Tucker Building Alameda

The original structure, completed in 1879, was built for Dr Joseph C. Tucker on a portion of the grounds previously occupied by his Alameda Park Asylum, a privately-run insane asylum. The grounds of the asylum fronted Park Street on the east side between Central and Webb. The facility closed in 1870, and burned to the ground a month later. The Tucker Building, designed by architect Joseph Sherwin, was built in two phases for a total cost of $13,000. The ground floor housed a variety of commercial tenants, including Alameda's main post office between 1879 and 1890. The second floor held professional offices, while the third floor - left unfinished until 1882 - contained furnished rooms for rent.

Purchased shortly after World War I by local real estate agent Edward Shaw, the building was completely remodelled in 1933, at a cost of $7,000. The design by San Francisco architect H. A. Minton is a fine example of the Moderne style, now currently the home of one of Alameda's most successful restaurants, La Penca Azul.