Air Reduction Co. of California

This ornate two-story brick building at the foot of Park Avenue was built by the Air Reduction Company in 1917. Air Reduction Co. manufactured oxygen tanks for welding.

Prior to its construction, it was the site of Emeryville’s first post office which established the town’s name.

The exterior of the building remains remarkably unchanged since it was built featuring elaborate brickwork including a stepped parapet and panels of herringbone brick. On the east side of the building is a loading platform with large roll up doors that was served by a Southern Pacific spur track.

The building was later occupied by Pellegrini Refrigeration and Restaurant Equipment Company. This company sold refrigeration and restaurant equipment and also offered repair service for ice machines. The building also had a small apartment located on the second floor.

In 1993, a group of employees bought out the original Pellegrini owners and founded “Pelco.”

After Pelco moved their offices to Concord, the space was briefly considered for conversion to lofts/studios and hosted one of Emeryville’s annual Celebration of the Arts events.

Seismic upgrades and other tenant improvements were made to the structure in 2022 and the building is currently occupied by Anvil Builders.