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The Rutherford Depot, one of Napa Valley’s most identifiable landmarks, is also one of the most endangered. This historical structure is over 150 years old and has been vacant for over a decade with rapidly progressing deterioration. Many of our members have been distressed to see one of our most prominent landmarks going to ruin before our eyes.
The Rutherford Dust Society (RDS) is a 501 (c)(6) nonprofit with approximately 100 members whose mission is to preserve, protect and promote the Rutherford AVA, and to be good stewards of the land while building community. In early 2020, we instituted an initiative to restore the Rutherford Depot which includes the following objectives:
Our organization has been working with the Wine Train to help support the restoration of the Depot for over a year, however due to multiple reasons, including the impact of COVID, little progress has been made. We have also shared our plan with local government representatives, Napa County Landmarks, and Vine Trail leadership, as well as other community leaders. The RDS believes changes stemming from the pandemic to the Wine Train’s business/operating model and the opportunity to restore and reactivate the depot may align and provide a return that benefits their business, visitors to Napa Valley, and our community.
The Rutherford Depot is historically significant; it continuously lands on Napa Valley Landmarks list of the county’s most endangered historic buildings, and, if restored, may qualify for addition to the National Register of Historic Places. Gaining this designation will qualify the restoration for Historic Preservation Tax Credits totaling 20% of the cost of restoration.
Restoration will be expensive, especially the type of accurate restoration to meet the national landmark designation. As a rail depot and part of an operating railroad, federal government loan funds are available to restore and reactivate the depot as a multi-modal transit hub.
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is planned to follow the Wine Train right-of-way through Rutherford. Adding passenger options for pedestrians and bicyclists at the depot would meet the multi-modal qualification and should unlock the Wine Train’s ability to apply for and secure Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing through the US Department of Transportation.
In summary, we have a tremendous opportunity and obligation to restore one of our last endangered landmarks in Rutherford and Napa Valley. Although the restoration will not be a short-term project, we must act now. Failure to do so will risk the ruin of this historical jewel forever. The Rutherford Dust Society will be holding several forums on this topic including an upcoming community Town Hall. We would welcome all business and community members to participate in the forums and join us for the Town Hall.
On August 17th, the Rutherford Dust Society held a Town Hall meeting with its members and community to discuss the future of a local historic landmark, the Rutherford Depot Train Station. Missed the meeting? View the recording at the link above.
Brad Wagenknecht, District 1 Supervisor
brad.wagenknecht@countyofnapa.org
707.253.4828
Ryan Gregory, Disctrict 2 Supervisor
ryan.gregory@countyofnapa.org
707.259.8276
Diane Dillon, District 3 Supervisor
diane.dillon@countyofnapa.org
707.253.4827
Alfredo Pedroza, District 4 Supervisor
alfredo.pedroza@countyofnapa.org
707.259.8278
Belia Ramos, District 5 Supervisor
belia.ramos@countyofnapa.org
707.259.8277
The Rutherford Dust Society’s mission is to encourage and promote the highest quality standards in grape growing and winemaking in the Rutherford Viticultural Area, to be good stewards of the land while building community, and to help wine lovers and the wine trade discover Rutherford’s expression of its unique terroir.