DBA History

With a rich and vibrant past reaching back to 1954, the Bakersfield Downtown Business Association is full of history. Formed after the historical earthquake that devistated the area, the DBA has pushed through the years and made a name for itself as a leader in the downtown area. Click the link to see a detailed timeline of the DBA History.

DBA’s 58 Years of Service to Bakersfield

1950s

· Formed in 1954

· Began campaigns to attract business back to the Heart of Bakersfield

1960s

· Promoted the Civic Auditorium Development project

· Formed Downtown Improvement District

· Improved streets, sidewalks and downtown parking

1970s

· Supported construction of the Bank of America Tower & renovation of the Fedway Department

Store into Bakersfield College’s Weill Institute – the First College Downtown

· Assisted in the formation of the California Downtown Association

1980s

· Participated in the 18th & Eye Parking Garage development and fundraising drive

· Brought the Bakersfield Christmas Parade back to the Downtown

· Started the Downtown Street Faires

1990s

· Raised $100,000 to save Bakersfield’s Historic Fox Theater

· Started the “Up on the Roof Party”

· Led the project to save and preserve the Unreinforced Masonry Buildings downtown

· Partnered with City officials on the Chester Avenue Streetscaping Project

2000s

· Worked with city officials to expand the Streetscaping Project from “K” to Eye Street and Chester

Avenue from 24th St. to Garces Circle

· Participated in Bakersfield’s Charrette Process which has resulted in the following City

Improvements:

Mill Creek Central Park, McMurtrey Aquatic Center and Ice Rink, Rabobank Arena, Maya

Cinama, Wall Street Alley, 19th & Eye Improvements and the Padre Hotel Restoration

· Continued to promote downtown businesses through the popular Highway 99 Cruise ‘n Show,

Downtown Street Faires, First Friday’s and other Downtown Promotions and activities

· Advocated on behalf of locating future Federal Courthouse in the Downtown area

2011: Today

· Working with Bakersfield officials to finalize the Mill Creek Redevelopment project and the Q

Street improvement project

· Establishing Downtown Medical, Arts, Education, Entertainment and Financial District areas

· Working tirelessly to restore and revitalize the HEART of Bakersfield.