The Adobe Building: From Pump Station to Party Place

From the day it was built , also known as the Mountain View Adobe, has been a well-utilized meeting place for many different events.

Looking back 77 years ago this month–before re-located to Truman and Bryant–the school regularly held their social functions at the Mountain View Adobe since they didn’t have a gymnasium or other facility large enough for such gatherings.

Going back 82 years, the location held the town’s pump station and main water source. Some years later, the city built a meeting place for downtown Mountain View and the Navy’s as the corner location was ideal; hence, the Mountain View Adobe was born.

During the World War II, the Mountain View Adobe was used as a serviceman's club and hospitality house for veterans. After the war, it became an events center, earning the name of “Eagle Shack teen center” while being the place for Mountain View High School dances and events.

The building was closed for nearly 15 years due to seismic building regulations issues. Restored to its original Spanish architectural style, the building reopened in 2001.

According to Steve Achabal, for the City of Mountain View, “the Mountain View Adobe was used for about 20 years and when it became vacant the Mountain View Historical Association took over and restored it”.

In August 2002, the building received designation as California Historical Landmark. Since then it has continued to be an events or "party" place used for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and reunions. Today, the City of Mountain View manages and maintains the various parties and events, which mostly take place on weekends.

Earlier this month, the Mountain View Historical Association had a barbecue at the Mountain View Adobe, according to Achabal. He added that many people like to have their wedding parties there because of the modestly attractive Spanish-style building and the fountain in the outdoor area.

Local citizens have their engagement, anniversary, and birthday parties at the Adobe house. The last private group event was an 80th birthday party, and there was another event—a memorial for a man who went to Mountain View High School during the days of having school dances at the “Eagle Shack.”

Caterman Catering of San Jose has crafted a wide variety of cuisines for the Mountain View Adobe parties since 2006, which was for one of their many wedding clients.

“The events we do at Adobe House are mostly weddings, but we also cater private functions and corporate events,” said Erin Larkin of Caterman Catering.

Many brides have chosen Caterman Catering for their weddings at the Adobe House perhaps because of the “build-your-custom-menu” package, which allows the bride and groom some flexibility and variety for a truly customized event.

Whether weddings on a budget or on a grandeur scale, Larkin explained that they have the experience and specialize in either. They also cater medium to large-scale corporate events and barbecues and provide full-service event planning and coordinating.

With wedding season underway, the Mountain View Adobe and Caterman Catering combination would be worth considering—and with the track record it would be hard to go wrong.

Planning a party or other event in the near future and would like information on renting the historical Mountain View Adobe?

Go to this link: Historic Adobe Building or contact Steve Achabal at 650-903-6407. Caterman Catering is located at 5369 Camden Avenue, Suite 270 in San Jose. Telephone: 800-545-1444.