Summit Soda Springs
Also known as: Old Soda Springs
Why it's listed
Summit Soda Springs is a mountain retreat in Placer County, California, set in a natural meadow among tall pines, firs and cedars and built around numerous soda springs. Mark Hopkins, Treasurer of the Central Pacific Railroad and one of the "Big Four," acquired the site in 1871 and built a log summer house there in 1873. A three-story hotel, leased to William Jones in 1872, hosted up to 85 guests until it burned in 1898. Timothy Hopkins later had a hand-cut granite chalet built, designed by San Francisco architect Henry Schulze. Surviving elements include the log house, chalet, log barn, soda well houses, a concrete fountain, guest cottages, miles of stone walls and cobblestone paths. The property was listed for its architecture, which reflects the late 19th century rustic tradition and its use of natural materials, and for its role as a summer retreat and resort frequented by prominent Californians. The chalet retains much of its original furnishing and interior woodwork.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it has architectural and historic significance. The stone chalet by Henry Schulze reflects the late 19th century rustic tradition and Richardsonian ideas, and the complex illustrates a prominent California family's mountain retreat and resort. It also shows a contrast in building types from the 1872 hotel to the 1898 chalet.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 78000734, listed December 15, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | SE of Soda Springs, Soda Springs |
|---|---|
| County | Placer County |
| Listed | December 15, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78000734 |
| Resource type | District |
| Period of significance | 1872 to 1898 |
| Architect / builder | Stone chalet, Henry A. Schulze (San Francisco architect) |
| Architectural style | Late 19th century rustic tradition (Richardsonian principles in the stone chalet) |
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Remaining buildings include two guest cottages, the Hopkins Cottage, the stone chalet, log barn, soda well houses, tool shop and fountain; the 1872 hotel burned in 1898. The form says the complex retains its original integrity and lists present use as private residence. |
| Acreage | 15 |
| Coordinates | 39.24631, -120.32611 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
This is a historic district. Buildings within its boundary are either contributing (they add to the district's significance) or non-contributing. Owners of contributing income-producing buildings can claim the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit; homeowners should look at state credits. National Register districts impose no design review by themselves; a local historic district ordinance, if one exists, does (the difference explained).
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 78000734.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.