Petaluma approves luxury hotel project that divided California city

"It will be a catalyst for a section of downtown that has not rebounded post-pandemic and my hope is that this project encourages a new generation of economy to thrive in Petaluma for years to come."

"The four-story Appellation Petaluma hotel is set to include a rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of the city, an underground "speakeasy" and a ground-level restaurant led by Palmer, a James Beard-winning chef whose restaurants like Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg and Aureole in New York City have earned him over 20 Michelin stars throughout his culinary career."

"Locals have spent the last four years fighting the project, saying the original six-story plans would raise the cost of living and allow future dense development in the mid-sized city. The opposition included former U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, who commented at a meeting last year that "nobody wants this.""

Appellation Petaluma, a boutique hotel by renowned chef Charlie Palmer, has advanced through the approval process after the developer reduced the building from six to four stories in response to community concerns. The hotel will feature a rooftop restaurant with city views, an underground speakeasy, and a ground-level restaurant led by Palmer, whose restaurants have earned over 20 Michelin stars. The Historic and Cultural Preservation Committee unanimously approved the revised design. Local opposition, which included former U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, centered on fears of increased living costs and future dense development. City officials expect building permits by end of 2026 and project completion by 2028, viewing the hotel as an economic catalyst for downtown Petaluma's post-pandemic recovery.

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