Palo Alto’s historic Roth Building wins Heritage Grant for window restoration

SAN JOSE – Yesterday, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Historical Heritage Grant to the City of Palo Alto for the Roth Building located at 300 Homer Avenue. The grant of $182,448 will support the restoration and repair of the Roth Building’s windows.

“The Palo Alto History Museum, to be housed at the Roth Building, has been a work in progress for a very long time,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian. “But it’s worth it. It’s a window on our shared history. It aims to celebrate our local history, help us understand our differences, and promote shared values in our community. These are competitive grants; that the Palo Alto History Museum continues to win them is proof of the importance of its mission.”

Roth Building located at 300 Homer Avenue in Palo Alto

The windows in the Roth Building have not been used or maintained in the 20 years the building has been unoccupied. In that time, many windows were damaged by bad weather and vandalism. The grant will pay to repair and restore the 59 existing windows in the Roth Building to their original 1930s splendor, while also making them 21st century energy efficient and UV resistant to protect the city archives and artifacts that will be housed in the Museum in years to come. The windows have rare vintage features that do not exist in windows today such as distinct, decorative glass blocks, small screen doors, and small metal pull-down screens.

“The restoration of the windows takes a big step closer to opening the Museum to the public,” said Diane Moon, Chief Operating Officer of the Palo Alto History Museum. “This Museum will not just be about the past, it’ll be about the future. It’ll host interactive exhibits, meeting rooms, hands-on activities, research archives, thought-provoking programs, a multimedia studio, and even a small café, all in a sustainably built modern facility, right next to downtown.”

With the upcoming window restoration and last year’s restoration of an original 1940s Otis three-level, 3,500-pound traction elevator, the city-owned Roth Building is shaping up to be a showcase for local history. Built in 1932, the Roth Building housed the community’s first physician group practice, the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, and is “a signature example” of work by architect Birge M. Clark, who is credited with establishing the city’s Mediterranean look and feel.

“As the birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is rich in our local history and the advancement of the Palo Alto History Museum located at the historic Roth Building will transform this wonderful community resource into a vibrant place that will educate, inspire, and excite all ages,” said Lydia Kou, Palo Alto Mayor. “The City is excited to partner with the Palo Alto History Museum, the County of Santa Clara, and many other supporters.”

The County’s Historic Heritage Commission solicits and receives grant applications for consideration annually. As a previous recipient of County historical heritage grants, the City of Palo Alto is already in the process of restoring the Roth Building’s original clay tile roof, and is scheduling the conservation and protection of the 1932 Arnautoff Frescoes.

“For those around the County and the Country who are interested in architecture, art, engineering and local history, the restoration of this iconic building is a big win,” said Simitian. “We have an opportunity to preserve history and support a grassroots community effort. I’m glad the Museum supporters have been so determined and persistent.”