Roberts Electric completely rewired this historic building for retailer Mulberry’s Home
Like many contractors these days, we’re delighted to be busy! The stringent new Title 24 requirements mandating that any new construction or remodeling project meet strict standards for reducing long-term environmental impact has created a lot of work for us. We’ve also been busy with a number of commercial projects throughout the Bay Area.
Highlighted below is a project we did for Oakland’s Mulberry’s HOME, a lifestyle/furniture store, which opened in time for the holiday buying season. Roberts was pleased to work on this project for McCutcheon Construction and was brought in specifically for our expertise in commercial retail buildouts.
The owners of Mulberry’s Market had back-burnered their dream of a high-end home store until the economy improved, and clearly, the time was right–happily, Oakland is on the move!
When the husband and wife Chad Olcott and Laura Pochop opened Piedmont’s Mulberry’s Market seven years ago, they also dreamed of opening a high-end home store, but knew they’d have to wait until the economy got stronger. As they watched Oakland’s food and art scene exploding over the last few years, they knew it was time to realize their dream. Mulberry’s HOME was born.
The perfect location: Oakland Public Library’s old Piedmont Branch
As the electrical contractor, Roberts Electric completely rewired this old building off Piedmont on 41st Street with a state-of-the-art lighting control system to meet the complex new needs of a furniture/lifestyle store.
We also installed energy-efficient LED track lighting to showcase merchandise, display outlets for chandeliers and warm exterior frontage lighting to accent the architectural windows that face 41st Street.
“This was just one of many historic buildings on which we’ve worked that required exacting quality standards and respect for the historical nature of the building. We also had to meet stringent Title 24 electrical requirements that not only reduce energy costs but decrease environmental impact.”
Furniture, lighting fixtures, gift items . . .
“I have always loved home design,” Olcott said, “and Oakland lacked a quality furniture store with big items. We’re one of the very few places you can get furniture in Oakland. I believe we’re filling a need.” In addition to large items, Mulberry’s Home features many one-of-a-kind or limited quantity items. There are candles, rugs, lighting fixtures, dishes, seasonal gift items and a line of jewelry.