Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Los Gatos in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

From Ruins to Roost

Built 1909

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 1, 2024

1. From Ruins to Roost Marker

Inscription. Once connected to the mansion, this was an airy carport that sheltered automobiles belonging to Dr. Harry Tevis and his wealthy guests. A rooftop terrace above provided a place to socialize and enjoy the view of distant hills.

Midpen enclosed the remnant carport and transformed it into a cave-like bat habitat. Multiple species of bats have already moved in!

Secondary Marker:

A mansion relic makes a perfect home for bats
Generations of bats have long thrived in nearby forests and along stream corridors where suitable roosts-places used for shelter or protection-and abundant food are found. Over the years, much of their habitat has been lost to logging and development.

Midpen protects bats by protecting natural resources and restoring habitat. In 2021, a new bat roost was created in this former mansion carport. Where estate-owner Dr. Harry Tevis and his guests once parked luxury automobiles, families of bats now live safely.

Erected 2023 by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 37° 10.896′ N, 122° 0.072′

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W. Marker is near Los Gatos, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. It can be reached from Bear Creek Road south of Mellotts Road. The resin markers are mounted to metal posts on the walking trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Los Gatos CA 95033, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Alma College Garage (within shouting distance of this marker); Courtyard Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Tevis’ Mansion, Lost to Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); From Rec Room to a Place of Prayer (within shouting distance of this marker); Millionaires transformed this place into a land of luxury (within shouting distance of this marker); Alma College Original Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Relaxing in Roman Style (about 300 feet away); The Marian Shrine (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Gatos.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Alma College

Also see . . . Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve

"Prevented from becoming a golf course and country club with luxury residences by a coalition of environmental activists, the land was far from pristine. It was extensively logged in the mid-1800s and
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 1, 2024

2. From Ruins to Roost Marker and Carport
briefly became a fish farm before being developed into a massive self-sufficient estate that passed between a couple of California's wealthiest families. The Catholic order of the Society of Jesus later repurposed the estate buildings to open Alma College, a theologate to train Jesuit priests."

(Submitted on July 14, 2024, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Front (West) Side of the Carport image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 1, 2024

3. Front (West) Side of the Carport

Back (East) Side of the Carport image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 1, 2024

4. Back (East) Side of the Carport

Secondary Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 1, 2024

5. Secondary Marker

Secondary Marker and Carport image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 1, 2024

6. Secondary Marker and Carport

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2024, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 14, 2024, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.