Azul

Cottle and Lester Historic Renovations

A vital infrastructure project ensuring reliable water storage and distribution for the community.

Location:

San Jose

Year Completed:

Ongoing

Client:

County of Santa Clara

Industry:

Public

Scope of Work

Cottle & Lester Historic Ranch in San Jose, California is a project for the County of Santa Clara in which Azul Works is acting as the general contractor for this multi-trade project. Azul oversees management of the infrastructure upgrades to the 70-acre site including over 30,000 LF of utilities. This includes electrical, stormwater, sewer, and water utilities. The project also included the building of new roadways and trails. The historical restoration of Cottle House (1859), the Japanese house the water pumphouse, water tower, and tank are also included in the historic restorations. New site improvements include a prefabricated outdoor classroom, upgraded circulation paths, maintenance yard paving, RV camping spaces, fencing, and park furnishings.

Cultural Relevance

The Cottle & Lester Historic Ranch, now part of Martial Cottle Park in San Jose, preserves over 150 years of agricultural history in the heart of Silicon Valley. Originally settled in the 1860s, the land remained in the Cottle Lester family for generations and reflects the area’s deep farming roots including contributions from Japanese tenant farmers in the early 20th century. The ranch’s preservation honors Walter Cottle Lester’s decision to donate the property rather than sell to developers, ensuring its story could be shared with future generations. Today, the site celebrates the cultural and agrarian heritage of the Santa Clara Valley through restored buildings, interpretive exhibits, and public programming.

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