Soda Works Building
SODA WORKS BUILDING
E. A. Spalding, Contractor
1888
Robert Agers constructed this building to manufacture “the very best
soda water” for customers throughout California. The recessed storefronts,
second-floor oriel windows, and high false front are largely unchanged
from a 1904 expansion. The building evokes Berkeley’s early small—town
character when Telegraph Avenue was lined with wood frame houses
and small shops.
In 1969, during the People’s Park protests, Alameda County
sheriff’s deputies fired at spectators, mortally wounding
James Rector on the roof of this building.
Berkeley Historical P laque Project
2005