Made in Bakersfield

For Emily and Sherod Waite, restoring the Woolworth’s Building has always been about more than just saving a piece of Bakersfield history, it’s a bet on the city’s future. “This project aims to spotlight Bakersfield’s untapped potential, especially downtown,” Emily explained. “Despite being an integral part of California’s economy and culture, Bakersfield is often overlooked. We hope to change that perception.” 

Located in the heart of the city’s historic core, the Woolworth’s Building is positioned to be a cornerstone for revitalization efforts. For Sherod Waite, the building’s location and his deep roots in Bakersfield made the decision personal. “This historic building being located in the inner downtown core was a major factor in the decision to purchase the building,” he said. “Being born and raised in Bakersfield and having a passion for the success of our town was a driving force. Downtown Bakersfield had been in a slump for years. I couldn’t find a single example of a thriving and inviting town that was also associated with a rotten inner downtown core.” 

The Waites see their project as much bigger than one building. “By increasing foot traffic for commercial activity downtown, we anticipate a positive ripple effect for neighboring businesses,” Emily said. “As the saying goes, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’ This restoration isn’t just about one building, it’s about contributing to a broader revitalization movement that benefits our entire community.” 

Restoring the Woolworth’s Building presented unique challenges and discoveries. The lunch counter, in operation for over 70 years, ran with a grill mere feet from customers. “The exhaust hood contained an unimaginable accumulation of grease, making the installation of a safe, modern replacement system particularly challenging,” Emily shared. The 75-year-old concrete structure, which survived the 1952 earthquake, spans 44,000 square feet — divided into floors of roughly 11,000 square feet each — requiring innovative planning to adapt historic spaces for modern use while meeting updated building codes. 

“This project represents our legacy — not just for ourselves, but for our community. It embodies our intentional effort to positively impact our hometown and sphere of influence. It’s our love letter to Bakersfield and one that we hope future generations will cherish,” Emily reflected. 

Working with a team of experts in historic architecture and preservation alongside modern visionaries has been crucial. “We deliberately assembled experts in historic architecture and preservation alongside those with modern vision to help navigate these decisions. No detail has been overlooked, from preserving original features to ensuring the building can function efficiently for the next 75 years of its life. We’re fortunate to work with an exceptional team of advisors who understand both the building’s historical significance and its future potential,” Emily said. 

For Emily and Sherod Waite, the Woolworth’s Building stands as the cornerstone of what downtown Bakersfield could become — vibrant, inclusive, and full of life once again.