Posted by Roz Rogoff, the San Ramon Observer, on Jan 21, 2013 at 11:58 am
Roz Rogoff is a member (registered user) of San Ramon Express

A group of us are still working to save this property and restore it to its original condition for use as a Nature Center or other use compatible with the organic gardens. This is a historic building for San Ramon and incorporates many energy savings and innovative design features.

Here's a note from the architect, Max Jacobson, about this building's place in the history of sustainable design.

"As far as the pioneering aspect of the building, it was pretty early. Our energy consultants on the building were the Berkeley Solar Group, the organization that was asked by the then (and now) Gov. Brown to develop energy standards for what is now known as Title 24, the statewide legislation that governs the energy efficiency of new and remodeled buildings. It was the first restaurant to serve food grown locally on the grounds, and I think the first restaurant building to utilize passive solar strategies for heating and cooling."

History is happening all around us, but we tend to ignore what is too close to us. I'm not trying to save this building for now. I'm trying to save it for the people who will appreciate it's importance 100 years from now.

I hope the Successor Agency will at least consider the offer from the Growing Room before putting the building up for sale.

I wish Mr. LeBlanc well. I hope he will work out his financial difficulties and will be able to build his restaurant and event center somewhere in San Ramon, just not on top of Mudd's.

Roz Rogoff