Art gallery, cafe reside in history: Two Main Street homes in Redwood City on National Register of Historic places

From the federal perspective, however, a property owner can do whatever they want with their property as long as there are no federal dollars attached to it.

The buildings are tucked away and not easily seen from the street, just south of the Downtown Library.

The Offerman House is the oldest surviving building in downtown Redwood City having been originally constructed in 1857, according to city officials. It was enlarged in 1871 and spared from demolition in 1974. It now houses the Main Gallery, which is a collective of artists who show their works there. It’s a folk Greek Revival-style dwelling that was commonly built by early settlers.

The home was recently sold, however, and the artists who make up the collective are not yet sure what the building’s fate will be.

Most people find the art gallery after having brunch at Alana’s, said photographer Lynne Auld, whose work is currently displayed.

She is hoping the new historic status of the gallery will attract more visitors.

The Dielmann House was built in 1892 at 505 Middlefield Road. It moved to its current location in 1978 to save it from demolition, according to city officials.

The Dielmann House is one of the best-preserved Queen Anne-style cottages in Redwood City and one of only a handful of Victorian-era dwellings that remain in the city center, according to city officials. Like the Offerman House, the exterior of the Dielmann House was faithfully restored in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards in 1979, and nearly all of the interior finishes and materials have been retained, including the flooring, redwood wainscoting, fireplace mantels and built-in cabinetry, according to city officials.

Other properties in Redwood City that are on the National Register of Historic Places include:

• Union Cemetery;

• Redwood City Historic Commercial Buildings (comprised of Diller-Chamberlin Store at 726 Main St., Bank of San Mateo County building at 2000 Broadway, Fitzpatrick building at 2020 Broadway, San Mateo County Building and Loan Association building at 2022–2024 Broadway);

• Lathrop House, the only other residential property on the register, located next to the County Center;

• Sequoia Union High School;

• San Mateo County Courthouse; and

• The Fox Theatre on Broadway.

The Main Gallery will host a holiday show between Nov. 18 and Dec. 31. Go to themaingallery.org to learn more.

bill@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 102