HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/15/1988, C-8 - RESOLUTIONS AUTHORIZING APPLICATIONS AND DESIGNATING CITY'S AGENT FOR HISTORIC RESTORATION AND ACQUISITION GRANTS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE, COASTAL AND PARK LAND CONSERVATION ACT OF 1988 (""PROP 70"")."MEETING DATE:
�i�h�ItlNI�IIIII�����IjIIIlill city of San lugs OBISp0 11 -15 -8 .
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT r;BE,P
Michael u tare, Community Development Director By: Randy Rossi t! ����
.M
SUBJECT: Resolutions authorizing applications and designating City's agent
for historic restoration and acquisition grants under the California Wildlife,
Coastal and Park Land Conservation Act of 1988 ( "Prop 70 ").
CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolutions authorizing grant applications and designating
City Administrative Officer to act on behalf of the City..
BACKGROUND:
The California Wildlife, Coastal and Park Land Conservation Act of 1988 provides $11
million for grants to units of local government for "acquisition, development,
rehabilitation, or restoration of historical or archaeological resources" and for
acquisitions of historic structures. Based on directions received from the Council and
the Cultural Heritage Committee, staff has prepared applications for three restoration
grants and one acquisition grant. The restoration grants are: Rodriguez Adobe, Southern
Pacific Water Tower, and the County Museum. The acquisition grant is for the Fremont
Theater. A project description for each project is attached, with a suhimary below.
Rodriguez Adobe: The adobe would be restored within a small park setting and used for
public uses including perhaps educational and recreational purposes. The Pacifica Corp.,
present owners, have indicated their willingness to cooperate with the City. Pacifica
would give the City ownership or permanent easement rights if the giant application is
successful. S.P. Water Tower: The tower would be strengthened and restored in its
present location which is City- owned. It would remain as an important visual backdrop
for the train station and Railroad Square area. County Museum: The handicapped access
project would be completed and the lower level of the bdilding waterproofed to protect
archival materials and displays. Fremont Theater: The Fremont Theater would be acquired
by the City for use as a community theater for a variety of user groups.
Grant applications are due on December 1, 1988 and will be judged by six criteria,
including the significance of the property, degree of threat or urgency, benefit to the
community and state, and community support. Applicants will be notified by February 1,
1989 of the outcome of the selection process; funds will be authorized-when the state
budget is adopted on July 1, 1989. We have met with staff of the Office of Historic
Preservation and believe that we have significant and competitive projects for the
"restoration " -type grants; for acquisition (Fremont) the grant competition will be very
stiff since only $11 million is available statewide for grants of both types.
SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSAL
The restoration projects are exempt from environmental review; a Negative Declaration has
been prepared for the Fremont Theater acquisition. The grants do not require matching
funds from the City. Restoration projects must be completed within three years.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT TAKING AN ACTION
Without authorization to submit the applications and designation of a City
representative, the state would not accept the grant applications. Approval of the
resolutions does not commit the City to any future obligation. If the City is a
successful grantee, Council would later be asked to accept the grant(s) and any terms and
conditions of the grant would be subject to further review at that time.
Attachments: Draft Resolutions .P J4_0 / roject descriptions.
RESOLUTION NO. (1988 Series)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
APPROVING THE APPLICATION AND THE PROJECT AGREEMENT FOR HISTORY
AND ARCHAEOLOGY GRANT FUNDS FOR THE RODRIGUEZ ADOBE FROM THE
CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE, COASTAL, AND PARK LAND CONSERVATION ACT OF 1988
WHEREAS, the people of California under the California Wildlife, Coastal, and Park
Land Conservation Act of 1988 have authorized the establishment of a History and
Archaeology Grant Program, providing funds to the political subdivisions of the State and
to non - profit organizations for the preservation of significant historical and
archaeological resources; and
WHEREAS, the Office of Historic Preservation is responsible for the administration of
the programs within the State, setting up the necessary rules and procedures governing
the application by local agencies under the program; and
WHEREAS, said adopted procedures established by the Office of Historic Preservation
require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of the applications prior to
submission of said applications to the State;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
hereby:
1. Approves the filing of an application for History and Archaeology Grant
assistance for the Rodriguez Adobe restoration project; and
2 Appoints the City Administrative Officer or his authorized deputy the agent of
the City to coordinate, process, and execute all contracts, agreements,
amendments, and ancillary documents within the scope of the attached
application.
On motion of seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
L! 8 -�
Resolution No. (1988 Series)
Page 2
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this - -. day of 1988.
Mayor
ATTESTS
City Clerk. - -- - - - - -- —
APPROVED:
City .. ministrative Officer.
Jjity Att - -- - -
Community Development Director
RESOLUTION NO. (1988 Series)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
APPROVING THE APPLICATION AND THE PROJECT AGREEMENT FOR HISTORY
AND ARCHAEOLOGY GRANT FUNDS FOR THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC WATER TOWER
FROM THE CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE, COASTAL, AND PARK LAND
CONSERVATION ACT OF 1988
WHEREAS, the people of California under the California Wildlife, Coastal, and Park
Land Conservation Act of 1988 have authorized the establishment of a History and
Archaeology Grant Program, providing funds to the political subdivisions of the State and
to non - profit organizations for the preservation of significant historical and
archaeological resources; and
WHEREAS, the Office of Historic Preservation is responsible for the administration of
the programs within the State, setting up the necessary rules and procedures governing
the application by local agencies under the program; and
WHEREAS, said adopted procedures established by the Office of Historic Preservation
require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of the applications prior to
submission of said applications to the State;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
hereby:
1. Approves_ the filing of an application for History and Archaeology Grant
assistance for the Southern Pacific Water Tower restoration project; and
2. Appoints the City Administrative Officer or his authorized deputy the agent of
the City to coordinate, process, and execute all contracts, agreements,
amendments, and ancillary documents within the scope of the attached
application.
On motion of . seconded by
. and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
e.,04?0- 4
Resolution No. (1988 Series)
Page 2
the foregoing resolution. was - passed' and ladopted• this T day of
ATTEST:
CityClerk i
APPROVED:
City A ministrative Officer
;( ity Attor- y —
Community Development Diiector
RESOLUTION NO. (1988 Series)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
APPROVING THE APPLICATION AND THE PROJECT AGREEMENT FOR HISTORY
AND ARCHAEOLOGY GRANT FUNDS FOR THE COUNTY MUSEUM
(CARNEGIE LIBRARY) HANDICAPPED ACCESS AND WATERPROOFING PROJECT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE, COASTAL, AND PARK LAND
CONSERVATION ACT OF 1988
WHEREAS, the people of California under the California Wildlife, Coastal, and Park
Land Conservation Act of 1988 have authorized the establishment of a History and
Archaeology Grant Program, providing funds to the political subdivisions of the State and
to non- profit organizations for the preservation of significant historical and
archaeological resources; and
WHEREAS, the Office of Historic Preservation is responsible for the administration of
the programs within the State, setting up the necessary rules and procedures governing
the application by local agencies under the program; and
WHEREAS, said adopted procedures established by the Office of Historic Preservation
require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of the applications prior to
submission of said applications to the State;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
hereby:
1. Approves the filing of an application for History and Archaeology Grant
assistance for the County Museum handicapped access and waterproofing project;
and
2. Appoints the City Administrative Officer or his authorized deputy the agent of
the City to coordinate, process, and execute all contracts, agreements,
amendments, and ancillary documents within the scope of the attached
application.
On motion of . seconded by
_ and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
e�8-6
Resolution No. (1988 Series)
Page 2
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of . 1988.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED:
City A ministrative Officer
��-,�.
ty Attorn
Community Development Director
8-7
RESOLUTION NO: (1988 Series)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
APPROVING THE APPLICATION AND THE PROJECT AGREEMENT FOR HISTORY
AND ARCHAEOLOGY GRANT FUNDS FOR THE FREMONT THEATER FROM THE
CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE, COASTAL, AND PARK LAND CONSERVATION ACT OF 1988
WHEREAS, the people of California under the California Wildlife, Coastal, and Park
Land Conservation Act of 1988 have authorized the establishment of a History and
Archaeology Grant Program, providing funds to the political subdivisions of the State and
to non - profit organizations for the preservation of significant historical and
archaeological resources; and
WHEREAS, the Office of Historic Preservation is responsible for the administration of
the programs within the State, setting up the necessary rules and procedures governing
the application by local agencies under the program; and
WHEREAS, saidiadnpted.prnoadures established by the Office of Historic Preservation
require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of the applications prior to
submission of said applications to the State;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
hereby:
1. Approves the filing of an application for History and Archaeology Grant
assistance for the Fremont Theater project; and
2. Appoints the City Administrative Officer or his authorized deputy the agent of
the City to coordinate, process, and execute all contracts, agreements,
amendments, and ancillary documents within the scope of the attached
application.
On motion of seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
C44901?
Resolution No. (1988 Series)
Page 2
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of . 1988.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED:
City Ad inistrative Officer
�ity Attorn
Community Development Director
C!8.9
California Wildlife Coastal and Park Land
Conservation Act of
Applications by the City of San Luis Obispo
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
RESTORATION GRANTS
The Rodriguez Adobe: The Rodriguez Adobe is located within the Edna -Islay Specific
Plan area adjacent to the Southern Pacific railroad tracks near the base of Islay Hill.
It is clearly visible from Highway 227 (lower Broad St.) across from the entrance to the
airport. It is the only remaining adobe in the Edna Valley region and one of only about
a dozen adobes that have survived locally to remind us of our rich history and the
late - Mission period rancho life. It is believed to have been built in about 1850 at the
northeastern edge of the Corral de Piedra Rancho. The walls are one foot, ten inches
thick, and the building retains all of its original door and window locations and
dimensions. The roof is a late mission style hip roof, but quite high and steep compared
to others.
Its weathered wood siding gives an appearance of advancing deterioration, but in fact
this siding is credited with protecting the highly erosive adobe beneath. The walls in
other areas, both inside and out, have a plaster layer which has also afforded
protection. The Rodriguez Adobe appears to have been occupied as a residence
continuously since its construction almost one hundred and forty years ago. For its age,
the seven room, rectangular (23 by 60 feet) structure is in good condition, especially
compared to the fate of most adobes where roof and wall protection was lost at an earlier
date.
The proposed restoration would restore the adobe walls where they have deteriorated and
give them permanent protection from future weathering. The roof would be fully restored
in a manner determined by architectural historians to be appropriate and consistent with
its original appearance. Windows, doors and the surrounding porch would likewise be
restored as appropriate. Care would be taken to assure that the restoration is not only
consistent with the guidelines of the Secretary of the Interior, is complementary to the
developing residential area nearby, and is done in a manner that can be readily and
economically maintained.
It is proposed that the building be set off in a landscaped site of three to five acres
where it can be appreciated and viewed in a manner similar to, although necessarily much
more limited than, its original setting on the Rancho. Views of the adobe from Highway
227 and surrounding areas, as well as its impressive siting with respect to Islay Hill
and the more distant Santa Lucia Range should be protected. The site and restored adobe
could be used for educational and recreational purposes, such as interpreting local
history, for weddings and receptions and for passive activities such as strolling,
reading and relaxation. The restoration itself could become a educational activity for
the local community and /or students who may participate and observe traditional adobe
construction techniques on site during the restoration.
Amount Reouested: S 260,000
e. 8 -io
Southern Pacific Water Tower: This water tank and tower, together with several huge
palm trees and a service building, form a familiar and scenic "period" backdrop for the
train station in town. The structure was originally proposed by the operations staff of
Southern Pacific (S.P.) Railroad in 1939 as a means of saving time during train stops in
San Luis Obispo. At that time 10 passenger trains a day served San Luis Obispo. These
were pulled by steam locomotives which had to stop twice, once at the station for
passengers and again near the roundhouse to take on water. S.P. staff recommended
installation of a 65,000 gallon steel storage tank and tower adjacent to the station in
order to permit the trains to take on water at the same time as picking up passengers.
The tower and tank were built in late 1940 and remained in service until 1956 when the
last of the steam engines was decommissioned. The tank has been empty since then
apparently with little or no maintenance. The roof has partially collapsed, trees have
grown up against the tower and some deterioration and minor vandalism have occurred.
S.P. proposed to demolish the structure in June, 1982. The Architectural Review
Commission determined on July 6, 1982 that the structure was historically and
aesthetically significant and denied the demolition request. Later, as part of the
City's property acquisition for the Intermodal Facility at Railroad Square, it acquired
the water tower and tank and a small, triangular parcel underlying the structure. The
City and S. P. have also executed an agreement that allows the City site access through
an easement in order to restore and maintain the tower.
In 1987 the City commissioned an engineering assessment of the structure, including a
cost estimate for restoration of the tower and tank. The original construction documents
were obtained from Southern Pacific and were invaluable in this process. From these
drawings it became apparent that the tank was built from a set of standard plans.
(Southern Pacific had a book of such standard plans from which almost anything in their
system could be built.) The tower which supports the tank, however was built from plans
drawn uniquely for this location. The tank has a 24 foot diameter, is 20 feet high and
is constructed of 1/4 inch steel plates riveted together. The roof is a simple wood
frame of 2 x 6 inch lumber, bolted to the top rim and appears to be tongue and groove
"(rail)car roofing ". While the plans show a 12 inch diameter spout attached to the side
of the tank, it was actually built with a 16 inch diameter pipe from the bottom of the
tank. The "indicator board" showing the depth of water remaining in the tank is in tact,
but the "indicator plate ", which slid up and down on the indicator board is now missing.
The tower which supports the tank consists of twelve, 10 x 10 inch posts with 4 x 8 inch
cross - braces. All timbers were noted on the plans to be "Burnettized ", a preservation
treatment used at that time involving zinc chloride injected under pressure into the
wood. However, this material is water soluble and has washed out over the years due to
rain.
Restoration would consist of removing the asbestos wrap that covers portions of the pipe,
re- anchoring the center posts, strengthening other members as necessary to resist seismic
forces, weather seal the wood and concrete base, repair the roof, and sandblast, paint
and seal the tank, including restoration of the indicator board. An interpretive plaque
would be placed at a publicly accessible location near the station describing the tower
and its significance in San Luis Obispo's long history as a railroad town.
Amount Reauested: $ 69,000
do' 8-/(
County Museum: The San Luis Obispo County historical museum at the corner of Broad
and Monterey Streets originally served as the City's library from its original
construction in 1904 until 1955. It was built with a grant from the Carnegie Foundation,
similar to many other local libraries built under the philanthropy of Carnegie throughout
the U.S. Since 1956 it has been leased from the City by the County and operated by the
County Historical Society as a museum. The building is colorfully articulated with two
types of locally quarried stone: Bishop's Peak granite and Los Berros sandstone. The
structure is virtually unaltered, except for the porch added in 1910 and is set off in a
landscaped site that also includes a remnant of an old Mission wall built of rubble.
In 1984, with a grant from the State Office of Historic Preservation, the City
reconstructed the foundation beneath the entry portico, installed heating, upgraded the
electrical system and installed a handicapped elevator connecting the two floors.
Completion of this handicapped access project would consist of creating a doorway out of
an existing window by extending the window down to the level of the lower floor's
interior grade at the northwest corner of the building. A new pathway, bordered by a
landscaped berm, would connect the door to existing, adjacent sidewalks. The door would
be similar to the two existing lower level doorways in the front and on the opposite side
of the building. The door would be framed with Bishop's Peak granite and the pathway
edges would also be lined with the same stone as a continuation of the low retaining
walls around the perimeter of the building's site.
Upon completion, the handicapped access will not only provide full access for the elderly
and physically challenged visitors, staff and volunteers, but also be exemplary of how to
create handicapped access to an historic structure in a manner that respects and
incorporates its original materials and design principles.
The companion project would direct drainage away from the base of the structure, the
lower level of which is half at a subgrade below the exterior soil level. The subgrade
walls would be waterproofed from the outside to prevent water seepage into the lower
level. This water penetration has, over the years, contributed to the deterioration of
the building as well as threatened the storage of displays and archival materials.
Amount Requested: $ 100,000 ($65,000 - handicapped completion; $35,000 waterproofing)
6090044
ACQUISITION GRANT
Fremont Theater: This grant application is for acquisition of the Fremont Theater by
the City to be used as a multi - purpose, small performance space by a variety of local
performing groups, primarily for live theater productions. The final report of
consultants hired by the City in 1986 concluded that there were two types of performing
arts facilities needed, one large (1,500 seats) and one of a smaller nature. Since that
time the City and Cal Poly have agreed to pursue the larger center on the Cal Poly campus
to be paid for by joint funding. The Fremont Theater was identified as a very good
candidate for the smaller, downtown facility.
The Fremont Theater is widely recognized as an excellent example of late Art Deco / Art
Moderne movie houses. It was one of the last of its type to be built which, in addition
to its small town setting, may have contributed to its survival. It is notable for the
extent of its original features, including interior and exterior architectural
treatments, murals, lighting and sidewalk paving. It is also important as a visual
landmark in the streetscape and in the overall City. The Fremont played an important
role in the World War II effort locally, becoming a focus of local activities, rallies
and war support efforts. Several local groups have formed over the years to advocate its
protection and restoration.
Many old movie houses have been divided into multi- screen operations to improve
profitability. Such a proposal was made by the current leaseholders for the Fremont.
However, when that idea was greatly discouraged by the City it was withdrawn. To be used
for other than movie house use may require the addition of certain facilities, such as
"back stage" dressing rooms, etc., or require modification of existing features. Such
work may be necessary to meet the operating needs of a specific group or use, or to alter
the lighting or acoustical qualities of the interior for certain uses. Any such work
would have to be undertaken with great care in order to preserve the architectural
integrity of the structure and not risk degradation of the very features that are the
essence of its unique style and character. Further, if the City was a successful grantee
for public acquisition of the Fremont, the State (as the grantor) would require that
future alterations respected the essential character of the building and its
architectural features.
In Santa Barbara a recently completed, similar project provides for the use of a
historically significant movie house both for first run films and for community theater
use. This joint use has helped to make the project financially viable where one use
alone was not economically feasible.
Amount Reauested: To be determined based on continuing discussions with the present
owners.
L' -8 -/3