The clickity clack and whistle of the trains passing through downtown Pleasanton have long been a familiar sound to its residents. The modern day sounds echo more than a century and a half of trains that have stopped at the Pleasanton stations and depots which have served as a vital link between west coast cities and the rest of the United States.
When the original Central Pacific Railroad depot on Neal Street was destroyed by fire on July 26, 1873, it was immediately replaced by a one-story depot that was then remodeled and enlarged in 1881. However, by the 1890s, Pleasanton had begun to outgrow the one-story depot and the Southern Pacific Railroad consolidating with Central Pacific had plans to build the two-story depot that still exists today at 30 West Neal St.
Instead of destroying the one-story depot, the depot took a journey of its own that spanned more than 140 years, 15 owners of record and more than one remodel/expansion. In 1905 it was moved to its final destination at 4376 Second St. where is remains today anticipating its new caretaker.
The modern day train sounds blend into the past for owners Tom and Pam Mays who have spent the past 20 years researching local history, scouring architectural salvage yards for authentic period fixtures, and creating a beautiful home for modern-day living with a respect for the past.
Their research took them to libraries, the County of Alameda, UC Berkeley, San Francisco and all over the Bay Area as they collected a record of the title, photos of former owners and lots of correspondence. They even learned from railroad historian and author Henry Bender Jr. that their home, the depot, was a “non-standard” railroad depot built by Central Pacific.
The former depot building had been home to several families already, but it was the Mays who have lovingly expanded, remodeled and preserved it with a meticulous and thoughtful attention to retaining the integrity of a significant piece of Pleasanton history.
The historic home with its charming wrap-around covered porch and deep setback sits on a quarter acre lot and features three bedrooms, loft/fourth bedroom/office, and three bathrooms, basement/cellar and more than 1,000 square feet of walk-in attic space ideal for additional bedrooms or game room for a total of more than 3,500 square feet under roof.
Gorgeous original nine-foot bead board walls and tongue and groove ceiling are freshly painted and highlight the gleaming Douglas Fir hardwood floors, custom leaded glass and double hung windows, and Victorian doors and hardware. All the plumbing and electrical have been upgraded in addition to a new central heat and air conditioning system.
The Mays say it was important to them to research the history of the depot and not let that piece of history get lost. Their painstaking research revealed a treasure trove of who’s who. The depot had been originally moved to vacant lot nearby owned by the John Kottinger family in 1894. Kottinger’s widow, Mary Refugio Bernal Kottinger sold the property to the Anselmo Family who had the depot building moved to their property at 4376 Second St.
Renowned architect David B. Farquharson known for his design of UC Berkeley’s South Hall and the first state capitol courthouse supervised the first remodel that included the 800-square-feet of covered porch in 1911. He had been working for Phoebe Hearst on her residence at Hacienda del Verona (now Castlewood Country Club). She sent him to 4376 Second St. to work on Robert Miller’s, her gardener’s, home.
The Mays’ “labor of love” included adding square footage with the restoration of interior walls to replicate the original depot. With the help and guidance by Pleasanton Architect Charles Huff, the Mays installed 7,000 linear feet of beaded board to match the original depot wall and ceilings and crown molding and added a gourmet kitchen with granite counters and bead board backsplash, farm sink with decorative apron, beautifully crafted Wood-Mode cabinetry and stainless appliances including Electrolux professional series range with dual ovens and Bosch dishwasher. Replicated antique fixtures, door hardware, converted gas lights and custom leaded glass windows designed by Pleasanton stained glass artist Penny Burke were also added.
Today, there is a great room with luxurious carpeting, and, where the depot’s baggage room use to be, is the master bedroom with walk-in closet and large bathroom. A second level was added where there is a loft/office or fourth bedroom area. There is also access to a more than 1,000 square foot insulated walk-in attic ideal for additional bedrooms, game or bonus room. Two additional bedrooms are on the main floor with a Jack and Jill bathroom.
The covered back porch provides a lovely view of the back garden with lush lawn and mature trees. A 19th century wrought iron fence from Montataire, France defines the wide side yard and adds to the charming curb appeal.
There is a detached 840-square-foot, three-car garage that is 24 feet deep with nine-foot sectional doors.
The City of Pleasanton Downtown Historic Statement recognizes the home as the “Original Train Station” for Pleasanton.
Ideal location within walking distance to the historic downtown, Farmers Market, Concerts in the Park, dining, and shopping with convenient access to major commute routes, and top performing schools.
VITAL STATS
What: Historic Pleasanton home walking distance to the downtown meticulously updated with modern amenities.
Size: Approximately 3,500 square feet on approximately one-quarter acre.
Bedrooms: Three plus loft/office/fourth bedroom Bathrooms: Three Features: Detached 840-square-foot three-car garage, 120-square-foot utility building for office/playhouse or garden shed, nine-foot ceilings, Douglas Fir hardwood floors, custom leaded glass windows, wide side yard with antique fencing from France, basement/cellar, enclosed porch area, back porch, spacious backyard with mature landscape, new central HVAC, nine-foot ceilings, new plumbing and electric, gourmet kitchen, updated bathrooms.
Price: $1,695,000 may be adjusted Listing Agent: Remax Accord, Pamela Mays, 925-997-8001, pamela.mays@remax.net. For a virtual tour, visit www.tourfactory.com/1255434. Open house today from 1 to 4 p.m.
About One of a Kind: This weekly feature examines a home for sale in the Bay Area and is produced by the Bay Area News Group marketing department for Bay Area Homes. Information believed accurate but not verified.
