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Photograph by Skye Dunlap
The 15-acre plot on the corner of Mathilda Avenue and El Camino Real--the site of a cherry orchard for the past 100 years--will soon house up to 700 residents.
Olson's orchard falls to progress
By Kelly Wilkinson
Amid the roar of bulldozers and the whine of wood-chippers, one of Sunnyvale's most historic places gave way to change last Thursday as the last of Charles Olson's cherry tree orchard disappeared from the corner of Mathilda and El Camino Real.
The City Council approved the plot of land for redevelopment in June, but the tangible removal of the trees last week prompted many residents to drop by the cherry stand or call and reminisce about the orchard's place in Sunnyvale's collective memory.
"We're getting lots of calls from people wanting to know what's going on and what's happening," said Deborah Olson. "And a lot of people who may have never even come here but have seen the orchard day after day for years--and now [the trees] aren't here."
Olson acknowledged both the personal and public sense of loss.
"It's very, very difficult," she said. "It's 100 years of history taken down in less than a week and it's just hard to imagine. But it's the reality and we have to move on. It's a sad changing of time for all of us--not just for my family but for everyone."
The 15-acre plot will be developed into a 70-30 split between residential and commercial development. The residential portion will include 300 four-story apartments built over underground parking, while the 60,000 square feet of retail space will be anchored with a restaurant on the corner.
The old cherry stand and water tower will remain, but each will be redesigned and updates. Deborah Olson says she thinks having the cherry stand around will be important for the community, and she remains optimistic about the orchard's next phase.
"They say that change is good, so we'll let you know."
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
