Frederick H. Reimers (June 1, 1889 – July 11, 1961) was an American architect, known for his
Period Revival-style architecture. His practice included projects, ranging from residences and public housing projects to WWII-era barracks and his commercial buildings. Two of his
Art Deco buildings, the Income Securities Building (1928) in
Oakland, California and the Howard Automobile Building (1930) in
Berkeley, California are city landmarks.[1][2]
Early life
Reimers was born in
Lakeport, California on June 1, 1889.[3] He was the son of Johannes Reimers (1858-1953), a well-known landscape artist,[4] and Merie R. Reimers. He studied architecture at the
University of California, Berkeley graduating in 1915.[5][6] He married Jane Howard in Alameda County on June 6, 1923. After their marriage they moved to Oakland, California. They later moved to
Piedmont, California.[5]
In 1925, Reimers established his office in the
Tribune Tower in Oakland, later relocating to San Francisco. His practice included projects, ranging from residences and public housing projects to WWII-era barracks and commercial buildings.[2][5] He was a member of the
American Institute of Architects and of the
St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.[6]
Some of Reimers other works include the twelve-story
Georgian-style Franklin Building built in 1927, on 1624 Franklin Street.[9] and the six-story Income Securities Building built in 1928, an
Art Deco office building at 360-364 14th Street in
Oakland, California.[10] The Income Securities building is listed as a district contributor for the
Downtown Oakland Historic DistrictNational Register of Historic Places registration form.[11] The design of this building features four triangular buttresses with outlined sculptural eagles. Above the doors, three large
bas-relief panel sculptures, done by John Stoll, are placed above the doors.[12]