Explore the
Cilker story
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to building community
At Cilker, we have a vision to grow wealth, fostering prosperity for family and investors. Since the 1940s when William Cilker Sr., our founder, bought his first apricot and prune orchard, we’ve been pursuing this vision. Our family-owned asset management company brings personal values, hard work and commitment to achieving our client’s goals.
1940s
Cilker Orchards was started by Leila and William Cilker when they purchased an apricot and prune orchard in Los Gatos, CA. Subsequently, a number of other orchards were purchased in the San Jose area through 1961.
1950s
A 230-acre pear orchard in Gridley, CA was purchased. Three years later, William Cilker purchased a 60-acre parcel in south San Jose.
1960s
Developed a master plan for the orchard at Los Gatos Boulevard and National Avenue to include a hospital and doctors offices. The plan included Samaritan Drive which located the hospital at the middle of the property.
Sold 20 acres of the Santa Clara orchard to the Kaiser Foundation for a hospital.
Developed the land at Blossom Hill Center with two large anchor stores which would be renamed Cornerstone of Los Gatos in 1993 after a substantial remodel.
Constructed Phases I and II of the Samaritan Medical Center now owned and operated by Cilker Henderson Properties.
A ranch having Manzanillo olives was purchased in Strathmore, CA.
1970s
Cilker Orchards’ Tulare county operation was expanded by roughly 200 acres where olives, plums, grapes, peaches and nectarines were grown.
Over 300 acres were purchased in Dixon, CA where Cilker currently farms walnuts.
1980s
Purchased Milpitas Shopping Center.
Moffett Park and Baypointe office buildings purchased.
1990s
Partnered with Bridge Housing to develop affordable housing in South San Jose. 198 acres of agriculture land in Dixon, CA is purchased and developed into walnuts.
Developed the South San Jose land into 182-unit market rate apartments.
William Cilker and his daughter Elizabeth Smith, join San Jose Mayor Susan Hammer, BRIDGE Project Manager Brad Wiblin, and Councilman John Diquisto at the groundbreaking ceremony for Ohlone Court Apartments. The 135-unit rental complex is being built on a 5-acre site that the Cilker family has leased to BRIDGE.
2000s
141 acres of agriculture land was purchased and developed into walnuts.
Cilker Park is dedicated in South San Jose to William Cilker.
2010s
Carl Cilker is promoted to President & CEO. Keyston Smith, a third generation Cilker family member, is hired as VP of Real Estate.
Moffett Park is repositioned.
Cilker rezones 68-acres of agriculture land to light industrial. It is subsequently sold to Microsoft.
Five hundred fifty acres of agricultural land is purchased and operated by Cilker.
The Cilker Board is commissioned and the generational transition begins: Leila A. Cilker passes, William H Cilker Sr. passes, Elizabeth Cilker Smith, Carl Cilker, and Bill Cilker Jr. retire, Keyston Smith is promoted to President & CEO.
2020s
Cornerstone shopping center is repositioned with two new restaurant tenants. A four-year renovation of Cilker apartments in San Jose is completed. Our Orchards are known to produce fruits and nuts at superior quality and yield.
