Redwood Building
Also called the Technocratic Cathedral, this early-1930s redwood structure reflects the Boothe brothers' architectural imagination.
A Pure Boothe Creation
The Redwood Building, also known as the Technocratic Cathedral, was one of the brothers’ most unusual building projects. David and Stephen made scale models before settling on the final form, then constructed the building from redwood shipped east through the Panama Canal. The large beams were laid horizontally and held with galvanized dowels rather than nails, with glass block windows making vertical beams unnecessary. The brothers intended the building for indoor church services and displays of early technological ideas. During the Depression, its construction also provided work, and over time it became known as a multi-purpose building shaped by Boothe ingenuity.
What to Look For
- Horizontal redwood beam construction
- Glass block window approach
- Cathedral-like interior feeling
- Connections to the brothers' interest in technology
- Basket collection history tied to the original ceiling canopy
Preserving the Redwood Building
Preserving buildings like the Redwood Building protects the imagination and craftsmanship that make Boothe Park unlike a standard historic site. The Friends of Boothe Park support the care of these structures, collections, and stories.