09/26/2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE VENETIAN COURT!
Last night at the Capitola City Council meeting, Mayor Kristen Brown read a proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Venetian Court (1924).
Mike Gardiner accepted the proclamation on behalf of the owners of the Venetian Court residences. Mr. Gardiner, whose family has owned one of the units for decades, gave an eloquent statement about the endurance and importance of this architectural icon of Capitola.
Here is the text of the proclamation:
City of Capitola
Mayor’s Proclamation
Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Construction of
The Venetian Court
WHEREAS, envisioned as a second Venice, the Venetian Court residences typify a seaside resort, adjoining the golden sands and gem-blue seas, relishing the song of the waves and salty air.
WHEREAS, Henry Allen Rispin purchased the property upon which the Venetian Courts stand in 1919, and filed the subdivision in 1924. The property was sold to developer Henry J. Roth, who hired architects Wolfe and Higgins of San Jose, to design a 24-unit complex in a Spanish Colonial Revival/Mediterranean style, featuring textured stucco siding, decorative relief work, and a flat red tile roof with a parapet and small pyramidal caps. Street-side units were purchased by Frank T. Blake, one of the original owners, to create the Venetian Court Motel.
WHEREAS, the Venetian Court, including the private residences and hotel, has been a landmark in Capitola since its inception, and in 1987 the unique history and design of the Venetian Court was recognized as an Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. While the famous, vivid multi-colored exteriors were not part of the original architectural design, the Bucher family was inspired to paint their unit pink in the early 1960s after seeing colorfully painted houses during a European trip. The neighbors soon followed suit.
WHEREAS, to this day the Venetian Court owners diligently maintain the historical character, safety and security, and structural integrity of their homes, walks and sea wall through both winter storms and summer crowds, so that visitors to Capitola Beach can continue to appreciate the Venetian Court for the next 100 years.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kristen Brown, Mayor of the City of Capitola, do hereby proclaim 2024 as the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Capitola Venetian Court, and commend its iconic seaside beauty.
_____________________________
Kristen Brown, Mayor
Signed and sealed this 12th day of September, 2024
A formal, copy of the proclamation will be provided to the residents of the Venetian Court.
