Hatt Building, Napa

The Hatt Building stands as Napa’s largest brick industrial structure, a testament to the city's rich commercial and social history. Built by Napa merchant Albert Hatt, who hailed from Prussia, this sprawling complex consists of four contiguous brick buildings, constructed over four decades with bricks made from locally sourced Napa River clay.

The foundation of the Hatt Building was laid in the early 1880s when Albert Hatt purchased a block of land at Main and Fifth Streets for just $1 from Napa’s founder, William H. Coombs. The first section, a two-story feed and grain mill, was quickly established, catering to the growing agricultural demands of the region. Given its prime location near the Napa River, the building was seamlessly integrated into the transportation network, with its first floor serving as a hub for offices and mercantile retail, distributing goods transported by riverboat.

In 1885, Captain Hatt added a second story with a skating rink, later upgraded with White Rock maple flooring. A popular social hub, it operated until 1930, with Hatt expanding its skate inventory to 215 pairs. In 1886, he built a two-story warehouse for wine and spirits, with a bonded storage area below and Hatt Hall above-a grand meeting space that later served civic functions and Napa Milling operations.

Despite its evolving functions, the Hatt Building has been in continuous use since its inception. Today, it houses the Napa River Inn, various restaurants, specialty retail stores, and event spaces. Amelia’s Gift Shop, named after Hatt’s daughter and housed in the former business office, pays homage to the family’s legacy. Hatt Hall and the Hatt Suite now serve as premier event spaces, preserving the building’s tradition of hosting community gatherings.

From its early days as a milling powerhouse to its transformation into a vibrant commercial and hospitality destination, the Hatt Building remains a cornerstone of Napa’s architectural and historical landscape.