San Jose officials want to save the historically significant residence once home to a Japanese community leader, farmer and survivor of World War II internment camps in California.
Preservationists pledged last week to save the North San Jose farmhouse once owned by Eiichi “Ed” Sakauye after the San Jose City Council approved 1,472 apartments and townhomes on 23 acres of land on Seely Avenue. While the Planning Commission recommended demolishing structures left on the farm last month, councilmembers decided to have the city work with preservation activists to relocate it for an estimated cost of $500,000.
Site developer The Hanover Company has committed $100,000 toward the relocation, with demolition of the remaining structures on the property expected to start early next year.
History Park San Jose President and CEO Bill P. Schroh said he has a spot in mind for the Sakauye farmstead and the group will fundraise the remaining $400,000 necessary to relocate and maintain the historical residence.