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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRCC MIN 1986/08/18MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED SPECIAL MEETING RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA August 4, 1986 Council Chambers, Public Services Building 5:30 p.m. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chairman Donovan, Commissioners Rowe, Mitchell, Hodson and Hernandez MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairman Taylor (excused) STAFF PRESENT: Environmental Review Coordinator Reid CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL - Vice Chairman Donovan called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. and the roll was called with five members present. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Rowe requested the following corrections to the minutes of July 28, 1986: on page 1, under item 3, change the word, "market" to "marker," and on page 4, beginning the fourth paragraph, the name should be Arthur Day. 2. NEW BUSINESS: Recommendations to the City Concil on potential historic sites Environmental Review Coordinator Reid reported that this is the culmination of a two year process that began with the Historical Society naming about 400 sites throughout the city; this list was reduced to about 200 by a citizens committee, a consultant and city staff; and recently the Resource Conservation Commission identified about 50 sites on which they wish to get input through public meetings and then make recommendations to the City Council. Mr. Reid also explained the two levels of designation for historical sites: (1) Designating the site and erecting a historic site marker; or (2) marking the site and subjecting the building to the permit control process, whereby any remodeling, addition, or demolition would be subject to the approval of the Resource Conservation Commission. Mr. Reid displayed slides and reviewed the architectural and historical signifi- cance of each of the following sites: a. 26 F street This Spanish Eclectic design house, historically known as the Linda Newcomb House, was built in approximately 1927. It is an interesting and unaltered example of the Spanish houses built in Chula Vista in the 1920s. b. 30 F Street This Spanish Eclectic house is a mirror reflection of the house at 26 'F' Street. It was built around 1927 by Herbert V. Bryant who served on the Chula Vista City Council from 1937 to 1940 and was then elected City Clerk. He was the Chief Administrative Officer of the city from 1947 to 1953. The house had been altered from the original design by the porch addition in the front but retains importance as the former home of a prominent Chula Vista city official. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 4, 1986 Page 2 c. 50 F Street This is one of the few remaining portions of the old Minnie Herman Hotel constructed about 1888; it is known as the Herman Hotel Carriage House. Its Victorian style has been altered in materials and basic design, but the house is important because of association with the Herman Hotel at F Street and Hilltop which was very important in the early years of Chula Vista. d. 54 F Street Known as the William Browne House, this house is Mission Revival architec- tural design, quite symmetrical, and no alterations are apparent. The house was built in 1929 by W. J. S. Browne, a prominent Chula Vista developer, who was also active in real estate and served as a director of the People's State Bank. Mr. William 0. Browne, present owner of the house, expressed the feeling that a house no older than this should not be called historical. He also believes that the property, 90 ft. in width and 290 ft. in depth, can be put to better use than for a single family residence, and he would not like to have restrictions on the property that would prevent its redevelopment. He had no objections to designating the site as historical with no strings attached. e. 88 L Street The San Diego Country Club building, constructed in 1921, is Mission Revival architectural style designed by architect Richard Requa, who had considerable notoriety in this era throughout the San Diego region. The building has significance due to its architecture, its association with art and leisure in the community, and with numerous prominent people throughout San Diego County. Stephen Oggel, member of San Diego Country Club, presented a letter and verbally reiterated his views as to the inadequacy of the clubhouse and the expense of the required renovation. He also pointed out that the building has been altered several times over the years so that its present appearance is no longer significant. Mr. Reid supplied the Commissioners with some black and white photos showing the building as originally constructed. Mr. Augie Silvera, Vice President of San Diego Country Club and a member for the past 32 years, stressed that the clubhouse, built over 60 years ago, was not designed for 400 male golf playing members and almost 200 lady golfers. He felt the San Diego Country Club is important to Chula Vista for the golf course and the people who use it, but not for the clubhouse. He advised of the constant need for repairs to the sewer and electrical system, and that the estimate for renovation of the interior required within the next year is almost as high as construction of a new clubhouse which would serve the needs of the members. He agreed to designation of the site as historical with no restriction on the building. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 4, 1986 Page 3 f. 62 Cook Court The Hazel Goes Cook House, built around 1912, is unique in that its Cape Cod style is the only one of this type used as an orchard house in the early days of Chula Vista. Hazel Goes Cook acquired 100 acres of lemon orchards and served as president of the M.O.D. packing house for many years. She served on the Chula Vista Union District School Board for 50 years beginning in 1922. Although additions have been made to the house, the styling in unique, and it is significant as the home of Hazel Goes Cook. John and Meg Norton, owners of the Cook house, expressed delight at having the site designated as historical. Mr. Norton stated they would do every- thing to maintain the house; within the next two or three years they wish to add some dormer windows in certain roof sections, in the same style as the existing windows, to take advantage of the views afforded. They also plan to construct a garage in the future, maintaining the same style. While they would be pleased with the historic site designation, they would prefer not to be restricted by the permit control process. g. 89 Country Club Drive This Spanish Colonial Revival style house was built in 1928 for Bishop Thurston and his wife Daisy. Rev. Thurston was a bishop in the Episcopal Church for thirty years and served as bishop of Oklahoma before retiring to San Diego County. The house was designed by Architect Louis Gill. It retains integrity of design and materials and is a good example of the more elegant Spanish style homes. Evelle Zoninovich, present owner and occupant of the house since eight or nine months ago, said he has no objection to designation of the house as historical although he knows little of the history of the house. He reported that the house is in very good shape but needs some alteration and some modification. He pointed out that a fence will have to be replaced, and also that broken roof tiles resulted in leaks from the rain. The tiles are an old type which cannot be duplicated identically. He would want assurance that he would not be delayed in making the necessary repairs and replacement by the permit control process. h. 344 Hilltoo Drive This Craftsman style house was constructed about 1921 and is historically known as the Dupree-Gould House. The property was purchased in 1921 by Frank Dupree, a rancher and cattle buyer who served as Chula Vista Police Chief from 1942 to 1945. The house was sold in 1945 to Dr. Gould, a Chula Vista obstetrician who lived here until the 1980s. The house is one of the best examples of the Craftsman style homes in Chula Vista and retains integrity of design and materials. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 4, 1986 Page 4 Mr. Tom Huse, present owner of historical aspects of Chula Vi estate area of Hilltop Drive. around it should be thought of in having the house designated estate as possible. i. 58 Lion Circle the house, expressed his interest in the >ta. He pointed out this is part of the The integrity of the house and the area as something to protect. He is interested a historic site and saving as much of the Known as Rancho San Miguel, this house is presently vacant. Mr. Reid reported that its condition has deteriorated badly due to vandalism and lack of maintenance. The house was built about 1920 after the property was sold by Minnie Herman. Acquired in 1929 by Joan R. Michler, the property contained, besides the house, a large lemon orchard, swimming pool, tennis court, dog cemetery, and a well-kept garden. Joan Michler was a horsewoman, golfer, ambulance drive in World War I, and the founder and president of the German Shepherd Club of San Diego County. The house has considerable significance but is in desperate need of repair. Also on the property is a two-story structure that was apparently servants' quarters. Vice-Chairman Donovan asked for Commission action on each of the sites shown and discussed. a. 26 F Street MSUC (Rowe/Hodson) to recommend no designation for this site. b. 30 F Street MSUC (Rowe/Donovan) to designate the house a historical site with no permit control. c. 50 F Street MSUC (Donovan/Hernandez) to designate this as a historical site without permit control process. d. 54 F Street MSUC (Mitchell/Rowe) that the house be given historical site designation without the permit control. e. 88 L Street MSUC (Rowe/Mitchell) that the San Diego Country Club site be designated as historic with no permit control on the building. f. 62 Cook Court MSUC (Rowe/Hernandez) that the site receive historic site designation with no permit control. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 4, 1986 Page 5 g. 89 Country Club Drive Commissioner Rowe questioned the effect the permit control process would have on the repair work the owner has indicated is necessary. Mr. Reid advised that maintenance type of activity would be permitted administratively; if a major alteration were to be made, such as replacing the entire roof, that would require approval from the R.C.C. MSUC (Rowe/Hodson) that the property receive historic site designation with no permit control. h. 344 Hilltop Drive MSUC (Mitchell/Hernandez) that the house be given historic site designation without permit control. 58 Lion Circle In response to a question from Commissioner Rowe about future redevelopment plans for this property, Mr. Reid advised that the property had an approved subdivision map and precise plan for development; however, the development was tied up by lawsuits and the tentative map has expired. The property is for sale with the intent to subdivide it into condominium or single family type development. MSC (Rowe/Hodson) (4-1, Donovan voting no) that the property receive no designation. 3. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Hodson asked to be excused from the meeting of August 18. ADJOURNMENT AT 6:35 p.m. to the scheduled meeting of August 18, 1986. Helen Mapes, Secretary THE MEETING WAS TAPE RECORDED.