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Business & Tech

What's Next for Copia?

Visitors at Oxbow Public Market offer their suggestions to revamp the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, which has been shuttered since 2008.

When Copia had its grand opening on Nov. 28, 2001, founders had high expectations that the majestic center would become a worldwide destination for those seeking the upscale pleasures of mingling the cultural worlds of wine, food and the arts.

The center had a library of rare books, a museum, gift store, upscale restaurant, 260-seat theater, 13,000 square feet of gallery space, 72-seat kitchen demonstration area, outdoor concert terrace and three and half acres of outdoor landscaped gardens.

But instead of becoming a cultural magnet, Copia struggled to attract visitors and ultimately filed for bankruptcy Dec. 1, 2008, with a bond-financed debt of $78 million.

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The massive modern center projects an eerie feeling of emptiness as it awaits the next phase of its existence, now being determined by Keith Rogal's development group.

The new footprint for Copia is still undecided. On Thursday, visitors at the , Copia’s next-door neighbor since 2007, offered their ideas for the center's rebirth.

Michael Wright lives in Benicia, but is no stranger to Napa and Copia.

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“I very much support the arts and education. I would love to see something with the arts go into Copia. Done right, it could succeed and be world renowned," Wright said. "A place like Napa cries out for the performing arts, concerts, a performing arts school, so many options.”

Luis Candelas of Napa believes Copia should be an extension of the Oxbow Market.

“Why not? It could be the Oxbow but on a much larger scale – restaurants, art galleries. Or maybe make part of it a youth center. The kids in Napa don’t have a lot to do,” Candelas said.

Christine Chapdelaine of Napa is sad that Copia has sat vacant for so long.

“It’s such a shame, The gardens, the building, even the waterfall outside are so beautiful, but it’s just a big empty space,” Chapdelaine said. “It would be wonderful to have concerts, benefits, fundraisers and performing arts at Copia.”

“Give it to the kids for a skating rink,” said Carol Doyle of Napa. “There is nothing for our kids to do in Napa. Might as well be something for them rather than just sitting there empty.”

Kathy Scott of American Canyon has her own ideas about Copia’s future.

“Turn it into a residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. Lord knows there are enough people to fill the place," Scott said. "It’s got the space to make rooms for the clients, there’s a kitchen. Add some classrooms and offices and you’re all set.”

Matt Gronger of New York has friends in Napa County.

“I went to Copia once when I was here visiting. It didn’t really impress me that much," Gronger said.

"I think Copia would be a great convention center. It’s huge, plenty of meeting rooms and parking, a kitchen, beautiful landscaping and it’s right on the river. And who wouldn’t want to come to a convention in the Napa Valley?”

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