Originally built in 1896 as Novato's first Presbyterian Church in the Victorian Gothic style, the building later served as Novato City Hall from 1963 until it was closed for safety reasons in 2005. At various times it housed the offices of the City Manager and City Clerk, and later the Community Development and Public Works Departments. Renovated in 2009 for community use, City Council meetings, and other public events, and enhanced with an outdoor patio area and a new civic green, 901 Sherman Avenue once again serves as a civic anchor in the heart of Novato's historic downtown.