Community Corner
Historic Napa Courthouse Damaged In 2014 Earthquake Reopens
The 18,000-square-foot building that dates back to 1878 has been unoccupied since the 6.1-magnitude earthquake.
NAPA, CA — The historic Napa County Courthouse that was damaged in the 2014 South Napa earthquake is reopening to the public Monday, Napa County Superior Court officials said. The courthouse at 825 Brown St. in Napa sustained major damage in the 6.1-magnitude earthquake on Aug. 24, 2014.
The 18,000-square-foot structure is an 1878 historical building that has been unoccupied since the earthquake. Court calendars and services were reshuffled and handled in various locations, including the Criminal Courthouse and Jury Assembly room in the Hall of Records.
Richmond-based Alten Construction began an $11.6-million repair in October 2017. The work included a 16,000-square-foot historical renovation, structural retrofit and new restrooms, according to Alten Construction's website.
Find out what's happening in Napa Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The project also included deconstruction, hazardous mold and lead abatement, structural, electrical and mechanical and fire protection work and interior finishes.
Antique masonry, doors, windows, millwork, casework and lighting fixtures were salvaged, according to Alten Construction.
Find out what's happening in Napa Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"I'm thrilled we've made it this far," Napa County Superior Court Presiding Judge Elia Ortiz said in a news release. "It's been a long four and a half years and we greatly appreciate the spirit and dedication exhibited by everyone in continuing to serve the public after such a significant natural disaster and lengthy recovery," Ortiz said.
The 825 Brown St. entrance will again be the main entrance to the entire facility, and the Jury Assembly Room will continue to be used for jurors reporting for duty and will no longer be used as a temporary courtroom, court officials said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the reopening of the historic courtroom will be held at a later date, court officials said.
By Bay City News Service
Main photo: An upper corner of the Napa County Courthouse displays structural damage after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014, in Napa, California. (Photo by Ben Margot/Associated Press)
