Renting The Kohl Pumphouse and Victorian Garden

The Kohl Pumphouse is an historic structure dating to the late 19th century. It was built to house the pump that provided water for the Kohl estate, the estate that later became Central Park. In the 1980’s, the San Mateo Arboretum Society renovated and expanded the pumphouse and it has served as its headquarters since then. The pumphouse and surrounding Victorian Garden are an attractive and comfortable venue for small to medium size gatherings. The pumphouse is located within San Mateo Central Park approximately 100 yards north of the Palm Avenue entrance, 100 yards from El Camino Real and 200 yards from 5th Avenue (see here).

Weekend rates for the Pumphouse rental are $150/hour with a four hour minimum.  Weekdays are $125/hour with a two hour minimum. The maximum occupancy is 100 people; 45 in the pumphouse and 55 in the Victorian Garden. For seating, there are 46 folding chairs available plus benches throughout the garden. There are three 10ft rectangular banquet tables, five 6ft rectangular tables, six 4ft round tables that can be used, all with linens. A small kitchen includes a sink, refrigerator/freezer, oven, range and microwave. A diagram of the pumphouse interior with approximate room dimensions is here.

There is lighting throughout the Victorian Garden so evening events are possible. Note that set-up, teardown, food and/or equipment  deliveries,  etc. must be done within the rental period. The pumphouse is located within Central Park so, if delivery of equipment/supplies/food is needed for your event, you may drive two vehicles through the park to the pumphouse.
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To hold your date, a contract with a security deposit of $250 should be in place ideally 90-180 days before the event.  We do not hold dates without a signed contract and security deposit. The City of San Mateo requires insurance for rentals. If you will be serving alcohol, a permit is required. The Q&A document (see below) provides more details.

We recommend that you visit the venue prior to signing the contract to get a full understanding of the logistics. If you would like a tour or need additional information, please email us at pumphouse_rentals@sanmateoarboretum.org​.