Point Richmond Historic District

Point Richmond Historic District is a neighborhood in Richmond with Victorian and Craftsman-style buildings, most dating from the early 1900s. The preserved commercial buildings form a compact, connected block with characteristic architectural details from that era.

The district emerged in the 1890s when the San Francisco and San Joaquin Valley Railway purchased land and Pacific Coast Oil Company established operations there. These early industrial settlements laid the foundation for its development as the city's center.

The neighborhood served as Richmond's original heart, and people still use the narrow streets today like a real community center. Residents and shopkeepers have maintained the places where the community gathered and went about daily life.

The district is accessible by car via Interstate 580 and Richmond Parkway, or by public transportation including AC Transit buses. Its compact size makes it ideal for walking, with narrow streets offering a comfortable, manageable environment.

The neighborhood was long the economic center of Richmond until the city shifted northeast after World War II. The driver of this shift was a large influx of shipyard workers, which gradually displaced the original downtown role.

Location: Richmond

GPS coordinates: 37.92611,-122.38528

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:47