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1950 Sanborn excerpt

High Street Homes was a temporary WWII housing project off High Street near Tidewater Avenue. It was built c.1944 with about 500 units.

A school was constructed in 1949. It had 11 classrooms, a kindergarten, and a library, with a capacity of 385 students. 4

The Oakland Housing Authority took control of the housing in October 1955. They leased the land. 5

In March 1962, 20 acres of the area was sold to Louis Lesser Enterprises of Los Angeles, which planned to develop it. They are likely the origin of the name of Lesser Street. 3

In June 1963, the remaining residents were told they needed to move out; the school closed in December 1963. 1,2 The project was demolished in [ 1964?].

Links and References

  1. High St. Homes Residents To Get Notices to Evacuate Oakland Tribune June 1, 1963
  2. W.L. Dunlap Principal at Cole School Oakland Tribune January 28, 1964
  3. 20-Acre Site Near Freeway In New Hands Oakland Tribune March 31, 1962
  4. $15,500,000 Building Program For Schools Oakland Post Enquirer December 30, 1949
  5. Oakland to Take Over 2,000 Rental Units Oct. 1 Oakland Tribune September 15, 1955
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