The 19,000 square foot mixed-use complex was built on the site of the Geyserville High School. The old High School was built in 1921 and abandoned in 1971. Subsequently, the property passed through several local owners who envisioned converting the classic 3-story school building into a mall of shops. Changes in national economic conditions at critical times precluded that project’s completion. Ravages of time and environment rendered the building unsafe, leading to its demolition in 1994. Playing fields behind the schoolhouse were converted to affordable housing by Lew Parde and Burbank Housing Development Corporation in 1994.

As the [nineteenth] century drew to a close, Geyserville had one store, a post office, one saloon, one hotel, and one blacksmith shop. Not much has changed, wine tasting rooms replace saloons and an agricultural supply shop replaces the blacksmith shop. Geyserville was settled before 1860 to support health-conscious tourists seeking medicinal cure at the Geysers in the eastern hills. 144 years later, wealth-conscious tourists seek financial cure at the Casino in the eastern hills.

The Old SchoolHouse Plaza project will increase Geyserville's commercial income by attracting wine and casino afficionados to the shops and restaurant. Upper floor residences, accessed by exterior stairways and their own private elevator to the second floor have gorgeous views of the Alexander Valley and Geyser Peak. It is a short drive to the River Rock Casino and the Russian River meanders through the valley beckoning your visit. The project will draw professionals and tourists who seek that special wine country experience that they can call home or work.

The developers recognize the potential impact of a project this size in Geyserville and are taking care to support and preserve the character and history of the community. Building styles compliment the current downtown’s eclectic multi-era construction styles, while retaining a sense of modern quality. Common areas, in the complex, will display High School memorabilia contributed by long since graduated alumni. The developers want this to be a place where locals and visitors can reminisce, shop, and comfortably co-mingle.