This project received funding from the Amazon Gilroy Community Fund to support lasting impact in our community.
195 Fifth Street (1910)
CARNEGIE FREE LIBRARY
In 1910 (after much debate) the City applied for a grant of $10,000 from Andrew Carnegie. His requirements were for the City to provide the lot, hire an architect and submit the plans to his office for approval. After the library was built the City had to provide books and furniture and hire the librarian, in perpetuity. Benefactor Caroline Hoxett purchased the lot (a former tennis court) and gave it to the City for building the library. Prominent Central Coast architect William Weeks was hired and the building was completed in July 1910.
This neoclassical design was a very popular architectural style for Carnegie libraries, especially in the West. The buff brick walls, distinctive quoins on the corners and full entablature add to the impressive Roman-style arched recessed entry. The paired fluted Doric columns add to the neoclassic design. Windows are simple and restrained. A rear segmental arched door defines the back entrance. The sensitive massing and scale provide a perfect transition from the commercial blocks to the east to the residential blocks to the west along Fifth St.
Andrew Carnegie is significant because of his contributions to our culture. He provided funding for 1600 similar libraries in the US and 1400 in England and Scotland. This made it possible for common people to access libraries without charge, thus the important words below the pediment, Gilroy Free Library. Another of his requirements was that his portrait be displayed and you will see it inside. The building served as Gilroy’s first library until we outgrew it and joined the County Library system in 1975. Since then this city-owned building has been the home of the Gilroy Museum, a fine research center. The significance of this beautiful building is magnified by its use as the repository of Gilroy’s historic artifacts and written history.
111 Fifth Street: (1912/1913)
JESSEN-MENKE HOUSE
This large Craftsman bungalow was designed by architect William Weeks and built in 1912-1913. Judge Howard Willey, who lived across the street at 140 Fifth Street, had it built as an investment property. The first tenant was Dr. John Clark, a respected physician. Next were Thara Jessen and Anne Menke who owned a dress shop on Monterey Street, followed by Teresa Filice who operated a beauty shop on the porch. Today it has been divided into apartments.
Hallmarks of the Craftsman style include the exposed rafters and the elephantine base columns supporting the porch. Horizontal sheathing of boards of varied widths accentuate the Craftsman design. A sculptured recessed frame surrounds the front window and is repeated around the front recessed entry. The double dormer on the second floor exhibits a float roof.
7539 Eigleberry Street (1903)
HOLLOWAY HOUSE
Edgar and Dora Holloway, a prominent local couple, had the house built in 1903. In 1906 Mr. Holloway designed the sewer system and the electric plant for the City. Mrs. Holloway was a member of the Ellis Family who were important in dairying and financial affairs. After they both died in 1913 another successful family, the Barshingers, bought the house. They owned both a furniture and funeral home business. This was a common combination business practice during this period . During their tenure the home was a center of social activity. In 1956 the home was sold to William Hall who divided it into apartments. Twenty years later it became the home of a drug abuse and counseling agency. In 1982 the house was restored and placed on the National Register of Historic Places by business partners who had offices downstairs. An attorney’s office came next, including a period of neglect. The current owners bought the property in 2014 and restored the building to its former glory. There is a financial investment business on the first floor and an apartment on the second floor.
This highly ornamented Queen Anne Victorian home, built in 1903, was another design of famous central coast architect, William Weeks. The unique gambrel gables, (double sloped roof) have enclosed eaves and arched windows surrounded by round columns. The turret has brackets under enclosed eaves and a finial. Over the front door is a beautiful decorated pediment featuring an owl. A large open porch goes around nearly half the house and is supported by round columns. Additional features include a small oval window to the left of the front door, turned balusters under the porch railing and leaded glass in some of the windows facing the street. Original interior woodwork is beautiful.
55 Fifth Street (1916)
GILROY’S FIRST FIRE STATION
Gilroy’s first volunteer fire company in 1869 was the Vigilant Engine Company, composed of 35 men. Later the Eureka Hook and Ladder company formed, followed by the Neptune Hose Company which merged with Eureka. A heated rivalry ensued for a while, but after this station was built the two companies combined. The men slept upstairs and slid down the brass pole to make a quick getaway to the fire scene. In 1922 the City ordered a new Seagrave fire engine. There are photos of this engine and others along with history of the Gilroy fire department at the Gilroy Museum. This station served the City until 1978 when a modern fire station was built and this building was converted to a restaurant. In 1981 wooden balconies and a boardwalk were added on the eastside. Covered patio seating now obscures the beauty of the original design, but inside you will find the brass pole, tin ceiling and other historic features.
The purchase of Gilroy’s first motorized fire equipment, a chemical pumper, required the building of this fire station on the location of Gilroy’s original city hall. Prior to that fire equipment, probably a hose cart and bucket wagon, were stored on the first floor of Old City Hall. Architect William Binder designed this brick commercial style fire station which was built by William Radtke in 1916 for $5853. The decorative bands near the roofline provide relief from the brick façade. Below the bands is a broad arch of seven windows, each with a different shape. The second story provided for a club and meeting room along with sleeping quarters for those on duty. The original doors for fire trucks have now been replaced by large windows.
7501-07 Monterey Street (1928)
This property was built in 1923 by William Radtke. It is a large, one-and-a-half story commercial building measuring 50’ x 142’ that is constructed on a rectangular plan and designed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style. Dominant features include the false, low-gabled red tile roof, the plain cornice, the oversized panels on the upper half story, the band of horizontal wooden boards which are placed in vertical strips over the first floor openings, and the projecting awnings. Decorative wooden detailing is located just below the shallow eave. The street front reinstates the standard commercial design with a recessed, double-door entry which is framed by large, plate glass windows with a 1950’s Roman brick base. Decorative shields ornament the Fifth Street elevation.
The commercial use of this building from its construction until the 1940’s was the D.B. Parks Auto Trimming and Harness Shop. Rizzuto’s Shoe Store occupied the north space during the 1950’s – 80’s. The current occupants are Fifth Street Coffee and Princess Boutique.
The historical and architectural importance of this building is primarily due to its builder, William Radtke, who constructed many of the residential and commercial buildings in Gilroy during the early parts of the 20th century. Buildings in downtown Gilroy before the construction of this building had three design styles: Mission Revival, Commercial, and Neoclassical. This building adds the Spanish Colonial Revival design to the architectural design mix of downtown. Spanish Colonial Revival design typically includes: stucco walls, red clay tile roofs, arches, wrought iron, wooden beams, courtyards and patios, ornamental tiles, small balconies, tower elements, and rounded chimneys. Adding this fourth design style to the city’s commercial core is historically and architecturally significant.
7515-17 Monterey Street: Thornton Building (1921)
Built in 1900, the Thornton Building has a rectangular footprint (50’ x 142’). It is a single-story brick commercial structure that has been somewhat altered on the street façade over the years and, later, when it was split into two separate business locations. The most distinctive feature of the structure is the variated parapet (wall sticking up above the roof that has varying height) along the roofline of the building, which is in the shape of an elongated, arched brick band. The cornice (wall / roof meeting point) is composed of bricks placed in a right angle to the horizontal placement of the façade wall. The entry doors are deeply recessed and composed of large plate glass in aluminum frames. The original basketweave mosaic tile entrance to the north doorway adds to the historical value. The alterations have not adversely affected the design quality of the structure or the basic composition of the building. Even with its altered looks, the Thornton building helps define the old Gilroy commercial district.
The historical and architectural significance of this building, commonly called The Thornton Building, includes a curved façade that is unique and important in the Monterey streetscape. Now a divided structure with two storefronts, it was originally one.
In 1931 this building housed the Heck & Bands California Market. It has been a music store and several other iterations including food and beverage services.
7541-43 Monterey Street: Robinson Hardware (1915)
When constructed in 1915, the Robinson Building was a two-story hardware store established by Amos Robinson. Robinson’s wares included more than just hardware, they sold china, glassware, and home decorating items. Workers at the local canneries looked forward to a trip to Robinson’s to purchase some of the finer things in life. It was more like the proverbial general store - farming and building supplies, housewares, and other essentials for a small town.
This building is historically and architecturally significant for several reasons. It was designed by William Weeks, is an “anchor” building downtown and is listed by the City as an historic site. The attractive and interesting façade featured decorative friezes above and below the second story windows. A large “R” monogram at the center of the parapet (wall extension above the roofline) lends a distinctive touch to add to the historical value. The ground level floor housed Dick Bruhn’s and M’Lady Bruhns fashion clothing store for many years. Old photos reveal that at one point the upstairs was a hotel, entered by a door still visible on the street. The Robinson Building is a significant building in the Mainstreet streetscape of Monterey Road.
Known by the locals as Robinson Hardware, this handsome two-story brick building (64’ x 142’) is designed in an early 20th century commercial style with some slight neo-classical touches. It is one of the half dozen major buildings which give Gilroy’s central business district its architectural flavor and helps unify the surrounding smaller commercial buildings. The structure is constructed on a large rectangular plan with all of the design elements of the commercial style: a variated parapet (wall extension above the roofline), a pronounced cornice (wall/roof intersection) with oversized bracket and dentils; paired rectangular windows which are double hung and set in a band across the second story elevation; pronounced molded stringcourses separating floors, and the streetside band of large plate glass windows surrounding recessed glass double door entries with marble cladding on the base. The entire front elevation is covered in white glazed brick. Further detailing is provided by the decorative shield with an inscribed “R” which is centered under a centrally placed flagpole. The centered flagpole is a repeated element found on various downtown Gilroy commercial buildings which is a design holdover from the 19th century commercial buildings.
7579-81 Monterey Street (Sorci & Son, 1925/1926)
This Mediterranean Revival commercial building was built by local Gilroy builder William Radtke in 1920. This structure is a stylistic version of the brick front commercial design. While retaining original design elements, the store fronts have recessed entrances that were modified using aluminum frames with large glass panel doors. From the middle of the wall upward and outward, the facade is original in design. The brick is set to show a skeleton of structure with recessed panels for signage. The curvilinear cornice is decorated with four molded shields and semi-circular crowns. These may have been added after original construction.
This building is historically and architecturally significant due to its being a slightly more ornate version of the standard commercial building design which lines Monterey Street. This structure is notable particularly in the handsome brickwork and distinctive curvilinear cornice line (in the manner of an Espadana or bell gable). Plaster decorative shields further define the four squared parapets (wall projection above the roof) which punctuate the street façade adding visual rhythm. The other features of the building repeat the spatial breakup which characterizes the commercial storefronts’ aluminum framing that has been added to the façade entry. Although this too is a supporting structure, it provides a significant function in bridging the gap between the half dozen or so major buildings in downtown Gilroy and the small strips of commercial structures between the larger buildings.
Occupants have included a variety of businesses throughout the years.
7578-88 Monterey Street: Strand Theater (1921)
The Strand Theater was built in 1921. This two-story Neoclassical formed reinforced concrete building was erected as an extension of the Masonic Lodge previously located next door to the north. Although the Strand was separate from the Masonic Hall next door, the second floors of the two buildings were connected. Masonic Lodge members used the second story of the Strand as a social hall. Unfortunately, the Masonic Lodge and auto parts store below it (designed by William Weeks) burned down in 1991.
The Strand has many features in common with the former Lodge including flourishes such as a cornice with decorated frieze and windows with circular dividers. Unique to the building is the parapet roofline with spindled baluster railing on top. There was previously a large, art deco marque but unfortunately, it was removed by the owner in the 1990’s. The original center entrance was recessed with a ticket booth in the center. The building helps anchor the best commercial block in the city. Although only in satisfactory condition, the quality of the original design shines through on this building, as it does on a half dozen others on the surrounding blocks of Monterey Street, to give the city a genuine sense of time and place – a rare commodity amid the sprawl of Santa Clara County.
The audience at the new theater could sit in one of 900 plush opera seats and listen to the $15,000 pipe organ. Stars appearing in live productions used one of the four dressing rooms at stage level. Lesser performers had dressing facilities available in the basement. Performances at the Strand included local and professional theater productions, concerts, musicals, and Gilroy High School theater presentations. The Strand also presented current Hollywood movies through the 1980’s. In the early days admission was ten cents for children and twenty cents for adults. Next door was a popular ice cream shop – Schillings.
Architectural and Historical Significance includes the fact that the Strand Theater, when it was completed and opened on December 3, 1921, was the most elegant entertainment center in the area. The architects who drew up the plans were the Reid Brothers of San Francisco. William Radtke, a well-known local builder, was the contractor. The builders expressed pride that the theater was modern in every way due to the reinforced concrete. Radtke learned how to use this technique when he contracted with Henry Miller, largest landowner in the area, to construct the concrete silos that are still standing east of Highway 101, between the highway and the railroad tracks, just south of the ramp to Highway 25.
Current occupants use the facility as a night club and dance hall featuring popular local musical groups.
7568-74 Monterey Street: Chaloupka Building (1928)
This two-story brick front commercial building was built by Gilroy’s most prolific builder, William Radtke in 1928. It started life as the Red and White Gilroy Food Shop and has seen a wide variety of uses since then. The terra cotta ornamentation embellishing the roofline with free-standing urns is the most distinctive feature. The embossed pilasters which frame the large windows are especially handsome. The unit next door at 7574 Monterey Street was originally part of the same building, but has an altered façade. The segmented windows above its entrance were probably originally part of 7568 also.
7560-62 Monterey Street: Elks Building (1931)
This two-story Spanish colonial revival building, formerly known as the “Elks Building,” was designed by architect Albert Roller and built by William Radtke in 1931 for the Gilroy Elks Lodge. The original arched windows along the top of the façade and double ornate wooden posts by the entrance remain intact. Over the arched doorway outside, you can see an elk’s head with a shield above the arched upstairs entrance (see photograph below). A framed marble plaque commemorates the building as a gift from Lin W. Wheeler, owner of Pieters-Wheeler Seed Company, to his Elks brothers of Gilroy Lodge #1567. Because the original building was made from poured concrete, it is one of a few commercial buildings in Gilroy that did not need to be retrofitted when recent laws made that a requirement for older structures built from brick.
In addition to being an original founder of the Gilroy Elks Lodge, Lin Wheeler was one of the most prominent residents and philanthropists in the history of Gilroy. He came to Gilroy in 1910 from New York state and owned the aforementioned seed company, which served the rapidly expanding agricultural businesses in the Santa Clara Valley. Wheeler’s philanthropy led to the construction of Wheeler Hospital, the city’s first major medical facility, in 1929, Wheeler Auditorium, still used for civic events and entertainments today, in 1940, and the city’s Gymkhana Grounds, where Gilroy’s legendary annual Gymkhana rodeo event was held from 1930 through 1956.
While the Elks conducted their meetings upstairs, the downstairs housed several furniture stores, including Barshinger’s. In 1969, the Gilroy Elks relocated to their current location on Hecker Pass Highway just west of Gilroy, a facility built with the proceeds of the sale of their building on Monterey Street. In 1979, the building was purchased by Ford’s Department Stores, which was the oldest department store chain in California at the time. Changing retail shopping trends and extensive damages to Santa Cruz and Watsonville Ford stores caused by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake eventually forced Ford’s to declare bankruptcy in 1993 which led to the closure of the Gilroy store location.
In January 2018, the building became the home of the Golden State Brewery which heralded a microbrewery expansion for downtown Gilroy with signature outdoor seating area along Monterey Street. The brew pub and grill closed in September 2019 and was eventually replaced in November 2021 by the current tenant Tempo Kitchen and Bar, an open-air restaurant and bar hosting live music acts and other themed events.
7550 Monterey Street: Gilroy Rubber Works (1919)
William Radtke remodeled this building, perhaps dating from the late 1890s, attractively in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. It was occupied for many years by the Gilroy Rubber Works.
40-46 Martin Street: Radtke Building (1929)
This Spanish Colonial Revival building was the headquarters of William Radtke. For over 50 years he was responsible for much of Gilroy’s commercial and residential development.
7484-90 Monterey Street: Hersman Building (First National Bank; 1912)
This Neoclassical building, the second bank in Gilroy was one of builder William Radtke’s finest. The block rustication on its west and north sides is especially noteworthy.
7466-82 Monterey Street: Dispatch Building (1917)
This Moderne style building, built by William Radtke, was the home of Gilroy’s newspaper from 1925 until 1982, including the typesetters and press, the publisher, editor, and reporters.
7440 Monterey Street: Parisian Cleaners (1910/21)
This Moderne style building was occupied by a dry cleaner for over 60 years. The oversized awning is both a sign and an illusion, which lines up this single-story building with its neighbors.
7436 Monterey Street: Coast Counties Electric Building (1912/1925)
William Radtke built this home for Coast Counties Gas and Electric. From 1956 to 1991 it was the home of Lawton’s Gem Shop. The interior has a beautiful coffered ceiling with skylights.
7400 Monterey Street: Old City Hall (National Register of Historic Places, 1905)
Built by Granite Construction Company with stone quarried near Christmas Hill Park, this elaborate building was designed by Frank Delos Wolfe. Serving Gilroy’s City Hall for over 50 years, it originally contained all city functions, including the fire and police departments and jail.
7390 Monterey Street: Ellis Garage (Mediterranean Revival, 1923)
Spanish Colonial Revival Style. Designed by William Weeks and built by William Radtke as an auto dealership. The Tucker Brothers Studebaker Company was the first occupant.
7250 Monterey Street: Southern Pacific Railroad Depot (1918)
After Gilroy residents went to Sacramento to demand a new depot, the State Railroad Commission ordered Southern Pacific to build this Spanish Colonial Revival style station.
7257-61 Monterey Street: Cherry Blossom Hotel (Spanish Colonial Revival, 1921)
Built by William Radtke to accommodate visitors arriving by train this building was also reputed to have been a brothel. It is part of the area formerly known as Chinatown.
7357 Monterey Street: Porcella’s Music (1870’s)
This handsome brick commercial building is one of the few to retain its original design. Owned by the Porcella family since the early 1900s, it was a haberdashery, later a music store.
7363-71 Monterey Street: Louis Hotel (1921)
Binder and Curtis designed this distinctive neoclassic hotel built by William Radtke. The impressive interior with handcrafted wood paneling, 14’ beamed ceilings, and fancy cuisine soon made it a preferred stop between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
7397 Monterey Street: Milias Hotel (William Weeks; Mediterranean Revival, 1922)
60 West Sixth Street: Old Post Office (1920)
This commercial building has a pressed brick façade with interesting chevron panels. Owner Michael Casey, Postmaster Moore, and builder William Radtke researched an efficient plan.
74 West Sixth Street: Veteran’s Hall (1949)
After WWII, funds were raised through a tax assessment for this tribute to veterans. Today this contemporary style building remains an active Home of the Brave to all local veterans.
55 West Sixth Street: The Advocate Building (1916)
The owner and editor of Gilroy’s first newspaper, W.R. Blake Jr., commissioned William Radtke to build this Mission Revival style building as its home.
7401 Monterey Street: Ellis Building (1872)
The ground floor is the oldest building on Monterey Street; upper floors were added later. It was best known as Hall’s Western Wear when a full-sized statue of rodeo star Casey Tibbs and his horse, Warpaint, graced the corner of the broad fixed awning.
7445 Monterey Street: Chesbro Building (1917)
Dr. H.R. Chesbro and his son Dr. Elmer Chesbro had their offices upstairs when it opened. Later occupants of this Neoclassical commercial building have been cafes, a hardware store, and an antique shop.
7451 Monterey Street: Johnson Drug Store (Palmer & Gurries; Mediterranean Revival, 1924)
7485 Monterey Street (Gilroy Shoe Repair; 1941)
This building from the late 1890s was remodeled in the Moderne style. The shiny black tile and original street number in the octagonal window over the door are classic features.
60 Fifth Street: Weaver-Tremaine House (William Weeks; Queen Anne Victorian, 1900)
92 Fifth Street: American Legion Hall (1926/1927)
Volunteer members of Post 217 built this Spanish Colonial Revival style building. It is a significant reminder of the important part Gilroy residents played in our country’s military conflicts and their patriotic dedication.
7477 Eigleberry Street: Amos Robinson House (1882)
A prominent resident since 1867, Amos Robinson built this Neoclassical style home. He owned a machine shop and successful hardware store on Monterey Street.
140 Fifth Street: Willey House (1857)
This Folk Victorian/Greek revival style home was built for James K. rule, the pastor of the Christian church. Later Judge Howard Willey made several additions and planted beautiful gardens, calling it is “Floral Home.”
160 Fifth Street: Christian Church
The Protestant congregation formed in 1855 and built this framed Greek Revival style church in 1957. It is the oldest church of this denomination in California and on the National Register of Historic Places.
List of all map locations:
195 Fifth Street: Carnegie Library Building (William Weeks, 1910)
111 Fifth Street: Jessen-Menke House (William Weeks; Craftsman, 1912/1913)
7539 Eigleberry Street: Holloway House (William Weeks; Queen Anne Victorian, 1903)
55 Fifth Street: Old Fire Station (William Binder/William Radtke Builders, 1916)
7501-07 Monterey Street (Radtke Builder; Spanish Colonial Revival, 1928)
7515-17 Monterey Street: Thornton Building (Double brick arched facade, 1921)
7541-43 Monterey Street: Robinson Hardware (William Weeks, 1915)
7579-81 Monterey Street (Radtke Builder; Mediterranean Revival, 1925/1926)
7578-88 Monterey Street: Strand Theater (Reid Bros./Radtke Builders, 1921)
7568-74 Monterey Street (Radtke Builder; Neoclassic Details, 1928)
7560-62 Monterey Street: Elks Building (Albert Roller/Radtke Builders; Spanish Colonial Revival, 1931)
7550 Monterey Street: Gilroy Rubber Works (Radtke Builder;, Spanish Colonial Revival, 1919)
40-46 Martin Street: Radtke Building (Radtke Construction HQ, 1929)
7484-90 Monterey Street: Hersman Building (First National Bank; Radtke Builder, 1912)
7466-82 Monterey Street: Dispatch Building (Radtke Builder; Moderne Style, 1917)
7440 Monterey Street: Parisian Cleaners (1910/21)
7436 Monterey Street: Coast Counties Electric Building (1912/1925)
7400 Monterey Street: Old City Hall (Frank Delos Wolfe; National Register of Historic Places, 1905)
7390 Monterey Street: Ellis Garage (William Weeks; Mediterranean Revival, 1923)
7250 Monterey Street: Southern Pacific Railroad Depot (Mediterranean Revival, 1918)
7257-61 Monterey Street: Cherry Blossom Hotel (Spanish Colonial Revival, 1921)
7357Monterey Street: Porcella’s Music (1870’s)
7363-71 Monterey Street: Louis Hotel (Binder& Curtis/Radtke Builders; Neoclassic Style, 1921)
7397 Monterey Street: Milias Hotel (William Weeks; Mediterranean Revival, 1922)
60 West Sixth Street: Old Post Office (1920)
74 West Sixth Street: Veteran’s Hall (1949)
55 West Sixth Street: The Advocate Building (Radtke Builder, 1916)
7401 Monterey Street: Ellis Building (Oldest Building, 1872)
7445 Monterey Street: Chesbro Building (Radtke Builder; Neoclassic Style, 1917)
7451 Monterey Street: Johnson Drug Store (Palmer & Gurries; Mediterranean Revival, 1924)
7485 Monterey Street (Radtke Builder; Moderne Style, 1941)
60 Fifth Street: Weaver-Tremaine House (William Weeks; Queen Anne Victorian, 1900)
92 Fifth Street: American Legion Hall (Spanish Colonial Revival, 1926/1927)
7477 Eigleberry Street: Amos Robinson House (Neoclassic, 1882)
140 Fifth Street: Willey House (Folk Victorian/Classic Revival, 1857)
160 Fifth Street: Christian Church (National Register of Historic Places; Greek Revival, 1857)
An excellent resource for further information on historical building styles is American Architecture Since 1780: A Guide to the Styles by Marcus Whiffen.
For more information see the City of Gilroy Historic Context Statement for a very comprehensive, detailed city history.