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The Utopia Manor Apartments are at 540 Alcatraz Avenue. The 36 unit building was constructed in 1929 by K.J. Henning, specifically for families with children. The name was changed to Radcliffe Arms Apartments in 1938.

The apartments featured Spark stoves, and hardware from Maxwell Hardware, and the building had a 0.5 acre playground, nursery, kindergarten, and kitchen. In the rear of the building the 200 foot ramp makes it easier for strollers to access all four floors.

In 1934, the playground won an award for best apartment complex playground in the east bay. 2

However, by 1938 the building was renamed Radcliffe Arms, and listed as adults only. In 1954, somebody was running a dormitory out of the building, specifically for white, working men. 3,4

1929 1

Links and References

  1. Utopia Manor for Families With Children Oakland Tribune October 6, 1929 (p2)
  2. Winning Home Playgrounds Announced After Close Judging Oakland Tribune September 2, 1934
  3. classified ad Oakland Tribune April 21, 1938
  4. classified ad Oakland Tribune July 1, 1954

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