A CULTURALLY RICH LOCALE
EMERGING 2026
EMERGING 2026
Appellation Petaluma, California
Located in the heart of Historic Downtown, Appellation Petaluma is seamlessly woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. At the corner of Petaluma Boulevard and B Street, the hotel welcomes guests and locals into a space where past and present converge.
On the ground floor, Chef Charlie Palmer brings a vibrant dining destination rooted in Sonoma’s bounty. Thoughtfully sourced ingredients and bold flavors create a gathering place destined to become a local favorite.
Above it all, the rooftop redefines Petaluma’s event scene. With sweeping views of the city, river, and hills, this dynamic space—blending indoor and outdoor elements—sets the stage for celebrations of all kinds.
Learn more about Appellation Petaluma's development plans here.
Experience
The Ethos of Petaluma
The Place
The Soul of Petaluma
The People
The Taste of Petaluma
The Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know
What will the public art installation be?
The Project Team is in the process of determining both the type of art installation and the local artisans that will commission the various art pieces. The project will invest at least half a million dollars in public facing art.
How many parking stalls does the project have?
58 stalls on site, meeting the parking requirements as determined by the City of Petaluma, and exploring additional off-site parking. There will additionally be bicycle parking (street level) and bicycle valet in the parking garage. The Project Team is adding mechanical parking (costly) to allow for 58 stalls, the code required amount, and will be valet only.
Is there designated public space on the rooftop?
A portion of the rooftop is designated as public space even during private events. The rooftop is designed to have the best views in town and will take advantage of the surrounding landscape.
How many stories is the project?
The project is five stories with an occupiable rooftop element. The fifth floor is intentionally stepped back from the fourth floor, substantially minimizing the visual impact and making the building appear as a four-story building. The occupiable rooftop structure is set back 25 feet from the property line, making it invisible from the street below.
How much traffic will the project add to downtown?
The project team is currently working to update their Traffic Study and will post its findings when finalized. Although the project will add traffic from its current use (vacant land) it will be substantially less than its previous use as a Chevron gas station. The project is currently building a program that both encourages and rewards guests to take advantage of alternative transportation, such as The SMART train, into Petaluma.
Why doesn't the project look like a historical project?
While the project is a new building and takes advantage of the latest green building technologies and design, much thought and care was put into creating a hotel which has many historic features found in Petaluman architecture. Diana Painter is a key project team member, who worked hand-in-hand with the architect to implement and incorporate historic features found in Petaluma’s historic downtown.
Will the project be Leed certified?
The Project will qualify as a LEED-certified building through the sustainable features included throughout the project’s design, however it will not be officially LEED Certified.
Testimonials
“Appellation Petaluma site, I’m thrilled about the positive impact this project will have on local businesses like mine. More visitors mean more diners, more energy, and a stronger local economy. This hotel will bring exactly the kind of thoughtful tourism that helps independent restaurants and shops thrive.”- Elisa Weber | Della Fattoria, Owner
“As a Petaluma artist, I’m thrilled to see a project that thoughtfully blends historical charm with a fresh, modern design that truly honors our city’s character. This hotel will create a vibrant gathering space, bring new energy to the community, and provide valuable job opportunities for locals.” - Akiko Hrovat, Designer
“As a Petaluma resident and father, I’m excited for a project that brings new energy while honoring our city’s character. A great restaurant for family dinners and a rooftop bar for date nights—this hotel will be a fantastic gathering place that strengthens our community and local economy.” - Matt Vuolo, Petaluma Resident & Designer
"Bringing the proposed hotel to downtown Petaluma is about energizing our community and driving growth. A vibrant downtown thrives on visitors, foot traffic, and local engagement. This project will enhance our economy, support local businesses, and allow Petaluma's identity to grow as a desired destination." - Sean Payne | Petaluma Business Owner