Richmond has a colorful history and much of it originates along Macdonald Avenue—a 52-block stretch that runs from San Pablo Avenue on the East to Richmond Parkway on the West. During World War II, when Richmond became a hub of ship-building activity for the war effort and its population exploded, many shops, restaurants, and theaters along Macdonald Avenue were open at all hours. Now, Macdonald Avenue is home to the city’s old downtown and a transit village that incorporates access to BART, Amtrak, and AC Transit, as well as residential and commercial properties.

Central Richmond Business District

Clustered in the Central Richmond Business District, an area surrounding Macdonald and San Pablo Avenues, are many established businesses, including Nino Motors, a luxury preowned automobile dealership; Wells Fargo; Safeway; Bank of America; and Washington Mutual. The District continues to attract new development as well. The Macdonald 80 Shopping Center, part of which fronts Macdonald Avenue, will be anchored by a new 140,000-square-foot Target on the site of a former Montgomery Wards. Also in the works are plans to refurbish City Hall and build a new police station.