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Our Building

Prevention Institute is located in Jack London Square in the fruit and vegetable warehouse district of Oakland. Our building was originally constructed as a furniture factory situated at the end of the Southern Pacific railway. With the help of a visionary contractor and architect, we created a workplace to reflect our organizational practices and as a welcoming, creative hub for colleagues and coalitions from across the country. Our space was designed to emphasize openness, diversity, air, and light. We encourage workplace wellness and community engagement through sustainable food practices, local purchasing, artistic expression, and community events. We are proud to be part of a reemerging Oakland neighborhood and to be a California Green Certified Business.

In 2010, the Prevention Institute building received Heritage Property Designation. Properties that receive the Heritage Property Designation have been deemed by the city to be among the "most prominent historic properties in the city." Prevention Institute's historic status will help preserve the building's original character, reflect our deep pride in being grounded in the historic Jack London Square warehouse community, and allows us to share the building's rich investment in the community.

History

The Prevention Institute building was constructed in 1924 under the owner E.R. Billett and was designed by architect E.W. Cannon. In 2006, Prevention Institute purchased this historic building and began renovations with contractor Jason Brown and architect Lillian Mitchell.
Chronology of prior occupants in the building:

  • Pacific Furniture fiber factory (1924)
  • Maryland Pacific Cone Co. (1935)
  • Western Paper Mill and Supply (1956)
  • Whirlpool Bath Distributing Co. (1970)
  • Climax Industries (Sewing garments 1970s)
  • Balboa Greeting Cards, Inc. (Around 1980)
  • Party Warehouse (1990s - 2006)
  • Prevention Institute (2006 - 2999)
Food

In addition to our policy work on healthy eating, Prevention Institute promotes healthy, sustainable, and creative eating for our staff. We enjoy a full open kitchen and weekly organic, local fruit box. We prepare weekly shared lunches for all staff, and often enjoy our meals on our roof garden.

Artwork and Crafts

At Prevention Institute, we value artistic expression and creativity as essential elements of community wellbeing. Handcrafted furniture, fine art, ceramics, weaving, and topical posters are incorporated into our work environment.