Historic Structure Report: Martinez Adobe

Burke, Steven; Rhodes, Diane; Baumgard, Kevin; Tabor, Mark; Svoboda, Charles

The Martinez Adobe, located at John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, California, is one of only a few remaining California-Mexican style adobes that were constructed in northern California during the mid-19th century. Since first constructed in 1849, the adobe survived several earthquakes including the most recent 1989 earthquake centered in Loma Prieta, California. As a result of the 1989 earthquake, a special National Park Service task force was called to the bay area to inspect and evaluate earthquake damaged structures. The Martinez Adobe was included as part of this effort. Inspection of the adobe revealed earthquake damage and other structural deficiencies and raised a level of concern on whether visitors and staff would be safe in the adobe during an earthquake. This Historic Structure Report was undertaken to address the seismic and safety issues mentioned above, as well as to document the history and develop preservation treatment recommendations for the Martinez Adobe. The two-story adobe is located on a narrow plot of land bordered by State Highway No. 4 on the south. Canyon Road on the west, a housing subdivision on the north and the John Muir House on the east. This structure, along with the John Muir House, is one of the two primary historical structures located within the park. This report includes not only the history but the construction chronology, architectural and landscape existing conditions and recommendations. Electrical and structural existing conditions and recommendations are also included. The report also includes existing condition drawings and photographs, recommendations for structural stabilization and preservation treatment to assure continued stability and protection of this historic resource.

Historic Structure Report: Martinez Adobe

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