A 1900’s Bank became a boutique Hotel
In the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, nestled on Old Courthouse Square, stands a building that’s not just a place to stay — it’s a testament to over a century of local history, transformation, and resilience. Today, this historic landmark lives on as Hotel E, a boutique destination blending timeless charm with modern luxury, but its story stretches back more than 120 years.
39
Rooms
4
Unique Stories
120
Years
2
Names
From the Beggining
19th Century Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa began as small rural town missing the opulence of modern wine culutre. Agriculture has remained a key staple, yet grapes and winemaking was 60 years away from its modern boom. In the early days our boutique Hotel operated as the bank of italy – anchor of the counties financial district in Downtown Santa Rosa.
1908 California Earthquake
The structure that houses Hotel E began life in 1908 as the iconic Empire Building, shortly after Santa Rosa and much of Northern California rose from the devastation of the 1906 earthquake. Built in the elegant Beaux-Arts architectural style, the building’s striking façade — complete with an enduring clock tower — quickly became a fixture of the city’s downtown skyline.
Santa Rosa’s Landmark Clock
The Empire Building’s clock tower was not part of the original structure’s core design, but rather a feature added soon after the main building was constructed in 1908. According to local historical sources, the clock tower was an afterthought to the building’s original design. Today, many localities including Santa Rosa’s own tourism orgnazition, utilize the clock tower as their logo.
The Empire Building’s Legal Legacy
At a time when proximity mattered—long before digital filings or remote hearings—being steps away from the courthouse was invaluable. Hotel E was not only home to the BAR Association, but also housed many attorney and lawyers. Several decades later – Empire Law School wich teaches the next generation of lawyers to this day – opened its doors to the first class
Redevlopment
A Vision for the 21st Century
In the late 2010s, local developers undertook an ambitious renovation to transform this beloved historic building into a boutique hotel. The renovation honored the building’s Beaux-Arts roots by preserving its iconic façade and architectural presence on the Square while updating interiors for contemporary comfort.
The Start of a New Life
Hotel e officially opened in 2019, marking one of downtown Santa Rosa’s most highly anticipated projects following the wildfires of 2017. The first phase introduced 39 elegantly appointed guest rooms and the cozy Enology Lounge — a wine bar, lobby and social hub celebrating Sonoma County’s world-renowned wine culture.