Who are WE?
We are family. We are friends. We are fun! We care about downtown Fresno and in 2017 we bought this home with the hopes of turning it into something great. Many years and a global pandemic later, it’s happening! Join Miguel, Phil, Kristen, Diego, and Chandelle as they turn Moses McQueen’s into the premier downtown location for family, friends, and fun. Scroll down for a peak at the previous tenants of 634 Van Ness!
A walk back in time . . .
Moses McQueen's History
Samuel Elia, an Armenian immigrant from Mardin, Turkey, arrived in the United States in 1898 and eventually settled in Fresno with his wife, Ruth. Together, they raised three children—John, Joe, and Ann—and established a legacy at 634 Van Ness located in what was one of the strongest and most successful immigrant communities in the city. In fact, in the early 1900s, Fresno’s “Armenian Town” was one of the largest Armenian communities in the Western United States.
The family home in Fresno’s Armenian Town transformed over time, with the construction of a two-story duplex in 1919 and, later, a one-story storefront commercial building in 1935. The duplex design allowed the family to live on the first floor, with additional space upstairs intended initially for their children and later rented out. Over the decades, the Elia home evolved into a quintessential “Live/Work” property—a residence combined with a storefront commercial space. This architectural style, known as a “commercial bump-out,” was a common mid-century trend that blended living and working spaces, particularly along major thoroughfares.
Samuel and Joe operated a painting business, “Sam Elia & Son,” from the property until Sam’s retirement in 1951. They also shared ties with notable figures like award-winning writer William Saroyan, who often visited the Elias’ residence in Fresno’s Armenian Town.
Over time, the neighborhood lost much of it’s cohesive identify as families moved away and a freeway was build through the community. However, this property at 634 Van Ness, with its preserved character and unique history, remains a significant example of this architectural and cultural heritage in Fresno.
Through the restoration of this property, Moses McQueen’s is committed to preserving the character of this unique space and celebrating Fresno’s diverse culture.
Do you have a story about Moses McQueen's?
Many of our Fresno neighbors have their own stories about this unique space! If you have a unique experience or story about the property at 634 Van Ness, please contact us through the button below!