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One man played a huge role in Redwood City’s growth, yet few know who he is. Only one place reflects his name- a park.
His name is Morris Stulstaft. His impact on Redwood City is quite impressive.
As a developer, his accomplishments include:
- Woodside Plaza
- Roosevelt Plaza
- 15,000 homes in western Redwood City
- Two bowling alleys
- A 107-acre industrial park
- Two Broadway Markets
- Ampex Corporation’s first big building
- Kaiser Permanente’s first clinic
Motivated Immigrant
An immigrant from Warsaw, Poland, Stulstaft was the son of a shoemaker. He moved to Redwood City in 1944 with a head full of ideas. He became a plumber and built a very successful business, which lead him into the building and construction trade as a developer. Other projects he was responsible for dotted the entire state, including 2,000 acres in Lake Tahoe.
One of his projects was purchasing a swath of land in western Redwood City, which included the former Redwood City airport.
As part of a deal with the City, he donated a 42-acre piece of property which ultimately became the city’s largest park, reflecting his name.
Plans for developing the park had some bumps along with way, however, ultimately the vision of the park took shape. Rather than a classic manicured park, Stulstaft Park became more of a nature reserve, than a classic neghborhood park.
Today it continues to be an enjoyable spot for family picnicking, a playground area for kids, as well as a woodsy hiking area.
Redwood City has benefitted greatly from Morris Stulsfaft.
Everything else is just history
Some of the photos used in this blog are courtesy of the Local History Room, Redwood City's best-kept secret. The Local History Collection covers all aspects of Redwood City's development, from the 1850s to the present day, with particular emphases on businesses, public schools, civic organizations, city agencies, and early family histories. The Local History Room is not affiliated with the Redwood City Public Library, but it is inside it.
