A time capsule exists within the heart of downtown Mountain View. On the corner of Moffett Boulevard and Central Expressway sits a charming Spanish-style property with a terracotta tiled roof, three unique concrete columns at its entrance and a native plant garden. Walking inside, one enters a main hall which features a giant fireplace and an exposed wooden beamed ceiling. The Historic Adobe Building was built in 1934, allowing visitors to utilize the event space as it was intended since the Great Depression.
The Historic Adobe Building was restored to its original condition in 2001 and was designated a National Historic Site in 2002. According to the National Registry, the property is a significant place based on its association with holding important events and having architecture from a distinctive period. Eric Anderson, an advanced planning manager in Mountain View, said the building is an example of local civic history and the popular architectural characteristics of that time.
“It was built by the Civil Works Administration, in part of the Great Depression era works project,” Anderson said. “It has distinctive characteristics of a tight period method of construction. It was built at a time when these kinds of Spanish and colonial revival types of buildings were very popular.”
The National Registry recognized the building as a versatile community space. Organizations such as the American Legion, Rotary Club and Mountain View Historical Association hosted meetings there and it was even converted into a hospitality center for soldiers and veterans during World War II.
Kristine Crosby, an assistant community services director in Mountain View, said the facility is also a special place to hold parties. Crosby feels she is in a different world inside and is removed from the residential and business districts that surround it.
“When we host events, we will find a ceremony that can take place outdoors, and then the reception can take place indoors or vice versa,” Crosby said. “A lot of groups use it because it is small but large enough to hold up to 100 people so they can have an intimate, special occasion like a wedding or a party.”
According to the building’s rental website, residents and non-residents can book the space for $121 and $151 per hour, respectively, during off-peak hours. Mountain View nonprofits can rent the space for $20 per hour. The facility also provides the tables, chairs and additional technology or kitchen needs for an event.
Anderson is excited to see the city council expand its involvement with more historical sites. Anderson said in December 2023 the new Historic Preservation Ordinance passed will create an inventory for the city that can measure what sites need improvements, the criteria in which a site is connected to a person, event or architectural style and provide incentives for residents to invest in their property.
“The purpose of the ordinance is to kind of reassess citywide, what are those buildings that are significant to the city’s history and get an understanding of the lay of the land out there, what buildings need to be given protection measures or how do we improve the process by which the city understands and evaluates its built history,” Anderson said.
The Historic Adobe Building is living proof of the need for historic preservation. Anderson hopes its legacy will continue to be known through improved pedestrian services.
“Having this historic resource that’s got such incredible integrity, authenticity and character really does contribute to the greater downtown area,” Anderson said. “The city plans to better connect downtown across the Central Expressway with new grade-separated crossings. Hopefully, that can make the Adobe Building an even more attractive opportunity for events for people.”
For rental information, visit tinyurl.com/HistoricAdobeRentals.
