Carolands Gatehouse Reconstruction Project
| Ground Breaking: | Spring 2009 | | Expected Completion: | Winter 2009 |
The Carolands Gate House is a landmark of local significance in our distinguished community. Research suggests that Hillsborough may have been the first gated community in California, leaving the 80 year-old Gate House as a testament to that legacy. Since the 1970s it has fallen into a state of disrepair. In its current state remodel and repair are not viable options, so the existing Gate House will be demolished and rebuilt to match the existing structure for use by the Hillsborough Police Department. Funding The project, estimated to cost $400,000, is being funded through generous donations by Hillsborough residents. Additional donations are tax deductible1 and can be made via credit card directly to the Town by phone, fax, or in person. Stock donations and cash gifts to the Town will be accepted also. These and any future donations would be applied toward construction, landscaping, and future maintenance. A permanent plaque of appreciation will be installed on the rebuilt gatehouse acknowledging major benefactors in five categories: $1,000 - 4,999 | $5,000 - 9,999 | $10,000 - 14,999 | $15,000 - 24,999 | $25,000+ |
Any pledge amount will be received with gratitude and appreciation. To contribute, please contact Edna Masbad, Town of Hillsborough Finance Director, at (650) 375-7400. Gate House History Harriet Pullman Carolan built the Chateau (below) between 1914 and 1916 at a total cost of $3,000,000. At the time of its construction it was the second largest private  residence in America, and the largest home west of the Mississippi. Faced with financial difficulties in the 1920s, Carolan formed a joint venture with Lang Real Estate Company of Burlingame to sell off prime parcels of her land. Lang Realty built the massive gates on Ralston in 1926 that guarded the entry to the Carolands subdivision, and in 1929 it built the picturesque French-style 1000-square-foot lodge and garage. A live-in attendant admitted only owners and friends to the community. To set the tone of European charm and appeal, evocative of the Chateau, hand-painted overhead beams, a limestone fireplace, and elegant ornamentation were used. The gatehouse was used as a Town employee residence. The gatehouse was abandoned as a residence in the 1970’s and has continued to deteriorate since that time. Demolition and Reconstruction The goals of the project are to remove and re-use the slate roof, chimneys and other exterior ornamentation, raze the structure, put in a foundation to prevent further damage from the drainage channel behind the building, re-build the 1000-square-foot  gatehouse up to code, and install a driveway. The police will use separate revenue to furnish and equip the building’s interior into a part-time communications station and back-up command post. At least 75% of the existing structure will be salvaged or recycled. Salvageable and reusable elements will be saved and reused on the new building as feasible. Demolished materials will be hauled to construction and demolition debris recycling facilities. Two Eucalyptus trees that have outgrown the site and grown into the existing and future building’s footprint will also be removed. The new Gate House will be built in the same location and its exterior will structurally look the same as it does now. It will be energy and water efficient and will meet LEED Silver Certification. Future Use This proposed substation will afford the police department a more central location in Town (and closer than the Floribunda station to Crocker, North, West, and Nueva Day Schools) to conduct follow-up telephone interviews on investigations, process evidence, handle report preparation, and take necessary breaks during their 12-hour shifts. It will also serve as an emergency back-up post, should the technological infrastructure of the Floribunda building fail. The 350-square-foot gatehouse garage will house equipment (a motorcycle transport trailer, a vehicle evidence dolly) for protected storage. The Town of Hillsborough thanks the Gatehouse Project and each and every one of you for your support. For More Information Contact the Public Works Department, 650-375-7444. 1Under 26 U.S.C. Section 170(c)(1), gifts to a city are considered charitable contributions and are generally tax deductible, so long as the gift is for entirely public purposes. Please consult your personal tax or accounting consultant for further information or to determine its applicability to you.
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