HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-2017 CHC Correspondence - Item 1 (Krieger)AEETING:
ITEM NO.
MAY 2 2 2017
From:
Sent: Saturday, May 20, 2017 4:19 PM SLO CITY CLERK
To: Advisory Bodies
Cc: '
Subject: Cultural Heritage Committee Item 1 - ARCH -0339-2017 (546 Higuera Street) Norcross
House
Dear cultural Heritage Committee,
The Norcross property presents several classic problems for the preservationist. First,
the site is related to the "second" Mission San Luis Obispo, constructed following the
floods that destroyed founding site above the confluence of San Luis Obispo and
Brizzolera Creeks in 1773.
That "second" Mission welcomed the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition in April,
1776. Anza brought with him 240 friars, soldiers and colonists with their families. They
took 695 horses and mules, 385 Texas Longhorn bulls and cows with them. They
camped near the Norcross House resource. The group then founded the San Francisco
presidio and mission. The group doubled the population of Alta California and the cattle
they brought began the economy that led to the hide and tallow trade in the mid -1800s.
That "second" Mission was burnt and destroyed in 1776 and presumably, everything
that survived the fire was carried to the new and present site given the scarcity of
resources. We can also only presume that the neophyte housing was moved along with
the Mission, but there is a likelihood of some Native American materials remaining.
Since it was the site of the only Native American raid in the history of our pueblo in
December, 1776, 1 would not like to see the archaeological exemption granted.
Given CEQA's Guidelines section 15300.2f, mandates that where there is a likelihood of
the presence of archaeological deposits, studies ranging from a minimum further
archival to Phase 2 testing need to be done.
My second concern is over the proposed removal of alleged "non -historic additions to
the rear of the structure." That extension can be clearly seen in one of the early
photographs of San Luis Obispo, famed photographer Carleton Watkins' 1876 image
looking at our city from the southern portion of Higuera Street. Exterior and interior
building materials are consistent with the main structure.
The Norcross House extension clearly dates from the early construction of the
house, Sheriff Norcross's residence in it, and the consequent period of significance.
The extension is clearly a part of our community's history and is worthy of
preservation. Indeed, the demolition of the extension would violate both the spirit and
the letter of both the Secretary of the Interior's and CEQA's Guidelines.
Best wishes,
row /\
Daniel E. Krieger
Professor of History, Emeritus
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Past President, California Mission Studies Association/California Missions Foundation