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THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 C27
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A piece of Winters history brought back to life By Aaron Geerts McNaughton Media At the corner of Second and Main Streets, perhaps the most unique — and iconic — building in town is coming back to life. To revitalize this piece of Winters history, however, required the lion’s share of resiliency and determination. The Spanish colonial era building was built back in 1912. Teeming with history and culture, it served as more than a church, but something of a community center as well. With this in mind, Rhonda Pope Flores and her husband have renovated the building while keeping its original purpose intact. “It was originally a church. Interestingly, I learned in some research that what we’re doing isn’t much different from its original use,” Pope Flores said. “It had dances, plays, performing arts, fundraisers and basically all the things we want to use it for. The building won’t primary be a church, it will have a community aspect attached to it for other events supporting local businesses. I also have local artists wanting an open mic night and other people wanting to have dance class downstairs. I’ve learned a lot about what people want and it’s nice incorporating those needs into the overall vision.” The Pope Flores’ purchased the building last December and began cleanup right away. Paperwork mired progress — as it usually does — but after months of hard work, the couple is now putting the finishing touches on their renovation. “People will be very surprised to see we’ve preserved everything. We have the original wood, and the benches have been restored and re-stained. Historical preservation is in my background, and now we’re
Jeff Rawlinson/McNaughton Media
The most noticeable change to the building is the color. The black and white pays homage to the Spanish colonial era from which it’s modeled. Below, historical preservation has been key — the original wood and benches have been restored and re-stained. working with the city to get as much documentation done as possible,” Pope Flores said. “People drive by and yell ‘great job’ and ‘keep up the good work!’ It’s nice because I wasn’t sure if people wanted something here, but people are really liking it.” Perhaps the most noticeable change to the building is the color. The black and white pays homage to the Spanish colonial era it’s modeled from. The purple doors, however, are a homage to the artist which the building derives its name: The Grand Prince Odeum. “The purple doors are Prince’s color, and it’s all very deco art era from the 1920’s. That was a very artistic time in our history, so it’s a blend of the two,” Pope Flores said about the merging of historical and cultural influences. “I
love that we own a building filled with rich history. I see it as a duty to take care of it, and I
think my husband and I have won people over. We’re open and transparent with what we’re
doing and up-to-date on every aspect of what we’re doing.” If anyone were to question the Pope Flores’ intentions and efficacy, it’s important to know it’s simply matter of keeping Winters’ history healthy. “There’s too much of our history that’s easily erased. People come in and want to develop new buildings and don’t have an appreciation for these old buildings with rich history attached to them,” Pope Flores opened up. “It’s time to really make it a benefit to the community so people can use it, enjoy it and be proud. When we’re done with this building, it will be the jewel of Winters.” Pope Flores said she’s long been interested in the performing arts and musical theater, even while growing up in West Sacramento and graduating from River City High School. “I was one of those kids who grew up watching Fame and I was going to go to New York and be a famous dancer,” Pope Flores said. “It didn’t quite work out that way, but I’ve always been intrigued by art, music and theatre.” Pope Flores didn’t become an actor, though she does play the piano, and she now works as Chairwoman of the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California. The job keeps her busy, she said, but also allows her some freedom to branch out and pursue her other interests. Starting the art center had been something “scratching at my heart for a while,” she said. Pope Flores hopes to have the building serve as a communityoriented event space that will collaborate with local artists and businesses and potentially serve as a venue for private events such as birthday celebrations or graduations. Edward Booth contributed to this article.
Meet the local Stocking Team! With roots in Winters and their real estate office in the heart of downtown, the Stocking Team at United Country - Green Fields Real Estate, is ready and prepared to help make Winters home. Curtis, Jackie, and Chad Stocking, make up the Stocking Team at United Country - Green Fields Real Estate. They specialize in selling and listing Northern California homes, country properties, farms, ranches, agricultural land, wineries, & recreational property. Curtis Stocking has been named the Top Sales Agent for the past 5 consecutive years with United Country Real Estate out of over 5000 agents Nationwide, while their office has been named a Top 10 Office Nationwide for the past 5 years as well. If you are looking for the local team that generates results, contact the Stocking Team today!
Curtis Stocking Broker Associate (707) 761-3343
Curtis@GreenFieldsRE.com
Jackie Stocking REALTOR® (707) 249-6160
Jackie@GreenFieldsRE.com
Chad Stocking
REALTOR® (707) 249-6133
Chad@GreenFieldsRE.com
7 E. Main Street, Suite D, Winters, CA 95694 (530) 794-6190 • Lic #01949058
www.StockingTeam.com
Over $120 million in sales since 2020! Work with the team that gets results, the Stocking Team!
EXPERIENCE THE TASTE OF WINTERS
Prepared in our exhibition kitchen, Carboni’s Ristorante, Bar, and Market offers an Italian-forward menu complete with homemade pizza and pasta straight from Winter’s regional bounty. Enjoy craft beers, artisanal cocktails, or a glass of vino at our wraparound bar, outdoor patio, rooftop bar or dining area. Carboni’s was carefully crafted to deliver lasting culinary memories that will inspire you to return time and time again. We have a table waiting for you! We’re located inside the charming four-star boutique Hotel Winters nestled in the heart of downtown, surrounded by celebrated renowned wine-tasting rooms, and unique shops.
HOURS OF OPERATION: Barista 6am-10am Monday-Thursday for Coffee/Pastries etc. Dinner 5pm-9pm Daily • Brunch 8am-2pm Friday-Sunday Abbey Roof-Top Bar & Lounge 6pm-10:30pm Thursday-Saturday
316 Railroad Avenue, Winters • 530.505.9125 • carboniswinters.com
