AgdaPkt 2016-09-12 Closed and Joint SA PFA

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Alpha Reference: E Historic Name: Sequoia Hotel Address: 800 Main Street Date Constructed: 1912 Parcel#: 053-233-160 This long, two-part commercial block has a number of classical features, typical of its date of construction, 1912. The openness of the storefronts and the closed nature of the upper apartment floors communicates the functions of each floor. The large number of rooms lining the second and third stories suggests that this was probably Redwood City's largest and most important hotel in the 1910s and 1920s. The curve of its main corner and the elaborate decoration around the front door give the hotel visual appeal. The architect concentrated most of his attention here in order to pro- vide a good first impression; the upper floors bear little decorative embellishment, except for the cornice at the roofline. The old signage still present adds to the historic character. The Sequoia Hotel, while not architecturally outstanding in itself, combines with its neighbors at 2000 Broadway, 2020 Broadway, 2022-2024 Broadway, and 726 Main Street to create a pleasing, diverse ensemble of historic buildings. This group of historic commercial structures distinguishes Redwood City's downtown from those of most neighboring cities on the San Francisco Peninsula. The southwest corner of the Broadway and Main Intersection has been known since early 1854 as the Eureka Corner, so named for Redwood City's first hotel-the Eureka House- which was built there in 1854 to accommodate the teamsters who came down from the hills with their lumber. In 1854, townsmen met in the dining room of the Eureka House to form a town government. During the Civil War, the Eureka House served as headquarters for the Jefferson Calvary, Redwood City's unit. A livery stable next door served as the armory for the cavalry unit until 1866. The old hotel building was purchased in 1870 by Govert Plump who established the Eureka Brewery, which operated there as a brewery and as a store until1889. The old building was not torn down until June 1912, so construction could begin on the Sequoia Hotel. This prime corner property, located in the heart of the financial and commercial district of the town, was purchased in 1912 by a corporation made up of local investors. A real estate company manager, two bankers, several lawyers, two judges, a doctor, a lumber magnate and multi-millionaire, a title company owner, and other prominent townsmen were major stockholders. In 1912, Redwood City needed a first-class hotel as part of a massive hotel-retail complex. The 1906 earthquake had demolished what had been the best hotel in town. The architectural design of Mitchell and Hodges was selected by the corporation in April, 1912. Hodges had designed many buildings at nearby Stanford University. Local contractor John McBain was selected to build it. He started construction in September, 1912 and completed it on March 15, 1913. The cost exceeded $100,000- quite an expenditure in those times. A gala open- ing celebration was held on April17, 1913. Page 31 7.B. - Page 42