What's Happening

This past holiday season, downtown businesses were teamed up with local artists to create festive holiday window displays. Our downtown was looking quite festive. Shoppers and their families enjoyed strolling the district looking at the fantastic windows.

We’d like to thank all the businesses and artists that participated in our Downtown Alameda Holiday Window Contest. The judges had an extremely difficult job of deciding on the contest winners.

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Downtown Alameda Holiday Window Contest:

Best Overall…. Tucker’s Ice Cream designed by artist Ryan LaLonde
Best Use of Lights…. RE/MAX Tribute designed by artist Jamie Banes
Best Use of Merchandise/Products…. Toy Safari designed by artist Alana Dill
Most Creative…. Books Inc. designed by artist Dave Sylvester
Social Media Favorite…. The Sewing Room designed by artist Nikki Romero

Honorable Mentions went to Alameda Natural Grocery, Dandelion Flowers & Gifts, Janene’s Bridal Boutique, Lauren’s Closet, Tootsies, and We Are Hair.

Special thanks to our wonderful sponsors FLAX and Glass Tek, as well as the artists with 2nd Friday ArtWalk. Jessica and Wes Warren of Studio 23 spearheaded our contest this year and we are extremely grateful to both of them.

View more images and learn about the artists behind the creations:
http://fridayartwalk.com/holiday-window-contest/ (more…)

Artists and artist teams are being sought for creative projects in Downtown Alameda…

Artists will have an opportunity to create public art displays in vacant storefront windows in Downtown Alameda. The project’s theme Radical Beauty encourages artists to create displays that inspire awe and wonder. Opening celebrations will take place as part of the 2nd Friday ArtWalks beginning in March 2018.

Applications are open to artists working in or across all disciplines, including drawing, painting, illustration, multimedia, sculpture, photography and time-based works. Artists need not have previous publicly displayed work to be considered. (more…)

From Shop Late Thursdays to this year’s holiday window contest, downtown merchants have plenty to offer for a festive holiday shopping experience.

Shop Late Thursdays

Grab a bite to eat, catch a movie, or toast the holidays with co-workers and then get a little holiday shopping done afterwards. More than 30 retailers are extending their hours until 8:00pm or later on Thursdays, doubling the number of shops open in the evening!

Holiday Window Contest

Downtown businesses have teamed up with local artists to create festive holiday window displays. Bundle up the kids, purchase a warm beverage, and take a stroll to enjoy the sights of the holiday season. To place your vote, post a picture of the window on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using #DAHWC.  (more…)

When you stroll from one end of Park Street to the other end, you will notice changes on just about every block. The streets are abuzz with new auto technicians, exercise trainers, steaming coffee, and deep dish pizza.

Help welcome these new businesses to Downtown Alameda:

New Businesses: 

AutoZone, 1125 Park Street
* Quality aftermarket auto parts.

Rise Bodyworks, 1226 Park Street
* Comprehensive sports performance/rehabilitation/wellness center.

The Local, 1333 Park Street
* Gathering spot with great coffee and a fun atmosphere.

The Star on Park, 1400 Park Street
* Family-friendly restaurant specializing in deep dish pizza.

Caffrey Insurance Solutions, 2413 Webb Ave #C
* Providing clear and creative benefit solutions.

T-Mobile Store, 1634 Park Street
* Great service and deals on cell phones and cell phone plans.  (more…)

On Wednesday, October 25, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a small property located across from the Park Street Bridge. Park Esquina will be a micro-office park with a pedestrian-friendly courtyard weaving its way through the property. The public courtyard will offer ample green space and abundant seating outdoors with an onsite cafe situated on the corner to serve tenants and pedestrians alike.

“This specific parcel has always been dear to me as it is the very first sight while crossing the Park Street Bridge,” comments property owner Marcel Sengul. “Having served duty as a used car lot successfully for over 35 years, the land at 1926 Park Street is now primed for major refinement.”

“This beautiful project is the culmination of a journey that creates a cool, modern entrance to our downtown district,” stated DABA President Donna Layburn during the ceremony.