Discover six stories of Sacramento, CA's, historic changes

The curated articles focus on historic transformations in Sacramento, highlighting stories of cultural and architectural significance. They share a common theme of exploring the city's evolution through redevelopment, preserving heritage, and celebrating unique historical elements.

One article examines the recent designation of Sacramento's Little Italy Historic District, emphasizing its origins and cultural growth. Another explores the history behind manhole covers in downtown Sacramento, crafted by the now-defunct Berry’s Foundry, illustrating a legacy of local craftsmanship. A separate story describes a new residential project rising where Tower Records once stood, blending modern housing with retail spaces while acknowledging a site of local musical significance. Lastly, an article discusses the swift sale of a mid-century modern home, showcasing its enduring architectural appeal and cultural relevance in the Sacramento housing market.

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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. 1: 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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Descendants of the founder of Sacramento’s Berry’s Foundry, sisters, Sally Styles-Zanotti, Cindy Moore, Glory Styles and Katy Styles Rogers stand next to manhole cover on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Sacramento. Berry’s Foundry was started by their great-grandfather in Sacramento. By Paul Kitagaki Jr.

NO. 2: SACRAMENTO’S HISTORY IS UNDERFOOT. TAKE NOTE OF THESE MANHOLE COVERS THAT DOT DOWNTOWN

Made by Berry’s Foundry that operated in the mid-20th century, these ornate manhole covers are a point of pride and artistic inspiration. | Published July 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Graham Womack

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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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Cruisers celebrate during a lowrider event on Broadway in Sacramento Saturday, June 4, 2022, that turned into celebration as the first event after the city repealed a 34-year anti-cruising ordinance. By Lezlie Sterling

NO. 4: SACRAMENTO IS RENAMING A STREET TO LOWRIDER LANE, FURTHERING ITS SUPPORT OF CRUISING CULTURE

In 2022, Sacramento repealed its ban on lowriding, a popular pastime in which people cruise their customized classic cars on city streets. | Published September 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mathew Miranda

A construction worker walks Thursday morning, Sept. 5, 2024, on a wall of a rising five-story, mixed-use building on Broadway in Land Park across from Sacramento’s Tower Theatre. A heat wave By Hector Amezcua

NO. 5: SEE AERIAL VIEW OF FIVE-STORY HOUSING PROJECT GOING UP WHERE TOWER RECORDS ONCE STOOD

A new residential future on Broadway is taking shape – and it has some scale. | Published November 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio

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The mid-century modern home was built in 1958. It’s for sale for $1.2 million.

NO. 6: FAST SALE OF SACRAMENTO-AREA HOME SUMS UP ATTRACTION OF MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Blast-resistant sanctuary in Carmichael closes in eight days for $1.2 million. | Published June 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio

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.