Several weeks ago my twin daughters came home from Sonoma State University to help with a Girl Scout Function at Benicia's Commandants Residence.  I told them it will be a treat for them to see the home restored to its former glory. This is a majestic home that had gone downhill after a fire in 1979.  I actually remember going to a wedding back then (circa 1978) that was held there.  I remember how beautiful it was and dreamed of living in a place like this.  And dreaming is all I would ever do!! It was not til 1997 that we moved to Benicia, CA.  It was so sad to see the home look unloved and unkempt when we moved here.  However, the City of Benicia rallied and with grants and funds was able to restore the lovely mansion in the past several years.

The Commandant's Residenceis explained on the Chamber of Commerce as a "Historic Commanding Officer's Quarters(Previously known as the Commandant's Residence - Arsenal Building No. 28): Built in 1860 by Col. Julian McAllister, the two-story, 8883 sq.ft., 20-room Greek Revival mansion was used as a residence for the commander of the Benicia Arsenal, as well as the former home of poet Stephen Vicent Benet, whose father commanded the post from 1905 to 1911. The interior has intricate inlaid parquet flooring and elegant scrollwork and woodwork. The building, located at One Commandant's Lane, is listed on the National Register of Historical Buildings and is now owned by the City of Benicia. It was once leased as a restaurant, which later closed in 1979 after a kitchen fire. Closed for over 20 years, funds were raised for much-needed renovations and were completed in 2009, which includes handicap access, a new roof, air conditioning, phone/data lines, elevator, interior repairs, seismic upgrades, and exterior ornamental trim repairs by expert craftsmen. The City is looking to lease space in the building, for both permanent and temporary uses, compatible with community identity and community goals."

When I took pictures the other day of the outside, the mansion sparkled and gleamed with pride.  The grounds were manicured and you can tell it is ready to take its rightful place in the community!