the craneway pavilion

In our many visits to the Rosie the Riveter National Park visitors center in next door building we always stick our heads into the Craneway to see what they are setting up for next: weddings, roller derby, environmental fair, garden show. It is a great space facing SF Bay with lots of light from windows because it was a working part of the old Ford Factory built way before WW2. (You can see the 1st car that rolled of the line at the Richmond History Museum on Nevin St.).So, if someone invites you to an event staged at The Craneway, go for it!

Nothing like taking an old historical building - restoring it to become one of the East Bay's leading rental facility. Every thing from concerts to private parties to graduation ceremonies to wedding receptions... this place is a priceless experience especially with direct bay views looking over to San Francisco.

This is called the craneway because giant cranes roll along the ceiling on tracks. Here they once made Ford cars, and later, tanks and jeeps during the second world war. I walked into this space after eating at the adjacent restaurant, Assemble. Get it? Assemble. As in assembly line. Anyway, the craneway is the size of an airplane hanger. I'm an artist who makes very large works on canvas (thirty to forty feet across). This space must be 450 feet by 100 feet (more than one acre). I sure would like to use if for a few hours, although thy probably don't have the flexibility for that to happen (without paying a bundle).The ads for the event space point out relevant facts, such as being designed by Albert Kahn and having 40,000 panes of glass. I haven't attended anything here, I just walked through the empty space. It was awesome.

Every year on July 3rd, yes you heard me, July 3rd, Richmond hosts an incredible Fireworks display down at the Marina. Subsequently, Craneway Pavilion is open to the public and hosts the Oakland Symphony Orchestra. It is a free concert for the public to enjoy while having a picnic before the fireworks. You can buy food, water, sodas and alcohol if you didn't bring you r own. They selection is limited but at least they have stuff for sale. There are plenty of clean and convenient restrooms to use and it is warm inside. Parking is convenient and is $10.00, or you can come early and find street parking and just walk a bit longer. They have handicap parking up front, very convenient. You can see the fireworks display from in the building but he best views are outside. Definitely bring a jacket!!! I have and will continue to recommend this to others in the future.

To say that the Craneway Pavilion is big and well located is quite an understatement. Although this re purposed component of the historic Ford Assembly Plant was empty the afternoon of our visit, it had just finished hosting a Memorial Day weekend rave (“Audio on the Bay”) that drew a crowd of about 5,000 for its Friday opening. This is the sort of thing you can do with 45,000 square feet to work with. The Pavilion’s waterfront location offers terrific scenery, including the historic Victory ship Red Oak and (when weather cooperates) the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge and other delights. It's easy to check out the Craneway Pavilion when you tour the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front NHP Visitor Center or dine at the adjacent Assemble restaurant. You really do need to see this place for yourself.

Location, Location, Location! Great restaurant inside and breath takin' views! I did not like the parking for it was limited and hardly anywhere for handicap people to park.

Venue is excellent, with great views of San Francisco. Make sure you have a cab ready when the show is done, because the neighborhood is a little dodgy.