Japanese American Nurseries

Miraflores Sustainable Greenbelt

Photo: Annamarie Morel

Quick Facts

Location:

Richmond, California

Japanese American Nurseries in Richmond: A Legacy of Resilience and Community

From the 1910s until the forced relocation and incarceration of their community in 1942, over a dozen nurseries owned by Japanese American families flourished in Richmond, California. This area, roughly bounded by Cutting Boulevard, 45th Street, San Pablo Avenue, and the Santa Fe Railroad, was home to a vibrant concentration of Japanese American families. These families specialized in growing carnations, roses, and other cut flowers, primarily for the wholesale market.

A Thriving Community

The nurseries in Richmond were more than just businesses; they were the heart of a tight-knit community. Japanese American families worked tirelessly to cultivate their nurseries, contributing significantly to the local economy and the floral industry. Their expertise in horticulture and dedication to quality made these nurseries well-known for their beautiful and high-quality flowers.

Forced Relocation and Its Aftermath

The onset of World War II brought drastic changes to this flourishing community. In 1942, Executive Order 9066 led to the forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans. Families were uprooted from their homes and businesses and sent to internment camps across the country. As a result, many nurseries were left abandoned, vandalized, and fell into disrepair.

Despite these challenges, some nurseries found temporary caretakers among friends and neighbors. For instance, the Ninomiya family in North Richmond had allies who tended to their nursery during their imprisonment, ensuring its survival through the war years.

Post-War Revival and Resilience

A remarkable aspect of Richmond’s Japanese American nurseries is the resilience demonstrated by their owners upon their return. After the war, a comparatively high percentage of original nursery owners managed to reclaim and revive their businesses. The Oishi and Sakai families, among others, returned to Richmond, resurrected their nurseries, and continued to operate them until the properties were sold around 2006. These nurseries not only became operational again but also thrived, showcasing the enduring spirit and determination of the Japanese American community.

Miraflores Development

Today, the area that once held these nurseries has been redeveloped into a housing and park complex known as "Miraflores." This redevelopment includes the preservation and adaptive reuse of several historic nursery buildings. These structures have been relocated and restored, serving as tangible links to the past.

Miraflores features a series of interpretive elements designed to educate visitors about the history of the Japanese American nursery families and their contributions to the community. These elements include informational plaques, historical exhibits, and preserved artifacts that tell the story of the nurseries and the broader Japanese American experience in Richmond.

Current Site and Community Impact

Miraflores stands as a living monument to the legacy of the Japanese American nurseries. The park and housing development provide a space for reflection and learning, ensuring that the history of the Japanese American community in Richmond is not forgotten. The interpretive displays offer insights into the challenges faced by these families during and after World War II, highlighting their resilience and contributions to the local culture and economy.

By integrating historical preservation with modern development, Miraflores serves as a model for how communities can honor their past while looking toward the future. It provides a place for residents and visitors to connect with history, celebrate cultural heritage, and appreciate the enduring spirit of the Japanese American nursery families.

For more information about the Miraflores development and its history, you can visit the EPA's Miraflores Site page and the City of Richmond's official website.

Miraflores Sustainable Community Greenbelt Project

The Miraflores Sustainable Community Greenbelt Project, located in Richmond, California, is a significant redevelopment initiative that revitalizes an area rich in historical and cultural significance. The site, previously home to numerous Japanese American nurseries, has been transformed into a vibrant community space that integrates housing, green spaces, and historical preservation.

Historical Background

The Miraflores area was once the site of over a dozen nurseries operated by Japanese American families from the 1910s until their forced relocation during World War II. This community was known for cultivating carnations, roses, and other cut flowers, contributing significantly to the local economy. The forced internment during the war led to the abandonment and deterioration of these nurseries. After the war, some families returned and revived their businesses, operating them until the early 2000s.

Park Features

The current site has been redeveloped to honor its historical roots while providing modern amenities and green spaces for the community. Key features of the Miraflores Sustainable Community Greenbelt Project include:

Greenbelt and Open Spaces: The project includes expansive green areas that provide recreational opportunities and enhance the urban environment. The greenbelt is designed to support local biodiversity and offer a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors.

Historic Preservation: The redevelopment has preserved and restored several historic nursery buildings, including the Sakai house, water tank, water tower, and greenhouses. These structures have been relocated and adapted for modern use, serving as a tangible link to the area's past.

Interpretive Elements: Throughout the park, interpretive signs and displays tell the story of the Japanese American nursery families and their contributions to Richmond's history. These elements provide educational insights and foster an appreciation for the cultural heritage of the site.

Community Amenities: The development includes 190 residential units, featuring both market rate homes and affordable housing options. The integration of housing with green spaces and historic elements creates a balanced and sustainable community.

Environmental Restoration: Efforts have been made to restore natural features, such as creek restoration, to enhance the ecological health of the area. This focus on sustainability aligns with broader environmental goals and improves the overall quality of life for residents.

Future Vision

The Miraflores project reflects a commitment to sustainable urban development and historical preservation. By creating a space that honors the past while providing for the present and future needs of the community, Miraflores stands as a model for how cities can blend history with progress. The project is expected to continue evolving, with ongoing enhancements and community involvement ensuring its success and relevance for years to come.
 

• Audio Stop: Japanese American Nurseries

  
  

  This audio program provides a look at the historic site where many of the Japanese nurseries were located in Richmond, as well as the new development to memorialize this history.

  Credit / Author:

  NPS/Luther Bailey

  Audio Transcript

  Over one dozen nurseries owned by Japanese American families flourished in Richmond from the 1910’s until the forced relocation and incarceration of their community in 1942. This area (bounded roughly by Cutting Boulevard, 45th Street, San Pablo, and the Santa Fe Railroad) held the most intense concentration of Japanese American families and their nurseries, which specialized in growing carnations, roses, and other cut flowers, primarily for the wholesale market.

  After Japanese Americans were forced to leave behind their homes and businesses in Richmond and incarcerated, many of their nurseries in were vandalized and fell into disrepair. A few, such as the Ninomiya’s in North Richmond, found friends or neighbors who cared for their nurseries on their behalf while they were imprisoned.

  However, a comparatively high percentage of the original owners were able to return and revive their nursery businesses in Richmond. After reclaiming their businesses, the Oishi and Sakai nurseries were operated by members of the original families until the properties were sold ca. 2006.

  This area has been redeveloped as housing and a park, featuring a handful of historic nursery buildings that were relocated and have been restored for adaptive reuse. The development, called “Miraflores,” holds a series of interpretive elements that tell the story of the nursery families and other aspects of community history.