SECTION 4.0 DESIGN CHARACTER
The Vision for the Commons
A Neighborhood
Rooted in
Yountville’s
Character
4.1 V I S I O N & F O U N DAT I O N A L
PRINCIPLES
The vision for the Commons is to foster a
healthy and vibrant neighborhood where
residents and neighbors can thrive together
and that, over time, becomes an integral part
of the small-town fabric of Yountville.
The design of this new neighborhood builds on
Yountville’s small-town charm by integrating
with its open space, infrastructure, and
built form for a seamless transition.
It prioritizes human-centered
design—fostering comfort,
health, community, and
livability through walkable,
inclusive spaces.
Four
Foundational
Principles
1 2
3 4
The plan supports flexible,
incremental development of the
site, allowing the neighborhood
to grow organically over time.
It aligns with the Town’s
General Plan, supporting
housing needs while enhancing
Yountville’s character and
open space network.
Finally, it commits to
sustainability through energy
and water efficiency, the use
of renewable materials, and
climate-resilient design.
The
Barn
Farmstand
Garden
YOUNT STREET ARCADE
SCHMITT PLAZA
Guest
House
Garden
Center
Town Hall
TOWN HALL
PLAZA
Farmstand
FINNELL ROAD
M I D T O W N C O N N E C T O R
LOCAL FOOD HUB
Schmitt Hall
Yountville
Fit CEN TR AL
OVAL Lavage
South
Courtyard
North
Parking
Grove
South
Parking
Grove
Dog
Spot
CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN
0 30 60 120'
H O P P E R
CREEK
DOG PATCH
THE
MEADOW
HOPPER
CREEK
TRAIL
Y O U N T S T R E E T
CREEKSIDE
VILLAGE
NORTH COURTYARD
AUGUST 2025
SECTION 4.0 DESIGN CHARACTER
SECTION 4.2 DESIGN VISION SECTION 4.2 DESIGN VISION
4.2 D ES I G N V I S I O N -
CONNECTING INTO & EXTENDING THE SMALL TOWN FABRIC
This plan is about extending Yountville’s small-town heart—threading together a sequence of meaningful places that feel like they’ve always belonged. Courtyards, paths, water features, and gathering spots come together to create a neighborhood that feels lived-in, layered, and welcoming.
HOPPER CREEK TRAIL
A park-like green corridor is the anchor of the
neighborhood on the easterly side of the Commons.
The Hopper Creek Trail is a place to walk slowly,
sit with a friend, or follow the light through the
trees. It links into the Town’s path network and
includes several entries into the Commons.
THE OVAL
A central space framed by heritage olive
trees. It’s the heart of the neighborhood—a
place for town gatherings, casual hangouts,
and everyday get-togethers.
THE MEADOW
Open, soft, informal and framed by native oaks. This
is where kids can run, people can sprawl on blankets,
and neighbors can cross paths on evening walks.
DOG PATCH
A shaded, fenced area for small and large dog play
with a local eatery and food hub right nearby.
YOUNT STREET ARCADE & SCHMITT PLAZA
A mix of residential, civic and neighborhood serving
uses stitched together by courtyards, portals and
shady passageways along Yount Street . This is the
face of the neighborhood—lively, generous, and
rooted in the street. The farm stand garden anchors
the northwesterly corner of the site, providing fresh
produce to the local food hub and community.
CREEKSIDE VILLAGE
The quieter residential area on the easterly
side of the Commons, full of courtyards, paths,
porches, and in-between spaces. Buildings
are nestled among trees, with views that open
toward Hopper Creek and the Meadow.
LOCAL FOOD HUB
A mix of neighborhood serving uses, including
a local eatery, centered on local food near the
Dog Patch and at the South Parking Grove
NORTH AND SOUTH PARKING GROVES
Parking areas that are tucked under
groves to provide shade and comfort.
Large fire circle
surrounded by lounge
chairs; centered on
common laundry building
Wood stairs with
built-in seating
Village runnel
Lavage building
with roof deck
Village mailboxes
Bike parking
with trellis
Building overhang
Trellis as organizing
element
Trellis arbors at
entry points to fire
circle garden
Casual seating
Specimen matching
crape myrtles low
hedge at corners
Trellis as transition
between public and
private; paving change
reinforces transition
Specimen oak tree
Main basin for
village runnels
raised with weir on
north side
SECTION 4.2 DESIGN VISION
The Built Fabric
Growing a
Neighborhood with
Small-Town Character
The built fabric of the Commons brings structure and life to the landscape, shaping the vertical layer of buildings, facades, and rooflines that will gradually grow into a connected part of Yountville. The landscape works hand in hand with these principles—reinforcing simplicity through the use of adapted and native plantings, and supporting human scale with shaded walks and intimate courtyards, and enhancing street-facing facades with layered plantings, trellises, and paths that encourage everyday interaction. As a diverse mix of homes and uses takes shape, the landscape helps unify it all—framing shared spaces, softening transitions, and creating an evolving sense of, place and community.
SOUTH COURTYARD AT CREEKSIDE VILLAGE DESIGN CONCEPT
Farmstand
Garden
YOUNT STREET ARCADE
Guest
House
Town Hall
TOWN HALL
PLAZA
Farmstand
FINNELL ROAD
M I D T O W N C O N N E C T O R
LOCAL FOOD HUB
Schmitt Hall
The
Barn
Yountville
Fit CEN TR AL
OVAL Lavage
North
Parking
Grove
South
Parking
Grove
Dog
Spot
THE BUILT FABRIC
0 30 60 120'
H O P P E R
CREEK
DOG PATCH
THE
MEADOW
HOPPER
CREEK
TRAIL
Y O U N T S T R E E T
CREEK SIDE
VILLAGE
RESIDENTIAL
CIVIC
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVING
COMMUNITY
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVING MIXED-USE
MIDTOWN CONNECTOR
AUGUST 2025
Garden
Center
SCHMITT PLAZA
NORTH COURTYARD
SOUTH COURTYARD
SECTION 4.2 DESIGN VISION
SECTION 4.2 DESIGN VISION
The Gray Fabric
Streets as Places,
Not Just Roads
Layered into the landscape are the lanes, paths, and service ways that hold the neighborhood together. This is the Gray Fabric—not just infrastructure, but a network of lanes, pathways, parking areas and driveways designed for people first. Like in the best small towns, these are places to walk, bike, pause, and connect. Streets become outdoor rooms, not just places to pass through. Edges become portals and invitations to come in and explore. Parking and service areas are designed to serve comfort, beauty, and community.
THE GRAY FABRIC
AUGUST 2025
0 30 60 120'
MIDTOWN CONNECTOR
EMERGENCY & SERVICE ACCESS
PEDESTRIAN/BIKE CIRCULATION
SERVICE ACCESS ONLY
PARKING / CAR ZONES
Farmstand
Garden
YOUNT STREET ARCADE
Guest
House
Town Hall
TOWN HALL
PLAZA
Farmstand
FINNELL ROAD
M I D T O W N C O N N E C T O R
LOCAL FOOD HUB
Schmitt Hall
The
Barn
Yountville
Fit CEN TR AL
OVAL Lavage
North
Parking
Grove
South
Parking
Grove
Dog
Spot
H O P P E R
CREEK
DOG PATCH
THE
MEADOW
HOPPER
CREEK
TRAIL
Y O U N T S T R E E T
CREEK SIDE
VILLAGE
Garden
Center
NORTH COURTYARD
SOUTH COURTYARD
SECTION 4.2 DESIGN VISION
SECTION 4.2 DESIGN VISION
THRESHOLDS AND TRANSITIONS
The landscape at the Commons uses a variety of
strategies to create clear, comfortable transitions
between public, semi-private and private space.
Planting layers, trellises, screens, and subtle
changes in paving signal a shift in use and create
a sense of arrival. Trellises serve as portals
and front doors—welcoming entries that frame
small passageways, bike storage, courtyards,
and shared spaces. Screens provide privacy for
outdoor patios in the Creekside Village and/or to
obscure service areas. Meandering paths, low
plantings, and small outdoor rooms help define
thresholds while inviting casual encounters and
neighborly interaction. These subtle transitions
support a walkable, connected village feel where
private homes and public life coexist seamlessly.
SECTION 4.0 DESIGN CHARACTER
M AT E R I A LS,
F U R N I S H I N G S &
LIGHTING
Materials and furnishings at
the Commons strike a balance
between contemporary
applications, durability and the
site’s agricultural heritage. A
palette of natural, regionally
appropriate materials—such
as wood, stone, and metal—
grounds the design in its Napa
Valley setting. Site furnishings
are scaled to feel comfortable
and familiar, reflecting the charm
and character of Yountville.
Select opportunities for public
art add moments of surprise,
storytelling, and connection
throughout the neighborhood.
SECTION 4.2 DESIGN VISION
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
5.4 KEY LANDSCAPE CONCEPTS
The Green Fabric
Weaving the
Green Fabric of
the Commons
The green fabric of Yountville is the starting point
for shaping the Commons— a neighborhood that
feels like a natural extension of the town. By
stitching into the existing pattern of trails, paths,
and informal gathering places, we can create
a place that feels comfortable, sociable, and
deeply connected to the Town.
Celebrate Hopper Creek
Buildings should be arranged to open toward it, not turn away. Paths and runnels should lead you there easily, and the creek’s health—its trees, water, and banks—should be cared for as a shared community responsibility.
Create a Network of Leafy Outdoor Rooms
Instead of one big park, imagine a chain of shaded spaces—meadows, courtyards, groves, and paths—each with its own feel. These spaces echo the small town landscape and invite people to sit, play, walk, and meet.
Let People Meander
Paths should be many and varied—shortcuts, loops, and back ways. These routes help people feel at ease and give the neighborhood permeability, so it’s easy to move through without always knowing exactly where you’re headed.
Plant What Belongs
The landscape should feel rooted in this place. Native and adapted plants— especially those that thrive in drought—can evoke both the agricultural history and ecological future of the area. This means plants such as olive trees, dry grasses, lavender, and oaks.
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
FINNELL ROAD
M I D T O W N C O N N E C T O R
CEN TR AL
OVAL
THE GREEN FABRIC
AUGUST 2025
0 30 60 120'
HOPPER
CREEK
DOG PATCH
THE
MEADOW
HOPPER
CREEK
TRAIL
Y O U N T S T R E E T
VILLAGE LANDS:
The everyday fabric of courtyards, plazas, and
intimate lanes—leafy outdoor rooms where neighbors
meet, linger, and share in the small-town spirit.
MEADOW LANDS:
A central green that ties the Commons together,
offering an open meadow with shaded edges for both
active play and quiet retreat.
CREEK LANDS:
The Hopper Creek trail corridor—framed by native
plantings, shaded paths, places to rest, and entries
into the Commons—celebrated as the ecological heart
of the neighborhood.
LANES
Welcoming passages from Yount Street that draw you
inward, acting as green gateways into the Commons’
network of plazas, courtyard and meadows.
DEVELOPMENT AREAS
MIDTOWN CONNECTOR
Farmstand
Garden
Y OUN T
STREET
ARCADE
Guest
House
Town
Hall
TOWN
HALL
PLAZA
Farmstand
LOCAL
FOOD HUB
Schmitt Hall
The
Barn
Yountville
Fit
Lavage
North
Parking
Grove
South
Parking
Grove
Dog
Spot
Y O U N T S T R E E T
CREEK SIDE
VILLAGE
Garden
Center
SCHMITT PLAZA
NORTH COURTYARD
SOUTH COURTYARD
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
VAN
ACCESSIBLE
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CD CD CD CD CD
BUBBLERS AT CIRCLES WHERE VERTICAL FEATURES IN PLAZA
DIRECTION CHANGES
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
A PAT T E R N L A N G U AG E
FOR THE LANDSCAPE
The landscape of the Commons is shaped by a set of repeating patterns—typologies that bring coherence, comfort, and
identity to the neighborhood. These elements appear again and again, in different forms and combinations, stitching the fabric of the place together in quiet, meaningful ways.
WATER: THE RUNNEL
Narrow channels of water move through courtyards
and walkways, offering sound, sparkle, and a moment
of coolness on warm days. These runnels create
small invitations to linger, and subtle cues to pause
and notice and reinforce the connection to the Hopper
Creek Trail on the eastern edge of the neighborhood.
RUNNEL DESIGN INTENT TERMINUS AT VILLAGE RUNNELS
RUNNEL SUSPENDED FROM SISTER FOUNTAIN AND
FALLS INTO RECTANGLE BASIN THAT THEN FEEDS
THE NARROW RUNNEL
WIDER REFLECTION POOL WITH
FLOATING STEPPING STONES AT
CROSSINGS, ABOUT 16” DEEP
NARROW RUNNEL ABOUT
8” DEEP WITH “BRIDGE”
CROSSINGS
AT MAIN STAIRS TO OVAL, RUNNEL
STAYS LEVEL CREATING A FALL AT
THE OVAL LEVEL WITH SPLASH
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
SHADE: THE TRELLIS
Simple trellises mark transitions—between
public and private, between the street and the
garden. They create shade where it’s needed
most: over paths, parking lots, and entries.
These structures offer both beauty and comfort,
softened with vines or seasonal growth.
TRELLIS SAMPLES AND SKETCH
Large trellis with
vines as organizing
element for pedestrian
circulation
Emergency vehicle
access (up to runnel)
Village runnel
water feature trellis
over bike parking
Screen hedge behind
Main entry into
village from
Hopper Creek
Native grasses
and benches
(3) Specimen
sycamore trees
H O P PE R
CREEK
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
G R O U N D :
PATTERNED PAVING
The ground itself guides you. A
shift in paving—stone, gravel,
scored concrete—provides subtle
hints of where you are. Paving
patterns create rhythm, signal
thresholds, and invite you to explore
without signage, hedges or fences.
A G R I C U LT U R E : E C H O E S O F
THE WORKING LANDSCAPE
The region’s agricultural legacy
lives on in the landscape: groves,
citrus trees forming alleés,
and espaliers hugging walls.
Even parking lots are shaded
by orchard-style groves, turning
everyday infrastructure into part
of the experience of place.
PAVING AND AGRICULTURE
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
PLANTING DESIGN AT THE COMMONS
The planting palette at the Commons draws from
the region’s agricultural legacy, blending native
and adapted species with a strong sense of place.
Seasonal color and pollinator-friendly blooms bring
life to courtyards, plazas and pathways, while edible
elements—like espaliered fruit trees, herbs, and citrus and olive groves—echo the working landscapes of
Yountville. Shade trees are thoughtfully placed to cool outdoor spaces, define gathering areas, and contribute
to the neighborhood’s character and comfort.
FOUNDATIONAL PLANT PALETTE
TREES
Big leaf maple Acer
macrophylum
A native deciduous tree with bold foliage
and golden fall color. Offers broad shade
and seasonal interest. Use in Meadow and
Hopper Creek Trail areas where its scale and
moisture needs can be supported. Adds a
strong sense of place rooted in the regional
landscape.
California
Sycamore
Platanus
racemosa
Native riparian tree; theme tree along
Hopper Creek Trail and Meadow areas
Chinese Pistache Pistacia chinensis Deciduous street tree along Yount Street; provides fall color and seasonal interest.
Citrus sp. Citrus spp. Small scale accent trees for use in allees, courtyards, and as espaliers in passageways
Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia Primary theme tree; provides structure, shade, and regional character.
Holly Oak Quercus ilex Tough evergreen oak; use in parking groves Olive Olea europaea
spp.
Evergreen and drought tolerant, use heritage
olives in Oval.
Southern Live
Oak
Quercus
virginiana
Pair with Coast Live Oak to create grove-like
settings; drought-tolerant.
Strawberry Tree Arbutus ‘Marina’ Broadleaf evergreen; attractive bark and multi-season interest. For use in Village
areas, and smaller courtyards.
Valley Oak Quercus lobata Large native oak; used as anchoring Meadow and open space areas.
Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia
hyb.
Small scale accent tree for use on allees,
courtyards and in Village
Western redbud Cercis
occidentalis
Small scale accent tree, for edges of Great
Lawn, Village area courtyards, and Hopper
Creek Trail
The palette blends native
and adapted species with
a strong sense of place.
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
SHRUBS
Bush anemone Carpenteria
californica
Native evergreen with white spring flowers,
good for shaded or semi shaded areas
California
buckwheat
Eriogonum
fasciculatum
Native, small flowers, good for polliinators,
use in Hopper Creek trail corridor
Ceanothus Ceanothus spp. Iconic native of California, many varieties for hedges, groundcover and/or shrub layers
Cistus Cistus spp. Versatile, drought tolerant shrubs and ground covers provide color and seasonal
interest
Coffeeberry Frangula
californica
Versatile shrub; supports pollinators and
adds seasonal color, Hopper Creek Trail.
Coyote brush Baccharis pilularis Native evergreen, adaptable, used in Hopper Creek Trail, or where understory is
needed
Honey-Myrtle Melalueca
nesophila
Pink flowering, drought tolerant, and
tolerates some shade.
Lavender Lavandula spp. provides strong seasonal color, structure and scent, use on path edges, village courtyards,
and civic arcade
Leucadendron
sp.
Leucadendron
spp. (Safari
Sunset, Jester,
Pisa)
Use as feature shrub in plazas and
courtyards, containers or add seasonal
structure to Great Lawn
Little Ollie Olea europea
‘Little Ollie’
Use in civic arcade, village areas, containers
to provide green foliage for cohesive
understory
Manzanita Arctostaphylos
spp.
Evergreen native shrub; used for informal
screening, and habitat areas along Hopper
Creek Trail.
Pacific Wax
Myrtle
Myrica californica Broadleaf evergreen; can be used for screening
Red flowering
currant
Ribes
sanguineum
Native shrub, use for informal screening and
seasonal interest
Rosemary Rosmarinus spp. Evergreen herb may be used for informal hedges, gardens, and as ground covers
Sticky
monkeyflower
Mimulus
aurantiacus
Small scale shrub, create informal border,
use along Hopper Creek Trail
Toyon Heteromeles
arbutifolia
Evergreen with red berries; informal hedge,
great for wildlife
Westringia Westringia
fruticosa
use to define pathways and garden edges,
or anchor planting beds
PERENNIALS
California
fuchsia
Epilobium canum Excellent for late-season color; thrives in dry conditions and attracts hummingbirds.
California poppy Eschscholzia
californica
Iconic native wildflower; bright seasonal
color and attracts pollinators.
Catmint Nepeta spp. All around great bloomer for smaller garden areas and pots
Geranium Geranium spp. Drough tolerant bloomer, good for shadier areas, many varieties
Matilija poppy Romneya coulteri large perennial provides big white flowers for background areas
Milkweed Asclepias
speciosa
Essential host plant for monarch butterflies;
suited for Hopper Creek Trail and garden
areas
Penstemon Penstemon spp. Drought-tolerant bloomer with vibrant color; attracts hummingbirds and bees.
Russian sage Perovskia ‘Blue
Spires’
Provides informal seasonal color
Sage Salvia spp. Low water use and fragrant; many varieties for use in small and larger garden areas.
Santolina Santolina
chamaecyprissus
Compact, drought tolerant provides strong
visual interest in civic arcade and village
areas, and is ideal for borders, low hedging
or defining gathering spaces
Yarrow Achillea
millefolium
Tough native perennial with fern-like foliage
and flat-topped flowers; supports beneficial
insects.
GRASSES
Atlas fescue Festuca mairei finely textured, evergreen bunchgrass, mounded clumps of soft olive green foliage
for planting under trees, defining edges and
softening hardscapes
Berkeley sedge Carex divulsa Grass like sedge, tolerates shade, good for couryard edges
Bio Meadow Sod Bio Meadow Sod Pre-gown, roll out “meadow” designed to thrive with low water and maintenance. A
mix of native grasses, seasonal wildflowers,
and pollinator friendly perennials which
creates a soft, naturalistic groundplane for
informal active and passive recreation. Use
in Great Lawn and in pockets along Hopper
Creek Trail.
Blue Grama
‘Blonde
Ambition’
Bouteloua gracilis
‘Blonde Ambition’
Provides accents in village and civic arcade
areas
California fescue Festuca
californica
native bunchgrass with graceful form, good
in light shade and under trees
Deer Grass Muhlenbergia
rigens
Textural accent; defines outdoor rooms and
softens hard edges.
Fescue Festuca
idahoensis
Cool-season bunchgrass; adds softness and
seasonal variation.
Pink muhly grass Muhlenbergia
capillarus
strong seasonal accent for village and civic
arcade areas
Alkali dropseed Sporobolus
airoides
Very tough warm season grass, not fussy
about soil or sun exposures
Purple
needlegrass
Stipa pulchra suitable for naturalistic meadows areas.
GROUND COVERS
Ceanothus
‘Centennial’
Ceanothus
‘Centennial’
Spreading native ground cover, drought
tolerant, use as ground cover along Hopper
Creek Trail
California
Fleabane
Erigeron ‘Wayne
Roderick’
Flowers year round
Emerald carpet Arctostaphylos
‘Emerald Carpet’
Spreading native ground cover, drought
tolerant, use as ground cover along Hopper
Creek Trail
Creeping
Rosemary
Romarinus
officinalis
Drought tolerant
Thyme Thymus spp. Ideal for use with pavers and edging, aromatic.
Woodland
Strawberry
Fragaria vesca Spreading groundcover; provides edible fruit.
Yerba Buena Clinopodium
douglasii
Low-growing aromatic herb; ideal for edges
and informal paths.
VINES
California Grape Vitis californica Native vine; deciduous, with great fall color and habitat value.
Cecil Brunner
Rose
Rosa Cecile
Brunner
Well suited for arbors, entry trellises and
pergolas, drought tolerant
Clematis Clematis
ligusticifolia &
Clematis armandii
Fast-growing; suitable for trellises and
shaded entries.
Lady Banks’
Rose
Rosa banksiae
‘Lutea or ‘Alba’
Thornless, long blooming vine, for arched
entries and trellises.
Potato vine Solanum
jasminoides
Fast- growing twining vine with white
flowers the bloom from spring to fall can
cover trellises and walls
Star jasmine Trachelspermum
jasminoides
Fast growing fragrant vine for screening
services areas, transformers, draping on
trellises, or used as ground cover
Virginia creeper Parthenocissus
spp.
Deciduous vines valued that quickly cover
walls, trellises, and fences with a lush green
layer that transitions to brilliant red or
burgundy in the fall.
The Commons
embraces a
water-wise
approach that
supports both
sustainability
and beauty.
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
PAVING TREATMENTS
The Commons embraces a waterwise approach that supports both sustainability and beauty. Droughttolerant plantings reduce irrigation needs, while the dominant use of
permeable paving helps infiltrate
water and manage runoff naturally.
Where possible, stormwater is treated
as a design element—woven into the
landscape through visible, functional
features such as the runnels, that slow,
filter, and celebrate the flow of water.
SECTION 5.4 LANDSCAPE PLANS
TUMBLED STONE SLAB STEPS:
AVAIL. BY - CROWN HILL STONE SUPPLY
(VARIOUS COLORS & SIZES AVAILABLE)
STABILIZED DECOMPOSED GRANITE:
AVAIL. BY - GRANITECRETE
COLOR - NATURAL GOLD
- CUSTOM COLORS AVAILABLE
DECOMPOSED GRANITE:
AVAIL. BY - CROWN HILL STONE SUPPLY
(VARIOUS COLORS & SIZES AVAILABLE)
STONE SLAB:
AVAIL. BY - STONE DIRECT
(VARIOUS SIZES & COLORS AVAILABLE)
TRUEGRID WITH GRAVEL
AVAIL. BY - TRUEGRID
PERMEABLE LINEAR PAVERS:
AVAIL. BY - ACKERSTONE
SIZE: 4"x12"
COLOR - (CUSTOM COLORS AVAILABLE)
- APPROVED FOR VEHICULAR ACCESS
COBBLESTONE PAVERS:
AVAIL. BY - GAVIN HISTORICAL BRICKS
COLOR - EUROPEAN BLEND
LINEAR PAVER:
AVAIL. BY - ACKERSTONE
SIZE: 6"x30"
COLOR - (CUSTOM COLORS AVAILABLE)
PERMEABLE COBBLE PAVERS:
AVAIL. BY - UNILOCK
SIZE: VARIES
COLOR - PEPPERED GRANITE
- APPROVED FOR VEHICULAR ACCESS
PERMEABLE LINEAR PAVERS:
AVAIL. BY - ACKERSTONE
SIZE: 4"x12"
COLOR - GRAY (CUSTOM)
STONE SLAB:
AVAIL. BY - CROWN HILL STONE SUPPLY
(VARIOUS SIZES & COLORS AVAILABLE)
LINEAR PAVERS:
AVAIL. BY - UNILOCK
SIZE: 4"x12"
COLOR - LIGHT GRAY
LINEAR PAVERS:
AVAIL. BY - HANOVER
SIZE: 6"x36"
COLOR - VARIES
PAVING PALETTE OPTIONS
SECTION 5.5 PARCEL 1 - SCHEMATIC PLANS
HOPPER CREEK TRAIL
Hopper Creek Trail/Midtown Connector
Trail that also serves as emergency
vehible route to village
Main village entry from
Hopper Creek (see enlargement)
CR E E K SI D E
VILLAGE
Secondary village entry
from Hopper Creek Sycamores to create tree
canopy on west side of trail
Existing bridge over
creek
Private “stoops”
Private gardens with water features
HOPPER CREEK TRAIL
FINNELL ROAD
HOPPER CREEK
HOPPER CREEK TRAIL
DOG
PATCH
The Hopper Creek Trail is a meandering
path along the edge of Hopper Creek on the
easterly edge of the Commons—a shaded,
peaceful place to stroll, pause, and take
in the creek. It restores and enhances the
creek’s riparian habitat while providing trail
connections to the Town’s path network.
Small entries and portals lead into the Village,
with seating areas tucked along the way for
quiet gathering. Village buildings are oriented
to preserve views of the creek, and native
plantings provide a natural buffer, reinforcing
the sense of retreat and connection to nature.
The Creekwalk supports emergency and public
access while inviting everyday exploration.
SECTION 5.5 PARCEL 1 - SCHEMATIC PLANS
HOPPER CREEK TRAIL PLANT PALETTE
TREES
Big leaf maple Acer macrophylum
A native deciduous tree with bold foliage and golden fall color. Offers broad shade and seasonal interest. Use in Meadow and Hopper Creek Trail areas where its scale and moisture needs can be supported. Adds a strong sense of place rooted in the regional landscape.
California
Sycamore Platanus racemosa Native riparian tree; theme tree along Hopper Creek Trail and Meadow areas Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia Primary theme tree; provides structure, shade, and regional character.
Valley Oak Quercus lobata Large native oak; used as anchoring Meadow and open space areas.
Western redbud Cercis occidentalis Small scale accent tree, for edges of Great Lawn, Village area courtyards, and Hopper Creek Trail
SHRUBS
Bush anemone Carpenteria
californica Native evergreen with white spring flowers, good for shaded or semi shaded areas California
buckwheat
Eriogonum
fasciculatum Native, small flowers, good for polliinators, use in Hopper Creek trail corridor Ceanothus Ceanothus spp. Iconic native of California, many varieties for hedges, groundcover and/or shrub layers Coffeeberry Frangula californica Versatile shrub; supports pollinators and adds seasonal color, Hopper Creek Trail.
Coyote brush Baccharis pilularis Native evergreen, adaptable, used in Hopper Creek Trail, or where understory is needed
Honey-Myrtle Melalueca
nesophila Pink flowering, drought tolerant, and tolerates some shade.
Leucadendron sp.
Leucadendron spp.
(Safari Sunset,
Jester, Pisa)
Use as feature shrub in plazas and courtyards, containers or add seasonal structure to Great Lawn
Manzanita Arctostaphylos spp. Evergreen native shrub; used for informal screening, and habitat areas along Hopper Creek Trail.
Red flowering
currant Ribes sanguineum Native shrub, use for informal screening and seasonal interest Sticky
monkeyflower
Mimulus
aurantiacus Small scale shrub, create informal border, use along Hopper Creek Trail Toyon Heteromeles
arbutifolia Evergreen with red berries; informal hedge, great for wildlife
PERENNIALS
California fuchsia Epilobium canum Excellent for late-season color; thrives in dry conditions and attracts hummingbirds.
California poppy Eschscholzia
californica Iconic native wildflower; bright seasonal color and attracts pollinators.
Matilija poppy Romneya coulteri large perennial provides big white flowers for background areas Milkweed Asclepias speciosa Essential host plant for monarch butterflies; suited for Hopper Creek Trail and garden areas
Penstemon Penstemon spp. Drought-tolerant bloomer with vibrant color; attracts hummingbirds and bees.
Yarrow Achillea millefolium Tough native perennial with fern-like foliage and flat-topped flowers; supports beneficial insects.
GROUND COVERS
Ceanothus
‘Centennial’
Ceanothus
‘Centennial’
Spreading native ground cover, drought tolerant, use as ground cover along Hopper Creek Trail
Emerald carpet Arctostaphylos
‘Emerald Carpet’
Spreading native ground cover, drought tolerant, use as ground cover along Hopper Creek Trail
GRASSES
Atlas fescue Festuca mairei finely textured, evergreen bunchgrass, mounded clumps of soft olive green foliage for planting under trees, defining edges and softening hardscapes Bio Meadow Sod Bio Meadow Sod
Pre-gown, roll out “meadow” designed to thrive with low water and maintenance. A mix of native grasses, seasonal wildflowers, and pollinator friendly perennials which creates a soft, naturalistic groundplane for informal active and passive recreation.
Use in Great Lawn and in pockets along Hopper Creek Trail.
California fescue Festuca californica native bunchgrass with graceful form, good in light shade and under trees Deer Grass Muhlenbergia
rigens Textural accent; defines outdoor rooms and softens hard edges.
Fescue Festuca idahoensis Cool-season bunchgrass; adds softness and seasonal variation.
Purple
needlegrass Stipa pulchra suitable for naturalistic meadows areas.
VINES
California Grape Vitis californica Native vine; deciduous, with great fall color and habitat value.
Virginia creeper Parthenocissus spp. Deciduous vines valued that quickly cover walls, trellises, and fences with a lush green layer that transitions to brilliant red or burgundy in the fall.
The Hopper Creek Trail is a
shaded, peaceful place to stroll,
pause, and take in the creek.
preface
SECTION 5.5 PARCEL 1 - SCHEMATIC PLANS
THE MEADOW
FOOD
HUB
COOP
String lights
Adventure play area
Sycamores help
provide edges to
The Meadow
The Meadow slopes
subtly to east
corner of site
Main / Yount St. to
Village Connector path
Main N/S
Connector Path
Mix of native grasses
and wildflowers that
create opportunities
for both passive and
active recreation
CENTRAL
OVAL
SOUTH
COURTYARD
DOG PATCH
T H E MEADOW
THE MEADOW DIAGRAM
The Meadow is an open, gently sloping
series of greens that extend to the Dog
Patch and the Hopper Creek Trail—a
relaxed and informal landscape defined
by native grasses, shaded groves, and
wide open sky. It’s a place for kids to
run, neighbors to linger, and community
life to unfold organically. Unfenced
and loosely edged, the Meadow invites
movement and meandering—ideal for
casual recreation, sunset strolls, or quiet
moments on a blanket.
The Meadow is ideal
for casual recreation,
sunset strolls, or quiet
moments on a blanket.
SECTION 5.5 PARCEL 1 - SCHEMATIC PLANS
Native oaks and informal tree groupings frame the
space, echoing Hopper Creek’s natural oak and
sycamore plant palette. Planting design favors
softness and seasonality, with the use of a bio
meadow sod which is a roll out "meadow" designed
to thrive with low water and maintenance.
It contains a mix of native grasses, seasonal
wildflowers, and pollinator friendly perennials
which creates a soft, naturalistic groundplane for
informal active and passive recreation.
Simple benches and low stone walls offer places
to pause and play without disrupting the natural
feel. The Meadow’s edges connect to trails,
courtyards, and passageways—making it a wellloved part of daily life at the Commons.
SECTION 5.5 PARCEL 1 - SCHEMATIC PLANS
THE MEADOW PLANT PALETTE
TREES
Big leaf maple Acer macrophylum
A native deciduous tree with bold
foliage and golden fall color. Offers
broad shade and seasonal interest.
Use in Meadow and Hopper Creek Trail
areas where its scale and moisture
needs can be supported. Adds a strong
sense of place rooted in the regional
landscape.
California Sycamore Platanus racemosa Native riparian tree; theme tree along Hopper Creek Trail and Meadow areas
Southern Live Oak Quercus virginiana Pair with Coast Live Oak to create grove-like settings; drought-tolerant.
Strawberry Tree Arbutus ‘Marina’
Broadleaf evergreen; attractive bark
and multi-season interest. For use in
Village areas, and smaller courtyards.
Valley Oak Quercus lobata Large native oak; used as anchoring Meadow and open space areas.
Western redbud Cercis occidentalis
Small scale accent tree, for edges of
Great Lawn, Village area courtyards,
and Hopper Creek Trail
PERENNIALS
California fuchsia Epilobium canum
Excellent for late-season color;
thrives in dry conditions and attracts
hummingbirds.
California poppy Eschscholzia
californica
Iconic native wildflower; bright
seasonal color and attracts pollinators.
Geranium Geranium spp. Drough tolerant bloomer, good for shadier areas, many varieties
Matilija poppy Romneya coulteri large perennial provides big white flowers for background areas
Penstemon Penstemon spp. Drought-tolerant bloomer with vibrant color; attracts hummingbirds and bees.
Russian sage Perovskia ‘Blue
Spires’ Provides informal seasonal color
Sage Salvia spp.
Low water use and fragrant; many
varieties for use in small and larger
garden areas.
Santolina Santolina
chamaecyprissus
Compact, drought tolerant provides
strong visual interest in civic arcade
and village areas, and is ideal for
borders, low hedging or defining
gathering spaces
Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Tough native perennial with fernlike foliage and flat-topped flowers; supports beneficial insects.
GRASSES
Atlas fescue Festuca mairei
finely textured, evergreen bunchgrass,
mounded clumps of soft olive
green foliage for planting under
trees, defining edges and softening
hardscapes
Berkeley sedge Carex divulsa Grass like sedge, tolerates shade, good for couryard edges
Bio Meadow Sod Bio Meadow Sod
Pre-gown, roll out “meadow”
designed to thrive with low water and
maintenance. A mix of native grasses,
seasonal wildflowers, and pollinator
friendly perennials which creates
a soft, naturalistic groundplane for
informal active and passive recreation.
Use in Great Lawn and in pockets
along Hopper Creek Trail.
California fescue Festuca californica native bunchgrass with graceful form, good in light shade and under trees
Deer Grass Muhlenbergia
rigens
Textural accent; defines outdoor rooms
and softens hard edges.
Fescue Festuca idahoensis Cool-season bunchgrass; adds
softness and seasonal variation.
Pink muhly grass Muhlenbergia
capillarus
strong seasonal accent for village and
civic arcade areas
Alkali dropseed Sporobolus airoides Very tough warm season grass, not fussy about soil or sun exposures
Purple needlegrass Stipa pulchra suitable for naturalistic meadows areas.
SHRUBS
Bush anemone Carpenteria
californica
Native evergreen with white spring
flowers, good for shaded or semi
shaded areas
Cistus Cistus spp.
Versatile, drought tolerant shrubs
and ground covers provide color and
seasonal interest
Honey-Myrtle Melalueca
nesophila
Pink flowering, drought tolerant, and
tolerates some shade.
Leucadendron sp.
Leucadendron spp.
(Safari Sunset,
Jester, Pisa)
Use as feature shrub in plazas and
courtyards, containers or add seasonal
structure to Great Lawn
Pacific Wax Myrtle Myrica californica Broadleaf evergreen; can be used for screening
Red flowering
currant Ribes sanguineum Native shrub, use for informal screening and seasonal interest Westringia Westringia
fruticosa
use to define pathways and garden
edges, or anchor planting beds
GROUND COVERS
Thyme Thymus spp. Ideal for use with pavers and edging, aromatic.
Woodland
Strawberry Fragaria vesca Spreading groundcover; provides edible fruit.
Yerba Buena Clinopodium
douglasii
Low-growing aromatic herb; ideal for
edges and informal paths.
VINES
California Grape Vitis californica Native vine; deciduous, with great fall color and habitat value.
Cecil Brunner Rose Rosa Cecile
Brunner
Well suited for arbors, entry trellises
and pergolas, drought tolerant
Clematis
Clematis
ligusticifolia &
Clematis armandii
Fast-growing; suitable for trellises and
shaded entries.
Lady Banks’ Rose Rosa banksiae
‘Lutea or ‘Alba’
Thornless, long blooming vine, for
arched entries and trellises.
Potato vine Solanum
jasminoides
Fast- growing twining vine with white
flowers the bloom from spring to fall
can cover trellises and walls
Star jasmine Trachelspermum
jasminoides
Fast growing fragrant vine for
screening services areas, transformers,
draping on trellises, or used as ground
cover
Virginia creeper Parthenocissus
spp.
Deciduous vines valued that quickly
cover walls, trellises, and fences with
a lush green layer that transitions to
brilliant red or burgundy in the fall.
SECTION 5.5 PARCEL 1 - SCHEMATIC PLANS
DOG PATCH
FINNELL ROAD
King of the Hill
grassy slope
Dogwash stations
Dog water play
Trough drinking
fountains
Specimen
oak trees
Entry open air
pavilion with
separate entry
and exit zones
Perimeter path
Doggie water play
Tall hedge between
dog path and units
Benches
Existing tree canopy
line
Fence hidden in
mixed planting
Dog agility course on
grassy hill
Entry points screened
from rest of park to
allow dogs to enter
without attracting
attention from other
dogs
H O P PE R
CREEK
AC T I V E
DOG ZONE
PA S SI V E
DOG ZONE
THE
MEADOW
HOPPER
CREEK TRAIL
Dog Patch is a shaded, community-centered
space for canine play and connection—serving
both dogs and their people. Nestled near the
Local Food Hub and the Meadow, each dog
zone is accessed from the open air entry
pavilion. The design supports off-leash play for
both large and small dogs in separate zones,
with informal seating and shade structures
encouraging neighbors to linger and socialize.
Native and resilient plantings define the
perimeter, while the interior is kept open for
running and play. Surfaces are durable and
permeable, chosen for both comfort and
sustainability. The proximity to the eatery and
trail network makes Dog Patch a social hub—a
place where dogs can run and residents can
catch up over coffee, creating a vibrant edge
to the southern portion of the neighborhood.
DOG PATCH DIAGRAM
SECTION 5.5 PARCEL 1 - SCHEMATIC PLANS
THE OVAL
Waterfall feature
Main emergency
vehicle access
Olive grove
with seating
Central runnel
2' wide steps
interrupted with
random planting
pockets
South runnel
(3) Monolithic steps
to raise up top of
green meadow Low seat walls
Informal boulder
groupings
Village runnel
Limited use
access way
Theme pavers as
edging
Pervious paving
Theme pavers with
undefined edge that
blends seamlessly into
planting or crushed stone
The three main runnels lead to the Central Oval
to reinforce it as the central gathering space
Wood deck/seating
CE N T R A L
OVAL
THE MEADOW
YOUNTVILLE
FIT
LAVAGE
CENTRAL OVAL
The Oval is the shared green and
social center of the Commons—
a multi-functional woonerf
designed to support both
everyday life and special
moments. Framed by a grove
of heritage olive trees, this
flexible space serves as a
shared front yard, civic heart,
and informal plaza all in one.
It provides for emergency and
service access while prioritizing
people, and invites daily use
across ages and activities.
Permeable paving and
pedestrian-friendly surfaces lined
with trees and simple furnishings,
the Oval can transition
seamlessly from quiet afternoons
to small neighborhood
gatherings, food trucks, or
seasonal celebrations. Its design
blurs the line between street and
park—encouraging movement,
mingling, and moments of pause
without the need for curbs,
fences, or hard thresholds.
Surrounding paths and entries
connect into the Meadow,
Schmitt Plaza courtyard and
Creekside porches, while
plantings soften the edges and
offer seasonal variety. Whether
strolling with a stroller, sipping
coffee under the olives, or
celebrating with neighbors, the
Oval is a welcoming, walkable
commons that reflects the
small-town spirit of Yountville.
Parking at the Commons is designed to feel
like a natural part of the overall landscape.
SECTION 5.5 PARCEL 1 - SCHEMATIC PLANS
PARKING GROVES
FINNELL ROAD
Utilities
Emergency
vehicle access
Town Hall
entrance
Fescue and sedge
mix in flush planting
areas reinforces
grove concept
Decorative grate
over runnel for
EVA access
Relocate trash area
and add screen fence
covered in jasmine vines
Pedestrian conection
path between Town
Hall and Food Hub
Holly oak trees to
form continuous
shade cover for
grove effect
Olive grove
Unloading zone
Viewline to Oval
FOOD
HUB
TOWN
HALL
S O U T H
PA R K ING
GROVE
COOP
Mixed shrub
screen planting
Fescue and
sedate mix in
flush planting
areas reinforces
grove concept
Pervious paving
Pervious paving
Pedestrian
access points
Existing trees
Screen hedge
between parking lot
and unit entries
Holly oak trees to
form continuous
shade cover for
grove effect
Emergency
vehicle route
N ORT H
PA R K ING
GROVE
SCHMITT
HALL POOL
HOPPER CREEK
CONDOMINIUMS
Parking at the Commons is designed
to feel like a natural part of the overall
landscape. Small, neighborhood-scale
parking areas are tucked under groves
of trees, offering shade, softening
views, and blending seamlessly with the
surrounding fabric. Permeable paving
and integrated stormwater features help
manage runoff while reinforcing the
Commons’ commitment to sustainability.
These aren’t just places to leave your
car—they’re shaded, comfortable spaces.
NORTH & SOUTH PARKING GROVES
SECTION 5.5 SCHEMATIC PLAN - PARCELS 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6
YO U N T ST R E E T A R CA D E
A N D S C H M I T T P L AZA -
(PARCELS 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
The frontages along Yount and Finnell
Streets are designed as a series of
outdoor rooms with portals into the
neighborhood—welcoming spaces
defined by trees, seating, kiosks, and
places to gather. The streetscape
preserves the existing tree canopy while
new trees will be filled into the gaps
to create a continuous, shaded edge.
Generous planting and pedestrianfriendly features, including speed tables and enhanced pedestrian crossings,
help calm traffic and strengthen
connections across the street.
Cafe seating
Flower shop stands
Flower shop stands
Mixed shrub screen
Flush linear water
feature +12" deep
with “floating”
stepping stones
Weber St. crossing
Farmstand garden
Covered arcade
Greenhouse lantern
Narrow runnel
lined with
groundcovers
Stag’s Leap Lane
Waterfall feature
centered on oval
Main east /west
sight line
Shallow (1") runnel
Decorative grate
Paving joints fade
into planted joints
punctuated with
cube seating
Basins with
low bubblers
Sister fountains,
raised with spouts
that drip water
into ground level
shallow basins
Lemon tunnel:
espalier citrus trees
trained to trellises
Humbolt St. crossing
Limited vehicle access
Front porch
(G.H.)
GUEST HOUSE
GARDEN
CENTER
ARCADE
(G.H.)
YOUNTVILLE
FIT
EXECUTIVE
BRIEFING
CENTER
Yoga
Lawn
SCHMITT HALL
S CH MIT T
PLAZA
2 2
1 1
YOUNT ST.
EXECUTIVE BRIEFING CENTER
SECTION 5.5 SCHEMATIC PLAN - PARCELS 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6
Schmitt Plaza will serve as a dynamic,
multi-purpose area—welcoming
pedestrians and cyclists while discreetly
accommodating service and emergency
access. The design weaves paving and
planting into a seamless tapestry, softening
transitions from hardscape to building.
Runnels and water features trace through
the space, guiding water in graceful
motion, cooling the air, and adding a
quiet rhythm to the plaza’s atmosphere
while leading you to the Central Oval.
Along the northern edge, existing trees
are retained and gaps are replanted
to provide privacy, soften transitions,
and maintain a sense of connection
to the surrounding town fabric.
VIEW OF YOUNT STREET ARCADE AND
PORTAL INTO SCHMITT PLAZA
SECTION 5.5 - SCHEMATIC OVERVIEW OF CREEKSIDE VILLAGE PARCELS The village homes form the residential heart
of Yountville Commons—a neighborhood
envisioned to grow organically into a cohesive,
walkable extension of the town. Rooted in formbased architecture, these homes emphasize human-scale design, simple massing, and
consistent building forms that create a
harmonious streetscape and strong sense of
place. The Lavage Building forms the “heart”
of this small village, with a roof deck and
neighborhood gathering areas. The design
approach balances architectural integrity with
efficient delivery, using modular systems and
repetitive detailing to ensure both affordability
and craftsmanship. Stitched into the green fabric
of parks, courtyards, pedestrian ways with views
to Hopper Creek, the Creekside Village homes
foster daily connection—between neighbors,
between buildings and landscape, and between
the town and its natural setting along the creek.
VIEW OF LAVAGE BUILDING AND CREEKSIDE VILLAGE FROM THE OVAL Large fire circle
surrounded by lounge
chairs; centered on
common laundry building
Wood stairs with
built-in seating
Village runnel
Lavage building
with roof deck
Village mailboxes
Bike parking
with trellis
Building overhang
Trellis as organizing
element
Village runnel
Trellis arbors at
entry points to fire
circle garden
Casual seating
Specimen matching
crape myrtles low
hedge at corners
Trellis as transition
between public and
private; paving change
reinforces transition
Specimen oak tree
Main basin for
village runnels
raised with weir on
north side
CREEKSIDE VILLAGE DESIGN CONCEPT
CREEKSIDE
VILLAGE
SOUTH COURTYARD
NORTH
COURTYARD
Lavage
North
Parking
Garage
THE CREEKSIDE VILLAGE