The Railyards plays an important role as the City of Sacramento seeks to become the most livable city in America. The scale and location of the Railyards development provide an unprecedented opportunity to create a dynamic urban environment that celebrates the historic significance of the area while providing for the needs of Sacramento's residents and visitors today.
The Railyards development features five distinct districts, each with its own identity and character. Among these districts, the Central Shops District is poised to become the primary destination for the Railyards: a mixed-use district that offers shopping, entertainment, dining, and cultural amenities within the area's historic center.
The Sacramento Railyards Historic Central Shops
The Southern Pacific Railroad Central Shops were once a hub of economic activity and innovation. Established in 1862, the Central Shops were the largest industrial complex west of the Rocky Mountains. Thousands of men and women clocked in and out of the complex; for 80 years, the Southern Pacific Railroad shops were the largest single employer in the Central Valley. One in every four workers in Sacramento was employed at the Central Shops, and the City of Sacramento and many of its neighborhoods were shaped by the railroads.
Over time, many of the Central Shops buildings and structures were demolished.
Today, only a handful of buildings remain.
These historic buildings have a storied past and an even brighter future.
These eight historic buildings from the original Central Pacific Railroad Yard will be adaptively reused as the Central Shops District, the centerpiece of the Railyards infill development project.
The Paint Shop Brings Concerts and Events to the Railyards
The Paint Shop is the first shop building to be historically preserved and adaptively reused in the Central Shops District. It was once the place where passenger rail cars received a coat of paint before hitting the tracks. Now, it's the future home of a concert and event venue that can accommodate up to 3,500 guests. An open-air Pavilion will be located next to the Paint Shop as a destination for public markets and other outdoor events.
Central Shop Buildings Become New Railroad Technology Museum
Two Central Shop buildings, the Boiler Shop and Erecting Shop, will be transformed into the new Railroad Technology Museum. The Railroad Technology Museum will be a vibrant and interactive museum complex that highlights Sacramento's incredible railroad heritage and explores the future of transportation technology.
In addition to a concert event venue and museum, the remaining Central Shops buildings are planned for a mix of uses, including retail shopping, restaurants and bars, and business offices. A historic roundhouse will become a public Park Plaza, providing an attractive, active urban park and enhancing the area with more green open spaces.
Watch a breathtaking ballet performance filmed at the Railyard's historic Central Shops.
Preserving the Legacy of the Central Shops in the Railyards
Will the Central Shops lose their historic appeal? Not in the least. Adapting the historic buildings in the Central Shops will be done according to existing standards for historic properties that ensure the preservation of the character-defining features of this extremely significant historical resource.
Among these standards are requirements that a property's historic character be retained and preserved. Distinctive materials, features, finishes, construction techniques, and craftsmanship will be preserved.
New buildings, streetscapes, and plazas around the Central Shops will incorporate contemporary versions of elements used in the historic shop buildings, such as materials, window detailing, and building ornaments. Any newly constructed buildings will complement the design and scale of the existing buildings.
To bring the Central Shops back to life in a way that preserves the original buildings and also allows for adaptive reuse, the Railyards has looked to San Francisco's Ferry Building, another piece of rich California history, for inspiration. Just like the Ferry Building project preserved the historically rich building as the frame and container for its community-enriching shops and market, so will the Railyards Central Shops District provide new uses for historically preserved buildings. This style highlights the "new growth from old roots" mentality that characterizes the Sacramento culture and spirit.
Endless Possibilities
Sacramento is home to endless entertainment opportunities.
With delicious food and drink, beautiful music, numerous museums, performing arts shows, film festivals, and sports teams, Sacramento is as culturally diverse as the limitless entertainment it offers.
The Central Shops District will be a hub for entertainment and culture within Sacramento, offering diverse and unique entertainment possibilities.
The dynamic mix of uses may include museums, retail stores, cafes, and even music or film venues. With the sheer variety of things to do in the area, The Railyards will be a fantastic place to meet new friends and relax with old ones.
The Central Shops Historic District portion of The Railyards is sure to become an iconic Sacramento destination. Residents and visitors will come to experience the historic, cultural, and entertainment amenities, creating a vibrant, thriving area that perfectly celebrates Sacramento's past and future.
This post was originally published in 2017. It has been updated for 2024 to include the most up-to-date information about ongoing projects at the Railyards.