Phillips Win Architecture

Design Approach

The historic Masonic Temple, built in 1908 and expanded in 1924, is centrally located in the Fruitvale Transit Village. Beyond an active ground floor public market, upper floors rich with history and architectural detail had been vacant and in a state of disrepair.

Juntos Fruitvale (Juntos translates to “together”) repurposes the dormant spaces to energize the local economy and activate community space in East Oakland. To achieve these goals, this adaptive-reuse project included renovation, primarily interior, balancing modern functionality with historic preservation.

The Main Building, featuring the historic Mason’s Hall, is reimagined for office and assembly functions. A significant achievement was the restoration of natural light, air and views through the addition of new windows in openings hidden within the hall’s exterior walls. Maintaining the historic charm, the space is re-programmed as a multi-purpose venue, hosting co-working for local entrepreneurs by day and doubling as community event space over evenings and weekends.  The ceremonial platforms and balcony used by the Masons are now stages and a lounge/DJ booth. Ancillary meeting spaces and offices are developed to complement the co-working program.

In the Annex, the objective was to reactivate the Auditorium in a way that reflected the neighborhood, enhanced safety and flexibility. A new main entrance marked by a contemporary awning opens to an expanded lobby with a new elevator which connects the pedestrian Avenida to a lively 2nd floor reception space. This reception area is animated by murals and is positioned between the Auditorium and Mason’s Hall to provide a memorable and welcoming point of arrival. In the Auditorium, the existing wood floor with traces of different eras (including as a boxing gym!) was restored, a new exterior stair provides the required second means of egress, and a nonfunctional kitchen was reconfigured to serve as a catering kitchen. 

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