Casa Grande, 21350 Almaden Road, New Almaden, Santa Clara County, CA
Summary
Significance: Casa Grande was built in 1854 as the residence of the general manager of the New Almaden Mining Company, the richest and most productive mining enterprise in North America. Designed by San Francisco architect Gordon Parker Cummings and Henry W. Halleck, then manager of the company, the large two-story brick building was originally covered with stucco, scored to simulate ashlar masonry. Now only the first-floor stucco veneer remains. A low veranda with slender wooden balusters and supporting posts extends across the front and around the side elevations. The grounds were landscaped in 1854, and ca. 1865 a lake between the house and Alamitos Creek was constructed. To formalize the area surrounding the lake, extensive improvements were completed in 1882 under the direction of the company's manager, James Butterworth Randol. Until the early 20th century Casa Grande served as the manager's residence and the entertainment hall of the company. It has subsequently been used as a club, restaurant, bar and prostitution hall, and most recently, for commercial businesses on the lower levels and an apartment on the second floor.
Survey number: HABS CA-1116
Building/structure dates: 1854 Initial Construction
Tags
Date
Contributors
Location
Source
Copyright info