City Center Building

The City Center Building, also known as Centennial Hall, was once the tallest structure in Hayward, California, serving as the city hall from 1969 until 1998. Designed to be a prominent part of the City Center complex, it was nicknamed 'the toaster' by an architectural critic due to its unique design. After sustaining damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the building was abandoned and fell into disrepair, becoming a target for vandalism and homelessness. Despite various redevelopment plans, including a failed condominium conversion, the building was ultimately demolished in 2020. Today, the site remains vacant, with future plans yet to be determined, making it a point of interest for those exploring the history and urban development of Hayward.