Prior to 1922, a largely neglected park with a rustic Japanese tea house and a bandstand sat on land that had originally been owned by Frank C. Havens. That year, the City of Piedmont acquired the land and engaged architect Albert Farr to design a civic center. His elaborate plan featured a Spanish Colonial design that included the Community Hall, a rose garden, expansive lawns, and the iconic Exedra. Funded by a bond issue, the construction of both the Exedra and the Community Hall began in 1924 and was completed in 1925 — marking their 100th anniversary this year. Unfortunately, the Great Depression soon followed, halting the completion of Farr’s grand design.
How fortunate for Piedmont to have these two incredible structures. The term “Exedra,” originating from ancient Greek, is defined by Webster as “a room, building or outdoor area with seating, where conversations were held.” Piedmont’s Exedra is that, and much more than just a place to sit and talk. The front of the Exedra has remained unchanged, still featuring its distinctive iron gates and blue vase. The area behind the Exedra, however, has seen significant improvements over the years and much of that is thanks to the dedication of the Piedmont Beautification Foundation.
By 1981, the Exedra was showing signs of age. That September, the City accepted a generous gift of over $26,000 from PBF to restore the Exedra “to its original elegance”. PBF also agreed to oversee the project. Under the leadership of PBF President Barbara Magee, a committee was formed with Bob Leefeldt, former chair of the Park Commission, at the helm. The restoration work was meticulous, including the use of epoxy injections to patch and seal cracks in the walls. It was believed this material would be more flexible and durable than plaster. Research was also undertaken to find a paint that would be resistant to graffiti.
The most challenging part of the project was repairing the iron gates, which required an additional $15,000 in fundraising. The project was so delicate that Leefeldt had to present his plans to the City Council for approval. Leefeldt told the Council, “The gates were assembled like a fine Swiss watch.” The gates were removed carefully, treated with brushed steel material, and then reinstalled.
Seasonal views of the Exedra plaza’s Blue Vase, beautiful at any angle
Forty-five years later, the restoration has stood the test of time. During this period, PBF has played a significant role enhancing the area behind the Exedra with several important projects. In 2001 the Matthew Lempres Memorial Fund and the Marianne Lempres Memorial Fund provided support for a beautiful fountain and a terrace of tiles, as well as seating areas. These additions have transformed the space into a delightful spot for conversation — true to the Exedra’s ancient Greek meaning.
In 2008 the Barbara Magee Overlook was dedicated with steps down to the plateau overlooking Bushy Dell Creek and the canyon. This project honored Magee’s contributions to both the Exedra’s renovation and other initiatives during her presidency of PBF and many years as an advisor. Shortly afterwards, a special moonlighting installation from the Exedra to the Magee Overlook was completed in memory of Frances Bishopric, another long-time PBF advisor.
But the most special thing about Piedmont’s Exedra is that it has become much more than a place to sit and have conversations. Today the Exedra is a symbol of the city itself — rivaling the thistle which adorns the city’s white flag. Its location in front of a graceful crescent of Highland Poplar Trees (named as Heritage Trees in 2019) together with the planting circle, often filled with purple and white flowers, stands as a perfect focal point as one walks or drives down Highland Avenue to the center of town.
In 2002, under the leadership of then President Betty Shapiro, PBF adopted the Exedra as its logo. Various depictions had appeared on earlier PBF documents, but in 2002 the present version became official. (More recently a brand-new online newspaper chose the name “The Exedra.”) In fact, images of the Exedra pop up here and there all over the city.
The author gives special thanks to Sharon Hom and Gail Lombardi, who provided much historical background for this article and for the four preceding articles about significant PBF projects.
Thanks also to The Exedra, which provided generous coverage for the articles and their accompanying photos.
Visit the PBF website HERE for information about current projects.
Photos by Julie Reichle