Heritage Resource: Veterans Memorial Building
Located
in the heart of Danville, the Veterans
Memorial Building is important to the community in many ways. It honors our
veterans, serves as a location for senior programs, and is a symbol of the
social and cultural evolution of Danville and the San Ramon Valley.
Originally built in 1925, at a cost of $18,000, the
building was constructed to commemorate World War I veterans of the San Ramon
Valley.
In addition to being a place to commemorate veterans’
service and sacrifice, the building served as a cultural center for the
Danville area in the early 1950s with monthly dances, annual children’s
Christmas parties, and even high school plays.
As time passed, the building continued to be a
gathering place and served as the town library, courthouse, movie house, and the
County Supervisor’s office. Formerly
owned by Contra Costa County, the building was purchased by the Town of
Danville in 2008.
In 2010, the Town initiated an $8.1 million renovation
project which expanded the building to provide more services to the community. The
renovation was widely supported and collaboratively funded by the Town of
Danville, veterans groups, East
Bay Regional Park District, community donations and federal funds.
The front portion of the original building, considered
by many to be the most recognizable and iconic, was preserved and
rehabilitated, placed on a new foundation, and a new 1,100 square foot basement
was constructed below it.
A new 6,100 square foot
addition was constructed to the rear. The building now includes a banquet hall,
catering kitchen, meeting room, military research library, and displays of
military memorabilia donated by families throughout the valley.
The Building is
currently proposed for designation as a Town Heritage Resource at the July 17,
2012 Town Council Meeting. A Heritage Resource designation will provide for
placement of a Heritage Resource plaque to recognize its importance to the
community.
In 2012, the newly renovated Veterans Memorial
Building was dedicated, providing the community with a place for veteran and
senior activities and as an event center that is ideal for weddings, banquets,
and other activities.
For
more information regarding Heritage
Resources such as the Veterans Memorial Hall, contact Associate Planner
Crystal De Castro at 925-314-3314 or cdecastro@danville.ca.gov