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Anaheim Orange and Lemon Association Packing House
Packing House (14185023769).jpg
The interior of the Packing House in 2014, after it had been converted into a food hall.
Anaheim Packing House is located in Anaheim, California
Anaheim Packing House
Location in Anaheim, California
Anaheim Packing House is located in California
Anaheim Packing House
Location in California
Location Anaheim, California
Built 1919
Architectural style Spanish Colonial Revival
Restored 2014
NRHP reference No. 15000379
Added to NRHP July 7, 2015

The Anaheim Packing House is a large, 42,000-square-foot (3,900 m2) building in Downtown Anaheim, California. It is now a popular food hall where you can find many different kinds of food. This building was once a busy citrus packing house for Sunkist oranges and lemons.

The Packing House is part of a bigger area called the Anaheim Packing District. This district also includes the Packard Building and a farmer's market. The Packing House first opened as a food hall on May 31, 2014. It is special because it is one of the last original packing houses left in Orange County. It is the only one still standing in Anaheim. In 2015, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site.

What is the Anaheim Packing House?

The Anaheim Packing House is a unique place to eat and hang out. It is a large indoor space filled with many small restaurants and food stalls. You can find everything from pizza and burgers to sushi and desserts. It is a great spot for families and friends to try different foods.

The Packing House is the main part of the Anaheim Packing District. This district is a fun shopping center that combines history with modern dining. The Packard Building, which was built in 1925, is also part of the district. It has a special design called Mission Revival architecture. There is also a farmer's market where you can buy fresh local produce.

A Look Back: Its History

The building we now know as the Anaheim Packing House has a long history. It was built in 1919. Back then, it was not a food hall but a place where oranges and lemons were prepared for shipping. It was owned by the Anaheim Orange and Lemon Association, which worked with Sunkist.

This building was very important for the local citrus industry. Orange County was once famous for its orange groves. Workers would bring in fresh fruit from the farms. They would then sort, clean, and pack the fruit into boxes. These boxes were then sent all over the country.

The building was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. This style was popular in California during the early 1900s. It often includes features like red tile roofs, stucco walls, and arched doorways. These designs were inspired by old Spanish buildings.

Anaheim Packing House circa 1936
The packing house circa 1936.

From Oranges to Eateries: The Transformation

Over time, the citrus industry in Orange County changed. Many orange groves were replaced by new homes and businesses. The Anaheim Packing House eventually stopped being used for packing fruit. For many years, the building sat empty.

In 2014, the old packing house was given a new life. It was carefully restored and renovated. The goal was to keep its historical look while turning it into a modern food hall. The designers made sure to preserve many of the original features. This included the large open spaces and some of the old machinery.

The renovation brought the building back to life. It became a vibrant place where people could gather. The Anaheim Packing House officially opened its doors as a food hall on May 31, 2014. It quickly became a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Why is it Special?

The Anaheim Packing House is special for several reasons. First, it is a great example of adaptive reuse. This means an old building was given a new purpose instead of being torn down. This helps to preserve history and reduce waste.

Second, it is one of the last remaining packing houses in the area. It reminds us of Orange County's agricultural past. It shows how important the citrus industry once was to the region.

Finally, its listing on the National Register of Historic Places makes it even more significant. This honor recognizes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. It helps protect the building for future generations. The Anaheim Packing House is a living piece of history that you can visit and enjoy today.

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