Draft:Sonoma City Hall

Sonoma City Hall is a historic municipal government building located in the Sonoma Plaza in Sonoma, California. Dedicated on September 9, 1908, the building holds historical significance for the community and serves as the city's administrative center.

History


Plans for a new Sonoma City Hall began in June 1904 when architect Adolph C. Lutgens of San Francisco, was commissioned by the city trustees to design the building and plans for the Sonoma Plaza.

Construction for the Sonoma City Hall started in 1906 after the approval of a $10,000 bond issue. The cornerstone was laid on February 22, 1906, by the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons, marking the official start of construction, with Judge Henry C. Gesford of Napa spoke delivering a speech during the ceremony. However, the project was stopped due to the San Francisco earthquake.

Construction resumed in late summer 1907 and was completed in September 1908, with the total cost amounting to approximately $16,000. The Sonoma City Hall, located in the center of the Sonoma Plaza, was dedicated on September 9, 1908. Henry Beeson, who had raised the "Bear Flag" in Sonoma on January 14, 1848, attended the dedication ceremony and raised the flag again. James D. Phelan of San Francisco delivered a speech at the event.

The Sonoma fire department was once located on the first floor, with horse-drawn wagons able to exit from any side of the building. lookouts stationed at the building's tower would ring a bell to alert the town of a fire.

The Sonoma City Hall is at the center of the 8 acre Sonoma Plaza that in 1913 included the Sonoma Public library at 453 1st Street East. The Sonoma Grammar School and the Sonoma Valley Woman's Club are within blocks from the plaza. Local events, such as the Fourth of July parade and the Farmer's Market, take place at City Hall in Sonoma Plaza.

Design


On September 12, 1904, the Board of Trustees of Sonoma approved plans submitted by architect A. C. Lutgens for the new city hall. The Mission Revival building was designed to be constructed from basalt stone, featuring two stories, a tower, and a tiled roof. The interior was planned to be made of white pine and would house rooms for the city officials. The design included four identical sides, each with an arched doorway with tall windows.

Architect A.C. Lutgens, who designed City Hall and the Sonoma Grammar School (1916), also designed the 3200 sqft Sonoma Public library (now occupied by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau) in 1913.

In popular culture
Film locations in Sonoma County include the The Animal in 2001, at the Sonoma City Hall as the Police Headquarters. On May 30, 2020 more than 100 protesters gathered in Sonoma Plaza, marched around town, and laid face down with their hands behind their backs in front of the Sonoma City Hall to protest the murder of George Floyd. In 2021, a Women's march took place with actress Haley Bennett at the Sonoma City Hall.