Napa County Landmarks has been instrumental in helping to save many historic structures since the 1970s, when the infamous redevelopment efforts that gave us the “Clock tower” and Dwight Murray Plaza caused the tragic destruction of so many of the beautiful historic buildings downtown. Our organization was born out of the concerns for what was happening at that time. Today, the former Health and Human Services site along Old Sonoma Road presents unique challenges as well as opportunities, and NCL is focused on encouraging an outcome which produces needed new housing while preserving the historic resources there. Last fall, the county was considering selling the now-surplus property and development schemes that involved destroying the historic structures and crescent drive to maximize potential housing units. NCL continues to believe adaptive reuse is the best approach to adding needed housing at the old HHS site. Over the past few months, we hired a consultant to conduct extensive research on the historic resources, held a workshop with community stakeholders on possibilities for repurposing, and, to counter any assertions to the contrary with regard to their historical significance, we submitted an application on behalf of the site for a National Historic Registry designation. If

Big thanks to NCL Board Member Marie Dolcini for writing this fantastic letter to the editors! Say YES to historic preservation!

Infill Housing on Historic Sites?

Preservationists Say ‘Yes in Our Backyards!’

Dear Editor- Increasing affordable housing stock and saving historic structures from the wrecking ball is not an either-or proposition. Unfortunately, in the case of the old Health and Human Services campus along Old Sonoma Road, there are those who would have you believe it is. Make no mistake. As residents, neighbors, parents, seniors, employees and employers, we absolutely support infill development and workforce housing on the site. The question of density remains and should be determined in partnership with all stakeholders. But as preservationists, we believe that neighborhoods that retain and celebrate their unique and historic attributes aren’t just more aesthetically pleasing, environmentally responsible, and more enjoyable for residents and visitors – they are better long term community investments. What makes neighborhoods, towns and city districts livable and attractive? Thoughtful design that’s sensitive to local context and that enhances our experience of the built environment. Adaptive reuse – or repurposing old buildings for new use - is a common strategy for preserving historic

 

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Napa County Landmarks is now on GivingAssistant! This certified for-profit organization allows shoppers to participate in great deals and donate to their favorite nonprofits. Support historic preservation in Napa while you shop! 

 

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