From Salt Flats to Scientific Hub:

The Enduring Legacy of Mt. Eden

About the unique design of the campus. 

The Mt Eden Research Park’s unique look is the brainchild of San Francisco artist Nathan Richard Phelps.

The sprawling geometric designs seen all across Mt Eden campus were inspired by the microscopic structure of salt which played an integral role in founding Mt Eden township in the late 1800’s. Mt Eden was the largest salt harvesting operation on the west coast and the primary reason why people originally immigrated to the area. Salt is also an important substance in laboratory work and now the biotech industry is one of the largest draws for new people working here.

By finding inspiration in a substance common to the people of Mt Eden he created a bridge to unite the past with present and create a look and feel to the campus not found anywhere else in the Bay.

Mt. Eden's story unfolds like a testament to human ingenuity and adaptation. In the 19th century, the landscape hummed with a different kind of life. The earth, rich in minerals, became the heart of California's salt industry. Here, vast evaporation ponds shimmered under the sun, extracting hundreds of tons of salt each year. This precious commodity would find its way onto tables across the Bay Area and potentially even further afield, a testament to the area's contribution to the region's development.

However, the 20th century ushered in a new era for Mt. Eden. The tides of industry shifted, and the salt flats gave way to a vibrant tapestry of life – Mt. Eden Nursery. Owned and operated by the Shibata family, the nursery flourished. Lush gardens and meticulously maintained greenhouses became a hallmark of the area. The Shibatas' dedication to floricultural innovation earned them a national reputation. Their expertise likely brought new varieties of plants and flowers to gardens across the country, transforming landscapes and enriching lives.

Today, Mt. Eden has undergone another metamorphosis. The legacy of innovation continues, but now in the realm of scientific exploration. Mt. Eden Research Park stands where the salt flats and greenhouses once thrived. Here, the pursuit of knowledge takes center stage. Renowned institutions foster the development of new scientific ideas, pushing the boundaries of human understanding. Perhaps within these very walls, groundbreaking discoveries are being made that will shape the future of our world.

Mt. Eden's story is a fascinating chronicle of transformation. From the essential role it played in the early days of California to the beauty it brought as a renowned nursery, and finally to its current incarnation as a hub for scientific advancement, Mt. Eden reminds us that progress is a constant. It is a place where the seeds sown in the past continue to bear fruit, shaping the landscape and enriching our lives in unexpected ways.