Launch of The ’70s Turn 50 Map

Docomomo US/Northern California is thrilled to launch The ’70s Turn 50 Map! We have been hard at work for the last few months to identify, research, and photograph buildings, sites, and landscapes of the 1970s in Northern California. This effort is aligned with the Docomomo US 2020 advocacy theme “The ‘70s Turn 50” which is a recognition that 1970 is now 50 years ago. The 50 year threshold is significant for historic preservation and listing properties on the National Register, so these properties will increasingly be on the radar of advocates, historians, and preservation architects.

As we launch, the map currently has about 150 entries, and we hope to continue to add sites and photographs in the months and years to come. Sadly, several of the properties have already been demolished or altered beyond recognition (for example, Notch Projects Showroom for Best Products in Sacramento and Warren Hall at CSU East Bay) and many more are currently under threat of demolition or extensive remodeling (CCA Oakland Campus, the San Jose Sphinx, Kresge College at UC Santa Cruz, and Northern California Savings in Santa Rosa). We hope that this mapping project will bring awareness to ‘70s resources in Northern California and serve as a jumping off point for further research, documentation, and advocacy!

Do you know of a 1970s building or landscape that should be added to this map? Fill out the form at the bottom of this page! Join the conversation on social media by tagging #70sTurn50 and help us bring attention to 70s design in Northern California.

We have been able to photograph many of the properties on the map, but could use your help! Send us an email if you would be interested in taking some photographs. It’s a fun (and safe socially-distanced) way to get outside and explore!

Selections from the ‘70s Turn 50 map