The San Mateo County Historical Association (SMCHA) is planning to construct a new museum building in Redwood City, in part to house a collection of 30 horse-drawn carriages from the 19th and early 20th century, as well as historical automobiles. “The collection has been stored away in a climate-controlled facility for the last 40 years,” the society said.
The 14,000-square-foot, three-level Taube Family Carriage House project will be named for philanthropist Tad Taube, whose Taube Philanthropies committed $7 million to the capital project.
“Glass walls and nighttime lighting will allow the public to gaze in and enjoy the displays at any time,” the society states on its website. “The unique rooftop terrace and ground floor courtyard will host events and enable summertime Museum camps for children.”
The first floor plans, according to the SMCHA, feature rotating exhibits of vehicle collections owned by local community members, including carriages and classic automobiles. The second floor plans feature 10 historic carriages made by manufacturer Brewster, along with an interactive corner where children will be able to sit in a horse-drawn, two-bench buggy, and a glass-enclosed area where visitors can watch as carriages are restored and maintained. The third floor plans offer open space with catering areas that could be used for museum events and rented for conferences, receptions and gatherings of up to 300 people.
The society is currently seeking additional donors to make the possible. An in-depth story in Palo Alto Online states the capital campaign has raised “over 78 percent of the $11.5 million price tag.”
To learn more and donate, go here.
Photos courtesy of the San Mateo County Historical Association
