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Overview

This rustic, ground-hugging, open-air shopping center was typical of many erected in the growing suburbs of Northern CA after World War II. Several went by the name of "Town and Country Village," which had shopping centers located in Palo Alto, San Jose and Sacramento.

Building Notes

The Rancho Shopping Center web site stated in 2012: "Rancho Shopping Center has been known nationally by shopping center developers since the 1950's for its innovative architecture. Designed by Harold Johan Bakke and developed and built by Christian Wilder, Rancho was the first of a style, which became known for its informal setting, covered walkways, grass lawn's and storefront parking." (See "About Us," accessed 04/20/2012.) Lawrence Gentry, in his biographical statement in the American Architects Directory 1956, noted, however, that he designed the "Rancho Shopping Cen, Los Altos, 51." Tel: 650.941.0555 (2012).

PCAD id: 17790