It’s a hidden gem, nestled unobtrusively within Oakland’s downtown business district. Chances are, you’ve passed by it – or parked under it—dozens, if not hundreds, of times, never knowing it was there.

The Rooftop Gardens is a three and a-half acre restaurant facility with an adjoining garden, complete with a wooden bridge, pond, neatly-manicured lawns, trees and ample space for up to 1,500 guests, poised atop the Kaiser Center garage at 300 Lakeside Drive.

The Rooftop Gardens certainly qualifies as one of Oakland’s best-kept secrets. It’s been around for 50 years, having been built in the days of Henry J. Kaiser. It’s said to be the first rooftop garden built in America post-World War II.

The venue is perfect for weddings, luncheons, corporate events, soirees, concerts, gatherings, greetings, book signings, pronouncements … you name it. However, it’s been woefully under-utilized - until now (save for the occasional event, such as a summer lunchtime concert series). Yet as Oakland’s renaissance continues, surely there’s a need for a top-notch, slightly swanky venue equally adaptable for either low-key or high-profile events.

Steve Snider of Oakland Venue Management said he first started hearing whispers about the Rooftop Gardens four years ago. After finally seeing it in person, he fell in love with it and dreamed of opening up the space to more events. But it wasn’t until recently, when his management firm teamed with event planners Inspire Productions, that his dream became a reality.
 
“We had an amazing opportunity to step in and help the Swig Company manage the special event facilities at the roof garden, including the old Central Park restaurant and the Lakeside Theater, which was formerly known as the Kaiser Auditorium, with a 400-person sit-down theater with a foyer that overlooks Lake Merritt,” Snider said.

 In addition to the roof gardens, the restaurant and the theater, there are conference rooms in the facility as well, making the entire set-up a versatile, multi-use space for seminars, symposiums, retreats and more.

Snider says he’s “thrilled” about the roof garden in particular, which he describes as “an amazing, one-of-a-kind private garden on the fifth story of a parking garage, which was envisioned by Henry J. Kaiser himself.” Snider hopes the venue will become the go-to spot for weddings, and in fact, he’s planning to hold his own upcoming nuptials there.

On Tuesday, the Rooftop Gardens held its grand opening celebration, with a hand-picked list of invited guests culled from Snider’s preferred vendor list. Jennifer & Todd’s Café Soleil catered the event, treating guests to, among other things, crab cakes and bacon-and-filet mignon wraps. Across the bridge, guests lounged, socialized and took full advantage of the open bar, which was serving Hangar One Greyhounds with fresh grapefruit juice (one of Café Van Kleef’s signature cocktails). A wedding photographer took snaps and showed her portfolio and for dessert, there were cakes, cookies and a chocolate fountain, complete with strawberries and pretzels for dipping. As the function wound down to a close, Snider led a tour of the Lakeside Theater, which drew “oohs” and “ahs” from the promoters and event planners among the crowd.

Currently in use by a church group, the theater reminded one of a smaller, more intimate and better-maintained version of the Berkeley Community Theater, with comfortable, swivel-back seating and a gorgeous hardwood-floor stage. The view from a large window overlooking the lake came as advertised and a passing gondola made for a picturesque Kodak moment.

Where to go for a look:

Kaiser Center Rooftop Garden, 300 Lakeside Drive.Oakland.

See http://www.kaisercenterroofgarden.com/