Category: Blog
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A Layered History: The Rebirth of a Napa Icon
In 2010, citizens emerged in full force to defend the 1940s red-and-blue Art Moderne tile façade of Fagiani’s bar at 813 Main Street in downtown Napa. They wore buttons that read “Free Fagiani’s” and gathered hundreds of signatures for a petition asking the city council to allow the tiles to remain. They succeeded. But nine years later, the building has reopened again as the AVOW restaurant, this time without the tiles—and without the controversy. A lot changed in the interim.
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Atascadero Printery – Treasured in the Past, Invaluable for the Future
The Atascadero Printery, a 100 year old structure along California’s Central Coast, now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, stood vacant and vandalized when the Atascadero Printery Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, formed out of an online community discussion about the building and its historic role in the development of the City, and a vital purpose for its future.
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Governor Newsom Signs SB 451 (Atkins) – The State Historic Tax Credit Bill
On October 9th, 2019 Governor Newsom signed SB 451 (Atkins) to establish the new California Historic Tax Credit. This landmark bill was authored was Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins and was sponsored by the California Preservation Foundation (CPF) and the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIA CA). The passage of SB 451 is a major success for CPF and places California alongside 36 other states that have adopted historic tax credits. We are extremely proud of our work to pass SB 451, which is a major achievement for CPF.
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CPF’s Andrew Shaffer Takes New Post with GLBT Historical Society
It’s never easy saying goodbye – especially for a preservationist. But I’m glad to be leaving at a high point in CPF’s history, following the passage of the California Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (SB 451), as well as an incredibly successful conference in Palm Springs and awards program in San Francisco. I have no doubt that even better things are in store for CPF’s future.
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Napa’s Hidden Treasure
Following the devastating 2014 South Napa Earthquake, I found myself playing historical detective as I worked to uncover the history of a building that, despite decades of shoddy updates, retained hints of its former glory. Four and a half years, and hundreds of research and construction hours later, the home I have lovingly restored will finally get the attention it deserves, as it will be recognized by a statewide audience at the California Preservation Awards on October 18, and in a self-guided tour on October 19. The discovery process allowed me to reinvigorate this neglected structure, as I uncovered the treasure hidden just underneath the surface…
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Santa Barbara: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Faced with new challenges, including state-required housing mandates, many cities across California and the country are looking for ways to revitalize their core and provide housing for growing populations. The city of Santa Barbara is no exception. This summer, the timely topic of urban development was explored through a unique public-private partnership entitled “Santa Barbara: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.” In the words of SBTHP’s Anne Petersen, “At its best, historic preservation represents a powerful and constructive voice when helping communities like ours manage change. It was inspiring to see preservationists come together and collaborate with professionals from diverse fields, reinforcing our shared commitment to Santa Barbara as we prepare for the future.”