Known as “The Wine Tasting Room Capital of the World,” Downtown Napa is definitely the place for all things wine as well as everything that goes with it, including culinary excellence and entertaining events, just to name a couple.
The story of the city of Napa is just as impressive. Whether you’re a history hound, an art aficionado or a landmark lover, there are many significant historical examples of the area’s architectural heritage that are equally fascinating and educational.
When planning your first – or next – trip to Downtown Napa, make sure to leave plenty of time to visit examples of Napa’s incredible architectural history. We’ve highlighted a few locations for you to consider while you’re visiting this beautiful area. For additional information, visit Napa County Landmarks, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the preservation of historical sites through various programs, policies and research.
HISTORICAL HOMES IN NAPA
The 2½-story residence built for community leader and businessman William Andrews in the late 1800s is a well-preserved example of Queen Anne-style architecture. Showcasing its sculptural shapes and ornamentation – typical of this late 1900s style – the home provided the ability for the designer to use unrestrained artistic expressions in its details. Designated a historic landmark in 1974, the home underwent a restoration effort that still shines today.
It’s not unusual to find several homes on a street that look similar. However, with the Calistoga Avenue Triplets in Napa, that scenario was taken to an extreme as the three five-room cottages were nearly identical and located next to each other. Built for George Horton – a furniture shop owner and later a justice of the peace – the three homes were built in about 3 months and featured Swiss and Eastlake building styles. Located near the Napa Collegiate Institute and Napa Valley Railroad, the neighborhood became popular as it allowed people in the area to live in Napa and work nearby, especially once the electric streetcar was introduced in 1905.
Just minutes from Downtown Napa is the Telesis House, a modern home built in the early- to mid-1950s that was structurally ahead of its time. Engineer Jack Hillmer built the residence to take advantage of passive solar energy. The building’s materials absorbed the sunlight’s heat and released it when it was needed, such as at night, and stored cool night air to moderate temperatures. The home included a “warm floor” system that pumped warm water through the floors for radiant heat, a feature that is still used in the building. The home is now rented out for business retreats, group events, receptions and other uses.
While visiting the incredible homes in the area, take advantage of a walking tour such as the Photography Tour of Historic Homes, presented by Art & Clarity Adventures. During this casual stroll, you can see Victorian homes from the mid-1800s while learning how to best photograph these Napa treasures.
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
Originally built in the 1870s, the Historic Napa County Courthouse, the fifth-oldest continuously operating courthouse in California, was the center of the justice system for the region since its opening. Featuring a Second Empire architectural style – which includes elements of many different historical styles as well as the use of modern materials – the courthouse was badly damaged during the South Napa earthquake in 2014. A massive renovation resulted in a safer version of the original building, while it retained its architectural integrity.
A look at Napa’s Hall of Records finds yet another style – Classic Revival – that helps epitomize the city’s historical architectural significance. Reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman designs, the elegant style offers a glimpse of the past while featuring modern amenities. The building, situated next to the Napa County Courthouse, still serves as the center for record-keeping while providing a space for the community to meet.
GATHERING PLACES
Celebrating 150 years since it was built, the First Presbyterian Church on Third Street in Napa continues to serve as a place of worship. The Gothic Revival-style building – highlighted by intricate woodwork and stained glass windows – has been restored through the years to maintain its original beauty. Despite the damage brought on by the 2014 Napa earthquake, the historic church was repaired with the financial help of the congregation and the Downtown Napa community.
Also built in 1874, the Native Sons Building was constructed in a Neoclassical style with decorative moldings, a sophisticated façade with ornate detailing and a stately cornice. The historic landmark is remarkable for both its architectural significance as well as its original occupants – the Native Sons of the Golden West. During the mid-19th century, the gold rush brought many new residents. To preserve California’s history and traditions, the organization was created in the 1870s, made up of men who were born in the Golden State. The building continues to host meetings, cultural activities and gatherings, ensuring its place and importance in the community.
HISTORIC SITES IN NAPA
While the city of Napa offers a wide array of architecturally significant buildings – the Brutalist style of the Napa Public Library, the Mission Revival design of the Salvador Union School and the Neoclassical style of the Goodman Library, to name a few – not all landmarks are buildings.
Take, for example, the Tulocay Cemetery, which was established in 1859 on land donated by Don Cayetano Juarez, whose colorful history includes acting as an intermediary between local Mexican officials and American rebels in the mid-1800s. Markers and gravestones at the cemetery date from the Victorian era to today. Notable people interred or entombed in the cemetery include Nathan Coombs, founder of the city of Napa; John Patchett, founder of the first commercial vineyard and winery in Napa County; and Mary Ellen Pleasant, a 19th-century African American entrepreneur and abolitionist. Guided tours are held occasionally, or visitors can take self-guided tours throughout the year.
Found throughout Napa Valley are stone bridges that were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many of them enshrined in the National Register of Historic Places.
The five-span Milliken Creek Bridge, located on Tranca Street at Silverado Trail, was built in 1908. Stone masonry bridges are mainly only found in Napa County, and this particular bridge was an ambitious project as most of the stone masonry bridges found in the county were less than half as long. It is one of the longest unaltered stone masonry bridges in California.
THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE
The first in a three-part special series about Napa Valley is on display at the Goodman Library, through March 22. “The Valley Beautiful: Architecture” illustrates the changes, styles and significance of the area’s buildings during various eras through the eyes of some of Napa Valley’s most prominent architects. The exhibit, presented by Napa County Landmarks and the Napa County Historical Society, will be followed in the spring with a look at music’s role on the region, followed by a focus on art in Napa Valley. Admission is free and is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
TAKE A TOUR
One of the best ways to absorb the area’s rich history is to take the Historic Downtown Napa Guided Walking Tour, presented by the Napa County Historical Society. The 90-minute tour visits more than a dozen buildings in Downtown Napa, where you’ll learn their fascinating history.
Unfortunately, the tour primarily operates during the summer, but if you’re visiting Downtown Napa at other times, we’ve got good news! The Napa Valley Tour app is a self-guided tour of Napa Valley historic landmark locations. You can also hear professional actors perform monologues from the perspective of historic Napa Valley residents in the “Episodes of the Napa Valley: The Tulocay Project.” Created by the Napa Valley Shakespeare Festival, the tour is available through the Otocast app. The Napa County Historical Society can provide additional information.
PLAN A TRIP
Napa has an incredible history, one that has amazed everyone from children to senior citizens. Plan your next trip to Downtown Napa, where you’ll find an excellent selection of lodging options, a variety of activities and a look at the city’s past, present and future that is truly incredible.
