New 2-acre Park to Replace Historic Cornfield with Modern Amenities

Sunnyvale, CA – The long-standing Corn Palace in Sunnyvale is transitioning into a new chapter, as construction begins on a 2-acre public park to be located next to new homes on the former cornfield site. In 2000, Daniel Hindin of the Sunnyvale Sun wrote fondly of the Corn Palace, describing it as "the one good thing about the Silicon Valley parking lot commute mornings and evenings on Lawrence Expressway," where fresh produce was sold against a backdrop of acres of corn. The iconic structure has been a part of the city’s history for decades.

The land, which had been co-owned by Joe and Ben Francia since 1926, was not originally for sale. Joe Francia told Metro Newspaper in 1999 that he had no intention of selling the property, located at Lilly Lane and White Oak Street, which sits west of Lawrence Expressway in Sunnyvale. However, after both brothers passed away—Joe in 2007 and Ben in 2013—the fate of the property changed.

In March 2019, the Sunnyvale Planning Commission approved a new development plan by Trumark Homes for 58 single-family homes on the 8.8-acre site, signaling the end of the Corn Palace. The iconic farm structures were to be demolished, and the cornfield itself would be repurposed.

As part of the development, a new 2-acre public park, known as Corn Palace Park, will be created at the corner of Toyon and Lily avenues, offering residents and visitors a place to gather and enjoy outdoor activities. The city invited residents to provide feedback on three proposed park designs, with the chosen plan featuring an open lawn area, two play areas, a tennis court, a basketball half-court, and various other amenities. Construction of the park is expected to be completed by early next year.

For additional details, residents can contact Sunnyvale’s Public Works Department at pubworks@sunnyvale.ca.gov or by phone at 408-730-7605.