PLACERVILLE, CA (Feb 13, 2024) – In a bid to breathe new life into Placerville’s historic landscape, the owners of the iconic Placerville Soda Works building at 594 Main St. have unveiled plans to convert the site into an exciting entertainment venue and arcade. Dubbed ‘The Prospector,’ the venture received conditional approval from the Placerville Planning Commission on February 6, paving the way for a potential early March opening, as confirmed by owner and operator Ken Bell.
While undergoing necessary modifications to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, particularly the addition of a wheelchair lift connecting to the second floor, the building’s intrinsic historical value will be meticulously preserved. The comprehensive plans for The Prospector include a bar, a stage for live music, a dance hall, and an arcade gaming area featuring 16 to 20 games.
The arcade is poised to cater to all age groups, opening its doors at 11 a.m. and operating until 10 p.m. daily. However, from 10 p.m. onwards, the business will be exclusive to adults, remaining open until 2 a.m. Beyond the arcade experience, The Prospector aims to diversify its offerings with dance classes, live music performances, and a fully stocked bar.
Ken Bell is optimistic about the early March opening, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to installing the ADA-compliant wheelchair lift. The Prospector not only seeks to provide a vibrant arcade experience but also aims to contribute to the local cultural scene by offering a multifaceted venue for entertainment and social gatherings. Stay tuned for updates as The Prospector transforms the historic Placerville Soda Works building into a hub of excitement and nostalgia.
Preserving History: The Evolution of the John Pearson Soda Works Building through the Centuries
19th Century: A Legacy Takes Root
Constructed in the aftermath of a devastating fire that swept through Placerville in the 1850s, the John Pearson Soda Works structure has stood witness to the changing tides of time. Scottish immigrant John McFarland Pearson initiated the building’s legacy in 1859, creating the lower section as a commercial ice house. Ingeniously, he utilized underground rooms and tunnels, remnants of an idle mine shaft, to store ice at controlled temperatures. The thick, 22-inch walls maintained a cool environment in the storefront, where Pearson first ventured into the realm of soda water. By 1897, his sons expanded the structure, adding a brick second story to accommodate the burgeoning bottling operation. An innovative water-driven elevator facilitated the efficient transport of products between levels. The store, a multi-faceted establishment, offered not only soda but also various groceries, including eggs and beer.
20th Century: Transformations and Transitions
As time marched on, the John Pearson Soda Works building underwent several changes in ownership. Despite shifts in management, the structure remained in the Pearson family’s hands for a considerable period. In 1904, the Pearson sons handed over the business to the Scherrer Bros., who, in 1934, further passed the torch to Robert Hook. Under Hook’s stewardship, the establishment transitioned into a Coca-Cola Bottling franchise, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
In 1972, the Pearson family relinquished the building to antique collector Roger John Douvres, whose commitment to preservation breathed new life into the structure. Over four years, Douvres meticulously restored the building, repurposing the lower section as an old-fashioned soda fountain and transforming the upper portion into an elegant dining hall adorned in early 20th-century style. The restoration efforts earned the building a coveted spot on the National Register of Historic Places, a testament to its cultural significance.
The building’s journey continued to unfold, housing various businesses over the years. From a theater, antique store, and bookstore to a music store and the Placerville Coffee House, the structure embraced diversity while retaining its historical charm. In 2003, it assumed the identity of The Cozmic Café, becoming a contemporary hub while preserving the echoes of its rich past.
Notably, the nearby Fountain-Tallman Soda Works building shares a similar historical significance, also earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Together, these structures stand as enduring testaments to Placerville’s vibrant history and the dynamic evolution of its architectural heritage.
