HISTORICAL ROOF TILE
With more than 150 years of craftsmanship and access to some of the world’s richest clay reserves, Gladding, McBean has been a leader in the production of historic clay roof tile. Our tiles have crowned landmark buildings across the country, combining time-honored manufacturing methods with carefully refined techniques that preserve the character and performance of traditional clay roofing. By honoring historic designs while utilizing modern production capabilities, Gladding, McBean continues to reproduce and restore many of the world’s most recognized architectural roof tile styles.
King Kalakaua Building
1920
The King David Kalākaua Building was most recently reroofed in 2025 using Franciscan Blend Cordova Two‑Piece tile, continuing a legacy of traditional clay roofing that has defined the structure for more than a century. Its previous roof—original GMcB Roof Tile in a Franciscan blend—performed exceptionally well for nearly 100 years, a rare testament to both the durability of the material and the craftsmanship of the original installation.
Marysville High School
The roof at Marysville High School features Franciscan Blend Cordova clay tile, continuing a long tradition of Mission Revival architecture on the campus. The original roof was installed in the 1920s, during a major period of campus expansion when additional classroom wings and gymnasiums were added to accommodate a growing student population. Many of the GMcB clay tiles still found on site date back to this era, reflecting the durability and timeless character of the material.
This early‑20th‑century construction phase established the architectural identity that remains central to the school’s appearance today. Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial influences—red clay tile roofing, stucco walls, arched entries, and courtyard‑style layouts—were especially popular for California civic and educational buildings at the time. The use of clay tile not only contributed to the visual cohesion of the campus but also ensured longevity; the original 1920s tile roof performed for decades, demonstrating the strength and reliability of traditional clay roofing systems.
Powell Library
1929
Powell Library (1929) is an award‑winning architectural cornerstone of UCLA’s Westwood campus and one of its original buildings. Designed by George W. Kelham between 1926 and 1929, the library exemplifies the Californian Lombardesque Romanesque Revival style, drawing inspiration from the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan. Distinctive features include forty printers’ marks from 15th‑ and 16th‑century Europe displayed in the main reading room.
GMcB architectural elements were originally installed in 1930 and later reinstalled or replaced during the library’s 1995 renovation.
Encina Hall, Stanford University
1821
Encina Hall features Romanesque arches and sandstone walls characteristic of early Stanford architecture, along with a red clay tile roof that has become a defining element of the campus style.
Originally constructed in 1891 as a men’s dormitory, Encina Hall now houses research centers and policy institutes. Although it was the first building completed on campus, its construction coincided closely with the development of the broader Stanford campus, including the iconic Main Quad. Stanford University officially opened on October 1, 1891.
In short: Encina Hall holds the distinction of being Stanford’s first completed building, marking the beginning of a campus that would become one of the most renowned in the world.
