The Oceanside Civic Center in Downtown (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) was built in 1927. It was designed by Irving Gill, also known as the father of modern architecture. In 1986, a bid was won by architect Charles Moore to complete the civic center, including a public library, city hall, Oceanside Harbor Administration Headquarters, and a parking structure. Charles Moore (known as the father of postmodernism) and his associates mimicked Gill’s style of plain white walls, unadorned arches and flat roofs. The bright colored tiles were his idea of blending old and new. His functional design was low maintenance, and, in his opinion, “looked like Oceanside”. His sherbet color palette choice for the tiles is so beautiful, and reminiscent of his more famous work, the Piazza d’Italia in New Orleans. I absolutely love Moore’s contribution to the civic center. Oceanside needs Moore.
It is a truly amazing place and such a surprise find in the little seaside town of Oceanside. It is so grand! A1 on the tiles is adorable and the gif of the fountain really captures the whimsy. After the Thursday farmers market, we took our treats and picnicked on the fountain’s edge. So picturesque. Great capture of a great place!
Thank you. It is a great place. I am glad it is in such great condition. There is a full time security guard outside the public library. That helps.