NAPA, Calif., Feb. 27, 2020 – After a year-long historic rehabilitation, Zapolski Real Estate, LLC has unveiled the fully restored Gordon Building, one of Downtown Napa’s most iconic properties. For decades the property stood primarily vacant; then in 2014, significant damage as a result of the Napa earthquake caused it to be red tagged and unable to be occupied. With this completed work the building’s Italian fire-brick exterior and grand interior have been painstakingly repaired, retaining its classic charm while offering new space for a flagship retailer and offices.
“This has been an extensive project, and we’ve been careful to maintain The Gordon Building’s grace while making significant structural improvements,” said Todd Zapolski, managing partner, Gordon Ventures. “I feel fortunate to have had the chance to contribute to the longevity of this local treasure, and to begin welcoming the thriving business that will be the foundation of its long future.”
Constructed in 1929 with an addition in 1935, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built by Samuel Gordon, a visionary businessman who came to the United States from Russia as a young boy, and worked in San Francisco before moving to Napa a century ago. He was inspired by the architecture of the Old World and was particular about the building’s design. Today, The Gordon Building stands out as a striking example of Spanish Colonial Revival Style, and is notable for its terra cotta siding and ornate floral details. Inside, the gracious touches continue, with high arched windows and an elaborate staircase.
“The building was always very personal for our family, and we spent a lot of time there,” recalled Charles Gordon, son of Samuel Gordon. “My father was a humble man who didn’t like the limelight, but he had a vision for Napa. We’re proud of the property’s heritage and so pleased the building will have a new chapter.”
A hub of activity, the building once housed a popular soda fountain and lunch counter on the main floor. Upstairs were medical offices for doctors and specialists in the days before Napa had a regional medical center. Later, the building had a candy shop, and offices for engineers and attorneys. Plans for the 20,000 square foot building now include ground-floor flagship retail space, along with state-of-the-art offices on the second floor.
About The Gordon Building
Originally constructed in 1929, The Gordon Building is a historic, two-story, 20,000 square foot building on the northeast corner of First and Coombs Streets in Downtown Napa, California. A handsome example of Spanish Colonial Revival styling with Spanish Renaissance details, the building has undergone a full historic rehabilitation including restoration of the historic façade, lobby, historic interior elements and structural elements. The Gordon Building is owned by Gordon Ventures, LLC, a partnership of Zapolski Real Estate, Trademark Property Co., and The Doctors Company. The Gordon Building is adjacent to the First Street Napa development, also managed by Zapolski Real Estate, LLC.
About First Street Napa
First Street Napa is a 325,000-square-foot mixed-use development located in the heart of Downtown Napa. Spanning three city blocks, First Street Napa will feature 45 fashion and specialty retailers, innovative restaurants and wine bars, creative office space, and Archer Hotel Napa, the tallest building in Napa Valley with 183 guestrooms and 39 balcony-clad suites. Catering to the local Napa community and visitors alike, First Street Napa invites people to shop, dine, relax, work, and indulge in an environment complete with exceptional landscaping, living walls, seating areas, amenities, and locally curated art and design. First Street Napa’s retail, agrarian landscaping, approachable dining, and wine country charm make this destination unmistakably Napa.
