Fresno Foundation Began Work on Historic Building

The former Berkeley's Department Store will become a food hub and business incubator for the local community.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Commercial

Fresno Foundation Began Work on Historic Building

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The Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation has started a $12 million renovation of the historic Berkeley's Department Store on Fulton Street. The project aims to convert the long-vacant site into a small business incubator and food hub for downtown Fresno.

Why it matters

This redevelopment effort marks a major step in the ongoing revitalization of the Confia Square area, repurposing a structure that has been city-owned since 2007. The project seeks to anchor local economic growth by supporting small business development.

The foundation purchased the property from the city for $1, a significant decrease from the $4.5 million the city paid for it in 2007. The plan includes $1.7 million in grant funding from the EDA to support the total $12 million investment.

The players

Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation

A local non-profit organization focused on economic development and supporting small business incubators in the Fresno region.

The details

The rehabilitation process begins with comprehensive environmental remediation to address mold, asbestos, and lead paint throughout the aging structure. Following this abatement, contractors will remove and replace compromised interior ceilings and the roof system. These steps are necessary to prepare the facility for its new role as a specialized commercial incubator designed to support the local business environment.

1960s: Fresno commerce shifted northward.
2007: The city originally purchased the building.
2024: The city finalized the sale of the building to the foundation.
October 2026: Remediation work is expected to begin.
December 2027: The project is projected to open to the public.

The Home Front

This project actively counters the historical migration of Fresno commerce to northern districts that has impacted downtown development since the 1960s. By repurposing legacy commercial assets, the foundation is attempting to reverse long-standing patterns of urban disinvestment.

If you are a local small business owner interested in future space, track the foundation's public updates regarding tenant application requirements. Residents in the downtown area should expect increased construction activity on Fulton Street throughout the 2027 calendar year.

The takeaway

Repurposing vacant historic properties is a key strategy for revitalizing downtown infrastructure and supporting local commerce. Stay tuned for the project opening in December 2027 as this major downtown renovation reaches completion.