Napa City Council
November 4, 2025

Mills Act – Project Description My wife and I are applying for the Mills Act program to preserve and maintain our 1906 Victorian home at 1737 Laurel Street, ensuring its historic character and architectural integrity are protected for future generations while making ownership of this landmark more sustainable. The house had functioned as a Bed & Breakfast called the Parkside Inn until we bought it in 2004. We gave up the B&B license and have lived as a single family here for the past 21 years, raising two children. Our Victorian house was featured on the Napa County Landmarks tour in both 2000 and in 2015 and has been a part of every Napa Porchfest celebration. We are and have been members of the Napa County Landmarks and, as one can see by viewing our house and property, have always been mindful of maintaining its historical character. For instance, we replaced the front yard landscaping with rose bush and boxwood hedge features. Similarly, we replaced the concrete steps and metal railings with handmade wooden steps, bannisters, and balustrades. Our kitchen runs with an antique O’Keefe & Merritt gas stove. We plan on addressing period appropriate outdoor lighting, as well. The Mills Act would help provide essential resources to preserve the historic character of our home. We have outlined a ten-year plan to maintain and rehabilitate the property, addressing structural elements like window restoration, original floor preservation, outdoor painting, and roof replacement. We are eager for the opportunity to work with the city of Napa over the next ten years to make the Mills Act a vibrant and effective program. Donald and Sabine Hirsohn