Saving Atascadero's First Building
The Atascadero Printery Foundation is restoring the historic 1915 Printery. Reclaiming a century-old landmark as a vibrant community center for the arts, education, and nonprofits on the Central Coast.
Who We Are
The Atascadero Printery Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in November 2015 by a small group of community members determined to save the Printery, Atascadero's first civic building, after more than a decade of abandonment.
Built in 1915 as the Press Building of the Women's National Publishing Company, the Printery became the lifeblood of the young colony. Founded by E.G. Lewis, a champion of women's suffrage, it grew into the largest publishing facility west of the Mississippi. Over the next century, it served as a junior college, Masonic Lodge, County Sheriff's Office, schools, and the Atascadero Youth Center, where Jackie Robinson once served as a counselor, until the 2003 San Simeon Earthquake forced its closure.
In ten years, our volunteers have purchased the building, restored the original windows and doors, and begun the seismic retrofit. What began as a handful of neighbors is now a community-wide effort and the gates are ready to come down.
Our Mission
To RECLAIM, REHABILITATE, and REPURPOSE the historic Printery Building for community use, with a focus on the arts, youth and senior programs, and support for nonprofit organizations.
The Future
The restored Printery will once again be the heart of Atascadero: a home for performances, classes, youth and senior programs, a working print shop, and an interactive museum celebrating the building's remarkable history, with a fully equipped performing arts community theater to follow.
Join us in bringing the Printery back to life. Donate, volunteer, or attend one of our events. A small group started this. The whole community can finish it.