The Granary District: Celebrating 20 Transformative Years in Morgan Hill
Two decades ago, the Granary District in downtown Morgan Hill was a relic of the city’s agricultural past—an aging granary, once essential to the region’s farming industry, but long past its prime. Rather than fading into obsolescence, the site has undergone a remarkable transformation making the site at Depot Street a destination. Now, twenty years later, it stands as a vibrant hub of commerce, dining, and community gathering, all while preserving the agricultural heritage that defines Morgan Hill’s character.
From Dilapidation to Destination
What was once a crumbling industrial site has been reimagined by visionary architects who saw its potential. Instead of demolishing the past, they wove it into the future. Elements of the original granary remain, such as the towering grain silos, serving as a reminder of the city’s rich agricultural roots, while modern design and innovative development have turned the district into one of Morgan Hill’s most dynamic spaces. The Granary District is now a seamless blend of history and contemporary life, offering a mix of businesses that cater to residents and visitors alike.
A Thriving Community Hub
Today, the Granary District is home to an eclectic mix of businesses that make it a lively destination.
Bike Therapy serves cycling enthusiasts and fitness-minded locals.
The Running Shop and Hops brings 86 taps of local and regional brews for a community-favorite beer garden with food trucks and family friendly mingling.
Bibo’s Pizza, Barrel & Bean coffee shop, and the acclaimed Odeum Restaurant offer delicious food and drinks, making the district a go-to for casual bites and upscale dining.
The Silos, a modern bar and kitchen, brings people together for culinary socialization.
F45 Fitness keeps the community active with high-energy workouts.
Gloss Salon and several professional service providers—including a chiropractor, financial and real estate offices, and an architectural firm—add to the district’s appeal.
The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce also calls the Granary home, anchoring it as a place where business and community converge.
Preserving Heritage While Embracing Innovation
Beyond its thriving businesses, the Granary District holds unique artistic and agricultural elements that reflect Morgan Hill’s essence. A biodynamic deomonstration garden of fruit trees provides a nod to the area’s farming history, while a striking hallway installation of Guatemalan textile art adds cultural depth to the space. These features make the Granary more than just a commercial center—it’s a place where history, artistry, and sustainability intertwine.
A Sustainable, Walkable Microcosm
The Granary District is more than just a collection of businesses; it is a carefully designed sustainable neighborhood, a place where work, leisure, and community seamlessly coexist. The concept was to create a live-work-play environment—a walkable microcosm within a single block, where people could grab a coffee, meet for a business consultation, shop for outdoor gear, or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. The district fosters social interaction and supports a sustainable way of living, making it a model for modern urban redevelopment.
A History of Transformation
Before its revitalization, the Granary sat abandoned for years, frozen in time. Layers of history—including six inches of pigeon droppings—covered the remnants of a once-thriving agricultural facility. Originally, the Granary was used as a mixing station for animal feed, where individual farmers and ranchers could create custom blends. A giant molasses tank was once an essential component of this operation, ensuring the perfect consistency for livestock feed. The site was also linked to the Make Mine Milk era when Morgan Hill was a major agricultural hub, with a railroad spur helping to transport goods efficiently.
Despite its decay, the structure had bones worth preserving. The redevelopment process was meticulous, maintaining the integrity of the building while modernizing it for contemporary use. Today, it stands as a LEED Gold-certified project—one of the first 25 in the world and the third in California to achieve this prestigious environmental designation. The project was also recognized with the Commercial Project of the Year award by California’s Redevelopment Agency, highlighting its impact on urban renewal.
Celebrating 20 Years with Special Events
To commemorate this milestone, the Granary District is hosting a series of events and seminars throughout the year:
May 22 (6-7 PM) – Challenges of Developing a Unique Space: A discussion on the importance of demolition and selection in the redevelopment process, featuring Weston Miles Architects and their original vision for the Granary.
June 19 (6-7 PM) – A Taste of the Granary: A celebration of the culinary delights within the district.
July 20 (2-3 PM) – Fitness and Chiropractic Wellness: A session focusing on health and wellness businesses in the Granary.
September 14 (2-3 PM) – The Garden and the Fruit Trees: Learn about harvesting and preserving the district’s biodynamic produce.
October 30 (6-7 PM) – What Lies Below?: A fascinating look at the historical artifacts and eerie remnants uncovered during the Granary’s transformation.
November 13 (6-7 PM) & November 16 – Veterans Run & Community Event: A special run honoring veterans, followed by a community gathering and a movie night on November 13.
December 4 (6-7 PM) – Holiday Party & Open House: A festive celebration bringing the community together, reflecting on the Granary’s journey from blight to light.
Looking to the Future
As the Granary District enters its third decade, the vision continues to evolve. Future events and workshops will further engage the community, fostering connections through history, sustainability, and innovation. The district remains a living example of what can be achieved when creativity, preservation, and forward-thinking development come together.
Here’s to 20 years of transformation—and many more to come. Whether you’re grabbing coffee, enjoying a workout, or attending one of the special anniversary events, the Granary District is a must-visit destination that showcases the best of Morgan Hill.