Born in 1832 in Maine, John A. McNear relocated to Petaluma in 1856. John's arrival was the start of a dynasty. The McNear name is among the best known in this county's history. McNear's business started with a simple livery stable and then Gold Rush money started flooding in and Petaluma quickly grew. The McNears raised horses, made bricks and were also involved in milling, shipping, real estate, and the railroads, to name just a few investments.  By 1910 John's son, George, was recognized as the largest landowner in Sonoma County!

     In 1886 the McNears constructed their dream, a 20,000 square-foot shop and office building now known as the 1886 McNear Building. They sent for a patented iron-front facade from New York and it was, and still is, incredibly beautiful. In 1911 they added another 30,000 square foot building, which adjoins the 1886 McNear Building, which we call the 1911 McNear Building. 

     These buildings were Sonoma County's finest and Petaluma's pride! Sadly, by the 1950's, the McNear's family operations in Petaluma dwindled and the McNear Buildings sat nearly vacant and neglected until the mid-1970's when two developers had a vision to restore these grand old buildings back to their original splendor. Still owned and operated by the Harriman Family, the McNear Buildings are once again a perfect example of restored historic California Victorian commercial buildings. The renovated McNear Buildings are, without a doubt, a true gift to Petaluma. One that enables us all to continue its legacy of providing thriving businesses in downtown Petaluma.