In 1873, Central Pacific Railway built a train station near 7th Street and Broadway as part of their transcontinental railroad service. In response, several Victorian buildings were constructed nearby to house hotels and retailers. By the early 20th century, Oakland’s downtown shifted away from this area and the neighborhood declined. During the 1970s and 1980s, developers revitalized these exquisite structures along 9th Street between Washington Street and Broadway. This section of Old Oakland is named Victorian Row. This property was the exclusive Portland Hotel when it was built in 1877. Architect William Stokes created its elegant palladian design. The property was subsequently called the Ashmun C. Henry House.
