In the late 19th century, Bernhard Albers, a young German immigrant, worked for a Pacific Northwest wholesale 
grocer, saving money with the goal of going into business for himself. Convinced of the opportunities in Portland, Oregon, he persuaded his four brothers to join him. In 1895, with $15,000, the brothers and another partner formed a milling company. By 1899, the Albers brothers bought out their business associate and formed the Albers Bros. Milling
Company, and Alber's Cornmeal was born. The brothers quickly aquired and operated other mills along the Pacific Coast. The mill now coverted to condo's and commerical space at 1821 Dock Street was constructed in 1904 and operated by the Albers family until 1944. The building changed hands several times with shipping and storage comapnies until total abandonment in 1982. The current occupants William Tarver Gallery opened in 2003, the lofts in 2004.
