The Endangered 8: 2024
San José's Most Threatened Architectural and Cultural Landmarks
Sakauye Farmstead
Location:
2620 Seely Avenue
Date:
Built 1900s-1940s
Architect:
Unknown
Threat:
Redevelopment
One of the last working orchards in San Jose is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the Sakauye family, Japanese-Americans who first planted fruit trees here around 1900. After he and his family were unjustly interned at Heart Mountain, Wyoming during World War II, master horticulturalist and civic leader Eiichi Sakauye returned to this family homestead in 1945 and continued living and farming here until his death in 2005. His orchard, gardens, c.1920s home and numerous barns are all threatened with demolition for a new mixed-use housing development and public park slated for the site. Despite acknowledging the historic significance of these resources, neither the City nor the developer have agreed to incorporate any of the historic orchards or structures into the new development or park.
MEDIA COVERAGE
San Jose Spotlight, "San Jose development advances despite historical significance," July 2, 2024
Nichi Bei News, "Redevelopment of Sakauye farm could demolish potentially significant farm house," March 5, 2024
Learn More and Take Action!
Urge Mayor Matt Mahan and District 4 Councilmember David Cohen to support the preservation of the Sakauye House as a condition for development of the site.
Visit the Tsukuda Fruit Stand, which will remain open on the site through at least November 2024.
Read the Historic Resources Evaluation for the Sakauye Farm site and learn more about the proposed project slated to demolish it.
Read PAC*SJ's comments to The Hanover Company (7/19/23), the Parks Commission (6/5/24), and the Planning Commission (6/25/24) advocating for preservation alternatives to the current project proposal.
Learn more about Eiichi Sakauye in these profiles:
The Californian (1982)
CalToday (1982)
California Pioneers (2005)