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 City Hall and plans for the Sonoma Plaza.[1]
Construction started in 1906 after the approval of a $10,000 (equivalent to $349,963in 2024) bond issue. The cornerstone was laid on February 22, 1906, by the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons, with Judge Henry C. Gesford of Napa delivering a speech.[2][3][4]
Henry Beeson attended the dedication ceremony and raised the "Bear Flag"flag and James D. Phelan delivered a speech at the event.[5]
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.[4]
The Sonoma City Hall is at the center of the 8 acre Sonoma Plaza.[6] Local events, such as the Fourth of July parade and the Farmer's Market, take place on the Plaza.[7][8]
Design
Sonoma City Hall during construction in 1906
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.[9][4][10]
Public demonstrations
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.[11] In 2021, a Women's march took place with actress Haley Bennett at the Sonoma City Hall.[12]
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