The building behind you was the Port of Oakland headquarters from late 1961 until 1990. An aluminum skin now covers what was a 1920s cold storage building, the Haslett Warehouse. One third of the original building was demolished to allow construction of a second tunnel to Alameda, the Webster Street Tube, which was completed in 1963. The former warehouse was remodeled in 1960, and port employees moved their offices from the Grove Street Pier to their new home in late 1961.
The area around Jack London Square was spruced up with new sidewalks, lighting and streets in 1952 to coincide with the City of Oakland's centennial celebration. Restaurants like the Sea Wolf, later Scott's Seafood, the Grotto, later Kincaid's, the Showboat, a floating restaurant, were popular destinations during the early days of the Square.
Under the Phase I Master Plan, adopted by Port Commissioners in 1984, new office space, retail outlets, and parking facilities were added to the area between Clay and Franklin Streets. The work was completed in 1989-1990. Phase II Master Plan will yield greater opportunities for entertainment, shipping, and business throughout the Square.
Donated by
the
Port of Oakland
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