The completion of phase one of the historic restoration of the Porter Vallejo Mansion and Public Library branch was celebrated June 12 in Pajaro, a major chapter in the town’s ongoing recovery from the March, 2023 flood.
The extensive renovation work was recognized as Project of the Year by the Alliance of Monterey Area Preservationists (AMAP).
The building was developed in the 1850s by Anton Vallejo, a prominent figure of the 1850-70s during the statehood period, Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church told a crowd of about 50.
The multi-year building renovation follows severe damage from the 2023 Pajaro River levee breach and flooding. Led by the County’s Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks, work was made possible through funding from the County of Monterey and state funding including AB 102 California Budget Act of 2023.
“This building really represents the past, present and future of this community,” Church said.
He went on to point out that the house gained further stature when it was occupied by the John Porter family who “helped build this building up to the style we see now.”
Porter was a two-time county Sheriff and then a supervisor in the 1890s.
“He also played a huge role in working with the Chinese; he really integrated himself into the community,” Church said. “There is a lot of local and state history in this house. This will be a place for community, for learning and for service.”
The mansion at 29 Bishop St. has been closed to the public since flood waters crept into the building. Meanwhile, the Monterey County Free Libraries’ Bookmobile visits Pajaro regularly.
Interior work is the next phase that has already begun. Once done, the three-story building will once again offer full library services, a community gathering place and resource center for residents and official office spaces.
“We chose to honor this building because there was such severe damage to this building and this building is so significant to this community,” said Mimi Sheridan of AMAP. “But most importantly, we want to recognize how Monterey County really went to work on this building and how Glenn Church was the main advocate who really pushed for this.”
Sheridan stressed how the Project of the Year certificate highlighted Church and the Monterey County Department of Public Works Facilities and Parks.
Monterey County Free Libraries Director Hillary Theyer said interior work on the library includes shelving, furnishing, restacking its book inventory and more. That work will take several months, she said.
