History
The José María Alviso Adobe, located in Milpitas, California, United States, was the home of José María Alviso, an early alcalde (mayor) of neighboring Pueblo de San Jose. It was built in 1837 and enlarged in the early 1850s, and stands as an excellent example of the Monterey Colonial style of architecture popularized throughout California in the 1830s and 1840s. It is the only remaining example of this style in the Santa Clara Valley. The adobe is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is the result of a major remodeling completed by 1853 by the Alviso family. They added a wood-frame second floor to the family's one-story adobe house. Before the remodeling in 1853, the earlier building, built around 1837, most likely as a one-story adobe, provided the thick adobe walls of the first floor. The Alviso Adobe is a two-story residence with a hipped roof and a balcony carried on three sides. The plan of the rectangular residence is symmetrical, comprising three rooms downstairs with three upstairs rooms. The Alviso Adobe contains a remarkable amount of historic fabric—adobe walls from the 1830s, examples of framing and doors, windows, hardware from 1853 and an almost...
Common questions
What is the José María Alviso Adobe?
The José María Alviso Adobe is a historic two-story adobe residence in Milpitas, California, that was the home of José María Alviso, an early alcalde (mayor) of the neighboring Pueblo de San Jose. It is the only remaining Monterey Colonial-style example in the Santa Clara Valley and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
When was the José María Alviso Adobe built?
The José María Alviso Adobe was built in 1837 as a one-story adobe house. It was enlarged in the early 1850s, with a major remodeling completed by 1853 that added a wood-frame second floor to the original adobe ground floor.
Where is the José María Alviso Adobe located?
The José María Alviso Adobe is located in Milpitas, California, in the Santa Clara Valley. The structure stands as the only remaining Monterey Colonial-style example in the Santa Clara Valley.
Is the José María Alviso Adobe open to the public?
No, the José María Alviso Adobe is classified as a private residence and is not open for tours. Its historical record is preserved through its National Register of Historic Places listing.
What architectural style is the José María Alviso Adobe?
The José María Alviso Adobe is an excellent example of the Monterey Colonial style popularized throughout California in the 1830s and 1840s. It is a two-story residence with a hipped roof and a balcony carried on three sides, with a symmetrical rectangular plan of three rooms downstairs and three upstairs.
Why is the José María Alviso Adobe historically significant?
The José María Alviso Adobe is the only remaining example of Monterey Colonial architecture in the Santa Clara Valley and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It retains a remarkable amount of historic fabric, including 1830s adobe walls and 1853 framing, doors, windows, and hardware.
