'Christmas Tree House' Roundabout Decisions Loom Ahead Of August Meeting

NAPA VALLEY, CA — One of Napa's most recognizable neighborhood landmarks could become part of a major transportation project as the City of Napa advances plans to redesign the city's complex five-way intersection.

The white basalt-block home at 801 Silverado Trail, widely known as the "Christmas Tree House," sits at the intersection of Silverado Trail (State Route 121), Third Street, East Avenue, and Coombsville Road.

City officials say the location has long presented safety concerns and traffic congestion for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

However, Charlie Rossi, 83, has lived in the home his entire life. His family's annual Christmas display has made the property a seasonal landmark for generations of Napa residents.

As the project moves through environmental review and public hearings, including an Aug. 4 City Council meeting, residents online appear to be gearing up to oppose future plans for the house at the intersection of Napa's effort to improve one of the community's busiest intersections.

"I can't believe they would take a beautiful house like this for a roundabout?!" one woman said on a Napa City Ghosts & Legends Walking Tours Facebook page. Organizers called on members to consider attending to the City Council Meeting on Aug. 4 "to save this man’s legacy."

Deep Community Interest

In a July 13 media statement, Napa officials acknowledged the "deep community interest" in the property. They also acknowledged that the owner of the house has a deep interest in his home.

"The City recognizes the history of Mr. Charlie Rossi's family home and appreciates its significance to both Mr. Rossi and many Napa residents," the statement said.

No acquisition of the house has occurred, according to the statement. But short of a Christmas miracle—or a significant redesign of the project—the future of the house appears increasingly uncertain.

"The City's goal is always to work collaboratively with property owners to reach a fair and mutually agreeable outcome," the statement said.

City officials said they hope to negotiate a voluntary sale of the property, adding that California law also provides a process for acquiring property if an agreement cannot be reached—a reference to the eminent domain authority available for public projects.

"While state law provides a legal process if an agreement cannot be reached, the City is committed to making every reasonable effort to resolve property acquisitions through cooperation and mutual respect."

A Deeply Personal Major Corridor

The intersection serves as one of Napa's primary eastern gateways, carrying commuters, agricultural traffic, residents, emergency vehicles, and wine country visitors between downtown Napa, Silverado Trail, Coombsville, and surrounding neighborhoods. The intersection also connects neighborhoods, schools, and businesses throughout eastern Napa.

The Napa City Council selected the dual-roundabout concept in 2017 after reviewing multiple alternatives.

According to the city, the proposed improvements would reduce collisions, improve traffic flow, enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, and improve access for people with disabilities at what officials describe as one of Napa's most congested and structurally constrained intersections.

The project remains in the environmental review process. The City of Napa released its Final Environmental Impact Report in July, and the Napa City Council is scheduled to receive a project update and consider the environmental document during its Aug. 4 meeting.

City officials describe the meeting as an early milestone in what remains a multi-year planning, design, and property acquisition process before construction could begin.

'Significant and unavoidable impacts'

An Environmental Impact Report concluded that the project would result in significant and unavoidable impacts on historic resources even after mitigation, reflecting the challenge of balancing transportation improvements with the preservation of older properties.

For Rossi, the project carries a deeply personal dimension. According to previous news reports, he has spent his entire life in the home that has become synonymous with Christmas for many Napa residents.

Although the Christmas Tree House is widely recognized by residents, it is not an officially designated local landmark.

The property is included in the City of Napa's Historic Resources Inventory, but that listing alone does not prevent acquisition if the project ultimately requires the site.

City officials also said they remain committed to transparent communication throughout the project and will continue providing updates as planning milestones are reached.

The Napa City Council is scheduled to consider the Environmental Impact Report during its Aug. 4 meeting.