Semorile Building, Napa

The Semorile Building is a historic landmark that has stood since 1888. Designed by noted Napa architect Luther M. Turton in the Italianate style, the two-story commercial building is a striking example of 19th-century architecture. Constructed from red brick and cut stone, it features an ornamental iron balcony on the second floor and a distinctive parapet, adding to its refined aesthetic. Its architectural significance and historical value earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Often described as the most refined example of Italianate commercial architecture in Napa, the Semorile Building is a standout structure in the city's historic district. The Napa Historic Preservation Society recognizes it as an essential part of downtown Napa’s heritage, symbolizing the city’s commercial growth during the late 19th century. The building’s elegant details and well-preserved façade make it an iconic part of Napa’s architectural landscape, reflecting the sophistication and craftsmanship of its time.

The building was originally constructed for the Semorile family, who immigrated from Semorile, a village near Genoa, Italy, in 1855 during the Gold Rush. After initially settling in Mariposa, California, they later moved to Napa Valley, where they established a successful grocery business in this very building. The Semorile family's entrepreneurial spirit contributed to Napa’s early economic development, and their legacy lives on through the building that still bears their name.