Piedmont Beautification Foundation Spring Campaign
The first Tea House in Piedmont Park was built by Frank C. Havens and opened to the public in 1907. It was a replica of the late fifteenth century Silver Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan and the largest of its kind in the United States. Unfortunately, when the City of Piedmont acquired the Park in the 1920s, the Tea House was torn down to make room for the new civic center.
In 1974, the Piedmont Beautification Foundation funded the first major addition to Piedmont Park in over fifty years. When the Leander Redmon estate on Magnolia Avenue was razed to build the new Piedmont Middle School, PBF provided funds to move the Redmons’ Tea House to Piedmont Park. This newly acquired Tea House was placed near the site of the original.
Thirty-six years after the Tea House was installed, it is still available for public and private events. However, many brides and event planners have chosen to eliminate the use of the Tea House, due to its deteriorating condition.
In 2010, with community support, a complete renovation was done including: a new roof, restoration of the interior and exterior screens, relocation of mechanical equipment, replacement of floor and railings, interior and exterior painting, installation of a new lighting system to highlight the unique architecture, and installation of a new sound system for special events.
As the primary project for PBF’s Spring Fundraising Campaign 2011, the Final Phase: Deck and Benches is under construction. The new deck will add 300 square feet of space and the new, beautifully designed railings and benches will make the space surrounding the Tea House more usable for events.
To participate in this important restoration, please
Make your tax-deductible check payable to:
Piedmont Beautification Foundation
Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Ave., Piedmont, CA 94611