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Research Reports
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Oakland, California
In the 1870’s, Old Oakland was the heart of town, with block after block of grand hotels built to house people traveling on the Transcontinental Railroad. Today, these buildings are considered to be the finest collection of Victorian commercial architecture on the West Coast – and they are now home to a unique collection of restaurants, galleries and shops.
Along the old-fashioned brick sidewalks are 15 cafés and restaurants, plus several fashionable art galleries. The streets of Old Oakland are also home to an exciting array of one-of-a-kind gourmet food markets such as Ratto’s Italian Grocery. In business for over a century, Ratto’s is the West Coast’s oldest international grocer.
Old Oakland is quickly earning a reputation as an arts center in Oakland, a city already renowned for its vibrant performing and fine arts communities. The newly renovated, historic Swan’s Market is the jewel of the area. Swan’s offers specialty food and gift items, and also houses two fine art galleries. ProArts, a gallery and exhibition space on Ninth Street in Old Oakland, features the work of local and regional artists, and sponsors the annual East Bay Open Studios every June when some 400 Bay Area artists open their workplaces to the public. The nearby Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA) offers drop-in working studios, art classes, and exhibits.
In addition to the area’s charming restaurant and retail tenants, Old Oakland offers a weekly Friday morning Farmer’s Market and other special events, attracting thousands of pedestrians to the location’s four square-block area.
Bordered on the north by the Oakland Convention Center, Old Town Oakland regularly draws visitors and conventioneers from throughout the country and the world. Conveniently located adjacent to Oakland’s busy downtown business district and bustling Chinatown, Old Oakland can be easily accessed by city bus routes, and just a short walk from the 12th Street/City Center BART station.
No matter how you get there, Old Oakland is an exciting and accessible destination for visitors to stroll, shop, dine and enjoy some of the best of Oakland’s diverse and exciting offerings.
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