HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/05/1989, C-3 - NATIONAL REGISTER APPLICATION FOR THE JACK RESIDENCE iq�I�N city of San Luis OBISPO MEETING DATE
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ITEM
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT NUMBER:
FROM: Randy Rossi, Interim Community Development Director
BY: Terry Sanville, Principal Planner �
SUBJECT. National Register Application for the Jack Residence
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the submittal of the National Register
Application for the Jack Residence to the California Office of Historic
Preservation.
BACKGROUND
The City of San Luis Obispo owns the Jack Residence located at 536 Marsh Street.
During this past summer, the Cultural Heritage Committee, in cooperation with the Jack
House Committee, has prepared a National Register Application for the property. If
approved by both state and federal agencies, the Jack House and grounds would be
placed on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places and officially recognized
as a property of significant historical importance.
At its meeting on November 2, the CHC adopted a resolution (see attached) asking that
the City Council authorize the filing of the draft National Register Application with the
California Office of Historic Preservation. Consistent with council policy, the CHC is
asking the council to authorize its work on the city's behalf in processing the attached
application.
SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
The application, if accepted, would provide national recognition of the value of the
property. No significant fiscal or environmental impacts are associated with National
Register designation. The city chances of receiving future grant funds might be
enhanced.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT TAKING AN ACTION
The Jack House would not receive maximum recognition for its historical importance.
Attachments:
Draft National Register Application
Exhibit A: Council Resolution Authorizing Application Submittal
CHC Resolution recommending council action
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RESOLUTION NO. (1989 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF A NATIONAL REGISTER APPLICATION
FOR THE JACK RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 536 MARSH STREET
WHEREAS, the Jack Residence, located at 536 Marsh Street, is owned by the
City of San Luis Obispo and is managed by the Jack House Committee; and
WHEREAS, in 1983 the City Council adopted Resolution 6157 which designated
the Jack Residence as a "Historic Resource" that is "potentially eligible for the National
Register;"
WHEREAS, the San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage Committee, in cooperation
with the Jack House Committee, has prepared a National Register application for the
Jack Residence; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the San Luis Obispo City Council that the Jack
Residence and grounds be recognized as an important cultural and historic resource by
its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places administered by the National
Park Service and the Department of the Interior.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
1. The Cultural Heritage Committee is authorized to submit the National Register
Application for the Jack Residence, attached as Exhibit "A," to the California
Office of Historic Preservation for consideration and action.
2. The Cultural Heritage Committee is authorized to act on the city's behalf in
processing the attached National Register Application.
On motion of , seconded by and
on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this day of November, 1989.
RESOLUTION NO. n (1989 Series)
Page 2
ATTEST. Mayor Ron Dunin
Pam.Voges, City Clerk
APPROVED:
C7ohnSDu City Administrative Officer
tto ey
Jim S c acko�mmittee
Randy Rossi, Interim Community
Development Director
3-3
NM steel 1"M -- EXHIBIT "A" over&106.018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
d4ational Register of Historic Places
Registration Form
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts.See instructions in Guldelm
for Completing National Register Forms(National Register Bulletin 16). Complete each item by marking'Y'in the appropriate box or by entering
the requested information.H an item does not apply to the property being documented,enter"NIA"for"rpt applicable."For functions,styles,materials,
and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategories listed in the instructions.For additional space use continuation sheets
(Form 10.900x).Type an entries.
1. Name of Property
historic name Jack Residence
other namestsite number Jack House
2. Location
street & number 536 Marsh Street Li not for publication
city, town San Luis Obispo Li vicinity
State California code CA county San Luis Obispo code 079 zip code 93401
3. Classification
Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property
❑private x❑building(s) Contributing Noncontributing
public-local ❑district 3 1 buildings
❑public-State ❑site sites
❑public-Federal ❑structure
1_structures
❑object objects
Total
ne of related multiple property listing: Number of contributing resources previously
wlA
listed in the National Register 0
4. State/Federal Ag
ency Certification (OHP use Only)
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this
❑nomination❑request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the
National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Pan 60.
In my opinion, the property❑meets❑does not meet the National Register criteria. ❑See continuation street.
Signature of certifying official Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
In my opinion,.the property❑meets❑does not meet the National Register criteria.❑See continuation sheet.
Signature of commenting or other official Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
5. National Park Service Certification
1, hereby, certify that this property is:
❑entered in the National Register.
❑See continuation sheet.
❑determined eligible for the National
Register. ❑See continuation sheet.
'etermined not eligible for the
.lational Register.
❑removed from the National Register.
❑other, (explain:) —�
Signature of the Kasper Date of Action
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions (enter categories fro::.instructions) Current Functions%onter categories from instructions)
Domastir/singla dwpllin0 Renrpatinn and Criliv ro�Mu<pin
i
7. Description
Architectural Classification Materials (enter categories from instructions)
(enter categories from instructions)
foundation concrete
Late Victorian/Italianate walls wood .
roof radar chin,nlpe
other
Describe present and historic physical appearance.
Except for the maturation of the trees_, the Jack House looks much the same as it did when
it was finished in the early 1880's It is located about four blocks southwest of the
business center of San Luis Obispo on the northwest side of Marsh Street. The house is a
two-story wood, balloon-framed, s.ingle residence, sitting on a raised concrete foundation.
The overall shape is rectangular with rooms located off a central hallway. A full porch
extends across the front of the house with a balustrade over the center entrance section
only. The tall , thin windows are double hung and evenly spaced with a, cornice head. The
hip roof has a balustrade with a decorative vent. The eves are decorated with paired
brackets, medallion blocks, and a decorative frieze. Single-story bay windows are found
on each side with a similar design on the eves. There is a 'third bay .window in the rear .
on the west side. It is two stories and now has an elevator attached to it (1970) . The
exterior sheating is shipiap redwood, typical of the era.
The carriage house and washroom are located to the north and northwest of the house. Thebe'
structures are assumed to have been built at the same time as the house. A utility room is
between and a gazebo is in the eastern corner of the property. These were built by the
city in 1980.
The driveway enters the property from Marsh Street and continues straight. back to the rear
of the lot where it makes a 90-degree turn to the right and continues to the carriage house
which is entered from the northwest side. The driveway and surrounding grounds are covered
with many mature trees planted by Nellie Jack who was particularly fond of trees and exotic
plants.
See continuation sheet
-3-S
8. Statement of Significance —
Certifying official has considered the ificance of this property in?elation to other, arties:
❑nationallyX❑statewide ❑locally
Applicable National Register Criteria ❑A x❑8
_]C ❑D
�_. riteria Considerations (Exceptions) ❑A ❑8 ❑C ❑D ❑E ❑F ❑G
Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Period of Significance Significant Dates
Commerce 1881 -1-916
Cultural Affiliation
Significant Person Architect/Builder
Jack, Robert Edgar Evans, William
State significance of property,and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above.
The Jack House was the residence of Robert Edgar and Nellie Hollister Jack. He was a
prominent land developer, banker, and rancher in Central California from the 1870's until
his death in 1916.
R.E. Jac, was born in Maine and tame to California in 1866. He started ranching the
following year by buying half of Rancho Cnolame from W.W. Hollister. In 1870, he married
Nellie, the niece 'of W.W. , and the following year they moved to the City.of San Luis
"bispo. When her uncle died in 1874. Jack bought the remainder of the ranch from his
i
'�__/idow. The ranch's Circle C brand is the oldest brand registered with the State of
California that is still in regular use.
At this time, the area was mainly ranching, both sheep and cattle. R.E. Jack brought new
breeds and breeding methods to California. As one of the largest sheepfarmers, he employed
hundreds of Basque sheepherders and had numerous connections along the 1200 mile sheep
grazing routes which ran from San Bernadino in the south, to Glenn and Tehama counties in
the north as well as east of the Sierras.
The drought of the 1860's had encouraged diversification into grains, dairy, fruit trees,
and vegetable production. However, transportation to markets north and south was generally
Slow (ship) and. expensive ( road) . The Mesa Coast had just been linked by the Trans-
continental Railroad to the east and the Southern Pacific Line extended south to Soleded
in 1873. Everyone expected it to be extended through San Luis Obispo to link Los Angeles.
R.E. Jack was ready for the railroad.
Although wool growing was listed as his occupation as late as 1883, R.E. Jack was already
an established banker by that time. In the early 1870's, he was the cashier of the
First National Bank, which was later the Bank of San Luis Obispo. He was a principal in
the banks of Paso Robles, Santa Maria and Lompoc.
C' Q See continuation sheet
1�3-L
9. Ma or Biblloaraphical Refereni
Guinn, J .M. , History_of—the-Sta_te-of_California. (Santa Cruz, San Benito. Monterey. and
San Luis Obispo) , Chapman Publishing Co. , Chicago, 1903.,
Nicholson, Loren, Rails-Across_the_Ranchos, Valley Publishers. Fresno, 1980. �J
Storke, Mrs. Yda Addis, A Memorial and Biographical_History-of-Santa_Barbara, San Luis
------------------ ____ ___ ____
Obis o end Ventura Counties, Lewis -Publishing Co.. Chicago, 1891
----p----------------------
❑See continuation sheet
Previous documentation on file (NPS):
ED preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) Primary location of additional data:
has been requested OState historic preservation office
❑previously listed in the.National Register ❑Other State agency
❑previously determined eligible by the National Register ❑Federal agency
❑designated a National Historic Landmark F2 Local government
0 recorded by Historic American Buildings QX University.
Survey p ❑Other
❑recorded by Historic American Engineering Specify repository:
Record p (1 ) San_ Luis Obispo County Recorder 's
Office; ("2) California Polytechnic State University - Robert E. Kennedy Library
10. geographical Data
Acreage of property 84 n
UTM References \ J
AWI I_=I I I I I BMJ ( I I I I I I I
Zone Fasting Northing Zone Easting Northing
C W l l - II I i I i I I D LIJ I I I i i I. I i I I i I
Q See continuation sheet
Verbal Boundary Description
Q See continuation sheet
Boundary Justification
These City lots have always been occupied by the Jack House and its out-buildings.
❑See continuation sheet
11. Form Prepared By
name/title Leo W Pinard II Member
organization SLO Cultural Heritage Committee date December 5, 1989
street & number 714 Buchon Street telephone (805) .544-4566
city or town San. Luis Obispo state California' 93401
zip code
L'3-7
wve ran i0000. OW Near ea NP&Ma
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page - 8.1
By 1886, the rails had reached Templeton and the local business elite in San Luis Obispo
were concerned that it continue through their town. To accomplish this, the Board of
Trade (Chamber of Commerce) was established with R.E. Jack as the Treasurer. He was
already the Treasurer of the West Coast Land Company which was selling land adjacent to
the railroad in Templeton. He was also the Secretary and Co-Treasurer of the Cal.ifornia
Southern Hotel Col. which had built the Ramona Hotel in anticipation of the railroad
coming to San Luis Obispo. To get hotel guests from the narrow gauge Pacific Railroad,
Jack bought the City's first. horse-drawn rail trolley. Consequently, he was most anxious
for the Southern Pacific to arrive in San Luis Obispo.
In 1887, the Southern Pacific asked Jack, Isaac Gol'dtree, and J.P. Andrews to procure
the right-of-way for 'the railroad through the City of San Luis Obispo. Prominent citizens
were enlisted for this job since the railroad expected landowners along the proposed route
to give up their land for the "good of all" citizens in the community. Mr. Jack also
represented the City as its Mayor from 1890 to 1893.
This pattern of land sales and hotel buildings continued south to Los Olivos and Lompoc.
However, much before the land boom was over, R.E. Jack was a millionaire. The San
Francisco Examiner listed him as the richest taxpayer in the County in 1890.
Nellie Jack was known for her love of reading and was a founding member of the library
in 1892 which eventually became the City Library in 1898. She hosted many lawn parties
at her house to raise funds for the library. For a time, the Andrews Building was used
to house the collection until the Carnegie Library was finished in 1905.
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places '
Continuation Sheet
Section number 10 Page 10. 1
VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION:
Commencing at a point on the southerly line of Higuera Street South 53' 7' West,
One Hundred and Eighty-Three feet, six inches ( 183-6/12 feet) from the Southwest
corner of Higuera and Nipomo Streets and running thence South 53'7' West on the South
line .of Higuera Street Two Hundred and Twenty-Five (225) feet, thence South 36'53 ' East
to the line of Marsh Street; thence, Northeasterly along the Eine of Marsh :Street, Two
Hundred and Twenty-Five (225) feet; thence, . at right angles Northwesterly to Higuera
Street and the point of beginning and being all that portion of Block 62 of the City of
San . Luis Obispo, occupied as a residence of R.E. Jack and wife, and extending from Higuera
Street to Marsh Street according to two deeds: One made by H.M. Warden to Nellie
Hollister Jack dated August 9, 1815; and the other made by Thomas Higuera and others
on February 11 , 1876, to R. Edgar Jack, and both of record in the Recorders Office of
San Luis Obispo County, State of California.
Excepting therefrom that portion thereof conveyed to Manuel F. Lima, st ux, by deed
dated September 29, 1922, and recorded October 2, 1922, in Book 157, Page 410 of Deeds,,'�
Also, excepting therefrom, that portion thereof conveyed by deed dated November 22., 1917,
in Book 188, Page 449 of Deeds to Nicholas F. Schlicht,
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
SUPPORTING THE SUBMITTAL OF A NATIONAL REGISTER APPLICATION
FOR THE JACK RESIDENCE
WHEREAS, the Jack Residence,.located at 536 Marsh Street, is owned by the
City of San Luis Obispo and is managed by the Jack House Committee; and
WHEREAS, in 1983 the City Council adopted Resolution 6157 which designated
the Jack Residence as an Historic Resource that is "potentially eligible for the National
Register;" and
WHEREAS, consistent with the city's adopted Historical Preservation Guidelines,
it is an important function of the Cultural Heritage Committee to assist with the
preparation of applications to the National Register of Historic Places; .and
WHEREAS, the Cultural Heritage Committee, in cooperation with the Jack
House Committee, has prepared a draft National Register application for the Jack
Residence; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Jack House Committee and the Cultural
Heritage Committee that the Jack Residence and grounds be recognized as an important _
community cultural and historic resource by its inclusion on the National Register of
Historic Places maintained by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Cultural Heritage Committee of
San Luis Obispo as follows:
1. The attached National Register Application for the Jack Residence is
forward to the City Council with a recommendation that the council
authorize its submittal to the California Office of Historic Preservation for
processing.
2. The Cultural Heritage Committee requests that the City Council authorize
it to work with the California Office of Historic Preservation to complete
the processing of the attached application.
On motion of _Krgig�_, seconded by
role call vote: _Nicholson and on the following
AYES: Kreiger, Nicholson, Graham, Hall-Patton, Pinard, Sievertson,
Heinz, Waldron, and F3ekes
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this. 2nd day of November, 1989.
Chairperson, Cultural Heritage Committee
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