What's Happening

Congratulations to all the Downtown Alameda businesses that have been selected “Best of Alameda 2017” by the readers and editors of Alameda Magazine. As usual, there are a lot of them — a total of 55 this time around!

Winners were selected in four categories: Food & Drink, Retail, Services, and Lifestyle & Leisure.

A number of service-oriented businesses, along with some of Downtown Alameda’s newest businesses, received “Best of Alameda” honors for the first time since we’ve been compiling our annual version of the list.

A number of service-oriented businesses receive “Best of Alameda” honors for the first time this year, along with some of Downtown Alameda’s newest businesses. We encourage you to take time to check them out the next time you’re in the business district.

Continue reading to view an alphabetic list of all the Best of Alameda 2017 winners located in Downtown Alameda…  (more…)

FREE GUIDE MAPS of all ten Power Box Art locations are now available at businesses located in the downtown area. Look for a map at one of your favorite businesses to learn about the inspiration that artists injected into these wonderful designs.

In the spirit of community, each transformer is sponsored by a downtown business: Alameda Collision Repair, Alameda Island Brewing Company, Alameda Natural Grocery, Berg Injury Lawyers, The Marketplace, Mason Management, Ole’s Waffle Shop, Rhythmix Cultural Works, Rich and Rose Krinks (Broker and Associate Realtor, Harbor Bay Realty), and Tucker’s Ice Cream.

Power Box Art is a partnership between Alameda Municipal Power, the Downtown Alameda Business Association, and Rhythmix Cultural Works.

To view the artwork used on each of the utility boxes, visit AMP’s Power Box Art Gallery.

Downtown Alameda will be getting a slightly new look when the Downtown Alameda Business Association installs new street banners this week.

Designed by local artist Felicia Ann, the banner images blend the nostalgic style of posters from the early 1900s with contemporary figures and fresh colors.

The banner project was created to help define Downtown Alameda beyond Park Street and to celebrate the wealth of unique services available throughout the entire district. Residents and visitors alike will be beckoned to Shop, Play, Learn, Wine & Dine, and Catch-Up in Downtown Alameda.

Downtown Alameda Is “Historic, Hip, and Worth the Trip”

The Park Street District has been evolving into a modern and lively downtown area that is “Historic, Hip, and Worth the Trip.”  Not only are popular destination businesses locating along the side streets in Downtown Alameda, but new growth is also happening along the stretch of Park Street north of Lincoln Avenue.    (more…)

Sometimes, “what’s new” is not as interesting as “what’s old.” That’s the case with our great old buildings in Downtown Alameda.

Prior to 1864, Alameda was home to a few small farmhouses scattered around the peninsula. However, things changed that year when a rail and ferry system was introduced to the city.

With improved transportation, hubs of commerce sprang up along the train routes. The primary local stop for the San Francisco & Alameda Railroad was Alameda Station, located near what is now the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Park Street. From that point, businesses spread out mostly in a linear fashion along a road that divided two large tracts of land. That road ultimately became “Park Street.”

Between 1877 and 1880, more than thirty large ornate commercial buildings were erected — ones that were grander than their wooden predecessors. In 1896, Alameda’s City Hall building was completed and by 1905 over 150 structures lined Park Street and the surrounding roads.

There were a few building booms following The Great Earthquake (1906) and between the two World Wars. But the old Victorian landmark buildings didn’t seem that cool any more, so they were either torn down or converted into something else. Thankfully, thirty of the historic structures were left standing, including one that still retains its original architecture. (more…)

Downtown Alameda, commonly referred to as the Park Street Business District, is Alameda’s vibrant historic commercial and civic downtown with buildings dating back to the late 1800’s and unique local businesses.