People Saving Places Through Preservation

2020 Award of Merit Recipient

Salvador Union School front entrance. Photo courtesy: Napa County Landmarks.

Salvador Union School award for Category 1, Rehabilitation/Preservation, was presented by NCL Board Director, Bill Tuikka. His remarks,” Napa County Landmarks is proud to present this preservation / restoration award to the Napa Unified School District.

1923 class photo taken outside on school campus at Salvador Avenue. Photo courtesy: Napa Valley Register 2019.

Salvador School on Big Ranch Road circa 1869. Photo courtesy: Napa Valley Register 2019.

The original Salvador School was built in 1868 on Big Ranch Road. By 1922, the independent school districts consolidated, and the Salvador Union School District purchased property
for the Salvador Elementary School, and this building was built in 1923, with several small additions built several years later.

Front entrance sconce detail. Photo courtesy: Napa County Landmarks.

The original Mission Revival style building contained over 9,600 square feet, housing a multi-purpose room, four classrooms, two offices and two restrooms.

Interior hallway with period light fixtures. Photo courtesy: Napa County Landmarks.

The architect was Norman R. Coulter of San Francisco, who designed numerous public buildings throughout northern California.

In 1965 the Salvador District built several new school buildings adjacent to this building, and in 1967, after rejecting demolition bids that the district deemed too high, the 1923 school building was saved, and for many years was used for storage. Starting several years ago, using Measure M Bond funding, the building has been faithfully restored and retains its original appearance on the outside while restoring many of the original details on the inside.

Classroom with original restored windows. Photo courtesy: Napa County Landmarks.

With their aesthetic character and distinctive charm, old houses are staples on the real estate market. In fact, many buyers aren’t interested in new constructions at all and prefer the qualities of homes built in certain styles or eras. However, an older home isn’t right for every sort of buyer. Notorious for their maintenance needs, old houses may also pose a good deal of expense for homeowners. If you’re getting ready to shop for a home, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of buying an old house and whether this purchase is truly right for you. What are the Pros and Cons of Old House? Every real estate purchase will have its upside and downside. However, there are some unique pros and cons associated with older houses that you should consider before you buy one. In fact, many … [Read More...]

Salvador Union School

People Saving Places Through Preservation

2020 Award of Merit Recipient

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