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Description
Original plaque mounted at San Jose Diridon Station with dedication information and background information. Built in 1935 by John H. Christie, Architect. Placed in the National Register of Historic Places April 1, 1993. Dedicated December 8, 1994. Historic Summary: The narrow gauge South Pacific Coast Railroad began using the small wooden structure known as the "West San Jose Depot," on land purchased from Mrs. Mary Cahill, in 1877. Ownership transferred to Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) in 1888. The station was constructed in 1934 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. By the late 1970s use of the station and commuter service was declining. Peninsula Transportation Alternative Project studies led by Supervisors Gerry Steinberg, Rebecca Morgan and Rodney J. "Rod" Diridon resulted in the eventual purchase of the line and station by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The station has been authentically restored to its original grandeur by Caltrans and will be transferred upon rededication to the Peninusula Corridor Joint Powers Board (PCJPB). Beginning in 1973, Supervisor Diridon, the son of an SP railroad brakeman, consistently led efforts to save the service and depot. He chaired the studies and helped found the PCJPB. He chaired the Save Peninsula Area Rail Commute Committee and Metropolitan Transportation Commission that led to the public ownership and upgrade. During this 23 years in elected office he chaired the Board of Supervisors and Transit District Board six times, chaired the Guadalupe Corridor Light Rail and five other rail projects (including the Vasona Corridor Project that will bring light rail to this station) and led the 1976 and 1992 transit tax elections as well as national and international transit organizations. Supervisor Rod Diridon is known in Santa Clara County as "Mr. Transportation."
Type
image
Identifier
C78A0D72-F7E2-4621-AF86-247616482130 2016-28-162
Subject
Railroad stations Signs (Notices) Dedications San Jose Diridon Station Historic buildings Diridon, Rod, Sr
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