State joins effort to restore Blue Wing Adobe

The long-discussed restoration of Sonoma’s Blue Wing Adobe is one step closer with an official partnership between State Parks and the Blue Wing Adobe (BWA) Trust, a local nonprofit. The agreement, signed by California State Parks Director Ruth Coleman after a tour of the historic Spain Street structure, includes the nearby Toscano Hotel and Kitchen.

The goal is to restore and preserve the structures, and to identify suitable adaptive reuses. It has long been the desire of local residents to get the Blue Wing Adobe (across the street from the San Francisco Solano Mission) restored and open to the public, said BWA Trust President Patricia Cullinan. “With a signed agreement with State Parks in hand, a significant hurdle has been crossed.”

The structure dates back to 1838. Over its many years it has served as a hotel, a U.S. Army headquarters, saloon and gambling hall, apartments, wine storage, antique store and the Sonoma Chamber of Commerce. It was sold to the state in 1968, and was designated California State Landmark #17 in 1975. It has been vacant since 2001.

Coleman’s tour of the buildings was led by State Park Guide, Jim Danaher. Danaher shared his knowledge of the history of the buildings in addition to an explanation of why Spain Street is perhaps one of the most historically important streets in all of California.

“I was really impressed by the dedication and vision of the members,” Coleman said. “I am looking forward to a strong and productive partnership to protect these great historic buildings.”

Cullinan said her group was very pleased with Coleman’s visit. “She was quite positive in her remarks, and it gave us all an even greater desire to want to make this partnership work.”

“It was apparent she really has an interest in and a vision for these parks,” Cullinan said.