Upmarket brings vibrancy to old Haberfelde building in downtown Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A new business has come to the storied Haberfelde building in downtown Bakersfield.

In 1924, Bakersfield Mayor George Haberfelde hired local architect Charles H. Biggar to design a grand edifice inspired by the great architecture of Europe. The five story Haberfelde building, conceived exactly 100 years ago, was to be one of the tallest buildings in the San Joaquin Valley, and, he hoped, the most important office building in the city.

Many offices remain, but today, the Haberfelde is best known for its assortment of restaurants, shops and salons.

The building officially welcomed another such business on Thursday with the opening of Upmarket, at street level near the corner of 17th and Chester Avenue.

Owner Daniel Encinas calls it a lifestyle market. You might call it a little bit of everything, from offbeat greeting cards to mocktails in a can – alcohol free adult beverages.

As well as clothes, beauty and wellness items, plants, home decor, pet and children’s products, and gourmet food.

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“When I came across this space I knew I had to have it. It had a great storefront, it had a great presence and energy, and I think that energy is probably translated into what our store and our vibe is,” said Encinas.

We’re not sure what George Haberfelde would make of it, but local government officials were enthusiastic on Thursday.

“Let’s hear it for Upmarket,” said councilman Andrae Gonzalez. “Let’s hear it for downtown Bakersfield.”

Gonzalez says Upmarket is exactly what is needed in downtown Bakersfield.

“It’s exactly what makes downtown Bakersfield better and better, and better all the time,” said Gonzalez.

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