2013 December PASO Magazine

“What we’re doing with the Almond
Growers building is an adaptive reuse that
falls under the category of rehabilitation,”
says Pam. Architect Craig Smith is on their
team, and his expertise in historic building
restoration is vital to their preservation
goal: to use almost every element of
the original facility and meet national
historic preservation requirements.
They recently resolved an especially
challenging project to preserve the building’s
central tower. While building a wine
lounge on the top, they found a structural
nightmare in the cupola.
“When the Farmers Alliance turned
it from an almond elevator into a grain
elevator, they sawed off half the studs,”
says Ray. “Literally the nails were rusted
through. The cupola was absolutely
unsafe.”
It took some serious ingenuity and special
permission from the city council, but
ultimately the cupola was entirely reconstructed
in a period-correct manner, as it
originally appeared, and the building’s integrity
was preserved.
Solidarity in Action
It’s a big investment for a small winery
that produced 3,200 cases in 2013. The Derbys
have an affinity for old things, but this
project is a big leap from collecting vintage
cars and guitars.
“Over our years together, Pam and I have
done our share of junkyard shopping,” Ray
says with a laugh.
They were motivated by a combination of
things, says Ray.
Ray and Pam Derby and Winemaker Tiffinee Vierra.
One factor is that he learned in his
previous life to listen to his instincts. One
day, after decades at the helm of a multinational
automotive-parts manufacturing firm
started by his father, he discovered it was
time to stop.
The Derbys turned to grapes. The widespread
Derby Wine Estates’ vineyards (in
San Simeon, on Hwy. 46 West, and on Hwy.
46 East) sells over 90 percent of their grapes
to customers like Gallo. With the reserved
portion, winemaker Tiffinee Vierra creates
diverse varietals and successful blends.
Preserving history and making it useful
again, say the Derbys, is a compelling idea.
“Not everything you do should be in dollars
and cents,” says Ray. “Some things you do
because it’s the right thing to do.
solidarity
The restoration team headed up by Ray
and Pam Derby has solid proof: People
working together build
monuments.
“My theory is that it’s good for the
community and good for business. It’s
win-win.”
The Power of Alliance
As 2013 winds down, a successful
completion is in sight for the historic Almond
Growers building. After three years
of hard work, the alliance formed by the
Derbys is just weeks from the finish line.
By February, they estimate, construction
will be finished, and soon after, they’ll be in
business, a dream accomplished.
When Derby Wine Estates opens its
doors as a winemaking and grape-processing
plant, restoration will be complete.
NEXT MONTH:
Merry Christmas
From Our Family To Yours!
WE CARRY
PETER, PAM
FINE FURNISHINGS
237-0754
1171 CRESTON RD.
VON’S SHOPPING
CENTER
AND
RUSTIC
FURNITURE
PETER, ROGER
227-0145
1336 PARK ST.
DOWNTOWN
PASO
20 Paso Robles Magazine, December 2013