The Granary

The Granary complex of buildings and silos dates to the early to mid 20th century, when the Santa Clara Valley was one of California’s most productive agricultural regions. The Isaacson Granary  was built along Depot Street beside the railroad line. The railroad—originally part of the Southern Pacific Railroad—was central to Morgan Hill’s early development in the late 19th century. By the time the Granary was constructed, rail service had already established the town as an agricultural shipping point. The Granary worked in coordination with this system, loading grain and other products directly onto railcars for distribution throughout California and beyond. Through the 1940s and 1950s, the Granary operated during the height of the valley’s agricultural economy. Orchards of prunes and apricots, along with walnuts and grain crops, defined the landscape. Facilities like the granary were essential infrastructure, linking local production to regional and national markets. 

By the 1960s–1980s, however, agriculture in the region began to decline. Changes in transportation and refrigeration allowed fruits and vegetables to be imported more cheaply from other regions. The granary then shifted its primary role to serving the local dairy industry,  becoming a feed-mixing operation for dairies throughout the region.  Instead of storing grain, each silo held a different type of grain or ingredient mixed in a specific recipe for each customer. Eventually, rising land values and increased costs forced many dairies to relocate to California's central valley, 

This brought an end to  the granary’s role in the local agricultural economy. By the 1990s, the building had fallen into disuse and deterioration.

A significant turning point came in 2003, when the property was purchased by architects Charles Weston and Lesley Miles. Their vision emphasized historic preservation through adaptive reuse. Rather than demolish the structure, they retained its original form, materials, and industrial character while redesigning the interior for modern use. 

Between 2003 and 2007, the Granary underwent a comprehensive restoration. The project incorporated sustainable building practices and when completed, it featured offices, retail, and community-oriented spaces. It achieved LEED Gold, a green certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), placing it among early examples of environmentally conscious historic rehabilitation.

Today, the Granary serves as the centerpiece of the Granary District in downtown Morgan Hill. In addition to offices and restaurants, it now even includes a bar in one of the silos. Its preserved structures reflect the city’s agricultural heritage, while its current use supports a vibrant and evolving community. The buildings stand as a lasting example of how historic infrastructure—once tied to rail and farming—can be thoughtfully repurposed to serve future generations.