East 14th Street Booklet by Joel Cornejo Diaz

Vernacular Type

I. Dave’s Chicken

II. Pelton Plaza

III. High Voltage

IV. Masonic Temple

V. Historic Best Building

VI. Speed Limit Sign

VII. Stop Sign

VIII. PG&E

IX. Sewer

X. No Dumping

XI. City of San Leandro

Downtown

San Leandro, East 14th Street in the state of California is a quiet place that is kept well maintained and promotes mostly commercial stores. It is known for its cherry festivals that it hosts yearly. It has also grown in popularity within and many businesses have moved out or moved in after the pandemic. The most popular spots would be getting your food or even a haircut. Most of the buildings have been changed, painted, and structured again to keep the “ San Leandro aesthetic”.It may be that the color of the buildings has changed but San Leandro is always the same quiet neighborhood.

Pelton Plaza near the taqueria

Garbage can with print

Symbol shown in San Leandro Street

City Monument that is found on the floor

The Hottest Walk

East 14 Street

Walking at East 14 Street at 1 pm while the weather is set to 98 degrees it comes to a challenge of finding type all over the street. While people are walking in the heat people appreciate how San Leandro has a popular plaza that all around the Bay Area people go there. The San Leandro area used to belong to José Joaquin and Juana Estudillo, a land grant that spread over 7,000 acres between San Leandro and San Lorenzo.

The signs that were in shade showed a more neutral color while the ones that had the sun beaming at them had reflections and vibrant colors, and it was more leading into businesses that are promoted in the area.

PG&E engraved in the ground

Sewer system of East 14th street

Drain System working effectively

Beware of the High Voltage

Water source from San Leandro

Operating Businesses

Pelton Plaza

Businesses like Gamestop, Taqueria

#5 Los Pericos, T4, and Safeway have stayed there to this day. While Chipotle’s building began construction in 2014 and was established in 2015 but before all that happened it used to be a CopyMat store. Next to the store it used to be a parking lot that had enough parking for the parking.

For now, there isn’t enough parking for the people but there are a lot of clients coming and going from all over

the Bay Area to get San Leandro’s calm relaxing neighborhood experience.

Going back to the parking lot in 2014 the start of new buildings arriving from Peet’s Coffee, Great Clips, Habit Burger and CVS. From what I recall there used to be a building that was always made for the store called Spirit which used to take over the parking lot space.

Near Baskin Robbins

Taqueria #5 Los Pericos: Great Deals and near East 14th Street

Dave’s Hot Chicken Newest Restaurant

Chipotle Mexican Grill Near Juana Ave

Historic Masonic Temple

The Estudillo House, a significant landmark in San Leandro’s history, has seen numerous businesses occupy its space over the years. Most recently, it became home to an IHOP, but before that, it was a Sizzler. Despite these modern transformations, the Estudillo House remains a physical reminder of the city’s evolving landscape and commercial shifts.

Nearby, the Masonic Temple Building, dedicated on April 15, 1910, stands as a testament to the enduring presence of fraternal organizations in the area. Within proximity, there are about four such Masonic structures, each contributing to the city’s architectural heritage.

1330 Best Building located near Masonic temple Slab engraved type that is textial

Masonic Temple from 1909 engraved

Mixed Signs

The distinction between the Masonic Temple and the Masonic Temple Building is notable, especially in what they house. The Masonic Temple Building is a repository of historical artifacts and documents, including a comprehensive list of the Grand Officers and past Masters of the Eden Lodge.

In addition to these important records, the building also preserves documents relating to the construction of the New Temple, copies of local newspapers from the time, and a collection of old coins.

One of the most remarkable artifacts is a Bible that was carried by John Hamilton throughout three years of the Civil War.

Historic Best Building Sign that promotes old San Leandro

These items, carefully preserved, offer a glimpse into both the local and national history, providing a direct connection to the past. They serve as a reminder of the Masons’ role in shaping the cultural and civic identity of San Leandro, while also offering insight into the broader historical events that influenced the community.

Parking Sign that is near the apt buildings

Significant changes have shaped the history of San Leandro and reflected a shift in design aesthetics, such as the transition from serif fonts to sansserif fonts.

This evolution in typography mirrors broader societal changes, as sansserif fonts are often associated with modernity and minimalism, while serif fonts carry a sense of tradition and history.

However, despite this transformation, many old-school signs around San Leandro still retain serif fonts, preserving a visual connection to the past. These signs act as cultural artifacts, representing the city’s heritage and serving as a reminder of its historical roots.

Come in with a smile

The blend of modern and traditional typography across the city’s landscape creates a unique contrast, where the past and present coexist visually, keeping San Leandro’s history alive through its signage and urban design.

Gone Ghost

Mason

In a city where a long-lost typeface speaks to its past, the engravings etched in metal have stood the test of time, now oxidized by the elements. What makes this so unique is that, despite the wear of time, the text remains legible, allowing people to still read the signs and uncover the stories of historic places.

Oldest School in San Leandro

Oldest temple building in San Leandro

Engraved type for the loss

Signs

These weathered markers, once polished and new, now bear the marks of age, giving them a timeless quality. In the San Leandro Plaza History Display, the use of large serif fonts guides the viewer’s attention, drawing them into a journey through history.

Near Washington Avenue

Juice Company for your wellbeing near sushi spot

Near PowerBox Stickers are spread around

Parking spot

Near Juana Ave

Mixed (More)

The serif font, with its elegant and intricate details, not only provides a visual anchor but also evokes a sense of gravitas and authority, reinforcing the importance of the information preserved. This deliberate choice of typography in such displays enhances the experience, making it a living testament to the city’s heritage. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, where people can engage with history in a tangible, meaningful way.