HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/17/1995, C-2 - NOMINATION OF THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.MEETING DAT
111111I�p N city of san s oBispo - r2
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Imo" Nu
FROM: Arnold Jonaslommunity Development Director, By: Jeff Hooi;'Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Nomination of the Carnegie Library to the National Register of Historic Places.
CAO RECOMMENDATION: By motion, forward a letter to the State Historical Resources
Commission supporting the nomination.
SITUATION
The City has been notified that the former Carnegie Library, now the County Historical Museum
at 696 Monterey Street, has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. The
State Historical Resources Commission is scheduled to consider the nomination at its February
3rd, 1995 meeting. As property owner of the Library, the City is invited to comment on the
proposed nomination and to attend the Commission's meeting to be held in Oceanside,
California. Due to time constraints after receiving the notice, the Cultural Heritage Committee
has not reviewed the nomination.
DISCUSSION
Applications to the National Register for City-owned properties would normally go to the CHC
and the City Council for consideration prior to submitting the application; however in this case,
that did not happen. The application for National Register status was prepared and submitted
by Astrid Gallagher, as a private citizen, on behalf of the Community. At the time Ms.
Gallagher submitted the application, she was not aware of the City's procedures in this regard
and was not serving on any City advisory body. The City-owned property is already on the
Master List of Historic Properties, and was previously designated by the City Council as being
eligible for the National Register when the property was added to the Master List.
This application procedure, although atypical for San Luis Obispo, is allowed under Federal.
rules, and property owner approval is not required for application submittal or for the
nomination of publicly -owned properties to the National Register. Federal regulations allow
private property owners to object to listing; however public agencies generally do not have the
same right to object to listing as private owners. As explained in the attached information
provided by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), National Register status carries with
it certain obligations, honors and benefits, including: .
■ Listing does not mean that the Federal or State governments can restrict the building's
uses, ownership, or operation; however it would restrict the City's ability to demolish
the building or alter its architectural character.
■ Listing would ensure that the property receives special environmental review and
protection as part of any Federal or State programs which could affect it.
■ Listing would improve chances of qualifying for Federal or State historic preservation
grants.
�Z -/
city of San WIS OBIspo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Page 2
Policies in the General Plan and in the Historical Preservation Program Guidelines identify the
preservation of historic buildings as an important City objective. As its first library building,
the Carnegie Library is one of the City's most important and prominent public buildings, and
National Register listing would implement City policies regarding preservation of landmark
buildings. Listing would not significantly affect the City's responsibilities or rights to use,
maintain, lease or sell the building. Expansion or changes would be possible without affecting
National Register status, provided that the changes preserve the building's historic character.
Another City -owned property, the Jack House,. was added to the National Register in April
1992.
CONCURRENCES
The building maintenance section of the Public Works Department has reviewed the proposed
action and concurs with the CAO recommendation. The Department offers the following
background comments:
1. In October 1994, Public Works staff submitted the structural analysis for this building
as required by the City's URM Seismic Hazard Mitigation Ordinance. This analysis
included a list of seismic safety corrections needed to comply with the Uniform Code of
Building Conservation, and extend the building's service life. These corrections would
not violate federal historic restoration standards and would, in some cases, enhance
preservation of the building's historic components.
2. The building needs three major improvements: A) seismic safety corrections ($286,000);
disabled access improvements ($72,000); and lower floor waterproofing ($39,000). If
National Register listing can qualify the building for grants to help pay for these
improvements, the City should support the nomination.
3. National Register listing might trigger additional review of improvement plans by state
or federal agencies, but only if state or federal grants were used for the project.
4. The Historic Documentation Form on the building contains some factual errors and
omissions about building modifications and improvements, but they are probably
inconsequential.
FISCAL IMPACT
National Register listing could increase costs of seismic retrofitting or other remodelling, due
to the necessity to comply with federal historic restoration standards. These standards, which
parallel the City's historic preservation guidelines, would accommodate building modifications
provided that the changes preserve the building's historic character.
e-42 '61
411mIgglIppollill city Of San LaIS OBISPO
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Page 3
ALTERNATIVES
1. Take no action on the nomination. Under Federal rules, no City action is necessary
at this time. "Nomination" to the National Register means that the property qualifies
under national standards of historic significance, and usually results in the property being
included on the National Register after the public hearing, with or without public agency
support.
2. By motion, forward a letter to the State Historical Resources Commission objecting
to National Register listing. According to SHPO, public agencies may comment on the
proposed nomination, however their objection would normally not preclude listing, unless
that objection was based on ineligibility of the property (ie. altered architectural
character, inconsistency with historic standards).
Staff does not recommend this approach because it is unlikely to have any practical affect
on the outcome of the nomination and would not promote City objectives regarding
historic preservation. An objection to listing may also send the "wrong message" to
SHPO, and could affect future City efforts to secure historic rehabilitation grants and
other historic preservation program assistance.
Attachments:
- Letter from SHPO
- Information on National Register Listing
- National Register Application
jWL:c=e8e.rpt
STATE OF CAUFORNIA — THE RESOURCES AGENCY PETE NAL.50N, G+ovwnor
OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
'3ARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION y
aOX 942896
SACRAMENTO 94296 -Ml
(916) 653-M4
FAX: (916)653 -9624
Mr. Jeff Hook
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Dear Mr. Hook:
December 20, 1994
CARNEGIE LIBRARY - COUNTY MUSEUM
I am pleased to inform you that the property that you own will be
considered by the State Historical Resources Commission for nomination to the
National Register of Historic Places. The National Register is the United
States' official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. Listing in
the National Register provides recognition and assists in preserving California 'a
heritage.
Listing in the National Register assures protective review of federal
projects that might adversely affect the character of the historic property. In
addition, as of January 1, 1993, all National Register properties are now
automatically included in the California Register of Historical Resources and
afforded consideration during the State (CEQA) environmental review process.
This includes properties formally determined eligible for the National Register.
Listing in the National Register does not mean that the federal or state
government will attach restrictive covenants to the property or try to acquire
it. Public visitation rights are not required of owners. National Register
listed properties may qualify for state and federal benefits. A fact sheet
explaining in greater detail the results of listing is enclosed.
You are invited to attend the State Historical Resources Commission meeting
at which the nomination will be considereed. Details regarding the meeting are
to be found below. Enclosed also is a notice that explains the rights and
procedures by which an owner may comment on or object to listing in the National
Register.
Should you have any questions about -this nomination before the commission
meeting, or, if you would like a copy of the nomination, please contact
Marci Breisacher of the National Register Section of my office at (916) 653 -7113.
Sincerely,
l . 811
Preservation Officer
R'bi.s Room is Accessible to People vitb Disabilities.
Enclosure
e..?''f
STATE OF CALIFORNIA — THE RESOURCES AGENCY
OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
P.O. Box epee
SACRAMENTO 942N -Ml
(916)653 -S M
FAX (816) 05340A
HOW TO SUPPORT OR OBJECT TO NATIONAL REGISTER LISTING
Under federal law, a rivately owned ro ert ma not be list
over the o echo f its owner or, in the case o a property w
)ection of a majority of owners. A district may not be liste
over the objection of a majority of owners of private property
district. Each owner or partial owner of private property has
part of the property that person owns. Within a district, each
regardless of how many buildings he or she owns.
list'
PETE WILSON, Gove mar
in the National Register ith multiple owners, over the
d in the National Register
within the proposed
one vote regardless of what
owner has one vote
If a majority of private property owners should object, the property or district will not be
listed. However, in such cases, the State Historic Preservation Officer is required to
submit the nomination to the Keeper of the National Register for a determination of
eligibility for the National Register. If the property or district is determine eligible
for listing, although not formally listed, it will be given the same protection as a listed
property in the federal environmental review process. A property determined eligible for
listing is not eligible for federal tax benefits until the objections are withdrawn and the
property is actually listed.
The laws and regulations regarding this process are covered in the National Historic
Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 and in 36 CFR (CQde of Federal Regulations),
Part 60.
Supporting a National Register nomination:
Private owners who seek National Register listing for their properties are not. required to
submit statements of concurrence. However, letters of support, from owners or any
others, are welcomed and become a permanent part of the nomination file.
Objecting to a National Register nomination:
If you object to the listing of your property, you will need to submit a notarized statement
certifying that you are the sole or partial owner of the property, as appropriate, and that
you object to the listing. Owners who wish to object are encouraged to submit statements
of objection prior to the meeting of the State Historical Resources Commission at which
the nomination is being considered. However, statements of objection may be submitted
and will be counted up until the actual date of listing. Listing usually takes place 45 days
after the nomination is mailed to the Keeper of the National Register following the State
Historical Resources Commission meeting.
Send letters of support or objection to:
State Historic Preservation Officer
Office of Historic Preservation
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
D -7582H
6/92
`'d —�
National Register Fact Sheet
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of buildings,
structures, objects, sites, and districts worthy of preservation. The National Register
was established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The purposes of
the Act are: to insure that properties significant in national, state, and local history are
considered in the planning of federal undertakings; and to encourage historic
preservation initiatives by state and local governments and the private sector.
The following benefits are associated with National Register listing:
1. Listed properties may use the State Historic Building Code, a more flexible
alternative to the Uniform Building Code. The use of this code may save owners
money when repairing or rehabilitating their properties.
2.. Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, a privately owned building that is listed in
the National Register or is a contributing building in a National Register historic district
may be eligible for a 20% federal income investment tax credit based on the costs of a
qualified rehabilitation of the building. These credits apply only to income - producing,
depreciable properties, including residential rental properties. The credits do not
apply to owner-occupied residential properties. Plans for the rehabilitation are
reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, and
work on the building must meet federal rehabilitation standards.
3. The Tax Treatment Extension Act of 1980 provides federal tax deductions for
preservation easements that result in a decline of fair market value when conservation
restrictions are placed on the property by the owner.
4. All properties and districts listed in or eligible for listing in the National
Register are considered in the planning of federal undertakings such as highway
construction and Community Development Block Grant projects. 'Federal
undertakings° also include activities sponsored by state or local governments or
private entities if they are licensed or partially funded by the federal government
'Federal undertakings° do not include loans made by banks insured by the FDIC or
federal farm subsidies. National Register listing does not provide absolute protection
from federal actions that may affect the property. It means that if a federal undertaking
is in conflict with the preservation of a National Register property, the California Office
of Histhric Preservation will negotiate with the responsible federal agency in an effort
to eliminate, minimize, or otherwise take into account the undertaking's effect on-the
historic property. This review procedure applies to properties that are determined
eligible for the National Register in the day4o -day environmental review process as
well as those actually listed in the National Register.
5. In Califomia, a local tax assessor may enter into contracts with property
owners for property tax reductions through the Mills Act
6. Qualification for grants when funds are available.
7. Listed properties are recognized for their architectural or historic worth, an
intangible benefit that is nonetheless valuable. Listing in the Register is primarily an
honor, meaning that a property has been researched and evaluated st rding to
IC-02 4
established procedures and determined to be worthy of preservation.
8. Properties listed in, or officially determined eligible for listing in the National
Register are automatically listed in the California Register of Historical Resources.
The following may sometimes be regarded as restrictions on National Register listed
properties:
1. A project receiving federal assistance such as Community Development
Block Grant funds must be reviewed by the Office of Historic Preservation to determine
and hopefully avoid or lessen any potentially adverse effects on National Register
properties. Any work undertaken using federal funds must generally use the Secretary
of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation Projects. Please note, however, that if a
property is not listed, but is eligible for listing, the same requirements apply. In other
words, actual listing does not increase the owner's responsibility under the law.
2 If a project is subject to the Califomia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
then the National Register designation of a property (or the determination of its
eligibility) would indicate its significance and the need to take into account any effects
of the project on the property. Note — this is not necessarily a drawback, depending on
the point of view of the owner/local agency. Note also that significance can also be
evidenced by other state or local designation, surveys, or other professional
evaluation.
3: A local agency may tie listing in the National Register to restrictions imposed
locally, such As design review. This does not come automatically with listing, however,
but must come about as a result of separate local action. Check with your local
government.
4. ff a property is listed in the National Register, either individually or as a
contributor in a National Register district, the owner may not take the 10% federal
investment tax credit available for rehabilitation projects on commercial buildings
constructed prior to 1936. By following the Secretary of the Interior's Standards,
however, the owner may take the 20% incentive.
5. Proposals to demolish or significantly alter a National Register property
damaged in an earthquake or other natural disaster may be subject to review by the
Office of Historic Preservation. (See Section 5028 of the Public Resources Code.)
There are some common misconceptions about the implications of listing:
1. It is not true that the federal, state, or local govemment assumes any property
rights in the building as a result of listing. Owners are not required to open their
homes to the public. If a project is not subject to CEQA, to local preservation
ordinances, or to the other environmental regulations outlined above, owners are free
to make changes to their property. n is possible that the property could be so altered,
however, that it would be removed from the Register.
2. Unfortunately, it is also not true that there are large sums of money available
to assist owners and local agencies in rehabilitating National Register properties.
Funds are very limited, with the federal tax credits being the most generally available
financial assistance.
L,Vt -7
NPS Form 10.900 OMB No. 10024-0018
(Oct. 1990) R O G l ' O
United States Department of the interior OCT, 3 119941
National Park Service
tional Register of Historic Places QHP
.agistration Form
This form is for use in nominating or requesting aetermmarcrts for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete rte
National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Compiete each nem by marking "x" in me appropriate :'ox or
by entering the information reauestea. If an item roes not apply to the proeerry being documented. enter "N /A" for "no appticapie." For tune ions.
architectural classilice on. materials. and areas of significance. enter only catecones and subcetegones from the instructions. Place addtionai
entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (.NPS Form to-900ar. Use a typewriter. word processor. or computer, o complete ail items.
1. Name of Prooenv
historic name
Carnegie Library - County Museum
_
San Luis Obispo-City Library/ County, Historical Museum
other namesisite number
2. Location
street & number 696 Monterey St..
city or town
San- Luis Obispo -
California,
state
code
MV county an, Line Obispo- �Ce079
3. StateiFederal Acancy Carafication
C not for publication
vicinity
zip code 93401
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation A4-, as amended. I hereby certify that this E nomination
❑ request for determination of e= gibirty meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of
Historic Places and meets the procedural and pto onal requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, .7.e property
! meets I does not meet the National Register criteria. I reommeno that this property be considered significant
nationally C statewide C Ioeaily. (L See eo i, uation sheet for additional comments.)
Signature of certijnr.^, c `ciaiPfiae Gate
State of Federal agency and oureau
I.: my opir'.rd.^., the ."i,o,-M `y 0 mee= dace :rot meet the Nazzicnal °egtster criteria. (:_' Smc orninuaron snm `- ttt:0jC.nw
comments.)
Signature at certifying otfiaai/'f ive Cate
State or Federal agency ano ouraw
4. National Park Service Certificatior.
I hereoy cernly that the propery s: ..gnatjre of ma Keeper Date of Action
entered in the Nationa: Register.
C See continuation sneer.
determined eligiole fzr -te
National Register
C See continuation sneet.
L not ekgiole 'or tie
National Register.
removed from me Nwxnal
Register.
_ omer, iexptainj
61 -8
CArnegie Library - County h, aeum San LOA a Obi r4 o Cnunt.P , CA
Name of Property County and State
S. Classification
Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property
(Check as many boxes as apply) (Check only one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.)
O private
building(s)
public -local
C district
C public -State
C site
C public - Federal
C structure
C object
Name of related multiple property listing
(Enter "WA" it property is not part of a multiple property listing.)
Contributing Noncontributing
T
buildings
sites
T structures
objec's
Total
Number of contributing resources previously listed
in the National Register
"I ifbrnia-Carnegit4- Libraries N/A
6. Function or use
Historic Functions Current Functions
(Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions)
Education:: llbray Mil ture.- museum
Architectural Classification Materials
(Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions)
F;riciiardsonian- Roman-esaue foundation
walls B vlck Storre::: granite„ sandstone
roof Slotre:: slate
other
Narrative Description
(Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.)
e.j. 9
Carnegie! Llbraryr- County, M+teeum
Name of Property
San- Ltiia Obispo County,. Ca'.
County and
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable `! "Vonal Register Criteria 'Areas of Significance
(Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property (Enter categones from instructions)
National Register listing.)
CA Property is associated with events that have made
a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
our history.
❑ B Property is associated with the lives of persons
significant in our past.
X
❑ C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics
of a type, period, or method of construction or
represents the work of a master, or possesses
high artistic values, or represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components lack
individual distinction.
❑ D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield,
information important in prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations
(Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.)
Property is:
❑ A owned by a religious institution or used for
religious purposes.
8 removed from its original location.
0 C a birthplace or grave.
❑ D a cemetery.
❑ E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. _
G F a commemorative procerty.
G G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance
within the past 50 years.
Narrative Statement of Significance
(Explain the significance of the property on one or more Continuation sheets.)
A'rabiteature
Period of Significance
1905 —1955
Significant Dates
Significant Pennon
(Complete if Criterion B is marked above)
Cultural Affiliation
ArchitecVBuilder
Builder:: Theo- Main* Construction
9. Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography
(Cite the books, articles, and other sotuees used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.)
Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data:
❑ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 7S State Historic Preservation Office
CFA 67) has been requested ❑ Other State agency
❑ previously listed in the National Register ❑ Federal agency
❑ previously determined eligible by the National 9 Local government
Register 19 University
J designated a National Historic Landmark Other
❑ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository:
e Sasr Luis Obispo Coounty- Iii'stotricarl Museum
recorded by Historic American Engineering
Record q
Carnegie Library- 6bnnty: Seum
S'ar1: Luis 0. 3po C-nunty, .CA
Name of Property — County and State
10. Geographical Data
Acreage of Property 1S4 f t: )r 80" f t
UTM References
(Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet)
1 I__,__J I I I I I t I I I I I I i i I 31 1 1 1 1 1 1 l 1 1 1 1 1 1
Zone Easung Northing Zone Easung Northing
21 1 1 11111111�I11111 all 1111111111�1 1
❑ See continuation sheet
Verbal Boundary Description
(Descnbe the boundaries of the property on 8 continuation sheet.)
Boundary Justification
(Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.)
11. Form Prepared By
nameltide Aetrid` J',. GkLlIagher
11-0M, O'ctorber 12;: 1994
organization date
37 ET Mirador Ci SC5 549 -9283
street & number telephone
Sim Luis, Obispo- CA'. 934DI
city or town state zip wde
the following dams with the
Continuation Sheets
Maps
A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.
A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resource s.
Photographs
Representative black and white photographs of the property.
Additional items
(Cheek with the SHPO or FPO for any aridlidatal items)
name
this item at the request of SHPO or FPO.)
City- orf Uri liiis Obispo- (fitter :•J "eff" Rbok)'
street & number 990 Balm St
city or town
S'as Liiig Obispo -
telephone
80rs- 78I -7m
stateCA- 93408
zip trade
Paperwork Reduetimt Act 5htement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register, of Historic Places to nominate
properties for listing or determine eligibility for rung, to list properties. and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain
a benefit in accordance with the National Histanc Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 at seq.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including time for reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining data. and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect
of this torm to the Chief. Admmrstrative Services Division, National Park Servtce. P.O. Box 37127. Washington, DC 200137127: and the Office of
Management and Budget. Paperwork Reductions Prolec's (1024. 0018), Washington, DC 20503.
WS Fp 16000a -- OW Appm W W 102L00f0
om
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7_ Page_1_
Carnegie Library -County Museum San Luis Obispo County, CA
Narrative Description .
The San Luis Obispo Carnegie LibranL-Cou= Museum building, designed by
noted architect William I3. Weeks, is an outstanding example of the
Richardsonian Romanesque style. The building is complex, with a tall hipped
roof above the rectangular mass of the building, visible from the front beyond
two gable wings placed at right angles with a lower flat roofed portico projecting
from their intersection. One story over a raised basement, the building is sited
on a lot which slopes toward the front, adding the appearance of height to the
gable wings. Two chimneys extend from the gable ends of the slate roof. The
basement is faced with dark gray granite stone placed in ashlar fashion and
topped with a granite courseline. The remainder of the building is red brick with
trim of rough cut yellow sandstone for quoins, arches, lintels, and courselines
below the windows and in the gable ends. In each gable end, elaborate
ornamentation includes a gargoyle and encircles a small bull's eye window. The
double hung sash windows are recessed, below a transom; fixed two -pane or fixed
multi-pane basement windows are topped with a union jack motif. Two doors
open from the basement. Granite stairs rise in two steep flights from the
sidewalk to the portico entrance. There, two short stout polished gray granite
columns reach to the granite courseline and support the round arch of yellow
sandstone; the arch is replicated on the two sides of the portico, which had been
extended in 1910, apparently by the architect. The exterior of the building is
very well maintained.
A stone rubble wall constructed in the 1790's is located on the site, north of the
cWe Library- County Museum. This massive cyclopean wall was part of the
Mission complex, and believed to have once been dormitories for Franciscan
monks.
The interior remains essentially intact as an excellent example of Mid- Victorian
Parlor. The interior plan layout, as well as the finish are original and intact The
floor plan and layout follow the basic format of the Carnegie Library. The
interior entry vestibule proceeds to a main, formal staircase leading to the library
central core, which is the functional central axis of the library, emphasized by the
original casework, volume and level of architectural detail. The auxiliary spaces,
reading areas, reference materials and staff area all are accessed off the central
x'02
rwra tOJOF. useArpm"N%>m&mu
P.m
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7_ Page_2_
Carnegie Library- County Museum San Luis Obispo County, CA
core. The interior materials, finishes, assemblies, fixtures, casework, and
cabinetry are as originally designed and constructed. Interiors are well
maintained, and are original and dramatic examples of the period.
Only minor modifications have been made to the Cart egie Library- County
Museum building since 1910. In 1967, the County Department Of Building
seismically strengthened the entrance portico by adding reinforced concrete bond
beams at the top of the walls, replacing deteriorated wood members at the roof
line. This work was accomplished without disturbing any exterior or interior
detailing of the building. In 1983 a 7 ft- square portion of the back gallery was
enclosed for an elevator to provide for future disabled access.
The Carnegie Library- County Museum, designed by architect William I-L Weeks,
is an excellent example of the dominant architectural styles of the period Materials
quarried from local volcanoes combined with the craftsmanship of the last generation
of great masons produced a library with unique architectural features that merit
preservation. Terrace walls, foundations and basement walls are aadesite dacite
porphyry, a granite quarried from the west side of Bishop's Peak, the tallest volcanic
peak of the ancient morros and dormant for the past 23 million years. This igneous
volcanic rock is noted for low water absorption, high strength and durability. The
Carnegie Library- County Museum is the only building in San Luis Obispo County
combining Bishop's Peak granite with Los Berros sandstone.
The public is welcomed into the building through, an elegant columned portico
with archway voussoirs of golden sandstone hewn from the local quarry in Los
Berros. The entry columns are highly polished granite with Ionic capitals, decorated
with Ionic volutes, often called ram's horn capitals. The entry portico has torus
molding at the base of the portico columns. Corinthian capitals with small Ionic
volutes flank the entry doors. Patrons ascend the traditional thirteen steps between
the terrace and the first floor. A rain gutter is hidden inside the belt cornice at the
entry portico.
Red brick walls are ornamented with sandstone quoins at each comer. The
transomed, segmented windows have continuous sandstone lintels and sills. Sculpted
cartouche window frames, referred to as bull's eye windows adorn each gable. The
floral designs on the rake boards is typical of the Victorian period with elaborate leaf
and floral designs joyfully sculpted into the stone. The playful use of human faces
sculpted in high relief on the gable masonry is another Victorian embellishment,
tea- 13
II/ FMS 1/N/G� aO /pperd Nn 1�/-0/1/
ONM
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7_ Page_3_
Carnegie Library- County Museum San Luis Obispo County, CA
serving as a reminder that libraries, and now a museum are places of enlightenment,
education and entertainment.
The slate roof has aged with grace and dignity. The main hip roof is intersected
with two smaller gable roofs. Bargeboardt are ornamented with floral designs and
block modillion brackets embellish the cornice. Wood cornice moldings have a
continuous foliated design pattern. Wood trim and finials decorate the ridge line.
The casework, cabinetry, and millwork are the most significant aspects of the
interior. Custom woodwork is extensive as was typical of civic buildings of the
period. Casework, including window and door casings, ceiling and base treatments,
wainscoting and wall rails, soffits, cased openings, and intricate carved moldings are all
intact and unaltered. Finally the original library checkout desk and librarian's
workstation is in daily use today as an active part of the Carnegie Library- County
Museum.
The interior is an exquisite example of a Mid-Victorian parlor. Wood columns are
adorned with elegant Ionic volutes heralding the Neo-Classical revival. Column
capitals are a composite design of the Corinthian and Ionic orders. The carved wood
modlfion scrolled brackets are highly detailed Upper wall ornamentation include
decorative foliated friezes. The entry foyer has a hexagonal mosaic tile floor and
above the main entrance is a semicircular transom window with a wrought iron grill.
The spacious rooms are decorated with plaster relief ceilings. Two lavish fireplaces
served as the central heating system. Adornments include egg and dart designs,
symbolizing life and death. A dumbwaiter served the functional needs of the building.
The library represents a transition in the development of municipal utilities. It was
illuminated by both gaslights and electric lighting. In 1912, electric lighting was
installed throughout the facility. One of the original Diamond H brand rotary
electrical switches was uncovered by museum staff in 1986. Original light fixtures
remain and are in use at this time. The pendant type fixtures are fine examples of
contextual lighting of the period hi 1956, the County initiated a capital
improvements project, upgrading the entire electrical wiring system.
S F. 1000"
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8_ Pagel _
Carnegie Library-County Museum
Statement of Significance
0�! Aypwd Nn 1Y24-0010
San Luis Obispo County, CA
The CarnWe Library -CouM Museum is important in San Luis Obispo under
National Register Criterion A in the area of Social History for the association
with library development in California, as exemplified by the community effort
of San Luis Obispo during the years 1857 -1905.
The Carnegie Library- County Museum is significant under National Register
criterion C in the area of Architecture, as the building embodies the distinctive
characteristics of the Richardsonian Romanesque style, one of three designed by
master Architect William H. Weeks, of which two remain-
Incorporated in 1857, San Luis Obispo had several early but short-lived libraries:
1869 Sunday - school and 1871 -2 and 1873 subscription, and 1874 Odd Fellows libraries.
The campaign to build a public library began in 1892. San Luis Obispo Tribune editor
Benjamin Brooks suggested organizing a subscription library. Early life members
included prominent historian and editor Myron Angel; Phoebe Apperson Hearst
(mother of William Randolph Hearst); land promoter Chauncey Hatch Phillips; John
Michael Price, the founder of Pismo Beach; the Steele brothers of Edna, who had
introduced dairy farming to the Central Coast in the late 1860's; viticulturist Pierre
Dallidet, and many other important local families.
By 1894, the subscription group was able to lease space from the J.P. Andrews
Banking Company. The library opened to the public on June 15 of that year.
The operation had its financial ups and downs, with funds being so low in
December, 1894, that the library closed in the evening to save expenses. The proceeds
from public entertainment, often held at the Pavilion at Monterey and Toro streets,
were slated for the library, with some of the funds used for the purchase of books.
On September 16, 1897, the board of trustees agreed to transfer the property of the
subscription library to the City of San Luis Obispo. The first years of public
ownership were financially difficult because the pro rata share of taxes allowed for
income was very small. Yet by the time of the fiscal year end report dated June 30,
d-Z -/S�
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8_ Page_2
Carnegie Library- County Museum San Luis Obispo County, CA
1904, some 12,487 volumes had been circulated to 17,653 visitors. The library had
4,403 bound volumes in its stacks.
In September 1902, the library board applied to Andrew Carnegie for a donation to
erect a suitable and permanent building. In February, 1903, the board was notified
that Carnegie had given the city $10,000. The community built the library next to the
San Luis Obispo Mission, on the northern slope of San Luis Creek on a site
frequented by the Chumash Indians, and where in the early 1850's Captain John
Wilson and his wife, Ramona Carrillo Pacheco de Wilson had built the first wood
frame house of San Luis Obispo.
In October 1905, the new Carnegie Library designed by Watsonville architect
William H. Weeks, and built by T. Maino Construction Co. at a cost of $9,750, of
local red bricks, Bishop's Peak granite, and Los Berros sandstone, opened to the
public. Ninety Years ago William H. Weeks' design of the Carnegie Library was
called a "handsome and commodious building," and served the community until 1955,
when the need for additional space necessitated the constructiod,9f a larger building.
Since 1956 the handsome Carnegie Library- County Museum still serves the
community, providing insights into San Luis Obispo's colorful and varied past.
California architect William H. Weeks designed twenty one Carnegie libraries,
which span the entire Carnegie period from 1902 to 1921 and demonstrate the
chronological evolution of style over those years. For his first library commission,
Santa Cruz, Weeks designed a building in the Richardson style. At $20,000 it was one
of the more expensive libraries he designed. Weeks' other two Romanesque libraries,
in San Luis Obispo and Nevada City, were on a smaller scale but are notable for their
use of natural stone in San Luis Obispo, and concrete block in Nevada City.
The Carnegie Library -County Museum is an excellent example of the dominant
architectural styles of its period William H. Weeks borrowed from the styles popular
at the turn of the century including High - Victorian faces, Richardsonian Romanesque
masonry, Beaux Arts classicism and Italianate quoins. The Chicago Columbian
exhibition of 1893 had re- established the Neo-Classical style of Architecture for civic
buildings and William H. Weeks was determined to use as many classical styles as
possible.
C'-.2 44
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8_ Page_3_
Carnegie Library- County Museum
oe.00.e. , re,ax. MI
San Luis Obispo County, CA
The use of stone arches, imposing well- crafted masonry and roofs with trim and
finials were typical of this era and may be found in the architectural vocabulary of the
master civic designers of this period, McKim, Mead & White. H.H. Richardson's use
of multi- colored masonry with brick infill, massive arches, sculpted gables and
continuous lintels were a strong influence on William H. Weeks' design of the
Carnegie Library in San Luis Obispo.
602
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 9_ Page_1_
Carnegie Library- County Museum San Luis Obispo County, CA
Bibliographical References
f -al . . . . . . ltY . .
Hall- Patton, Mark; Notes. San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum, 1988.
Historic Resources Survey Staff, City of San Luis Obispo; Historic Resources
InnentoCz. June, 1983.
Kortum, Lucy-, California Carnegie Libraries. National Register of Historic Places
Multiple Property Docume*+taion Form, November, 1989, rev. April, 1990.
Levin, Rodney R, AIA, AR,Rlication for History and Archeology Grant.
November, 1988.
MacNair, William, Architect; Vignette of an Historic Building, August 31, 1994.
Woodle, Timothy, Architect; DescriRtion of Interior. Carnegie Libr= of San Luis
Obi, September 21, 1994.
The Telegram- Tribune, February 1, 1986: Dan Krieger, Libr= opening was a big
night for San Luis Obispo.
County of San Luis Obispo, Department of Buildings: Dixon, DA.; Floor Plans
San Luis Obispo Museum. February 17, 1966 and March 15, 1967.
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 10_ Pagel_
Carnegie Library- County Museum San Luis Obispo County, CA
Geographical Data
yerDa! i5ounq= LlescnRuon
The nominated property, the Campgie Library- County Museum is a two -story
masonry structure with a half basement servng as the lower floor. It has an irregular
shape of 2,190 sq. ft. and occupies a rectangular 80' X 114' site at the northwest
corner of Monterey and North Broad Streets in the City of San Luis Obispo, CA.
Floor plan attached.
Bgund= justification
. The boundary for the nominated property is the legally recorded Parcel # 02-
412-16, 18; County Records, San Luis Obispo County, CA.
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number_11_ Page_1_
Carnegie Library- County Museum San Luis Obispo County, CA
Additional Documentation
USGS map of San Luis Obispo, 7.5 series.
Vicinity map: CarnegieLibrary- County Museum, City of San Luis Obispo.
Floor plans, dated February 17, 1966.
Black and white: 31/2 x 5 inches. Photographs taken by J. Barron Wiley in
September, 1994. Original negatives located in the Carnegie Library- County
Mtueum.
1. Front facade, facing south.
2. Side facade, facing east, chimney, and embellishments in gable end.
3. Rear facade, facing north, old Mission dormitory wall at right in photo.
4. Side facade, facing west, multipaaed basement windows.
5. Interior, facing south, upper part of entrance door.
6. Interior, facing east, original ceiling fixture, fireplace, and librarian's desk in
Iowa foreground.
7. Interior, facing north, librarian's desk and cabinetry at right, original hanging
light fixtures in upper part of photograph.
S. Interior, facing north, window detail and light fixtures.
9. Interior, facing west, interior wood column with Ionic and Corinthian
capital.
10. Interior, facing west, fireplace in reading room.
Historic black and white photographs: photographer unknown, dates unknown,
original photographs located in the Carnegie Library- County Museum Archives.
1. South facade, drawing by William Weeks.
2. South facade, just after construction.
3. South and east facades, with Mission dormitory wall visible.
4. South facade after addition of portico.
5. Interior, parlor, with fireplace at left, windows facing south.
6. Interior, parlor at rear to right, gallery to rear at left.
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