Catalysts for Renaissance

From downtown revitalization to sustainable tourism—advancing policies and projects that benefit our entire community.

Renaissance Petaluma is not a single-issue organization. Our mission extends far beyond any one development project. We advocate for comprehensive downtown revitalization, enhanced tourism infrastructure, and economic policies that benefit all Petaluma businesses and residents.

Catalyst Project: Appellation Petaluma

The proposed Appellation Petaluma hotel represents exactly the kind of thoughtful investment our coalition supports—a project that could generate significant economic benefits while respecting Petaluma's historic character and meeting rigorous community standards.

A modern multi-story residential building with retail shops on the ground floor, located on a busy street corner. The building features balconies, large windows, and rooftop terraces with people enjoying the outdoor spaces. Cars are parked along the street, and pedestrians are walking on the sidewalks with trees lining the streetscape.

Appellation Petaluma is a proposed luxury hotel in Petaluma's vibrant Theatre District, developed by EKN Development Group in partnership with renowned hospitality operator Appellation Hotel and acclaimed chef Charlie Palmer. Thoughtfully crafted and deeply connected to its community, the project will honor Petaluma’s rich history while contributing to its ever-evolving story.

Key Project Elements

Modern multi-story building with retail shops on the ground floor, residential units with balconies above, and a rooftop terrace with outdoor seating, set in a landscaped urban area with parked cars and pedestrians.
modern multi-story residential building with balconies, rooftop terrace, and trees lining the sidewalk in an urban setting during daytime.

  • Approximately 100 guest rooms in Petaluma's Theatre District with downtown and river views

  • Streetfront restaurant and rooftop bar featuring Charlie Palmer’s signature progressive American cuisine while showcasing local ingredients

  • Rooftop and courtyard event space for gatherings, celebrations, and community functions

  • Flexible hospitality suites capable of hosting multiple simultaneous events

  • Scenic courtyard where downtown energy meets wine country flair

  • Significant investment in local artwork showcasing Petaluma's creative community

  • Proximity to the Riverwalk integrating the hotel into Petaluma's pedestrian experience

  • Design meeting rigorous historic preservation standards for the Theatre District

Addressing Petaluma’s Hospitality Gap

Despite being Sonoma County's second-largest city and attracting national press recognition, Petaluma lacks quality overnight accommodations compared to much smaller wine country competitors. Healdsburg (population ~12,000) and Sonoma (population ~11,000) offer numerous boutique hotels that capture overnight visitor spending, while Petaluma (population ~58,000)—five times larger—primarily offers motel-style lodging outside downtown.

This gap has consequences. When visitors explore Petaluma's restaurants, galleries, antique shops, and Petaluma Gap wineries, most stay overnight in Healdsburg or Sonoma, leaving tourist dollars in those communities. A quality downtown hotel would keep more of that spending local, benefiting Petaluma's restaurants, retailers, and service providers.

Why Renaissance Petaluma Supports This Model

Appellation Petaluma exemplifies the development approach our coalition advocates:

Modern building entrance with large glass windows, a wooden awning, and two people standing in front. The building has a sign with a large stylized letter 'A' and the word 'PETALUMA' underneath.
Exterior view of a modern building with large glass windows, black trim, wooden accents, and lush potted plants along the sidewalk.

  • Generates quality jobs, increased tax revenue, and substantial local business spending—benefiting existing downtown businesses.

  • Luxury hospitality focused on experience and service, not mass tourism—attracts affluent visitors who spend more locally.

  • Subject to rigorous design review ensuring compatibility with Petaluma's Theatre District character and architectural heritage.

  • Creates restaurants, gathering spaces, and event venues that serve residents year-round, not just hotel guests.

  • Committed to sourcing from local farms, wineries, and artisan food producers—strengthening regional supply chains.

  • Concentrated downtown development that doesn't require sprawl—aligns with Urban Growth Boundary goals.

  • Partnership with Appellation Hotels and Charlie Palmer brings proven expertise in luxury hospitality and culinary excellence.

Person mixing oil paints on a wooden artist's palette with a paintbrush, with various colors and textures of paint.

One Project Among Many Opportunities

While Appellation Petaluma represents the kind of investment Renaissance Petaluma supports, our coalition's vision extends far beyond any single development.

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