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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. "$1 Million Gift Creates UC Irvine's First Endowed Chair in School of the Arts." Today @UCi, November 14, 1996. Olsberg, Nicholas. Editor. Between Earth and Heaven: The Architecture of John Launter. New York: Rizzoli, 2008. Palo Alto Weekly, July 10, 2009. Peninsula Women's Chorus Newsletter, Fall 2006. "Remembering Marjorie Townsley Rawlins." The South Dakotan, Fall 2009. Shulman, Julius, Jurgen Nogai and Richard Olsen. Malibu: A Century of Living by the Sea. New York: Abrams, 2005, United States Department of the Interior. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, "Stevens House." Prepared by Historic Resources Group, 2009. 8 T'" W Wi TRFPIRrri i:G IXMWI ' "npN lr vi$C:iJn LYYL itiRl':Y.(5 (.Y:: :. 'Ufa(• "Y10 A/I ?1:.%115 n1U :+IYiPVFIv'Nl (I'll, 010ViY /1 0 4a s Q z J U I I PARK f2 3 4 5 b v 26� -"�27 14 15 I I I I I I s.' J W R j C �a. O or6 24 n rs r] O2 le r 22 O3 IS 21 9 1 22 SfCTION O4 H 29 zr az 21 OS .z IS 12 25 OS 20 O6 0 _ 15 12 1f - 22 rl 21 O7 zJ rn — O 29 29 9 O9 O 16 n 11 25 e 26 z6 ] 10 10 15 16 f2 3 4 5 b v 26� -"�27 14 15 I I I I I I s.' J W R j C �a. O or6 24 fr 3 11 r] �2 15 c 23 rB IS 24 O3 16 22 19 H O 23 21 20 2r .z IS 12 OS 20 0 21 2f j rJ 12 8, 22 rl 21 O7 zJ rn 18 O 29 9 17 O9 20 16 n 25 B 26 10 15 5 6 :: 25 26 12 13 1® r I 14' W x Q 2 44. AVENUE Of 2 4 5 25 3 11 r] 16 15 c O2 24 16 IS Q3 23 19 4 O 21 2f j rJ 12 �5 21 IA 0 O 20 u O 19 2l r0 O8 18 )< 9 26 $ 17 25 B 26 Y 27 16 w LOJ A w 048 -15 MARCH 1949 BALBOA ISLE. SEC. THO M.M. 6 -31 J Q R C Q h ro' NOTE - ASSESSOR'S BLOCK A ASSF55OR'.S MAP PARCEL NUMBERS BOOK 050 PAGE 10 SHOMN IN CIRCLES COUNTY OF ORANGE 050-10 2 4 5 6 3 11 28 29 13 19 15 c w LOJ A w 048 -15 MARCH 1949 BALBOA ISLE. SEC. THO M.M. 6 -31 J Q R C Q h ro' NOTE - ASSESSOR'S BLOCK A ASSF55OR'.S MAP PARCEL NUMBERS BOOK 050 PAGE 10 SHOMN IN CIRCLES COUNTY OF ORANGE 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 0 w, ( �1 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 Ace :.3 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 ��j. JY '.' t� ni %: tr'. n j A`, _ a'� !': `,." a. �. K... 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. � rrrnr. 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 film / /C- \flnrnmentc nnri CPtrinnclKRn.vAnnlf nrol Intn.nm Caoc \r`,.nr 1)0m�11) n1 (1 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