West Berkeley Fixer!

   West Berkeley is steeped in history, with significant landmarks that add to its rich heritage. In 1860, the area was a stagecoach stop. The Berkeley Pier, a historical structure built in 1920, carried cars and passengers from Treasure Island to Berkeley, serving as a vital link in the region's transportation network. Throughout the years, a train has always run through the neighborhood. West Berkeley was home to notable companies such as the Heinz 57 Company, the Singer Sewing Machine Company, Fantasy Record Studios, and the Berkeley Pump Company, which manufactured pumps for Liberty ships and irrigation uses in the San Joaquin Valley. As a busy hub for industry, it has a vibrant past you can be part of, connecting you to a rich heritage.
   West Berkeley is the most eclectic neighborhood in Berkeley, boasting a unique charm that is a testament to its diverse architectural styles. Over the last 100 years, this industrial neighborhood has maintained its dynamic identity, as evidenced by bespoke furniture at Berkeley Mills, Scientific Glass at Adams and Chittenden, bioscience at Bayer Labs and Aquatic Park, and the commercial baking kitchen on 8th Street. When you add in Victorian homes, Craftsman bungalows, lofts, loft/condo conversions, and multi-unit residential properties, it becomes clear why this neighborhood is a colorful and popular place to live, work, and play.
   This neighborhood is a haven for great food. The Berkeley Bowl, an independent market famous for exotic produce and unique take-out dishes, is a very popular place to shop. A few blocks away is a myriad of international markets offering every kind of ingredient needed for a sublime feast. Coffee shops, restaurants, and small businesses line San Pablo Avenue. A few blocks north, you will find Fourth Street, a corridor of shops and restaurants. 
   When I think of iconic buildings in West Berkeley, I think of the Berkeley Pump Company's buildings, which are scattered throughout the area. These buildings have concrete walls with glass inserts. The glass blocks are arranged in a diagonal pattern, serving not only as insulation but also as fireproofing. Today, these iconic buildings house offices, restaurants, cafes, and shops. 
   As you walk, roll, or drive through this neighborhood, there is a lot to see!