Dive into Sacramento, CA's, changing neighborhood scene

This collection of stories explores Sacramento's evolving neighborhood dynamics and highlights planned transformations. In Little Italy, a historic district designation pays homage to Italian immigrants who have contributed to East Sacramento's cultural fabric. Meanwhile, plans for a new Native American Children's Play Area in Old Sacramento indicate a move towards celebrating indigenous heritage, replacing older attractions.

South Land Park Hills witnesses the preservation of mid-century modern architecture with a historic district designation. A proposed apartment development on Alhambra Boulevard sparks concern over the building's scale and potential impact on the surrounding community. Read the stories below.

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The Carter Sparks-designed mid-century modern home in Fair Oaks, California, has floor-to-ceiling windows looking in from the backyard.

NO. 1: WHAT’S THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MID-CENTURY MODERN ARCHITECTURE IN SACRAMENTO? WE JUST FOUND OUT

South Land Park Hills designated a historic district for its Eichler homes. | Published May 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio

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Cars drive past a “Little Italy Historic District” sign at the corner of Folsom Boulevard and 48th Street in East Sacramento on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The historic district is bound by 48th and 59th streets and by J Street and Folsom Boulevard. By Bailey Stover

NO. 2: DOES SACRAMENTO HAVE A LITTLE ITALY? WHERE TO FIND HISTORIC DISTRICT — AND HOW IT STARTED

“Italian roots run deep in the history of the city of Sacramento,” a City Council member said. | Published July 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo

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Sacramento City Councilman Steve Hansen, left, shares a moment with his 2-year-old son, Henry Hansen, as they prepare to ride the 65’ Waterfront Wheel during a preview event on Front Street on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, in Old Sacramento. The new fixture is part of a multi-phased marketing campaign by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership titled “We are Downtown. Together.” By Xavier Mascareñas

NO. 3: OLD SACRAMENTO TO SAY GOODBYE TO FERRIS WHEEL, SCHOOLHOUSE; CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA TO BE BUILT

Construction of the Indigenous-themed play space paying homage to area’s first peoples set to begin in June | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Darrell Smith

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Demas Enterprises is planning to develop a market-rate apartment complex at the site of the former Mary Ann’s Bakery along Alhambra Boulevard in Sacramento.

NO. 4: ‘LIKE A MOUNTAIN GOING UP:’ NEIGHBORS CONCERNED WITH PLANNED SACRAMENTO APARTMENTS

Neighbors are worried about traffic, parking, and lack of privacy | Published April 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Theresa Clift

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.