About the J. Mora Moss House

Built in 1864 and designed by architect S. H. Williams, the J. Mora Moss House is a rare surviving example of Gothic Victorian residential architecture in California. Commissioned by banker and civic figure Joseph Moravia Moss, the house gave its name to the surrounding Mosswood Park — itself a beloved community open space in the heart of Oakland. Moss was among the first trustees of the University of California, beginning in 1868, and his home reflects the ambitions of the civic leaders who shaped the early Bay Area.

In 1975, the City of Oakland formally recognized the house as an Official Oakland Landmark, acknowledging its irreplaceable architectural and historical value. It stands as a direct, physical connection to Oakland's earliest days as a city.

The Crisis

Despite its landmark status, the J. Mora Moss House has been left without a defined use or consistent stewardship. The consequences have been severe:

• The structure has suffered multiple fires and repeated break-ins
• Historic architectural elements are actively deteriorating
• Without intervention, the damage will become irreversible

This is not a slow, invisible decline. This is a landmark being lost in real time — on public land, in a public park, under the city's watch.

What We Are Asking For

We call on the City of Oakland to take the following concrete steps:

1. Immediately secure the structure to prevent further fire damage, vandalism, and unauthorized entry
2. Conduct a professional structural assessment to document the current condition and prioritize stabilization work
3. Allocate dedicated funding in the city budget for restoration of the J. Mora Moss House
4. Launch a public process to determine an adaptive reuse for the building — whether as a community center, cultural space, museum, or other civic use — ensuring it serves Oakland residents for generations to come

Why It Matters

Once a historic structure is gone, it is gone forever. The J. Mora Moss House is not just a building — it is a piece of Oakland's identity, a monument to the city's founding era, and an anchor for the Mosswood Park community. Landmarks like this one belong to all of us.

The City of Oakland designated this house a landmark over 50 years ago. It is time to back that designation with action.

Sign this petition to demand that the City of Oakland fulfill its obligation to protect and restore the J. Mora Moss House.