stone pillars, reveals clusters of grand Victorian homes. Anchoring its central plaza is the Latham-Ducel fountain, a cast iron creation topped with Diana, goddess of the hunt, moon and childbirth. Made by the Val d-Osne foundry from a design by J.J. Ducel & Fils, the fountain once graced the estate of the Lathams, a prominent Oakland family who bought it on trip to Paris in the late 19th century. Nearby, wooden park benches and palm trees create a tranquil setting, and a set of steps leads to the Pavilion, a trellised bandstand where many couples have exchanged vows.

The park strives to emulate the Victorian neighborhood that once thrived here in the 1870s. Over time, it fell into disrepair, and during the 1970s, the construction of Interstate 980 and planned redevelopment jeopardized the historic homes. Through the formation of a public and private partnership, the city saved 15 homes and one building. These included five that still exist on their original sites and others moved from various parts of Oakland. Since refurbished, today they house offices, meeting and social spaces and serve as a hub for culturally, environmentally and socially focused nonprofit organizations and businesses.