In 1870, Historic Railroad Square became the commercial hub of Santa Rosa with the advent of rail service. Today, the Square is a specialty shopping area and tourist attraction, with over 45 businesses, restaurants, hotels, hot salons, entertainment spots, and a Visitors Center.
The architectural style of Historic Railroad Square reflects a commercial center at the turn of the century, which evolved from destruction of the buildings after the 1906 earthquake. The surrounding neighborhood and Italian community played an important role in the restoration of the area. In 1979, Historic Railroad Square was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The original Santa Rosa Depot, built in 1872, was a two-story structure made of wood with cross dormered gables. The Depot served the railroad for over 30 years, housing the ticket office and waiting room on the lower level while the upper level served as living quarters for the stationmaster and his family.
After fire destroyed the structure, the Depot was rebuilt in 1904 by Italian stone masons in basalt stone quarried in the hills east of town. The Depot continued passenger service until 1958 and then housed the offices of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad until they vacated in 1982.
Purchased by the City of Santa Rosa in 1993, the Santa Rosa Depot was restored with local and federal money after 15 years of vacancy. Located at 9 Fourth Street, the Depot is now home to the Greater Santa Rosa Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society, also located in the Depot, hosts the Rail Room Gallery which includes special railroad displays, historical exhibits and a miniature Northwestern Pacific train.
Three other basalt stone structures were built around the time the Depot was constructed and remain in business today. The three buildings are the Hotel La Rose (1907), a historic hotel with modern conveniences; the Western Hotel (1903), which houses offices and specialty services; the Railway Express Building (1915), a coffee roasting house and cafe.