Ramona Street Architectural District
historic place
The Ramona Street Architectural District in Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, is a historic place. Its distinctive architecture showcases Spanish Colonial and Early California styles. The development of this unique business block took place between 1924 and 1938. Craftsman Pedro Joseph de Lemos, along with architects Birge Clark and William H. Weeks, were instrumental in shaping the district's character. De Lemos envisioned an informal architecture, integrated with nature, that would be compatible with commercial businesses. This vision resulted in buildings with gentle archways, intricate wrought iron work, and tile roofs of varying heights. Stucco walls in muted colors are also characteristic of the district. The first building, the Gotham Shop, was constructed in 1925 by de Lemos. Later, in 1928, Clark designed the Medico-Dental Building, and Weeks designed the Cardinal Hotel. In 1985, the Ramona Street Architectural District was designated as a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places. This designation recognizes the unified architectural character of the street, which has remained largely unaltered since its original development.