Dimond District, Oakland, California

Coordinates: 37°48′12″N 122°12′46″W / 37.80333°N 122.21278°W

Dimond District
—  Neighborhood of Oakland  —
The Dimond Library, in the heart of the Dimond District
Location of the Diamond District in Oakland
Coordinates: 37°48′12″N 122°12′46″W / 37.803333°N 122.212778°W
Country	United States
State	California
County	Alameda
City	Oakland

The Dimond District (pronounced 'dim-mond') is a neighborhood centered on the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Fruitvale Avenue in East Oakland, Oakland, California, in the United States. It is located about two miles east of Lake Merritt, north of the Fruitvale District, and west of the Laurel District. It lies at an elevation of 213 feet (65 m). Dimond's ZIP code is 94602. It is a multicultural neighborhood where the hills meet the flatlands and is a unique melting pot of cultures and social classes. In the district is also a park called 'Dimond Park'.

History

It is named after Hugh Dimond, who came to California during the Gold Rush and purchased the land comprising the district in 1867. In 1897 he built a cottage that used the adobe bricks from the Peralta family's 1827 home. The bricks were used again to build the Boy Scout hut that is still standing in Dimond Park.

Dimond was originally a settlement distinct from Oakland, in an area called Dimond Canyon.^[1] The Dimond post office was opened in 1891 and by 1908 had become a branch of the Oakland post office.^[1]

Current situation

The district is home to several historic buildings, including the Altenheim, originally a retirement home for German Americans. The current structure was built in 1909 according to a design by San Francisco architect Oscar Haupt, after the original structure was destroyed by fire.

The Dimond Business District is situated among several of Oakland's neighborhoods including Oakmore, Glenview, and Lincoln Heights. National (e.g. Safeway, CVS Pharmacy, Peet's Coffee & Tea, McDonald's) and regional retailers (e.g. Farmer Joe's Marketplace) are mingled with locally-owned retail outlets and mom-and-pop restaurants including La Farine, a French bakery. Romano Pizza, a local pizza shop, is also located in the Dimond District. Major national banks, a U.S. post office and a branch of the Oakland Public Library are also located in the district. Dimond has excellent freeway access and visibility from Interstate 580.

In recent years, some have started to insert the article "the" in front of Dimond, as in "I live in the Dimond" or "Oaktoberfest in the Dimond." This practice is frowned upon by long-time residents, who prefer the usage without the article "the". For example, "I live in Dimond" or "I went shopping in Dimond today." Saying "the Dimond District" is acceptable, however.

References

• U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Dimond District, Oakland, California

External links

• Dimond Improvement Association - Community organization.
• Dimond Neighborhood Oakland, CA - A photo-blog about Dimond, an Oakland neighborhood.
• Dimond Neighborhood Map - Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau
• CEDA - Community and Economic Development Agency