Downtown Petaluma Walking Tour Itinerary
We LOVE our neighborhood in downtown Petaluma, so thought we’d share a few of our staff’s local favorites in the form of a walking tour itinerary. You don’t have to wander far from our front doors to encounter some of the best eating, shopping, and history our town has to offer.
Unforgettable Events at Hall of the Above in downtown Petaluma
Located in the beautifully restored Sonoma County National Bank building in downtown Petaluma, Hall of the Above boasts grand architecture, high ceilings, and a sophisticated ambiance. Its central location makes it easily accessible, and its flexible layout allows for a variety of event setups. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or community gathering, this versatile venue provides the ideal setting for any occasion—here we share a few of our recent favorites.
a vessel for community
Continuing a community tradition dating back many years, we celebrated the Winter Solstice for the first time at Hall of the Above on December 21, 2024. We thought we’d share in the hopes it would inspire other people to host gatherings of friends and family, even if it isn’t centered around a milestone event… we love a reason to gather community together.
So what are those shapes in the windows?
A peek into the making of the Hall of the Above window stellations, and a look at other geometry-related projects created by Daniel Castor.
on thermoses, wear-and-tear, and why we collect
If you’ve been curious about all of those thermoses in the western-most window on Washington St. at Hall of the Above, let us introduce you. We have a love of all things antique, but the thermos collection has a special place in our co-founder, Danny’s, heart.
An Introduction to the people behind “hall of the above”
We are Daniel Castor, and Jen Jerde, the new (and very excited) tenants of 199 N. Petaluma Blvd, here to introduce ourselves to Petaluma by way of our previous projects and various community involvements. We thought it could be helpful, in understanding where we want to go, to understand where we’re coming from, which is a world of historical buildings, parades, building things, and bringing community together.
A brief history of a beloved building
With help from Connie Williams and Catherine Reinhardt, two amazing local historians in Petaluma, we were able to track down some old photos and details of the Sonoma County National Bank’s construction and opening (including a surprising detail).
Construction Updates
Details from our tenant updates to the building, as we work to raise the maximum occupancy from 49 to 250. We are reconfiguring the rear of the building, moving the two existing restrooms, installing a new emergency exit and ramp on American Alley, and adding two restrooms downstairs.
Butter and Egg Days Parade
We have always loved parades, so couldn’t resist building something beautiful for 2024’s Butter and Egg Days—a rotating geodesic egg / disco ball. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes of the construction effort.
Steeplejacks & Machinists: Restoration Efforts at Hall of the Above
As one would expect with a building that’s nearly 100 years old, the Sonoma County National Bank has many beautiful features, many of which are also in various states of disrepair. We’ve been undergoing restoration efforts for said features, and thought we’d share some details.