Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The City of Napa has released a public draft of the Spencer’s Addition and West Napa Historic Context Statements for public review.  These two primarily residential neighborhoods are located to the west and northwest of downtown and are separated by Napa Creek. Most Napans are probably familiar with the enclave of Victorian and early twentieth century cottages that line the “alphabet streets” of Spencer’s Addition and the grand mansions along First Street in West Napa.  

The documents explore the historic development patterns of Spencer’s Addition and West Napa and will provide guidance for the evaluation of potential historic resources in the area.  The survey field work, completed in early February, recorded approximately 900 historic properties within the two neighborhoods. A wide range of historic residential styles and periods were observed, as well as a few examples of commercial, industrial, and institutional properties that have contributed to the neighborhoods’ physical and social development over the years.

The Documents include a database documentation of the surveyed properties, evaluation of the historic resources located in the neighborhoods and recommendations for future historic districts to be considered.

This phase of the Heritage Napa project also includes a city-wide scope that continues to update the existing Historic Resources Inventory (HRI). Current work includes converting HRI rankings to the State’s standard ranking system, general “windshield” survey work throughout the city, and Geographic Information System (GIS) work. This information will help improve the identification and recordation of historic properties throughout Napa.

Additional resources may be found at the Heritage Napa webpage .