Stepping into the past with Heritage Homes

Petaluma is a small town known to encompass a large variety of architectural charm and diversity; many of these aged homes and historical buildings are under-appreciated and do not receive the attention they deserve.

Through promotion and encouragement, Heritage Homes of Petaluma works to preserve and promote the visual character of Petaluma. Founded in 1967, Petaluma Heritage Homes will hold its 24th Biennial House Tour on Sunday, Sept. 21, when six private homes, as well as three historic buildings will be open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There are many components in determining when a house can be elevated to the status of a Heritage Home. Since the organization is not a historical society, the house or building is not required to have historical relevance.

“We view homes that are at least 50 years old as being able to be a heritage home, and after that, we look at the other factors - character, story, interest, life,” says Rob Girolo, president of Heritage Homes of Petaluma.

Each featured home, along with its location, is unique and charming. Heritage Homes of Petaluma shows homes ranging from small cottages to large colonial mansions with characteristics that are categorized as a certain architectural style. These vintage homes have more variety within them that displays fascinating individualism.

This year also marks a turning point for Heritage Homes.

“Mid-century homes are now able to be included as a heritage home in our view, and we will have an early 1960s home on this tour. This is big, because a new decade of building opens up a new era of architectural style,” says Girolo.

The homes tour is self-guided, and docents with knowledge of the space are stationed at each featured location. Some of the commercial locations have their own staff members working, but residents allow Heritage Homes volunteers to present information and stories about the locale.

“Someone on this tour will be able to see an 1876 Greek Revival; a 1920s medical office, now a real estate office; a 1915 rose cottage; a 1929 Craftsman; an 1890s Victorian farmhouse; an 1880s Victorian workers cottage; a mid-century classic American ranch house; an early 1900 grocery store, now an antiques store; and a restoration project that gives a glimpse into what it takes to renovate an older building,” says Girolo.

From the tours and donations, Heritage Homes of Petaluma was able to start the Revolving Preservation Fund in 2004.

By purchasing historic properties that are at risk, Heritage Homes can stabilize and sell them to individuals who plan to preserve the structures. In addition, Heritage Homes funded the repainting of Petaluma’s iconic Coca-Cola sign on the Mutual Relief building downtown. With the help of Heritage Homes, Petaluma was selected as a model for other Californian cities in the California Main Street preservation program.

Heritage Homes has also made donations in more recent years: $5,000 to help preserve the trestle on Water Street, and $2,000 to the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum to preserve the building and photographs.

Funds this year are projected to go towards the museum for window restoration and earthquake retrofitting, the trestle preservation, and other smaller projects in need of a helping hand. If there are any preservation projects in town seeking funding, Heritage Homes of Petaluma can be reached at heritagepetaluma.org.

All proceeds of the tour benefit Heritage Homes of Petaluma; the purchase of the tax-deductible tickets include a keepsake booklet and refreshments.

Tickets are $25 in advance and available at Rex Hardware, The French Hen, Chalet Florist and the Petaluma Visitors Center.

Tickets are also available for purchase on the day of the event for $30 at one of the tour homes.

Participants are asked to wear soft-soled shoes and to allow three to four hours for the tour.

(Contact Kate Hoover at argus@arguscourier.com)