This issue spotlights new businesses and current leasing opportunities on Webster Street. Webster Street is West Alameda’s historic business and shopping hub. The 205,000 sq. ft. district is home to independent specialty stores, restaurants, and cafes, as well as hotels and a museum. The weekly farmers’ market is always busy, while the district as a whole attracts a mix of customers throughout the day and week. The College of Alameda is located at the north end of the street and has over 6,000 students from across the East Bay.

Webster Street has recently enjoyed a flurry of new restaurant business. Chica, a contemporary Peruvian bistro, celebrated its Grand Opening this summer, and Wescafe, a small family-owned neighborhood cafe and Webster fixture, recently expanded, opening a full restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. This thriving new restaurant scene reflects the changing demographics surrounding Webster Street, as new residential development attracts young people and families to the area. Since 2005, around 500 new homes were built within a mile of Webster. Another 250 units, including large single family homes, are slated for construction early next year with the development of Alameda Landing at Webster Street’s north border.

• Over 20,000 cars pass daily by Webster and Lincoln, which is the midpoint of the district.
• Seven AC Transit routes run along Webster, including two Transbay busses and four routes connecting to 12th Street BART Station.
• Anchored at the north end by the College of Alameda, with 6,233 enrolled students. Anchored at the south by Crab Cove East Bay Regional Park.
• Eight-block historic retail district, 0.5 miles long, serving as the center of the West Alameda Business District.
• Over 150 established businesses in the West Alameda Business District.

The Diaper Connection is Alameda’s only baby boutique specializing in modern cloth diapering, potty training needs, accessories, and handmade baby goods. The opening of The Diaper Connection in July is indicative of Webster Street’s growing cluster of family-oriented retail business. The street now features an eclectic mix of retro-youth entertainment activities like the Pacific Pinball Museum and a comic book store in addition to The Diaper Connection, Rainbow Ice Cream, and a martial arts studio.

In a nod to Webster Street’s historic past as the Coney Island of the West, locals and visitors came together for the Neptune Beach Community Celebration. The two-day festival featured everything from an inflatable obstacle course to slides, rides, and rock climbing. For the less adventurous, there was food, vintage cars, arts, and wines from neighboring Rockwall Winery and R&B Cellars.