Mill Valley City Hall and Firehouse Added to National Register of Historic Places
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Summary
City staff and the Mill Valley Historical Society celebrated formal listing of the 1936 City Hall and Firehouse on the National Register, citing WPA funding, the city's preservation plan, and benefits for future maintenance under the historic building code.
City Hall and the adjacent Firehouse, completed in 1936 with funding from the Works Progress Administration, have been formally listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Planning & Building Director Patrick Kelly told the Mill Valley City Council.
Patrick Kelly described the listing as "an important milestone for the City and a proud moment for our community," noting the nomination was supported by the Mill Valley Historical Society and architectural historians who prepared the application. Kelly said the nomination grew from elements in Mill Valley's 2040 general plan, a 2021 historic resources inventory, and the city's 120th anniversary committee work in 2025. "This designation recognizes the 1936 City Hall And Firehouse as a nationally significant architectural and civic landmark," Kelly said.
What it means: Staff said the National Register listing raises public awareness, helps preserve local history, and enables the city to work with the historic building code when maintaining or improving City Hall. The listing also places the property among a small group of Mill Valley sites previously recognized at the state and national level. Lisa Newman, president of the Mill Valley Historical Society, and other community volunteers were thanked for their work on the nomination.
Council reaction: Councilmembers offered congratulations and called the designation "a wonderful legacy." Officials also noted the listing was timed to the city's 120th anniversary and will be included in a 2025 time capsule. Councilmembers encouraged continuing partnerships between staff and historical organizations as the city manages preservation and future public‑building projects.
Next steps: City staff said they will post related materials and frequently asked questions on the city website and coordinate next steps for maintenance and compliance with historic building standards.