A Landmark Prepares For A New Audience In Novato

NOVATO, CA — After years of planning and community fundraising, the Novato City Council on Oct. 13 approved a nearly $2.8 million construction contract to renovate a local landmark as the future home of the Novato History Museum.

The project at the Scott House is intended to make the museum more accessible to residents, including schoolchildren who currently visit its less accessible location.

The council approved awarding the contract to Murray Building Inc., authorizing the city manager to execute it and approving a capital-improvement budget amendment.

The Historical Guild had raised $3.2 million for the project from more than 160 donors, according to Guild representative Jean McLeanie.

Councilmember Tim O’Connor said the renovation could connect the museum with a separate outdoor gathering space

“The city uses it to host concerts, shows, things like that,” he said, urging the city to consider funding a stage and pathway that were excluded from the construction bid.

Councilmember Pat Eklund thanked the Guild and community members who supported the project.

“It’s because of everyone that we are where we are today, and I just wanted to thank them,” she said.

The council separately voted to place the stage and pathway proposal on a future agenda. Staff had said the project’s higher-than-anticipated bid meant several optional features, including the stage, were not included in the base construction contract.

Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Jacobs praised the project’s progress, saying, “I think it’s going to make a dramatic difference in the community.”