The Cupertino Courier

News

Dilapidated Tank House to be repaired

By HUGH BIGGAR

An historic link to Cupertino's ranching past is about to receive a long overdue renovation.

After some modern-day horse trading between the city and a homeowners association, the Nathan Hall Tank House is set to be renovated by the city.

The tall, narrow structure sits next to the Blue Pheasant Restaurant on Stevens Creek Boulevard.

As part of a development agreement between the Byrne Avenue Home- owners Association and Cupertino more than 20 years ago, the association agreed to maintain the tank house.

That has not happened, though, and the building is now in disrepair.

"Many of the current homeowners did not know [maintenance] was part of the deal, since it was really the developer, Terry Brown, who agreed to it," said Dave Knapp, Cupertino's city manager. The developer was also required to relocate the tank house from the Oak Dell Ranch area to its current location.

Built in the late 19th century by settler Nathan Hall, the tank house was initially used to store water for irrigation. Later it was also reportedly used as a viewing stand for horses at Oak Dell Ranch, particularly as a way to view one of Cupertino's more famous residents--the racehorse Phar Lap.

"It has historical significance, especially since the viewing stand was used as a kind of stadium for audiences," Knapp said.

Despite its page in history, the structure has not been renovated since the 1980 deal.

As a result, the city initiated discussions with the Byrne Avenue homeowners in 2003 to make that happen.

"The homeowners felt a little cheated since they didn't know about the 1980 covenant," Knapp said. Through the talks, the city also learned part of the city-owned Blue Pheasant property intruded on neighboring homeowners association land.

The homeowners have since agreed to donate that land to the city in exchange for Cupertino taking over restoration of the tank house.

"Terry Brown, the ex-developer, has also agreed to put a new roof on," Knapp said.

The city's department of community development is also looking for others to help through donations of materials, money or labor. Those who contribute can receive a plaque in exchange for their services.