HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 - Rawlins Solar House - Register of Historical PropertyCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 7
September 14, 2010
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Planning Department
Kathlyn Bowden, AICP, Economic Development Coordinator
949 - 644 -3230, kbowden(a)newportbeachca.gov
SUBJECT: Request to list the Rawlins Solar House in the City of Newport Beach
Register of Historical Property
ISSUE
The owners of the Rawlins Solar House have requested that the property be listed in
the City of Newport Beach Register of Historical Property.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2010 -_ adding the Rawlins Solar House to the City of Newport
Beach Register of Historic Property as a Major Historic Landmark (Class 1).
DISCUSSION
Background
The owners of the Rawlins Solar House have requested that the property, located at
804 South Bay Front, be listed in the City of Newport Beach Register of Historical
Property (Attachment 2). Pursuant to City Council Policy K -2, applications are reviewed
by the Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission, the Arts Commission, and the
Newport Beach Historical Society and their recommendations are submitted to the City
Council for consideration.
City Council Policy K -2 allows a property to be placed in the Register of Historical
Property if it is designated as having any one of the criteria for architectural or historical
significance set forth in the Council Policy. The benefit for listing the property is
primarily that of local recognition of the building's importance. There are no economic
incentives for listing the property to the Newport Beach Register. (Neither the Mills Act
nor the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit would apply if the site were listed.)
Rawlins Solar House
September 14, 2010
Page 2
Another benefit to listing is the property's eligibility to apply the California Historical
Building Code (Title 24, Part 8) if building permits are needed in the future. The
California Historical Building Code supplants the California Building Code and permits
the use of alternative construction techniques and materials to preserve historical
structures. The California Historical Building Code is particularly useful in dealing with
requirements for plumbing, electrical, structural, fire, safety, and energy conservation.
The California Historical Building Code allows equivalent methods of construction or
repair so as not to destroy any historical features but does not relieve the property
owner of meeting necessary building requirements.
Per Council Policy K -2, City Council may also grant reductions or waivers of application
fees, permit fees, and /or any liens placed by the City to properties listed to the Newport
Beach Register in exchange for preservation easements.
Location Map
Rawlins Solar House
September 14, 2010
Page 3
Analysis
The Rawlins Solar House was designed by noted architect John Lautner and
constructed between 1978 and 1980 for local philanthropists and patrons of the arts,
Robert and Marjorie Rawlins. Located on Balboa Island and overlooking the inner
Newport Harbor, the site created the challenge of maintaining privacy on a narrow lot
while creating a light - filled living space in a seaside environment. The one -of -a kind
Rawlins Solar House is a true reflection of Lautner's adaptable and ever - changing style
and unique designs. A champion of Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy of "organic
architecture ", John Lautner designed each project specifically for a site and the client's
needs. As a result, each Lautner building is distinctively unique and holds its own mark
of significance.
The design for the Rawlins Solar House is a highly innovative solution for the site and
the client, and an excellent example of Modernist residential architecture. The house is
composed of two side walls of reinforced concrete supported by steel cross beams and
an arched wood frame roof structure. The south fagade is composed almost entirely of
glass, with curved copper bands at the second floor balcony and roof. The reinforced
concrete proved suitable for the harsh beach environment and skylights and glass made
a restrictive space seem expansive.
Because of the variety of designs and styles employed by Lautner, his work was difficult
to categorize during his lifetime and therefore little scholarly work was previously
published. However, with the benefit of time and recognition, his work is currently well
documented. The John Lautner Foundation was established in 1996 following his death
in 1994. Since that time, a number of exhibitions have been produced to showcase his
work, the most recent being at the Hammer Museum of the University of California, Los
Angeles in 2008.
Architectural Significance
The applicant suggests that the building is significant due to the architect, the
architectural design, and its integrity. Per City Council Policy K -2, the Rawlins Solar
House may qualify for historical designation under the following standards of
architectural significance:
Criterion 1 -b.) Notable works of a master builder, designer or architect whose
style influenced the City's architectural development, or structures showing the
evolution of an architect's style.
John Lautner has recently gained notoriety as one of the twentieth century's and
southern California's most important architects. He designed over fifty
architecturally significant structures in the Southern California area alone. His
focus was primarily on residential architecture. He enjoyed experimenting with
Rawlins Solar House
September 14, 2010
Page 4
new ideas and materials and designed a wide variety of building types and
styles. His designs deal with the interplay of space, nature, the built
environment, and human beings; emphasizing the interior space created by the
building rather than the structural forms.
A student of Frank Lloyd Wright, John Lautner is cited as one of the few students
who successfully built upon Wright's philosophies to develop his own style and
move beyond his master. Lautner's work has come to represent some of the
most important examples of architecture in Southern California. The Rawlins
Solar House is one of three houses and a single commercial building designed
by Lautner in Orange County.
Further discussion of Lautner's status as a "master architect" is included in pages
3 -5 of the application (Attachment 2).
Criterion 14) Structures which embody special architectural and design
features.
The Rawlins Solar House is a significant example of the work of Los Angeles
architect John Lautner, and an excellent example of Modernist residential
architecture. The house embodies Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy of "organic"
architectural design, in that it involves a respect for the properties of the materials
and the harmonious relationship between the form /design and the functions of
the building.
Lautner solved the problem of maintaining privacy and creating a light - filled living
space in a sea -side environment by using reinforced concrete walls with few to
no windows on the sides and allowing light in from above with a creative roof
design. By floating the second floor away from the side walls to allow light to
filter down from skylights to the ground floor, glare from the expansive living room
window wall was reduced. The sliding glass window wall completely opens to
the bay, allowing the living room to become an extension of the terrace. Thus,
the design addressed both the Rawlins' lifestyle and the Balboa Island
environment.
Further discussion of the Rawlins Solar House's architectural and design
features is included in pages 1 -2 of the application (Attachment 2).
Criterion 1 -e.) Outstanding examples of structures displaying original
architectural integrity, structurally or stylistically, or both.
The Rawlins Solar House retains a high level of integrity because it possesses all
of its significant features. No major alterations have been performed since the
house was originally built. The Rawlins lived in the house until 2009 and made
Rawlins Solar House
September 14, 2010
Page 5
only minor changes including the addition of a forced air heating system in the
upstairs bedrooms and periodic repairs to the solar systems. The current owner,
Michael LaFetra, has made some minor cosmetic repairs to the house due to
deferred maintenance of the previous owners.
Further discussion of the Rawlins Solar House's historic integrity is included in
pages 1 -2 of the application (Attachment 2).
A 1992 Historic Resource Inventory conducted by an Ad Hoc Historic Preservation
Advisory Committee established by the Newport Beach City Council included the
Rawlins Solar House in its properties inventory. The Rawlins Solar House is listed as
record #53 on the Inventory and is assigned a Class 4, "Structure of Historic Interest ",
status of significance at the local level. While the 1992 Historic Resource Inventory has
not been officially adopted, the 61 properties were classified for their significance
according to the criteria established by the Newport Beach Register and all are eligible
to use the State Historic Building Code.
Per City Council Policy K -2, a Structure of Historic Interest (Class 4) is defined as a
"building, structure, object, site, or natural feature that has been altered to the extent
that the historic/ architectural integrity has been substantially compromised but is still
worthy of recognition." (Emphasis added) Staff finds that, consistent with Council Policy
K -2 Criteria 1 -e), the Rawlins Solar House retains a high level of integrity. Therefore,
staff finds that the 1992 Historic Resource Inventory incorrectly classified the Rawlins
Solar House as a Class 4 structure.
In addition, because of the variety of designs and styles employed by Lautner during the
course of his career, his work was difficult to categorize during his lifetime (1911- 1994).
As his work is now being recognized and properly documented, it is possible that the
1992 Historic Resources Inventory did not account for John Lautner's recent notoriety
as one of Southern California's most important architects.
Eligibility for Listing to the National Register
The Rawlins Solar House is not currently listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. The National Register has provisions for evaluating certain kinds of properties
not usually considered for listing in the National Register, such as those that have
achieved significance within the past fifty years. The fifty -year period is an arbitrary
span of time, designed as a filter to ensure that enough time has passed to evaluate the
property in a historic context. A property that has achieved significance in the past fifty
years can be eligible for listing if it meets one of the four general Criteria for listing,
possesses sufficient integrity, and is found to be of exceptional importance.
Rawlins Solar House
September 14, 2010
Page 6
The National Register Criteria for Evaluation encourage nomination of recently
significant properties if they are of exceptional importance to a community, a State, a
region, or the Nation. It may be represented by a building or structure that's
developmental or design value is recognized as historically significant by the
architectural or engineering profession. The case for exceptional importance is
bolstered when there is a substantial amount of professional, documented materials on
the resource and the resource type. With the benefit of time, John Lautner's body of
work has been well documented and his significant design contributions understood
within the architectural community. Many scholarly works have been published in
addition to a major retrospective of his work at the Hammer Museum in 2008. The
Rawlins Solar House meets the National Register criteria for exceptional importance
because it is a rare example in the local community of a work by a recognized master
architect, and it retains a high level of design and integrity.
Exceptional importance is also described as a property or entire group of resources that
is so fragile that survivors of any age are unusual. In consult with the applicant's
architectural historian, staff found that as the work of Lautner continues to be
documented and recognized and his buildings understood within the context of modern
architecture, his work, though relatively young, may be viewed as exceptional and
historic. Without sufficient recognition and documentation, the structure is in a fragile
state in danger of demolition or alternation that would sacrifice its historical integrity.
Staff believes that the Rawlins Solar House is eligible for listing to the National Register
under Criteria C, as the building is significant as a work of Modernist residential style,
represents the work of a master, and possesses high artistic values. Therefore, despite
the building's thirty -year age, staff finds that the Rawlins Solar House is eligible for
listing in the National Register at the local level.
The criteria for eligibility for listing on the National Register is included in this staff report
solely as a justification for the staffs recommended classification of the structure as a
Class 1 Maior Historic Landmark on the Newport Beach Register. Most of the
properties listed on the City's Register as Class 1 are also listed on the National
Register. The finding for "exceptional importance" is not included in Council Policy K -2
as a criterion necessary for listing to the Newport Beach Register of Historic Properties.
Conclusion
Based on the information provided by the applicant's architectural historian, staff
believes the subject property is eligible for listing in the Newport Beach Register as
Class 1 — Major Historic Landmark due to its local and statewide importance.
Class 9: Major Historic Landmark
A building, structure, object, site, or natural feature of major historical
significance. The property exemplifies historic /architectural themes of local and
Rawlins Solar House
September 14, 2010
Page 7
statewide importance and serves as a significant part of the heritage of Newport
Beach.
Staff recommends that City Council support listing the property to the Newport Beach
Register of Historic Property as a Major Historic Landmark (Class 1). The Newport Beach
Historical Society has informed staff that it will be submitting a letter endorsing the
property's listing. The Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission and City Arts
Commission meetings to consider the request are scheduled to occur after the date of
this report. In an effort to accommodate the applicant, staff will pull the item from the
September 14, 2010 consent calendar so that staff can give an oral update to the
Council on the recommendations of the Commissions and suggest the appropriate
language for approval of the Resolution designating the property as a place of historical
and architectural significance in Newport Beach.
Environmental Review:
Adoption of a resolution listing the Rawlins Solar House in the City of Newport Beach
Register of Historical Property is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act
( "CEQA ") pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or
reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3)
(the activity is not a "project" as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines,
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for
resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
The applicant is aware that listing to the Newport Beach Register of Historic Places may
trigger CEQA review if demolition or significant alterations are proposed to the structure
in the future.
Prepared by:
athlyn Bow en, AIC
Economic Development Coordinator
Submitted by:
d-C-01ell
Acting Planning Director
Attachments: 1. Draft Resolution
2. Application and property history submitted by owner
3. Council Policy K -2
4. Newport Beach Historic Resource Inventory Record #53
Attachment No. 1
Draft Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT
BEACH DESIGNATING THE PROPERTY AT 804 SOUTH BAY FRONT AS A
PLACE OF HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
WHEREAS, the owner of the property at 804 South Bay Front has submitted an
application to the City requesting that the property be added to the City of Newport Beach
Register of Historical Property; and
WHEREAS, the owner has demonstrated that the building was designed and
constructed by John Lautner, who is recognized within the architectural community as
one of southern California's most important architects of the twentieth century; and
WHEREAS, the building was constructed in 1980, and remains a significant
example of the work of John Lautner and an excellent example of Modernist residential
architecture; and
WHEREAS, the building possesses all of its significant features and retains a high
level of original architectural integrity; and
WHEREAS, the building is a rare example in the local community of a work by a
recognized master architect and serves as a significant part of the architectural heritage of
the City of Newport Beach; and
WHEREAS, the Newport Beach Historical Society, the Newport Beach Arts
Commission, and the Newport Beach Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission have
reviewed the application and have recommended ; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the history of the property warrants its
designation as a Major Historic Landmark (Class 1) under the classification system
established by City Council Policy K -2.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Newport Beach does hereby designate the property at 804 South Bay Front as a Major
Historic Landmark (Class 1) and directs the City Clerk to place the property in the
Register of Historical Property.
ADOPTED this 14'h day of September, 2010,
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
MAYOR
Page 2
Attachment No. 2
Application and property history submitted
by owner
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
3300 NEWPORT BOULEVARD
NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663
Phone: (949) 644-3200
Fax: (949) 644-3229
v .dty.newpon- beach.ca.us
1. Name of Property:
Historic and /or Common: Solar House
Current: Rawlins House
2. Location:
161110 10 MEAN, 9111 ffolle;lk
1
Street & Number: 804 South Bay Front
Lot: 3 Block: 3 Tract: Balboa Island Section 2
Assessor's Parcel Number: 050-103-029
3. Classification:
CATEGORY
STATUS
ACCESSIBLE
PRESENT USE
district
_ occupied
—yes: restricted
_ industrial
X buiidings(s)
unoccupied
_yes: unrestricted
_military
_ structure
X work in progress
X no
museum
site
_ park
_object
PUBLIGACQVISITION
PRESENTUSE
,i private residence
_ in process
_ agriculture.
_ religious
OWNERSHIP
being considered
_scientific
_public
X no
_commercial
_educational
transportation
X private
entertainment
_other:
_ both
_ government
Updated 08/19/1008
N:1804 S BayfronA804 S Bayfront_Register of Historical Property Application.doc
4. Owner of Property (list land and building separately, if applicable):
Name: Michael LaFetra c/o 8530 Hedaes Place. LLC
Street & Number: 1113 North Beverly Drive
City, Town: Beverly Hills State /Zip: CA 90210
Telephone No.:_ (310) 248 -2905 Type of Estate: fee simple
Mortgagee(s): Deutsche Bank Amount(s): $2,900,000
Updated 08/19/2008
Na804 S Bayfront=4 S Bayfront_Register of Historical Property Application.doc
'
1.11
8.
Description:
Lot dimensions 30 ft. x 85 ft.
Structure dimensions 24 ft. x 80 ft.
Acreage 0.058539 acre
Interior area 2.100 sg. ft.
CONDITION CHECK ONE CHECK ONE
X excellent _deteriorated X unaltered X original site
_ good ruins _ altered _ moved
_ fair _ unexposed date:
Describe present and original (if known) physical appearance: See attached.
Significance:
PERIOD
_ prehistoric
_ 1400 -1499
_ 1500.1599
_ 1600.1699
_ 1700.1799
1800 -1899
X
190o-
AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE
_ archeology - prehistoric
archeology- historic
_ agriculture
_ art
_ commerce
_ communications
community planning
_ conservation
_ economics
CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW
education
_ exploration/settlement
_ industry
_ invention
_ landscape architecture
_ law
_ literature
_ military
music
_ philosophy
_ politicslgovemment
_ religion
_ science
_ sculpture
_ social/humanitarian
theater
transportation
X other (specify)
Architecture
SPECIFIC CONSTRUCTION DATE: 1977 -80 BUILDERIARCHITECT: John Lautner
Statement of Significance: See attached.
Form prepared by:
Signature
Narr itle: Laura Janssen, Senior Architectural Historian
Organization: Historic Resources Group, LLC Date: June 2009
Street & Number: 1728 Whitlev Ave; Telephone: 323 469 -2349
City/Town: Hollywood State /Zip: CA 90028
Attachments:
X 2 representative 8" x 10" photos. X Parcel map indicating location.
X Notarized transmittal letter from recorded owner(s) of property requesting inclusion in
register.
9. Completed application received:
Signature
Title
Date
updated 08119/2008
NM04 S Bayfmnt1804 5 Bayhont_Register. of Historical Property Application.doc
City of Newport Beach — Register of Historical Property Application
Continuation Sheet
Rawlins House - 804 South Bay Front, Balboa Island
Description
The Rawlins House, completed in 1980 and designed by architect John Laulner, is located on
Balboa Island overlooking the inner Newport Harbor in Newport Beach, California. The two -story
reinforced concrete, steel and glass house is situated on a narrow (30' x 80') lot bound by South
Bay Front to the north and the boardwalk and harbor to the south. There are residential properties
on both the east and west sides. The primary (south) fagade faces the harbor and is approached
via the boardwalk.
The house is composed of two side walls of reinforced concrete supported by steel cross beams
and an arched wood frame roof structure. The west side concrete wall is traditional horizontal
poured in place board - formed concrete, and the east side concrete wall is articulated with vertical
concrete panels. The wood roof structure is supported by arched glu -lam cross beams with
closely - spaced purloins of two by fours set on end. The second floor is supported by exposed
steel cross beams and is held away from the side walls to allow light to filter down from skylights
along the east and west sides.
The south fagade is entirely glass except for curved copper bands at the second floor balcony
and the roof. The curved living room glass wall is articulated into nine glass panels that
mechanically slide around to the side of the house, opening up the entire ground floor to the
glazed ceramic tile terrace. The master bedroom window wall on the second floor has two fixed
panels with one sliding panel. There is a frame -less Plexiglas railing at the balcony's edge. The
north fagade flat surface is clad with horizontal wood strip panels at the ground level. The garage
door is cut out of this surface, The second floor has a recessed balcony on the east and a flush
wood - framed window wall on the west that demarcates the two bedrooms at the south end of
the house.
The house is entered through a single panel wood - framed door at the southeast comer. The
interiors are cohesively designed with the same materials used throughout the house. Surfaces
not faced with glass or concrete are faced with wood paneling. The side walls are concrete and
there are no interior partition walls on the ground floor to separate the kitchen, living room and
dining room. The floors of small square glazed ceramic tiles in a curvilinear pattern extend from
the interior of the house onto the front terrace. There is a beehive shaped concrete fireplace in
the southeast comer and a built -in wood and smoked Plexiglas shelving unit on the west wall.
The U- shaped kitchen area, at the north end, is separated from the larger space by a shoulder
height wood cabinet. Across from the kitchen is a staircase with concrete treads that cantilever
out of the concrete west wall. It has a clear Plexiglas balustrade with a wood cap. Behind the
kitchen are a small elevator and a bathroom. The sink and counter in this bathroom is carved out
of wood with thick coats of varnish (this was achieved by craftsman and contractor T. Duncan
Stewart, who was a boat builder and woodworker and worked frequently with Lautner).A two -car
garage is behind the bathroom and elevator.
The second floor has three bedrooms and two baths, all finished in wood. The master bedroom
is located at the south end facing the harbor and has built -in linear cabinetry and closets. There is
a walk -in closet next to the master bathroom. The remaining two bedrooms are at the opposite
end. One room acted as a study and has built -in shelving. There are no windows in the side walls
except for the clerestory windows beneath the eaves that capture light from the side skylights.
There have been no significant alterations to the house since completion of construction in 1980.
The original owners, Robert and Marjorie Rawlins, lived in the house until 2009 and made only
minor changes including the addition of a forced air heating system in the upstairs bedrooms
(2002) and periodic repairs to the solar system. The current owner, Michael LaFetra, purchased
City of Newport Beach — Register of Historical Property Application
Continuation Sheet
Rawlins House - 804 South Bay Front. Balboa Island
the property in late 2009. He has made cosmetic repairs due to deferred maintenance of the
previous owners, including repairing the mechanism for the motorized sliding glass window in the
living room; replacement of the original glazing with safety glass; replacement of all water and salt
damaged Plexiglas in skylights and bathrooms; removal of wail -to -wall carpets in upstairs
bedrooms (replaced with cork tiles); rehabilitating the radiant heating system; updating the solar
panels on the roof; repairing the elevator; cleaning the copper roof bands; refinishing the wood as
needed; and updating the kitchen appliances.
6. Significance
Summary
The Rawlins House is a significant example of the work of Los Angeles architect John Lautner,
and an excellent example of Modernist residential architecture. It is one of three houses and a
single commercial building designed by Lautner in Orange County.' Located in Newport Beach, it
was the last residential building to be built on an undeveloped lot on Balboa Island. The property
is significant for its association with architect John Lautner and original owners Robert and
Marjorie Rawlins. The property is eligible for inclusion in the City of Newport Beach Register of
Historical Property and meets the standards of architectural and historical significance. The
Rawlins House retains a high level of integrity because it possesses all of its significant features.
No major alterations have been performed since the house was originally built.
The house was designed by John Lautner, one of the twentieth century's and southern
California's most important architects. He was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, and adopted
Wright's style of "organic architecture" which is evidenced in the philosophy and design of the
Rawlins House. Although he worked during the post -war period of second generation Modernist
architects in southern California, Lautner did not consider himself a Modernist. He distinguished
himself from many of his peers (by breaking out of the box) and designing each project for the
site and the client's needs. As a result, each building is distinctive and unique and holds its own
mark of significance. The design for the Rawlins House is a highly innovative solution for the site
and the client. The use of reinforced concrete proved suitable for the harsh beach environment,
and skylights and glass made a restrictive space expansive.
Balboa Island
Newport Bay and the surrounding land was first used for commercial trade and shipping
purposes dating back to the late 1860s. In 1899, the harbor at San Pedro was chosen as the
major port of southern California and signaled the end of Newport Bay as a commercial
shipping center. In 1902, William S. Collins, who saw Newport Bay's resort and recreation
potential, purchased the Newport town site and about half of the Peninsula. Collins took on
Henry E. Huntington, and his Pacific Electric railway system, as a partner. Huntington was
using his railway to promote new communities outside of Los Angeles, and by 1905 the Pacific
Electric "Red Cars" were extended to Newport. In 1906, the Balboa Pavilion was completed on
the Peninsula and became the southern terminus for the railway connecting the southern
beaches with downtown Los Angeles. Thousands of summertime tourists flocked to Newport
and began to purchase property in the area.
' Johnson House ( Laguna Beach, CA, 1956), Alto Capistrano (San Juan Capistrano, CA, 1963), Jordan House (Laguna Beach, CA,
1973), Rawlins House (Newport Beach, CA, 1980).
2
City of Newport Beach — Register of Historical Property Application
Continuation Sheet
Rawlins House - 804 South Bay Front, Balboa Island
In 1908, Collins began dredging a channel on the north side of the bay and deposited the sand
and silt on tidelands that would become Balboa Island. The area was subdivided and established
the grid system of small lots and narrow streets and alleys that still exists today. In the beginning
with little to no services, Balboa Island was mainly a summer vacation place, and most homes
were closed up in the winter. The island grew slowly at first, but in 1916, it became part of the City
of Newport Beach. By 1918, with the help of the Balboa Island Improvement Association the
island's infrastructure was improved with bulkhead repair, ferry service, a sewer system, water,
gas, electricity, paved streets and sidewalks, and street lighting.
Over the years, Balboa Island has developed into a year - around community, home to
professionals, families, retirees, students and celebrities. Some bay front lots that once sold for
$25 are now appraised at over $3 million dollars. And yet, Balboa Island maintains its charm and
small -town feel.
John Lautner(1911- 1994), architect
John Edward Lautner was born in Michigan in 1911. He graduated from Northern Michigan
University with a Bachelor of Science degree. From 1933 to 1939, Lautner apprenticed with Frank
Lloyd Wright as a Taliesin Fellow in Wisconsin and Arizona. During this time he served as
supervisor to the architect on such projects as Fallingwater (Mill Run, PA, 1935) and the Johnson
Wax Museum (Racine, WI, 1936 -39). In 1938, Wright sent Lautner to Los Angeles, a city he
claimed to hate, and continued to work for Wright until he established his own practice
constructing his first independent home in 1940.3
Lautner worked at the same time as the second generation of modernist architects in southern
California; the students of the founders of the movement. Yet Lautner does not fully fit into this
category. He was one of the few students who moved beyond his teacher, taking in what Wright
had to teach him and developing it into his own style.' "Of all the architects who passed through
Wright's sphere, only R.M. Schindler, Bruce Goff (who never studied or worked with Wright), and
Lautner managed to drive Wright's ideas beyond the master.n5 Lautner worked on a number of
Wright projects in Southern California including the Sturges House (Los Angeles, CA, 1939), Bell
House (Los Angeles, CA, 1940), Eaglefeather (Malibu, CA, 1941), Ennis House (Los Angeles,
CA, 1941)', and Mauer House (Los Angeles, CA, 1941 -46).7
Lautner's professional association with Wright ended in 1943.8 During World War II, with non-
military construction at a standstill, Lautner was forced to find jobs in the defense industry where
he gained experience in contracting and superintending. In 1944, due to personal financial
concerns, Lautner joined the architectural firm of Douglas Honnold, The two worked well together,
designing houses and commercial buildings including two Coffee Dan's restaurants (Los Angeles,
CA, 1946).9 The designs for the Coffee Dan's restaurants established the basis for his later
designs for Henry's Drive -ins and Googie's restaurant.70 Lautner ended his connection with
Honnold in 1947. He established his own architecture practice that same year."
'http:/ANww.balboa-istand.net (accessed 4- 28 -10).
3 Julius' Shulman, Jurgen Nogai, and Richard Olsen. Malibu: A Century of Living by the Sea. New York: Abrams, 2005. p104.
Alan Hess. The Architecture of John Lautner.. New York: Riaoli, 2003. ppl56 -157.
`Alan Hess. The Architecture of John Lautner. Cited in Malibu: A Century of Living by the Sea. New York: Abrams, 2005. p104.
°
In 1941, Lautner pined with Lloyd Wright on aproject to redesign the Ennis House; the design was never implemented.
'Nicholas Dlsberg, editor. Between Earth and Heaven: the Architecture of John Lautner. New York: Rizzoli International Publications,
2008. p51.
° Ibid. p228.
° Alan Hess. The Architecture of John Lautner. New York: Riaoli, 2003. p27.
10 Alan Hess. Googie Redux: Uttramodem Roadside Architecture. San Francisco, California: Chronicle Books LLC, 2004. p70.
'�. Nicholas Olsberg, editor. Between Earth and Heaven: the architecture of John Lautner. New York: Riaoli International Publications,
2008.p228,
f
€ is
City of Newport Beach — Register of Historical Property Application
Continuation Sheet
Rawlins House - 804 South Bay Front, Balboa Island
By 1950, Lautner completed two of his first major commissions in Southern California, the Desert
Hot Springs Motel (Desert Hot Springs, CA, 1947) and the Carling House (Hollywood Hills, CA,
1950). He did not become a licensed architect until 1951 when he finally passed the structural
portion of the examination. Lautner was appointed a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects
for Excellence in Design in 1970. He was named Olympic Architect for the 1984 Summer
Olympics in Los Angeles." In 1993 he was presented the Gold Medal from the Los Angeles AIA
chapter for his lifetime achievement. He was working on a number of projects when he died in
1994 at the age of 83.
John Lautner designed over fifty architecturally significant structures in the Southern California
area alone. His focus was primarily on residential architecture, but he also designed a few
restaurants and commercial buildings as well. From his arrival in Los Angeles Lautner clearly
stated that he hated 'ugly' Los Angeles architecture: "Oh, it was depressing... it was so ugly I was
physically sick for the first year I was here ... if you tried to figure out how to make a row of
buildings ugly, you couldn't do any better than it's been done [here] "13 Despite his dislike of Los
Angeles buildings, his numerous modernistic structures fit right into the local architectural
landscape as Los Angeles has one of the country's most impressive collections of modern
architecture.
Lautner, one of the twentieth century's and southern California's most important architects, is also
perhaps one of the most misunderstood. Lautner's designs deal with the interplay of space,
nature, the built environment and human beings. His designs are an exploration of the interaction
between land and space; they reflect the scenery while functioning as a shelter from which one is
to look out upon and partake of that scenery. Lautner usually worked from minimal plans,
finalizing many of the details on site. He enjoyed experimenting with new ideas and materials,
and designed a wide variety of building types and styles. In general he emphasized the interior
space created by the building rather than the structural forms.
Lautner's designs are often described as futuristic, a portrayal that greatly troubled him. He felt
that describing his buildings as futuristic was a misunderstanding of their purpose. Lautner
preferred the label "organic architecture" a term coined by Frank Lloyd Wright. His designs were
based on free form plans, were remarkably varied and were unique for each job. He enjoyed
trying out new materials and ideas; some worked and some did not. His designs were an
exploration of the interaction between people, buildings and the surrounding environment. When
the terrain was too steep to build a traditional building Lautner came up with the design for the
Chemosphere (Hollywood Hills, CA, 1960), which sits atop a single steep pylon. When the lot was
too narrow for a standard house and swimming pool he designed the Stevens House (Malibu,
CA, 1968) with the pool tucked under the curved roof that reflects the waves of the ocean. His
buildings interact with nature, working with the surrounding environment.
The one -of -a -kind Rawlins House is a true reflection of Lautner's adaptable and ever- changing
style and unique designs. Lautner viewed each new site as a challenge. His goal was not to find a
way of adapting the land to the building but to adapt the building to the land. The design for the
Rawlins House on a narrow lot created a challenge he had similarly encountered at a site in
Malibu in 1968. The problem of how to maintain privacy and create a light - filled living space in a
sea -side environment was solved, in both cases, by using reinforced concrete walls with few to
no windows on the sides and allowing light in from above with a creative roof design. In Malibu,
Lautner used a curved cantenary roof shape. For the Rawlins House, Lautner floated the second
floor away from the side walls to allow light to filter down from skylights to the ground floor, which
reduced the glare from the expansive living room window wall. "The living room glass wall is
ArchitectDB < https :Ndigital,lib.washington.edul> accessed on November26, 2008-
" John Lautner as died in: Aian Hess. The Architecture of John Lawner. New York: Ri=oli, 2003. p21.
S FD,
t
City of Newport Beach — Register of Historical Property Application
Continuation Sheet
Rawlins House - 804 South Bay Front, Balboa Island
curved and motorized. The hanging glass slowly slides around the north side of the house,
stacking outside the side wall, completely invisible from inside the house. The living room
becomes an extension if the terrace, completely open to the bay. "" This sliding glass wall was
one of many innovative design solutions Lautner devised for a particular client and a particular
site. The concept addressed the owner's lifestyle and the Balboa Island environment, and
because of that it will remain a significant example of modern architecture.
Because of the variety of designs and styles employed by Lautner his work was difficult to
categorize during his lifetime and therefore little scholarly work was previously published.
However, with the benefit of time and recognition, his work is currently well documented.
Lautner's eldest daughter, Karol Lautner Peterson, set up the John Lautner Foundation in 1996
following the death of her father in 1994. The foundation was established as a non - profit
institution "to celebrate and maintain the work of one of this century's most creative American
architects... The foundation serves as a resource for information about Lautner works and intends
to increase active participation in the preservation and maintenance of Lautner buildings. "15 A
number of exhibitions have been produced to showcase his work.76 The most recent exhibition
took place in 2008 at the Hammer Museum of the University of California, Los Angeles. The
exhibition, entitled "Between Earth and Heaven: The Architecture of John Lautner," was a major
retrospective of John Lautner's career. The introductory text of the exhibit characterizes the
importance of Lautner's work in the following way:
His designs are known for their radical innovation with specific attention to materiality,
space and a consciousness of the natural environment... While Lautner has attained a
cult -like status in the world of architecture and design, until now his achievement remains
little known and often misunderstood by the public at large ... An aesthetic, philosophical
and social visionary, Lautner made buildings that continue to amaze architects and
patrons alike with their formal variety and freedom, their structural originality and their
sculptural force. Lautner's work has come to represent some of the most important
examples of architecture in Southern California ... Lautner is often referred to as an
architect's architect and many renowned practitioners, such as Frank Gehry, have cited
him as an abiding influence. One can see the influence and legacy of his vision time and
again in the work of architects that have followed him."
Robert and Marjorie Rawlins
Robert (1911 -1993) and Marjorie (1920 -2009) Rawlins returned to Southern California in the late
1970s to retire, and they acquired the last undeveloped bay front lot on Balboa Island. They had
lived for two decades in a Joseph Eichler development in Palo Alto and wanted another modern
home that they could manage with little upkeep. They also wanted a house in which they could
extend their entertaining outdoors, provided harbor views and allowed plenty of light. They hired
John Lautner in 1977 to design their home, and it was completed to their requirements in 1980.
Robert and Marjorie Rawlins were philanthropists and patrons of the arts. Robert Rawlins was a
native of Pierre, South Dakota and after graduating with a degree in physics from the University
of South Dakota, Vermillion he went to work for Lockheed in Burbank, California in 1940. He met
music student Marjorie Townsley at the university and they married after she graduated in 1942.
Marjorie was offered a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music in New York, but she turned it
down to move to California with her husband.
14 From Launter's notes on the project published in his monograph edited by Frank Escher. John Laulner, Architect. London:
Arelrnis London Limited, 1994.
16
4http:/ /www.johnlautner.org1> accessed on November 24, 2008.
16 A list: of exhibitions showcasing the work of John Lautner can be found in: Nicholas Olsberg, editor. Between Earth and Heaven:
the Architecture of John Lautner. New York: Riaoll International Publications, 2008. p228.
" �http: /lwww,hammer.ucla.edu /> accessed on November 14, 2008.
5
City of Newport Beach — Register of Historical Property Application
Continuation Sheet
Rawlins House - 804 South Bay Front, Balboa Island
Robert was hired by Hewlett Packard in 1956 and the couple relocated to Palo Alto. He left
Hewlett Packard in 1962 to become a venture capitalist and was successful in the electronics
technology industry. In 1966, Marjorie founded the Peninsula Women's Chorus, a Palo Alto -
based, women's choir performing high - quality classical and contemporary music in the Bay Area.
In 1973, a music museum opened on the campus of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion.
Marjorie became involved and by 1991 she and Robert had donated almost $6 million to what
was to become the National Music Museum, which has one of the most extensive collections of
musical instruments in the world.
Even though they lived in California they never forgot their South Dakota roots. The couple
demonstrated their love for the University of South Dakota (USD) by endowing several
scholarships, including the Rawlins Music Scholarship, the Truran Piano Scholarship and the
Rawlins Fellowship. The Rawlins Piano Trio, a preeminent interpreter of American music, was
named in honor of Marjorie and Robert, its principal benefactors. They also served as trustees of
the USD Foundation where the Rawlins Society for Planned Giving honors their support of the
University. In 1995, Marjorie was awarded a USD honorary doctorate in recognition of her service
to the University.16
After their move to Newport Beach, Robert and Marjorie became involved with music and arts at
the University of California, Irvine (UCI). The Rawlins' support of UCI's music programs began
when she and her husband attended a New York String Quartet performance on campus in 1982.
They regularly attended UCI concerts and supported annual scholarships, recitals and master
classes.
The Rawlins' hosted events in support of the Department of Music, and on occasion opened their
home for student and faculty recitals. They had their love of music in mind when they had their
house designed. The ground -floor living room windows slid open mechanically opening the house
to the air and waterfront allowing the music to not only be enjoyed by invited guests but also
those passing by on the boardwalk. Music performed in their home gave them a special pleasure,
"People like to hear live music.and be close to it when they see it performed. That's something
really special «79
In 1995, Marjorie donated $1 million to support undergraduate scholarships in piano, violin, viola
and cello at UCI. The following year, in 1996, she donated another $1 million to establish the first
endowed chair in the School of the Arts. "I feel very fortunate to be able to help UCI students
discover the timeless grace of beautiful music. By creating this endowed chair, my intent was to
enrich students' education by ensuring them access to the finest resources available. "20 Marjorie
received the UCI Medal, the equivalent of an honorary degree, in 1995 and the Golden Baton
Award from the Orange County Philharmonic Society in 1998.
iB <http: /Aw .usd.edu /press /newsinews.cfm ?nid =1744> accessed on June 2, 2010.
f° Kathy Bryant, "Sound Effect in Rooms of Note," Los Angeles Times, October 16, 1993, p. Nt.
3d Today@UCI, November 14, 1996. <http: // archive. today. uci. edu / news /release_detail.asp ?key =266> accessed June 2, 2010.
City of Newport Beach — Register of Historical Property Application
Continuation Sheet
Rawlins House - 804 South Bay Front, Balboa Island
Sources
http: / /www. bal boa - island.net
hftp://www.balboapavilion.com
hftps://www.digital.lib,washington.edu
hftp://www,hammer.ucia.edu
http://www.johnlautner.org
hftp://www.pwchorus.org
http: / /www. u sd.ed u /press /news/
hftp://archive.today.uci.edu/
http,/Iorgs.usd.edu/nmm/
Bryant, Kathy. "Sound Effect in Rooms of Note," Los Angeles Times. October 16, 1993, p. Ni.
Cambell -Lang, Barbara Ann. John Lautner. Disappearing Space. Koln, Germany: Taschen, 2005.
City of Newport Beach Building Department. Building permit records accessed via online database.
www.newportbeachea.gov (Accessed March 17, 2010).
Dodd, Richard H. AA. "Monument to Modern Thought."
http:// www. richardhdodd .com /UNIQUE/Monument.htm (Accessed April 27, 2010).
Eastman, Janet. "The Rebel of the Block," Los Angeles Times. November 6, 2003, p. F3.
Epstein, Benjamin. °The Uncommon Man, "Los Angeles Times. March 6, 1999, p. N1.
Escher, Frank (Editor). John Lautner, Architect. London: Aretmis London Limited, 1994.
"The First Ten Years of DYMEC " Palo Alto, California: Hewlett Packard, 1866.
"Five to Receive UCI Medal" Today @UCi, August 7, 1995.
Gebhard, David and Robert Winter. Los Angeles: An Architectural Guide. Salt Lake City: Gibbs Smith,
1994.
Haynes, Bonnie. "UCI's Patron Saint Gives another $1 Million," Los Angeles Times. November 15, 1996,
p. B4.
Hess, Alan. The Architecture of John Lautner. New York'. Rizzoli, 1999.
Hess, Alan. Googie Redux: Ultramodern Roadside Architecture. San Francisco, California: Chronicle
Books LLC, 2004.
7
'
City of Newport Beach — Register of Historical Properly Application
Continuation Sheet
Rawlins House - 804 South Bay Front, Balboa Island
Humphreys, Carol. "Marjorie Rawlins gets the Philharmonic Society's Golden Baton," Orange County
Register. March 17, 1998, p. E3.
"$1 Million Gift Creates UC Irvine's First Endowed Chair in School of the Arts." Today @UCi, November
14, 1996.
Olsberg, Nicholas. Editor. Between Earth and Heaven: The Architecture of John Launter. New York:
Rizzoli, 2008.
Palo Alto Weekly, July 10, 2009.
Peninsula Women's Chorus Newsletter, Fall 2006.
"Remembering Marjorie Townsley Rawlins." The South Dakotan, Fall 2009.
Shulman, Julius, Jurgen Nogai and Richard Olsen. Malibu: A Century of Living by the Sea. New York:
Abrams, 2005,
United States Department of the Interior. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, "Stevens
House." Prepared by Historic Resources Group, 2009.
8
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050-10
May 25, 2010
City of Newport Beach
Planning Department
3300 Newport Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92663
RE: 804 South Bay Front
Newport Beach, CA 92662
City of Newport Beach Register of Historical Property Application
To whom it may concern;
Please find enclosed an application for local historic designation submitted by Historic
Resources Group. It is my request that my property at 804 South Bay Front located
on Balboa Island in Newport Beach be included the City of Newport Beach Register of
Historical Property.(p!
Thank you, A / �
Michael W. LaFetra
State of California
County of Los Angeles
On OIS n3 / 2010
before me, Jean - Claude Bensoussan, Notary Service
(insert name and title of the officer)
personally appeared i-\ , e,vl o. A \A - L,1F y . a,
who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is /are
subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he /she /they executed the same in
his /her /their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his /her /their signature(s) on the instrument the
person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing
paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature1
JEAN - CLAUSE SENSCUSSAN
Commisslon # 1798888
Nolmy Publlc - Cailfornfa €
Los Angeles County
Comm, san12;2012
(Seal)
RAWLINS HOUSE
804 South Bay Front, Newport Beach, CA 92662
Date of Photograph: May 2010
Photographer: Laura Janssen
Description: South (Primary) Facade
View: North
1 of 3
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RAWLINS HOUSE
804 South Bay Front, Newport Beach, CA 82662
Date of Photograph: May 2010
Photographer: Laura Janssen
Description: Kitchen with built -in casework
View: North
2 of 3
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I , -, � , -,; -, -I& " rt, ,
RAWLINS HOUSE
804 South Bay Front, Newport Beach, CA 92662
Date of Photograph: May 2010
Photographer: Laura Janssen
Description: Cantilevered concrete staircase in board - formed
west wall
View: West
3 of 3
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Attachment No. 3
Council Policy K -2
"t .f
K -2
PLACES OF HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The City Council may designate as historical property any building or part thereof,
object, structure, monument, or collection thereof having importance to the history or
architecture of the City of Newport Beach in accordance with the criteria set forth
below. The City Clerk shall maintain a register, which shall be known as the City of
Newport Beach Register of Historical Property. The City Council may at any time
repeal, revise or modify any such designation upon reconsideration of the historical or
architectural importance of the places therein described.
A. Criteria for Selection.
1. Property may be designated as historical property if it meets any of the
following standards of architectural significance:
a. Structures or areas that embody distinguishing characteristics of an
architectural style, period, or method of construction, or of
architectural development with the City.
b. Notable works of a master builder, designer, or architect whose
style influenced the City's architectural development, or structures
showing the evolution of an architect's style.
C. Rare structures displaying a building type, design, or indigenous
building form
d. Structures which embody special architectural and design features.
e. Outstanding examples of structures displaying original
architectural integrity, structurally or stylistically, or both.
f. Unique structures or places that act as focal or pivotal points
important as a key to the character or visual quality of an area.
2. Property may be designated as historical property if it meets any of the
following standards of historical significance.
1
fs'r'
K -2
a. Sites and structures connected with events significant in the
economic, cultural, political, social, or civic history of the City of
Newport Beach, the County of Orange, the State of California, or
the United States of America.
b. Structures or areas identified with the lives of historical personages
of the City of Newport Beach, the County of Orange, the State of
California, or the United States of America.
C. Sites and groups of structures representing historical development
patterns, including, but not limited to, urbanization patterns,
railroads, agricultural settlements, and canals.
B. Classification.
Historical property shall be categorized in relation to their significance and
condition in the Newport Beach Register of Historical Property under the
following hierarchical classification system:
Class 1. Major Historic Landmark. A building, structure, object, site, or
natural feature of major historical significance. The property
exemplifies historic /architectural themes of local and statewide
importance and serves as a significant part of the heritage of
Newport Beach.
Class 2. Historic Landmark. A building, structure, object, site, or natural
feature of historical significance. The property is representative of
historic /architectural themes of local and statewide importance
and serves as a physical link to the historical past of Newport
Beach.
Class 3. Local Historic Site. A building, structure, object, site, or natural
feature of local significance only. The property is representative of
historic/ architectural themes of local importance.
Class 4. Structure of Historic hiterest. A building, structure, object, site, or
natural feature that has been altered to the extent that the
historic /architectural integrity has been substantially compromised
but is still worthy of recognition.
2
F� xE
K -2
Class 5. Point of Historic Interest. A site of a building, structure, or object
that no longer exists, but is associated with historic events or
persons, or architecturally significant structures.
C. Application of State Historical Building Code.
Any building or structure rated as Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 in the Newport Beach
Register of Historical Property shall be deemed a "qualified historical building or
structure' for purposes of applying the State Historical Building Code, as set
forth in Part 2.7 (commencing with section 189050) of Division 13 of the Health
and Safety Code of the State of California and Part 8 of Title 24 of the California
Administrative Code. The Director of the Building Department may apply the
said State Historical Building Code to any such building or structure, providing,
however, that the highest standards of structural and fire safety are maintained.
Class 5 properties shall be listed in the Newport Beach Register of Historical
Property for recognition purposes only.
D. Procedures.
The owner of any structure who desires that such structure be included in
the Register shall make application to the City Council in form prescribed
by the City Manager stating the characteristics of such structure in terms
of the criteria outlined above. The City Manager shall submit applications
to the Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission, the Arts Commission,
and the Newport Beach Historical Society for review and recommenda-
tion before submitting such application to the City Council for
consideration The City Council shall consider all recommendations
before making its determination.
2. The City Council, itself or on the recommendation of the Parks, Beaches
and Recreation Commission, the Arts Commission, or the Newport Beach
Historical Society, may initiate submission of an application for
designation of a structure or site as a historic property. In either case,
planning staff shall prepare an application for the property, seek the
consent of the property owner(s), and refer the application to the City
Manager for review and City Council consideration as described above. If
the consent of the property owner(s) can not be obtained, staff will notify
the City Council of the reasons, withdraw the application, and seek City
Council direction on further negotiations, if any.
�I I
K -2
E. Incentives for Preservation.
The City Council shall consider granting reductions or waivers of applications
fees, permit fees, and /or any liens placed by the City to properties listed in the
Newport Beach Register of Historical Property in exchange for preservation
easements.
Adopted - May 28,1985
Amended - January 24,1994
Amended - January 25,1999
Formerly A -15
4
45
Attachment No. 4
Newport Beach Historic Resources
Inventory Record #53
City of Newport Beach
Historic Resource Inventory
Historic /Common Name: SOLAR HOUSE
Area: BALBOA ISLAND
Address: 804 BAY FRONT S. Accessor Parcel Number:
Resource Type:
BUILDING
Status:
OCCUPIED
Existing Land Use:
RESIDENTIAL
Use Code:
8811
General Plan Designation:
TFR
Ownership:
PRIVATE
Original Location?
YES
Date Moved:
Location of Original Site:
N/A
Owner:
BOB RAWLINS
Address:
804 S. BAY FRONT
BALBOA ISLAND, CA 92662
Telephone Number:
Available Documentation: PERSONAL ACCOUNTS
Historical Period:
Historical Significance:
Historic Classification:
Year Constructed:
Architect:
Architectural Style:
Distinguishing Features:
RECORD. 53
POST WWII
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN.
CLASS 4
N/S
JOHN LAUTNER
UNCLASSIFIED
ROUND SLIDING GLASS WINDOW, SOLAR ENERGY
Comments: MODERN SOLAR HOME
Preparer. M. WOLFF Date: 3/10/92
COMPONENTS,
Associated Structures:
N/S
Condition of Feature:
N/S
Exterior Alterations:
Interior Alterations:
N/S
Comments: MODERN SOLAR HOME
Preparer. M. WOLFF Date: 3/10/92
., T.
"RECEIV AFTER AGENDA
PRIMED:" p
September 13, 2010
Dear Honorable Mayor Curry & Council Members;
The City Arts Commission considered the listing of the Rawlins Solar House, located at 804 S.
Bay Front, on the Newport Beach Register of Historical Property at the regularly scheduled
September 9, 2010 meeting. Also present were Laura Janssen of the Historic Resources Group
as well as Kathlyn Bowden, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Newport Beach.
After lengthy discussion, with six commissioners present, the vote was 4 to 2 in favor of granting
the Rawlins Solar House a Class 2 Historic Landmark designation, in accordance with Council
Policy K -2.
The Commission determines the Rawlins Solar House satisfies the Class 2 criteria of "A
building... of historical significance ... of local and statewide importance... to the historical
past of Newport Beach." (Emphasis added, Council Policy K -2.)
The Commission does not find the Rawlins Solar House to meet the Class 1 criteria of "A
building... of major historical significance ... servfingj as a significant part of the heritage of
Newport Beach." (Emphasis added, Council Policy K -2.)
The Commission reviewed multiple resources in reaching this recommendation including
Council Policy K -2, the Historic Resources Element of the City of Newport Beach General Plan,
the 1992 Historic Resource inventory (not officially adopted by the City but considered as a
guide,) the twelve sites listed or designated eligible for listing on either the National Register of
Historic Places (Federal listing,) California Register of Historical Resources (State listing) or
California Historic Resources Information System (CHRIS) (State listing) and the seven sites
listed on the Newport Beach Register of Historical Property (City listing.)
The Commission recommendation takes into account architect John Lautner's legacy as an
influential American architect whose distinctive application of the principles of Organic
Architecture, influenced by his apprenticeship under Frank Lloyd Wright, is laudable, as are the
over two hundred homes he designed in the course of his long career. The recommendation
also considers the Rawlins Solar House a unique structure on Balboa Island, which since its
construction in 1980 has been a source of fascination and delight for locals and visitors alike.
In accordance with Council Policy K -2, a structure can be listed as:
Class 1: Major Historic Landmark. A building, structure, object, site or natural
feature of major historical significance. The property exemplifies
historiclarchitectural themes of local and statewide importance and serves as a
significant part of the heritage of Newport Beach.
Class 2: Historic Landmark. A building, structure, object, site or natural feature of
historical significance. The property is representative of historidarchilectural
themes of local and statewide importance and serves as a physical link to the
historical past of Newport Beach.
Class 3: Local Historic Site. A building, structure, object, site or natural feature of
local significance only. The property is representative of historic/architectural
themes of local importance.
Class 4 and 5: Do not apply to the Rawlins Solar House.
In applying the five Class designations and making a comparative analysis of the other
properties in the City listed on the National, State or Newport Beach Historical Registers cited
above, the Commission finds the Rawlins Solar house to be a Class 2 building of historical
significance and a significant part of the heritage of Newport Beach, but not to be a Class 1
building of major historical significance and a significant part of the heritage of Newport Beach.
The Newport Beach Arts Commission, in accordance with Council Policy K -2,
recommends the designation of the Rawlins Solar House as a Class 2 Historic Landmark.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Robyn B. Grant,
Chair, Newport Beach Arts Commission
1
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT
BEACH DESIGNATING THE PROPERTY AT 804 SOUTH BAY FRONT AS A
PLACE OF HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
WHEREAS, the owner of the property at 804 South Bay Front has submitted an
application to the City requesting that the property be added to the City of Newport Beach
Register of Historical Property; and
WHEREAS, the owner has demonstrated that the building was designed and
constructed by John Lautner, who is recognized within the architectural community as
one of southern California's most important architects of the twentieth century; and
WHEREAS, the building was constructed in 1980, and remains a significant
example of the work of John Lautner and an excellent example of Modernist residential
architecture; and
WHEREAS, the building possesses all of its significant features and retains a high
level of original architectural integrity; and
WHEREAS, the building is a rare example in the local community of a work by a
recolnized master architect and serves as a significant part of the architectural heritage of
the City of Newport Beach; and
WHEREAS, the Newport Beach Historical Society, the Newport Beaer ems..
COr+missier*T-_and the Newport Beach Parks, Bcaches & Recreation Commission have
reviewed the application and have recommended ;; -the property's
designation as a Major Historic Landmark (Class 1) :and
WHEREAS, the Newport Beach Arts Commission has reviewed the application
and has recommended the property's designation as a Historic Landmark (Class 2); and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the history of the property warrants its
designation as a Major Historic Landmark (Class 1) under the classification system
established by City Council Policy K -2.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Newport Beach does hereby designate the property at 804 South Bay Front as a Major
Historic Landmark (Class 1) and directs the City Clerk to place the property in the
Register of Historical Property.
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RK
ADOPTED this 14" day of September, 2010,
MAYOR
Page 2
Page 1 of' I
1 September 2010
To whom it may concern,
Speaking for the Newport Beach Historical Society, I agree with
the staff analysis of the Newport Beach Planning Department
that the application be approved for the Rawlins Solar House to
be listed in the Newport Beach Register of Historical Properties.
This house by John Lautner is of architecturally historical signifi-
cance.
Sincerely,
Gordy Grandy
President
Newport Beach Historical Society
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September 13, 2010
Dear Honorable Mayor Curry & Council Members
The City Arts Commission considered the listing of the Rawlins Solar House, located at 804 S.
Bay Front, on the Newport Beach Register of Historical Property at the regularly scheduled
September 9, 2010 meeting. Also present were Laura Janssen of the Historic Resources Group
as well as Kathlyn Bowden, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Newport Beach.
After lengthy discussion, with six commissioners present, the vote was 4 to 2 in favor of granting
the Rawlins Solar House a Class 2 Historic Landmark designation, in accordance with Council
Policy K -2.
The Commission determines the Rawlins Solar House satisfies the Class 2 criteria of "A
building... of historical significance ... of local and statewide importance... to the historical
past of Newport Beach." (Emphasis added, Council Policy K -2.)
The Commission does not find the Rawlins Solar House to meet the Class 1 criteria of "A
building ... of major historical significance ... serv[ing] as a significant part of the heritage of
Newport Beach." (Emphasis added, Council Policy K -2.)
The Commission reviewed multiple resources in reaching this recommendation including
Council Policy K -2, the Historic Resources Element of the City of Newport Beach General Plan,
the 1992 Historic Resource Inventory (not officially adopted by the City but considered as a
guide,) the twelve sites listed or designated eligible for listing on either the National Register of
Historic Places (Federal listing,) California Register of Historical Resources (State listing) or
Califomia Historic Resources Information System (CHRIS) (State listing) and the seven sites
listed on the Newport Beach Register of Historical Property (City listing.)
The Commission recommendation takes into account architect John Lautner's legacy as an
influential American architect whose distinctive application of the principles of Organic
Architecture, influenced by his apprenticeship under Frank Lloyd Wright, is laudable, as are the
over two hundred homes he designed in the course of his long career. The recommendation
also considers the Rawlins Solar House a unique structure on Balboa Island, which since its
construction in 1980 has been a source of fascination and delight for locals and visitors alike.
In accordance with Council Policy K -2, a structure can be listed as:
Class 1: Major Historic Landmark. A building, structure, object, site or natural
feature of major historical significance. The property exemplifies
historiclarchitectural themes of local and statewide importance and serves as a
significant part of the heritage of Newport Beach.
Class 2: Historic Landmark. A building, structure, object, site or natural feature of
historical significance. The property is representative of historic/architectural
themes of local and statewide importance and serves as a physical link to the
historical past of Newport Beach.
Class 3: Local Historic Site. A building, structure, object, site or natural feature of
local significance only. The property is representative of histonc✓architectural
themes of local importance.
Class 4 and 5: Do not apply to the Rawlins Solar House.
In applying the five Class designations and making a comparative analysis of the other
properties in the City listed on the National, State or Newport Beach Historical Registers cited
above, the Commission finds the Rawlins Solar house to be a Class 2 building of historical
significance and a significant part of the heritage of Newport Beach, but not to be a Class 1
building of major historical significance and a significant part of the heritage of Newport Beach.
The Newport Beach Arts Commission, in accordance with Council Policy K -2 .
recommends the designation of the Rawlins Solar House as a Class 2 Historic Landmark.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Robyn B. Grant,
Chair, Newport Beach Arts Commission