News Update

Sometimes, “what’s old” is more interesting than “what’s new.” That’s the case with our great buildings on Park Street.

Prior to 1864, Alameda was home to just a few small farm houses scattered around the peninsula. With improved railroad transportation came hubs of commerce along the train routes, including the Historic Park Street District. By 1905 over 150 ornate commercial buildings lined the downtown streets. But, as time progressed, many of the older buildings were either torn down or converted into something else.

Today, thirty of the historic structures are still standing. Here’s a story about two of them:

1327-1333 Park Street – Old Masonic Temple

The stately structure located at 1327-1331 Park Street is the last monumental Victorian building in the downtown district to retain its original form. It was completed in 1891 in a style that is essentially Italianate with Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival elements. The construction contract of $31,250 went to local brickmason James H. Cory. Originally bid to be a three-story structure, plans were altered when construction bids exceeded budget.

The Masons final meeting in the Temple was in 1927, when a new temple was dedicated next door.

What’s there now? The ground-floor spaces are currently leased to various retail businesses: All Good Living, The Local, Supercuts, and Salon One.

1402-1410 Park Street – Alameda Savings Bank Building

The commercial building located at 1402-1410 Park Street is noteworthy not only for its distinguished architecture, but for its historic integrity. The building was completed in 1910 and its exterior has remained mostly unchanged. Built by the Alameda firm of MacRae & Swenson at a cost of $30,000, the building served as income property for the Alameda Savings Bank, which was located next door at the time (the space is now occupied by The Star on Park).

An interesting note… the stuccoed north wall is adjoined by a fragment of the Artesian Waterworks Building, which was demolished in 1955.

What’s there now? The front of the building is recognizable with Toy Safari, The Watch Hospital, and Alameda Ballet Academy. Separate entrances are in the back of the building for additional commercial spaces: Ushakiran Khade, MD; Jazzercise; and MGH Discovered Art.

As you stroll through the the historic downtown district, look for these marvelous old buildings and imagine the bustling streets of another time.

Read more about the historic buildings.

Downtown Alameda is a marvelous destination for shopping, dining, playing, relaxing, and socializing. The district is ever-changing with new businesses to discover with each visit. Help us welcome these newest businesses!

New Downtown Businesses:

AVN Motorsports, 2429 Lincoln Ave
Your source for passenger and light truck tires and wheels.

Therapy with Audrina Smith, 2515 Santa Clara Ave #106 
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with teens, adults, and highly sensitive people.

Tutu School, 1419 Park Street 
Boutique-style ballet school that cater specifically to children 18 months to 8 years-old.

New Associate Member:

Little House Cafe, 1300 Blanding Ave
Serving farm fresh, sophisticated yet down home Breakfast, Lunch and Weekend Brunch plus Catering

In the Works:  Read More

Take a chance and fall in love with a book and other gift ideas from downtown businesses…

The Alameda Free Library ever-popular “Blind Date With A Book” is back! Visit the the main library to pick up your mystery book (and some chocolate).

Or if you’re already in love…

There’s no reason to go home empty-handed on Valentine’s Day. A number of florists and gift stores can be found in the Downtown Alameda. To personally pick out a beautiful arrangement of flowers stop by Dandelion Flowers & Gifts, Central Florist, or South Shore Florist. For unique gift ideas, check out the selection at Books Inc., Daisy’s, Therapy, and To Herb With Love.

Chocolates may be the norm for Valentine’s Day but there are lots of unique treats to be found in Downtown Alameda. Purchase gifts of artisan cakes, divine cookies, and creamy ice cream at places like Crispian Bakery, Feel Good Bakery, Roll & Bowl, and Tucker’s Ice Cream.

It’s not too late to make plans to share the evening with your special person at one of the many restaurants in Downtown Alameda. Find last minute seating at one of the Alameda Restaurant Week favorites such as Alameda Cinema Grill, East End, Linguini’s, Sidestreet Pho, Speisekammer, and The Park Street Tavern.

Dinner and wine at home? Alameda Marketplace and Dan’s Fresh Produce can help you complete your shopping list with their delectable selection of meats, fruits, and veggies. To accompany the evening meal with your sweetie, pick up a luscious (and affordable) bottle of wine at Alameda Cellars, Bonne Vie, CRAFT Beer & Wine, or Farmstead Cheeses & Wines. Make a stop at Video Factory to pick out a romantic movie to watch after dinner.

For something sexy and fun, take your significant other to pick out an artistic rose or heart tattoo at Pretty in Ink or Lucky 13 Tattoos.

Maybe you’re in love with your four-legged, furry friend… Alameda See Spot Run has delicious treats for your favorite pets.

Sometimes it’s easier to shop online. Tickets to Whiskey Stroll 2019 make a wonderful gift. Stroll the historic downtown district with your sweetheart tasting handcrafted small-batch whiskeys paired with yummy bites at more than ten unique locations on March 1. Tickets are going fast — purchase your pair of tickets at www.DowntownAlameda.com/whiskey.

For more gift ideas and a list of downtown restaurants and shops, go to www.DowntownAlameda.com/explore.

Handcrafted small-batch whiskeys paired with yummy bites prepared by local chefs await guests as they stroll through Alameda’s historic district at the 2nd Annual Downtown Alameda Whiskey Stroll on Friday evening, March 1 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Tickets or on sale now!

Ticket holders will have the opportunity to visit unique downtown shops and spaces while tasting premium whiskeys from around the Bay Area and learning about the creative process behind each unique flavor. Price of admission includes collectible tasting glass, premium whiskey tastings at more than ten unique downtown locations, a delectable bite at each location prepared by downtown eateries, as well as a commemorative guide. Come early for the pre-stroll specials and stay late to visit additional downtown restaurants, shops and bars offering exclusive specials to participants.

“Downtown Alameda’s first-ever Whiskey Stroll sold out in a flash last year and attendees of the event have been waiting for this announcement ever since,” said Janet Magleby, Executive Director of the Downtown Alameda Business Association. “The 2019 Whiskey Stroll will feature eleven premium whiskeys curated alongside eleven scrumptious bites prepared by local chefs.”

Ticket prices are $40 each until February 22 and, if still available, increase to $50 after that date. All participants must be 21 and over. Proceeds benefit programs to keep Downtown Alameda clean, green, and safe. To purchase tickets and for more information, go to www.DowntownAlameda.com/whiskey.

Distinguished distilleries represented at the event include Read More

The Downtown Alameda Business Association welcomes three new members to the 2019 Board of Directors: Otto Wright, Eric Olney, and Joe LoParo. The new appointees were elected by the membership at October’s Annual Meeting and join existing board members who were re-elected or are completing a second year of their terms.

“I am delighted to have Otto, Eric, and Joe join us for all the excitement on tap,” said Executive Director Janet Magleby. “They are passionate advocates of the downtown district and join an energetic Board that works diligently to keep the downtown clean, green, and safe for all.”

Otto Wright (pictured), owner of The Local, is always ready to greet customers with a smile and an enthusiasm for life. He has traveled the world, living in Russia and China, but now is happy to stay in a one-mile bubble between work and home. When Otto is not at his coffee house, he can often be found enjoying the funky and artsy vibe of Alameda at Studio 23 or dining at one of his favorite spots such as Speisekammer or Marley G’s.  

Eric Olney, a financial professional for Shum Financial Group, was born and raised in Alameda. Eric went to college in San Diego, returning to our wonderful island after being there for more than ten years. He has been working at Shum since July 2017. When he’s not working, Eric can be found at The Star on Park for happy hour or shopping for his wife at Therapy.

Joe LoParo, owner of RE/Max Tribute, brings an enormous heart and infectious smile to Downtown Alameda. You can often find Joe strolling the district where he is happy to have an office within walking distance of so many places to shop, eat, and visit with friends. Favorite places include Lola’s Chicken Shack when he wants a great meal, or McGee’s Bar & Grill after work with his wife. Joe has lived in Alameda for 42 years.

The Downtown Alameda Business Association and its Board is hard at work year-round with its 470+ member businesses in mind. The Downtown Association promotes a healthy retail/service climate as well as a district that is family-friendly, clean, green, and safe.

The 2019 Board of Directors list can be viewed at www.DowntownAlameda.com/about/leadership