What hides behind those genteel walls
The Piedmont Court building has always interested people who wondered what was the history behind it. It was built by a wealthy investor from Mexico in 1912 with money from his silver mine who had survived the 1906 earthquake. He wanted it to be earthquake proof and it was known for its steam heat, elevator, and hot and cold running water. He failed to finish the home due to the Mexican Revolution and it was completed with money invested by two local businessmen. The house is Moorish in design with artistic details inside and was once was “the” place to live. It was sold in 1952 to the California Teachers Asso which houses teachers between 50 and 70 as an association arrangement. The article also lists other important historical homes that will be featured in a tour along with the Piedmont in the coming weeks.
Creator:
Marybeth Varcados
Source:
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Date: 1986-07-24
Type:
NEWS
Coverage:
- 1910s
- 1950s
- 1980s
- Santa Cruz
Identifier: FE-BEN-Santa Cruz-16
Collection
Citation
Varcados, Marybeth. “What hides behind those genteel walls.” Santa Cruz Sentinel. 1986-07-24. SCPL Local History. https://history.santacruzpl.org/omeka/items/show/139778. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
