After years of lawsuits, protests, and a bitter local election, the battle over a luxury hotel in downtown Petaluma has finally come to an end.
According to the Petaluma Argus-Courier, last Tuesday night, Petaluma’s Historic and Cultural Preservation Committee unanimously approved a redesigned, four-story boutique hotel for the long-vacant lot at B Street and Petaluma Boulevard. The vote marks a major victory for compromise; the developer, EKN Development, abandoned a controversial six-story plan that had triggered a ballot referendum and split the community.
The new 56-room hotel will feature a rooftop restaurant, a basement “speakeasy,” and valet parking. Even former critics applauded the move, stating the shorter height preserves the city’s historic character.
While the developer still owes the city over $750,000 in planning fees, Mayor Kevin McDonnell says the city is protected—no building permits will be issued until the bill is paid. If all goes according to plan, the hotel is set to open by the summer of 2028.
