Tyme for Tea, Fremont, California

Tyme for Tea & Co., historically known as the Wesley Hotel, is an established Victorian landmark of the Niles Historic District in Fremont. The property contains two structures, the hotel in front and a building to the rear (150 H street) which was originally a garage. With a Redevelopment Grant from the City, the Owner transformed the storage space between the two historic buildings into an outdoor courtyard patio. The courtyard serves patrons of Tyme for Tea & Co., with the potential to become an outdoor dining area. The project transforms an unused yard into a valuable pedestrian area while continuing the historic function of the Wesley Hotel as a public gathering space.

The courtyard utilizes Victorian design principles and features a central fountain surrounded by colorful “rosevine” landscaping. Centered on the fountain axis, a traditional metal fence is visible from the public sidewalk. New light fixtures were selected for their traditional style. A solid wood fence separates the public courtyard from the private rear stairway for apartment dwellers. The north wall of the rear building was covered with wood siding to match the original building which unifies all three sides of this Victorian patio. It should become a popular, but intimate, outdoor destination within the historic district.