The contract for the construction of the new Haviland Hall, at a total cost of $337,400 (approximately $6.3 million today), was awarded to the K.E. Parker Co. of San Francisco. Work began on October 9, 1922, and was expected to take a year.
Initial progress, however, did not proceed as rapidly as envisioned. “After being greatly handicapped by striking solid rock in excavating, construction on Haviland hall . . . is again rapidly advancing,” the November 27 Daily Californian reassured readers. “The forms are set for the pouring of concrete which will begin this week . . . . Hoists are being erected and reinforcing materials are on hand.”
The solid rock evidently was a formidable challenge, as the article also noted that “the numerous explosions taking place the last few weeks, were caused by blasting for a foundation base.” Rainy weather delayed the concrete work further. In mid-March the Daily Cal reported that forms were being constructed for the last of the concrete to be poured, for the third floor, and noted that “the stripping of the forms from the first floor walls which commenced today disclosed a smooth, almost perfect surface. R. Nelson, foreman on the building, expects to keep up the same standard of excellence on the remainder of the construction.”
The K.E. Parker Company missed its target deadline of October 1.
Nevertheless, a Daily Cal article on October 5 reported that the building was “fast nearing completion” and that water mains and electrical connections were presently being installed. Being of steel and reinforced concrete throughout, the building “is absolutely fireproof”—a not inconsequential feature, as barely three weeks earlier a massive wildfire had swept through north Berkeley, incinerating 600 homes, razing scores of blocks, and coming within only a couple hundred yards of the new Haviland Hall. “. . . Architects claim that this type of construction will withstand severe earthquakes, which a few years ago were not strangers in this vicinity. The builders say the structure will be the last word in safety.”
Finally, early in January, 1924, fourteen months after construction began, Haviland Hall was ready for business. The formal dedication was on March 25, 1924.
Written by Craig Alderson
