Palo Alto Now and Then: 271 University Avenue

Then….a store called Joseph Magnin

Back in 1946, Palo Alto and the rest of the country was still recovering from World War II, but at 271 University Avenue, shoppers could visit women’s clothing stores including Joseph Magnin’s, which can be seen in the photo to the right of Bryant’s. Joseph Magnin was the son of Isaac Magnin, the founder of  more famous store I. Magnin, who started his own retail chain that once had over 20 branches. At one point in San Francisco, Joseph Magnin and I. Magnin were located just a few blocks away from each other. To avoid customer confusion, Joseph Magnin was also known by its initials, JM. Joseph Magnin closed its stores in 1979.

According to PAST (Palo Alto Stanford Heritage), this site was originally owned by Mrs. Georgina Ostrander, a well known merchant and business owner in Palo Alto. Mrs. Ostrander tore down the old building she owned at this site and commissioned John Carl Warnecke of Miller and Warnecke in Oakland, one of the Bay Area’s leading architects, to build a structure suitable for a high–style women’s clothing store. In the years that followed, the location housed a few other stores and a beauty salon.

1980s and on: restaurants and more restaurants

This location was the home to many different restaurants, including University Cafe, which all took advantage of sidewalk tables to attract diners.

 

And now…Local Union 271

Today, 271 University Avenue is home to a new restaurant called Local Union 271, which is bringing ‘farm to table’ cuisine to Palo Alto. Next door is the Palo Alto branch of national furniture chain Restoration Hardware, known for its massive catalogues and fluffy

towels. What else has changed since 1946 on University Avenue? Take a look the next time you are on this block and let us know what you

observe….