|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and fondly remember Pete’s Harbor.
Pete’s Harbor began in the 1950s, when Pete Uccelli transformed roughly 20 acres of swampland along Redwood Creek and Smith Slough into a marina and waterfront hub. Uccelli built much of it himself, including the original dockside hamburger stand and later the Harbor House Restaurant, which opened in 1973.
The harbor became one of the few privately owned marinas in California, known for:
- A mix of sailboats and cabin cruisers
- A family‑friendly restaurant
- A quiet, scenic waterfront with wildlife like egrets and harbor seals
- A community of long‑term liveaboard residents
After Uccelli’s death in 2005, the property eventually changed hands. By late 2012–2013, the marina was decommissioned, and the outer harbor facilities were removed.
Subsequent City of Redwood City-approved redevelopment plans for:
- 411 multi‑family residential units
- A modernized inner marina with 45–65 slips
- Public trails and open space along Smith Slough
- A clubhouse and community amenities
Ah, the great memories…..
Pete’s Harbor was a rare example of a privately built and maintained marina that became a community landmark. It represented:
- A piece of mid‑20th‑century Bay Area boating culture
- A local entrepreneurial story — Uccelli built the harbor despite significant regulatory hurdles
- A beloved gathering place for residents, boaters, and diners
Its redevelopment reflects the larger trend of Silicon Valley waterfronts shifting from maritime uses to housing. However, the memories last forever.
Everything else is just history
