$3.4 Million Plan Approved To Turn Scott House Into New History Museum In Novato

NOVATO, CA — A long‑talked‑about vision for bringing Novato’s history museum to the Civic Center took a big step forward, as the City Council unanimously approved a funding agreement and new capital project to rehabilitate the Scott House downtown on Tuesday.

The project, estimated at about $3.4 million, will transform the historic house at 917 Sherman Ave. into the new Novato History Museum, replacing the current museum site at the old Postmaster’s House across Redwood Boulevard.

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Katie Gauntlett said the decision follows more than a year of detailed study.

“The investigation included a building code analysis, a land use and zoning assessment, historic‑resource review, conceptual drawings and a cost estimate,” Gauntlett said.

That 600‑page report pegged the renovation cost at roughly $3.2 million, not including city administration and related expenses.

Crucially, the Novato Historical Guild has already raised that $3.2 million from the community.

Museum committee staffsaid fundraising began in earnest last April and reached the goal by December.

It was a grassroots campaign with over 140 donors, mostly individuals and families, officials said

The city, which owns the building and all museum artifacts, will manage the project, waive permit fees and contribute additional funds.

“This is an opportunity to enhance and rehabilitate a city asset that is in need of attention,” said Assistant City Manager Bill Rose. “It enhances the Civic Center and is a long‑term investment.”

Design work is expected to begin once an initial design‑phase funding threshold is met, with pre‑construction planning starting immediately.