Waterfront Warehouse District in Oakland in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Western States Grocery
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado
1. Western States Grocery Marker
Construction Date: 1926, remodeled 1991
Architectural Style: Early 20th century utilitarian
Western States Grocery Company roasted over 250,000 pounds of coffee a year in the basement of this warehouse.
Being situated along 4th Streets Western Pacific Railroad line allowed Western States to buy goods in huge quantities and reach grocery stores across the American West. The warehouse had 12 rail-height loading bays on the first floor to support its volume of shipping. Safeway and Western States shared this warehouse until Safeway built it headquarters next door in 1929 and eventually acquired Western States as a subsidiary. Both buildings represent the high point of the Districts grocery warehouse function.
A National Register Historic District
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.
Location. 37° 47.742′ N, 122° 16.249′ W. Marker is in Oakland, California, in Alameda County. It is in the Waterfront Warehouse District. It is at the intersection of 4th Street and Alice Street, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area and on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: United Grocers Ltd. Warehouse (a few steps from this marker); C.L. Greeno Pacific Coast Headquarters (a few steps from this marker); Autocar Sales & Service Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); Prime Smoked Meats (within shouting distance of this marker); Saroni Wholesale Sugar & Rice (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oakland Plumbing Supply, P.E. OHair & Co. (about 300 feet away); S&W Fine Foods Warehouse (about 300 feet away); Former Safeway Headquarters (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakland.
Other markers no longer nearby. Autocar Sales (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); C.L. Greeno Co. (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); United Grocers (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Western States (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Fourth St. circa 1962 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, July 4, 2023
2. Western States Grocery Marker
More about this marker. The Waterfront Warehouse District has special covered trash cans on street corners, with historical markers atop the covers.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Previous Western States Marker
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, July 4, 2023
3. Opposite Side of A Marker/Trash Can
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
