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Most cities and towns have neighborhoods with distinctive and creative architecture, and an atmosphere that attracts attention and admiration.  Such is the case with Alameda's Gold Coast neighborhood. It's central artery is Grand Street, a comfortable tree lined street that begins simply at the Grand Street Launch Ramp on the Oakland Estuary, and works its way through to the San Francisco Bay front where a handsome beach allows for picnics, water sports and amazing views of San Francisco. (Once the location of the original site of the Encinal Yacht Club)

The homes here were built towards the latter half of the 19th century, and into the first part of the 20th century, often by wealthy businessmen who could take advantage of the ever growing train and ferry systems to take them to and from work in San Francisco or Oakland in a prompt and efficient manner. These homes reflected the imaginative architecture of the era, and styles include Arts and Crafts, Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial and Victorian Italianate, Stick, and Queen Anne designs. Because of the obvious wealth in the area as these expensively crafted homes were being built, the neighborhood was given the name of the "Gold Coast", and that name remains today to describe the area.  

These homes particularly reflect the turn of the 20th century look that is popular in every small town throughout the country.  Most have pleasant porches, patios and spacious backyards for entertaining and "sitting a while".  The streets are quiet, the trees and gardens are mature and green, and yet, shopping is just moments away at the South Shore Shopping Center or downtown Alameda.  Water sports opportunities are equally close with Crown Beach, and the South Shore beach and Ballena Bay.

Why not take a moment to visit past and present at Alameda's Gold Coast?

 

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Posted by Bruce Wagg on

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