About Us
The District
The Tower District is comprised of three sub-districts: the Marina, Central, and Upper Broadway. Each of these sub-districts has a unique history, character, and architectural style.
The Marina
The Marina is the western-most portion of the District, and is near access to the Sacramento River and Interstate 5. Because of its location near major water and road transport networks, the Marina developed early-on in Sacramento’s history as a major industrial center. Industrial uses persist in the Marina’s many warehouses and industrial yards.
The Marina sub-district also hosts a variety of public uses including two popular farmers markets, Sacramento Fire Station No. 5, a ball field, and public gardens, including the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery, Sacramento’s oldest existing cemetery and one of the City’s earliest green spaces.
Visitors are invited to take a break from the bustle of Broadway and enjoy the cemetery’s lush and shady park-like setting that is criss-crossed by former horse-drawn carriage roads and pathways and adorned with beautiful statues and dramatic markers.
The cemetery and the three volunteer-managed gardens are open to the public and are easily accessed by foot, bike, or car.
The Sacramento Historic Rose Garden features antique and old roses that were popular from the Gold Rush Era through the Victorian/Edwardian era. The Hamilton Square Perennial Garden plays with foliage textures and showy blooms of perennials from the five Mediterranean regions of the world. The California Native Plant Demonstration Garden showcases the beauty and benefits of water-wise and wildlife-friendly California native plants from across the state.
Central
Tower Theater opened on Broadway in 1938, and has since had an immeasurable impact on the Central sub-district and the corridor as a whole. The area between Riverside and 21st has been strongly influenced by the art-deco architecture of the Theater, and has thrived on entertainment and the arts.
Today the Central sub-district is a mecca for artists, musicians, collectors, and interested onlookers. Here you can wander through galleries, find your favorite LP’s and comic books, listen to live music, and taste a variety of international cuisines, among other activities.
Upper Broadway
Upper Broadway is typified by 1950’s and 60’s office buildings, and a truly unique auto-oriented urban design. Upper Broadway is located near the junction of I-80 and Highways 50 and 99, allowing for easy auto access.
Many state offices have located here over time, including the DMV, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Real Estate. State and private business employees’ appetites support a plethora of both independently-owned and franchise restaurants.
