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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/07/1994, C-12 - NOMINATION OF 1717 AND 1725 SANTA BARBARA STREET TO THE MASTER LIST OF HISTORIC RESOURCES. I`I�^I�IIn'llllln� I MEETING QATE: II W II pn ����l c� o san LU�s OBIspo .?.9c{ COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER: / FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director; By: Jeff Hook-e, ; ssociate Planner L' SUBJECT: Nomination of 1717 and 1725 Santa Barbara Street to the Master List of Historic Resources. CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution adding the properties to the Master List. ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION At its February 28, 1994 meeting, the Cultural Heritage Committee held a public hearing to consider adding properties located at 1717 and 1725 Santa Barbara Street to the Master List of Historic Resources. On motion of Leo Pinard, seconded by Jim Danaher, the CHC voted 6:1 (Fourie) to recommend that the City Council add the properties to the Master List. At the hearing, the property owner's representative, Devin Gallagher, spoke in support of the proposed listing (draft minutes attached). SITUATION This nomination was initiated by the property owner, who researched the histories of the two properties and submitted historic documentation. The City's Historical Preservation Guidelines provide that "any person may request that a property be added to the Master List of Historical Resources"; and that the CHC will review the application and decide whether it merits consideration, and if it does, schedule the item for a public hearing. On January 28, 1994 the CHC reviewed the historical documentation for these properties and scheduled them for a public hearing, which was held in February. At the Februrary hearing, the CHC recommended that the City Council add the properties to the Master List, based on the adopted eligibility criteria (attached). Data Summary Applicant: Lee and Astrid Gallagher Representative: Devin Gallagher Project Addresses: 1717 and 1725 Santa Barbara Street Zoning: R-3-H General Plan: Medium-High Density Residential, Railroad Historical District Environmental Determination: Categorically exempt (CEQA Section 15308) Site Description and Setting: (see attached maps and supporting documentation for each property) DISCUSSION The Master List of Historic Resources consists of about 160 distinctive structures which have significant historic or architectural value to the community, and which merit special honor and 0424 ��►���i�►►�Illlip�pj����ll City Or San LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Staff Report Page 2 recognition. Using information provided by the applicant and city historic files, the CHC evaluated the significance of the nominated structures based on criteria such as age, architectural style, neighborhood context, and history and determined that the properties met eligibility criteria: Once a property is added to the Master List, changes to the historic property are possible, provided that such changes promote the structure's original architectural style and character. According to the Historical Preservation Program Guidelines, demolition of an historical resource should be done only when: "1) the condition of the building poses a threat to the health, safety or welfare of community residents or people living or working on or near the site, or 2) the project sponsor demonstrates that it financially infeasible to rehabilitate the structure or preserve the historic nature of the site. HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE The William M. Duff House. Built in 1901 by William M. Duff as his family home, this recently restored house has been described as being a good example of "Railroad Vernacular" architectural style, and now consists of four apartments. The house has been used as a single family house, apartments, and eventually a delapidated bording house just prior to its restoration. Mr. Duff was an early grocer and prominent merchant in San Luis Obispo. His "Farmer's Cash Store" was located on the ground floor of the Masonic Temple at 839 Marsh Street. Later sold to T. A. and Mary Parsons, the building was converted to residential rental use, followed by a succession of owners. Many of the owners were proprietors of small businesses or employees at the nearby railroad yard. When purchased by the Gallagher Family in 1985, the property had become delapidated and was being used as a transient bording house. Of historical interest, several old newspapers and magazines dating to 1902, a private letter from 1942, and bottles and other 100-year old artifacts have been found during the restoration. Basis For Listing: 1) Architectural Significance - The Duff House is an archetypical example of "Railroad Vernacular" style of home building common around the turn of the Century; 2) Historical Association, Person - The house was associated with William M. Duff, a prominent, early businessman in San Luis Obispo. The CHC has designated the property as a Type 5 property, meaning that it is not eligible for the National Register, but historically significant at a local level. Alexander Galewsld House. Built by Alexander Galewsld in 1904, the house is considered a fine example of the "Railroad Vernacular" style of cottages built near Southern Pacific Railroad tracks. A longtime resident of San Luis Obispo, Mr. Galewsld was a saloonkeeper of the "Whisper Saloon" formerly located on Higuera Street between Garden and Chorro Streets. The house is considered unusual for this neighborhood in that it remained a single family house since its construction, and was not converted to a rooming house as were many other homes in the neighborhood. The house was restored by the property owner, with new foundation, sewer, water, gas, and electrical lines, and with insulation added to interior walls, .windows and doors. • a -a ������► uuIIfIIII�I����►����III MY Of San LUIS OBISPO ONGe COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Staff Report Page 3 Basis For Listing: 1) Architectural Significance - The Galewski House is an archetypical example of a "Railroad Vernacular" style cottage which was built close to the railroad tracks; and 2) Historical Association, Person - The house was built by Alexander Galewski, a local saloonkeeper and longtime city resident. The property has been designated as a Type 5 property. ALTERNATIVES 1. Do not adopt a resolution adding one or more of the candidate properties to the Master List. 2. Continue the item for additional information or study, and specify the the additional information or analysis needed. Attachments: -Draft resolution -CHC draft minutes -Vicinity Map -Historical Designation Criteria Council Reading File: Documentation of Historical Significance. jh/L:ccphse3.rpt C-�a "3 RESOLUTION NO. (1994 SERIFS) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AMENDING THE MASTER LIST OF HISTORIC RESOURCES TO INCLUDE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 1717 AND 1725 SANTA BARBARA STREET. WHEREAS, in 1983 the City Council adopted Resolution No. 5197 establishing the "Master List of Historic Resources", along with procedures for adding properties to the listing; and WHEREAS, this nomination was initiated by the property owner of 1717 and 1725 Santa Barbara Street, who has extensively researched the properties' histories and submitted historical and architectural documentation; and WHEREAS, on February 28, 1994 the Cultural Heritage Committee held a public hearing and based on the documentation and public testimony presented, recommended that the City Council add the properties to the Master List due to their historical and/or architectural significance to the community; and WHEREAS, this City Council considered this recommendation during a public hearing on June 7, 1994 pursuant to historic preservation guidelines established by Council Resolution No. 6157 (1987 Series); NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo that based on the Cultural Heritage Committee's recommendation, documentation as described in the Historical Resource Inventory for each property, on file in the Community Development Department, public testimony, the staff report, and on the City's Historical Preservation Program Guidelines the following: SECTION 1. Addition to Master List of Historic Resources. The following properties are hereby added to the Master List of Historic Resources as Type 5 properties (not eligible for the Council Resolution No. (1994 Series) Page 2 National Register of Historic Places, but locally significant), and are more fully described in the historical documentation for each property, on file in the Community Development Department, and as legally described in Exhibit A: -1717 Santa Barbara Street (The William M. Duff House) -1725 Santa Barbara Street (The Andrew Galewski House) SECTION 2. Publish Revised Master List. The Community Development Director is hereby directed to amend the Master List of Historic Resources to include the properties listed above, and to publish a revised Master List for public distribution. SECTION 3. Recording of Historic Properties. The City Clerk is hereby directed to record the properties' historic designation with the County Recorder, pursuant to State Law. On motion of , seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: . The foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 7th day of June, 1994. Mayor Peg Pinard ATTEST: Diane Gladwell, City Clerk APPROVED: p7 AfflMrjensin, City Attorney EXHIBIT A LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES Following are legal descriptions of the properties added to the City of San Luis Obispo's Master List of Historic Resources, by City Council Resolution No. (1994 Series): 1. 1717 Santa Barbara Street. (William M. Duff House) City Of San Luis Obispo, Graham's Resubdivision of Loomis & Osgood's Addition, Block 176, Lot 4 and portion of Lot 3 (Assessor's Parcel Number (APN#)) 003-552-0007). Owner. Gallagher, Lee R Tre Etal. 2. 1725 Santa Barbara Street. (Alexander Galewsld House) City of San Luis Obispo, Graham's Resubdivision of Loomis & Osgood's Addition, Block 176, portion of Lot 6 (APN# 003-552-0008). Owner. Gallagher, Lee R Tre Etal. 6 O I if q 'o ti y of '• n .. ............. .. L � w PF— r y t C 0r .3 �'` , ' •�'w T .x•922 _ T`. T ' AF ger * i e�.ea ' �/C °: me � \O seer��.c et.♦e \/ T c 0 aZl �. SO r• � 'iv � •.� �°��. /' ora � r:a: 4. ,...♦(( 1 rl� � �/'� 7 •.. w n Gl'.I. yap'' .\V} � � � /� •.;`.aT. :s \ \ U _ r mar / \� a ' �� \c• - — v -1 ` - .. �MBER OF NOT :, - MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of February 28, 1994 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL Present: James Danaher, Denise Fourie, Dan Krieger, Leo Pinard, Janice Ramsay, Wendy Waldron, Victoria Wood Absent: none Staff: Jeff Hook, Associate Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On motion of James Danaher, seconded by Janice Ramsay, the minutes of the regular meeting on January 24, 1994 were unanimously approved as amended. COMMITTEE ELECTIONS: After general discussion regarding committeemembers interest in and availability to serve, Jim Danaher and Janice Ramsay were nominated for Chair and Vice- Chair. Both agreed to serve in those positions. On motion of Wendy Waldron, seconded by Dan Krieger, and on a unanimous vote, Jim Danaher was elected Chairman and Janice Ramsay was elected Vice-Chairman for the period of one year, starting on March 28, 1994. PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 1. Consideration of nominating the William F. Duff House at 1717 Santa Barbara Street, and the Alexander Galewski House located at 1725 Santa Barbara Street to the Master List of Historic Resources (Astrid Gallagher, Applicant). Chairperson Fourie asked staff to introduce the item. Jeff Hook presented a brief staff report, noting that the CHC had decided at its last meeting to consider these properties for nomination to the Master List. He stated that if the Committee supported nomination of one or both of the properties, it should make a recommendation to the City Council including findings that explain the reasons for nomination. Chairperson Fourie opened the public hearing. Devin Gallagher, representing the applicant, described artifacts found in the old houses, including old wiring dating back to 1902, a photograph, and a page from an old Collier's Magazine. He felt that the properties should be added to the Master List because both houses were described by Chuck Crotser, a local CHC Minutes, February 28, 1994 Page 2 architect, as being archetypical "Railroad Vernacular", and were associated with noteworthy local persons. In response to a question from Jim Danaher, Mr. Gallagher explained that both houses had undergone foundation repairs; but only 1725 Santa Barbara Street had undergone roof repairs. He stated that his family had owned both properties since 1985. Committeemembers Pinard and Wood had no comment. Dan Krieger felt that both properties were clearly significant and merited nomination to the Master List. The Duff House had many historical associations, and the Galewski House was an excellent example of Railroad Vernacular architecture. He noted that it was unusual in that it had remained a single family residence since its construction. He confessed that he was unsure about whether the "Galewski House" was the best name to put on the property's historic plaque, but joked that being part Polish, he could support the proposed name. Chairperson Fourie felt that it was great that the properties had been so attractively restored, but 47 had difficulty finding that they were eligible for the Master List. She felt that they were more appropriate as "contributing properties" and probably did not constitute "historic resources." Victoria Wood noted that the properties were already listed as Contributing Properties. After a comment by Mr. Gallagher regarding previously submitted historic documentation on another railroad district property, Ms. Wood asked Jeff Hook to include the historic information on 1105 George Street with the March '94 meeting agenda packet. General discussion ensued regarding the properties' significance and historic associations, including ownership histories. Most committeemembers felt that the properties' met one or more eligibility criteria for the Master List. On a motion by Leo Pinard, seconded by Jim Danaher, the CHC recommended that the City Council add the properties located at 1717 and 1725 Santa Barbara Street to the Master List of Historic Resources, finding that the properties: 1. Were not eligible for the National Register, but were significant at a local level (Class 5 property). 2. Were excellent examples of the "Railroad Vernacular" architectural style associated with the growth and development of the City's Railroad Yard around the turn of the Century. 3. Had maintained their structural and architectural integrity since construction. X04 - CHC Minutes, February 28, 1994 Page 3 4. Were similar to and compatible with neighboring structures which collectively form a geographically definable area, the Railroad Historic District, with its own distinctive architectural character. 5. Were associated with Mr. William Duff and Mr. Alexander Galewski, businessmen who through their contributions and historic associations, had a beneficial effect on the community. The motion carries onFeng urie voting No). DISCUSSION/ADME ITEMS 2. Historic PlaquEligibility requirements. (Pinard) Leo Pinard explainedn that the Historic Plaque program be expanded to include Contributing Propertieat this was consistent with the City Council's and the CHC's original intent when thegan. There was general discussion ut the status of the program, and committeemembers all felt that the program was worthwhilehould be continued. In response to question from Chairperson Fourie, Jeff Hook noted that1 Im had run out of funding due to budget constraints, and that staff still receives inquiries property owners interested in the plaques. Mr. Hook suggested that Committeemembers con ' er separate motions dealing with the issues of program funding and eligibility for the es, and asked if the CHC would consider two different plaque styles to reflect th erence between "Master List" and "Contributing Properties." He noted that the 's action would be a recommendation to the City Council. General discussion of a 'two-tiered" signage program ensued. Leo Pinard felt that most property,owners wouldn't a about the distinction, and did not support two types of signs. He felt that by formally recob 'zing contributing properties, more property owners might be encouraged to upgrade or recto their properties. Chairperson Fourie was concerned that sing one type of signage for both the "blue dot" (or Master List) properties and contributing properties would tend to diminish the importance of the City's principal historic resources -- properties for which the CHC and owners had spent considerable time documenting their histones and significance. Victoria Wood was concerned that some contributing properties were not maintained in good condition, and questioned whether they would also qualify for a plaque. She agreed with Chairperson Fourie that a two-tiered signage approach might be appropriate. C-la•/o City of San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage committee DELINEATION OF HISTORIC RESOURCE CRITERIA FOR BUILDING EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARCHITECTURAL CRITERIA I. stvic Describes form of building such as size, structural shape and details within that form (i.e., arrangement of windows and doors, ornamentation, etc.) Building style will be evaluated as a measure of: 1. The relative purity of a traditional style (as compared to building styles in San Luis Obispo); 2 Rarity of existence at any time in the locale; and/or current rarity although the structure reflects a once popular style; 3. Traditional, vernacular and/or eclectic influences that represent a particular social milieu and period of the community; and/or the uniqueness of hybrid styles and how these styles are put together. 4. The degree to which the structure has maintained its integrity (ie., assessment of alterations and structural condition, if known). II Desisn Describes the architectural concept of a structure and the quality of artistic merit and craftmanship of the individual parts. Reflects how well a particular style or combination of styles are expressed through compatibility and detailing of elements. Also, suggests degree to which the architect (i.e., carpenter-builder) accurately interpreted and conveyed the style(s). Building design will be evaluated as a measure of: 1. Notable attractiveness with aesthetic appeal because of its uniqueness, artistic merit, details and craftsmanship; 2. Overall attractiveness because of craftsmanship and aesthetic value, though not necessarily unique; 3. An expression of interesting details and eclecticism among carpenter-builders, although the craftsmanship and artistic quality may.not be superior. III. Age Age is a measure of how relatively old a structure is in the context of the history of San Luis Obispo, primarily Anglo-American history (circa 1850). (See Scale of Building Age). CRITERIA FOR BUILDING EVALUATIONS IV. Architect Describes the professional (an individual or firm) directly responsible for the building design and plans of the structure. The architect will be evaluated as a reference to: 1. A master architect (e.g., Wright). 2. A known architect who made significant contributions to the state or region (e.g., Julia Morgan). 3. An architect who, in terms of craftsmanship, made significant contributions to San Luis Obispo (e.g., Abrahams who, according to local sources, designed the house at 810 Osos - Frank Avila's father's home - built between 1927 - 30). 4. An early architect who is otherwise of no special significance but can be identified as a professional (e.g., pioneer architects of the region as confirmed by AIA archival membership records of California and the Central Coast). V. Environmental Design Continuity Describes the inter-relationship of structures and their relationship to a common environment. Refers to the continuity, spatial relationship, and visual character of a street, neighborhood, or area. Environmental design continuity will be evaluated as a measure of the: 1. Symbolic importance of a structure to the community and the degree to which it serves as a conspicuous and pivotal landmark (i.e., easily accessible to the public, helps to establish a sense of time and place). 2. Compatibility of a structure with neighboring structures in its setting on the basis of period, style (form, height, roof lines), design elements, landscapes, and natural features; and how these combine together to create an integral cultural, historic, or stylistic setting. 3. Similarity to and/or compatibility of a structure with its neighboring structures which, collectively, although of no particular aesthetic value, combine to form a geographically definable area with its own distinctive character. Ic-��-�a HISTORICAL CRITERIA VI. History - Person Describes a person, group, organization, or institution that has been connected with the structure, either intimately or secondarily, for at least two generations (i.e., 40 years). Historical person will be evaluated as a measure of the degree to which a person or group was: 1. Significant to the community as a public leader (i.e., mayor, congressman, etc.) or for his or her fame and outstanding recognition - locally, regionally, or nationally. 2. Significant to the community as a public servant who has made early, unique, or outstanding contributions to important local affairs or institutions (i.e., councilmen, educators, medical professionals, clergymen, railroad officials). 3. Contributions which, though minor, directly or indirectly, had a beneficial effect on the community (i.e., firemen, law enforcement officers, postal workers, businessmen/shopkeepers, city employees, etc.). VIL History - Event Associated with a social, political, economic, governmental, educational or other institutional event that has been important to the community. Historical event will be evaluated as a measure of: 1. A landmark, famous, or first-of-its-kind event for the city - regardless of whether the impact of the event spread beyond the city. 2. A relatively unique or interesting contribution to the city (i.e., the Ah Louis Store as the center for Chinese-American cultural activities in early San Luis Obispo history), 3. A contribution which, though minor, nonetheless was important to the community (i.e., local interest groups); or, alternatively, a unique or interesting contribution only loosely connected with the structure, object, site, or district. VIII. History-Con.text Associated with and also a prime illustration of predominant patterns of political, social,economic, cultural, medical, educational, governmental, military, industrial, or religious history. Historical context will be evaluated as a measure of the degree to which it reflects: 1. Early, first, or major patterns of local history, regardless of whether the historical effects go beyond the city level, that are intimately connected with the building (i.e., County Museum). L Secondary patterns of local history but closely associated with the building (i.e., Park Hotel). 3. Secondary patterns of local history but loosely associated with the building. Historical context will also be evaluated on the basis of: 4. Whether or not a structure occupies its original site and/or whether or not the original foundation has been changed, if known.