Downtown Bakersfield
| Downtown Bakersfield | |
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| central business district | |
Downtown's civic center viewed from Truxtun Tower (also known as Bank of America Building).
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 Downtown Bakersfield
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| Coordinates: 35°22′41″N 119°1′8″W / 35.37806°N 119.01889°WCoordinates: 35°22′41″N 119°1′8″W / 35.37806°N 119.01889°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | County of Kern |
| City | City of Bakersfield |
| Subdistricts of Downtown | |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.737 sq mi (4.50 km2) |
| Using the smaller, more commonly associated boundaries for downtown. | |
| ZIP Code | 93301 |
| Area Code | 661 |
Downtown is the central business district for Bakersfield, California. Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Bakersfield is easily accessible from all its other parts. It is also reemerging as the center of Bakersfield’s arts, culture and entertainment sectors. Downtown contains several of the cities major theaters, sporting complexes, museums, and historical landmarks.
What is considered to be “downtown” Bakersfield varies. In order to define Downtown Bakersfield, it is important to first define the Central Bakersfield region. Starting from the north and traveling clockwise, Central Bakersfield is bounded by the Kern River, Union Avenue, State Route 58, and State Route 99. Most people (including the Downtown Business Association) define downtown Bakersfield as the region bordered by 24th Street (SR 178), Union Avenue (SR 204), California Avenue, and "F" Street. Other people extend the boundaries east to State Route 99 and north to Golden State Avenue (SR 204). Some people consider all of Central Bakersfield to be “downtown Bakersfield.”
Unlike most cities of similar size, Bakersfield does not have a towering skyline. There are few tall buildings in Downtown Bakersfield, such as the Bank of America Building (10 stories), the Bakersfield Marriott Hotel (9 stories), and The Padre Hotel (8 stories). The shops and cafes that line the Downtown streets feature a variety of dining and shopping opportunities. Visitors to Downtown Bakersfield can find souvenirs, antiques, local art work, and even natural baby products. Notable attractions in Downtown Bakersfield include the Rabobank Arena, the McMurtrey Aquatic Center, the Bakersfield Museum of Art, the historic Fox Theater, the exquisitely renovated The Padre Hotel, and a nightlife district centered on 19th Street and Wall Street Alley.
Bakersfield has always had some districts located downtown. Recently, as part of a redevelopment effort, others are being created.
The Arts District is one of the newer districts to be defined in Downtown Bakersfield. It is roughly bordered by 21st Street, Chester Avenue, 17th Street, and "G" Street. Theaters in the district include the Fox Theater (20th St. and H St), Stars Theater (Chester Ave. and 20th St) and Spotlight Theater (19th St. and H St). In addition, several art galleries are located around the intersection of 19th Street and Eye Street. The Arts District is also home to the historic The Padre Hotel, which has been remodeled and reopened as a boutique hotel. The district has also begun holding First Friday which showcases galleries and allows for street vendors on the first Friday of every month in support of local artists.
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Wikipedia