Swan’s Market (originally 10th Street Market, aka the “Oakland Free Market,” “Sanitary Free Market,” and the “Swan’s 10th Street Market”) was a major pan-East Bay shopping destination for over 60 years and remains an important downtown landmark. The existing structure, built in several stages from 1917 - 1940, encompasses an entire city block in the Old Oakland neighborhood.
Portions of the existing trusses are exposed to bring sunlight into the interior of the block and to create public and private outdoor spaces that link the diverse uses into a vibrant, unique urban community. The complex provides a vibrant home to the Museum of Children’s Art, several restaurants, nonprofit organizations, offices, and the historic Housewives Market which dates back to the early 20th century. Currently, the structure is known as Swan's Marketplace, a mixed use commercial and residential area.
The glazed brick and terra cotta exterior contributed to the 10th Street Market being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, #01000826 on August 3, 2001.
Swan's was the recipient of the 2015 Best Gourmet Food Court from the East Bay Express.
Location
538 - 9th Street, Oakland / 901-921 Washington Street, Oakland
Links and References
- 10th Street Market National Register of Historic Places NPS.gov (public access)
- ohrphoto.dpoa7.022 Oakland History Center, Oakland Public Library
- Swan’s Market Facebook
- Swan’s Market Cohousing
- Swan’s Marketplace Bruner Foundation, 2001 05_SwanMarketplace.pdf