Graton firehouse finds new life
After years of dreams and hard work by George Melo, owner of the old firehouse, the future is now! I got this news just as my deadline loomed, so there will be much more to follow in future columns.
As a result of tireless negotiations between George and the leaders of the Town Square Project, Matt Jorgensen and Tori Immel, the historic building will reopen in 2026 as Graton Station—with a new vision of ownership that will include the people of Graton alongside a small team of Graton chefs, designers and creative collaborators.
“As currently planned, Phase 1 will include a cozy café and bar (tea, coffee, smoothies, herbal elixirs and wholesome seasonal bites), a Preservatory kitchen transforming local farm surplus into goods and remedies, and a community hearth with a child-friendly play space by day and a stage for music, readings and gatherings by night,” says organizer Matt Jorgensen.
Coffee cart coming this August
This August and through the fall, they’ll begin with a mobile coffee cart—open Saturday mornings in front of the firehouse. Everyone is encouraged to stop by to meet the team, hear more about the project and learn how to get involved as a community investor…