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Alkali Flat |
 Alkali Flat was originally developed in the 1850’s as a
residential neighborhood comprised largely of wealthy families
living in stately Victorian homes on large parcels of land. Many
of the residents worked downtown. With the construction of the
Sacramento Electric Railroad near the turn of the century,
followed by the Northern Electric Railroad in the mid-1920’s, the
area’s wealthy and working class residents began an exodus from
the older community to newer homes in outlying areas.
Over time, the housing
aged and fell into disrepair, and the flight of families
continued, trading downtown convenience for suburban living. By
the 1970’s, the older housing stock—and especially the once
stately Victorian homes--were in need of significant
rehabilitation. Twelfth Street became both a commercial corridor
and the southbound segment of State Highway 160 through the inner
city, but like the homes of Alkali Flat, the buildings along this
strip were deteriorating and in need of extensive redevelopment.
Today, many of Alkali Flat’s Victorians are enjoying new life; some as family homes and others as law offices and even child care centers. New investment is evident along the commercial corridor as well. With an eye to the future and a commitment to the preservation of a proud past, this great downtown neighborhood is on the verge of revitalization and a community renaissance.
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