HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/14/2014 - City Arts Commission - 04 Staff Report Goldenrod Footbridge
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
100 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE
NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660
(949) 644-3235
Memorandum
To: City Arts Commission
From: Community Development Department, Planning Division
Date: August 14, 2014
Re: Application for Listing of the Goldenrod Avenue Footbridge in the City’s Register of
Historical Property
____________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
1) Review information provided in this memorandum; and
2) Recommend to the City Council the classification of the property as a Local Historic Site
(Class 3)
INTRODUCTION
On July 22, 2014, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the application process to list the
Goldenrod Avenue Footbridge in Corona del Mar in the City of Newport Beach Register of
Historical Property.
Pursuant to City Council Policy K-2, Places of Historical and Architectural Significance (See
Attachment AC 1), applications for listing in the Register of Historical Property must be reviewed
by the Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission, the Arts Commission, and the Newport
Beach Historical Society for recommendation to the City Council.
DISCUSSION
The Goldenrod Avenue Footbridge is a six-foot-wide, 243-foot-wide concrete pedestrian bridge
that spans Bayside Drive to connect the 300 block of Goldenrod Avenue with the 400 block of
Goldenrod Avenue (See Figure 1). The bridge was constructed in 1928 to span what was
known then as “Pacific Gulch” to provide a more direct access to the beach.
Figure 1 - Aerial View of Goldenrod Avenue Footbridge
Register of Historical Property
The Register of Historical Property is a listing of properties, structures, and monuments, having
importance to the history or architecture of the City. Currently, there are nine (9) properties listed
in the Register:
City of Newport Beach
Register of Historical Property
Property Location Class Description
Balboa Pavilion 400 Main St. 1
Constructed in 1905, the Balboa Pavilion has been
the site of numerous social and cultural activities
over the turn of the century. It is one of the state’s
last surviving examples of great waterfront
recreational pavilions.
Rendezvous Ballroom Site 600 Ocean Front 5
A popular Balboa Dance Hall that featured
numerous famous Big Bands of the 1930s and
1940s. It was destroyed by fire in 1966.
Wilma’s Patio 203 Marine Ave. 4
Located on Balboa Island, the exposed structural
components of Wilma’s Patio are timbers used in
the original Balboa Island Bridge and McFadden
Wharf.
Balboa Inn 105 Main St. 1
Built in 1929, the Balboa Inn is representative of
Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and
beachfront tourist development.
Bank of America Site 611 E. Balboa Blvd. 5 Bank of America provided services from 1928 to
1984 (now demolished).
Balboa Theater 707 E. Balboa Blvd. -
Built in 1928, the Balboa Theater is a former
vaudeville theater that at one time housed an
infamous speakeasy during the prohibition period.
Dory Fishing Fleet Newport Pier 1
The fleet and open-air fish market have operated at
this location since the founding of the fleet in 1891
by Portuguese fishermen. The last remaining fleet of
its type.
Balboa Saloon 700 E. Bay Ave./701
Edgewater 3
The 1924 building is representative of the nautical
history and Main Street commercial masonry style of
Newport Beach.
Solar House 804 S. Bay Front 2
A significant example of the work of Los Angeles
architect John Lautner, and an excellent example of
Modernist residential architecture.
The primary benefit for listing in the Register is local recognition of the structure’s importance.
There are no economic incentives for listing the property, as neither the Mills Act nor the
Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit would apply. However, listing does make the
property’s eligibility to apply the California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8) if building
permits are needed in the future.
Analysis
Designation Criteria
Policy K-2 provides two sets of standards for the designation of historical property, one for
properties with architectural significance and one for properties with historical significance.
The footbridge is not connected to any persons or events that are historically significant. Nor does
the footbridge employ unique architectural features or a notable work of a master builder,
designer, or architect. However, the footbridge meets one of the criteria for architectural
significance:
Unique structures or places that act as focal or pivotal points important as a key to the
character or visual quality of an area
The footbridge is certainly a unique structure and serves as a landmark that is important to the
character and visual quality of the area.
Classification System
A Historic Resource Inventory conducted in 1992 by an Ad Hoc Historic Preservation Advisory
Committee, established by the City Council, included the footbridge (See Attachment AC 2).
While the Historic Resource Inventory has not been officially adopted, the 61 properties
classified for their significance according to criteria that was later incorporated into Policy K-2.
The bridge was assigned a Class 4, “Structure of Historic Interest”, status of significance at the
local level. Per 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.”
The footbridge is not representative of historic/architectural themes of statewide importance;
therefore, a Class 2 (Historic Landmark) or Class 1 (Major Historic Landmark) designation is
not warranted. However, the basic design and form of the footbridge is essentially the same
as when it was constructed (See Attachment AC 3). Therefore, staff finds that the footbridge
was incorrectly classified as Class 4 and should be classified as Class 3:
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.
Environmental Review
This application 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.
Public Notice
Notice of this application was provided pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Code.
Additionally, the item appeared on the agenda for this meeting, which was posted at City Hall
and on the City website.
Prepared by:
Patrick J. Alford, Planning Program Manager
Attachments:
AC 1. City Council Policy K-2
AC 2. Historic Resource Inventory Record 24
AC 3. Construction Plans
AC 4. Site Photos
Attachment No. AC 1
City Council Policy K-2
K-2
1
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.
K-2
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 Interest. 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.
K-2
3
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 Building Official 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.
1. 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.
K-2
4
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
Amended - September 27, 2011
Formerly A-15
Attachment No. AC 2
Historic Resource Inventory Record 24
City of Newporl Beach
Historic Resource Inventory
Historic/Common Name:
Area: CORONA DEL MAR
GOLDENROD AVENUE FOOTBRIDGE
RECORD 24
Address:GOLDENROD AVE.Accessor Parcel Number:
Resource Type:
Status:
Existing Land Use:
Use Code:
General Plan Designation:
Ownership:
Original Location?
Date Moved:
Location of Original Site:
Owner:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Available Documentation:
Historical Period:
Historical Significance:
Historic Classification:
Year Constructed:
Architect:
Architectural Style:
Distinguishing Features:
Associated Structures:
Condition of Feature:
Exterior Alterations:
Interior Alterations:
STRUCTURE
DEVELOPED
N/A
o
N/A
PUBLIC
YES
N/A
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS.
SHIPYARD
UNIQUE STRUCTURE, PROVIDED ACCESS TO THE BEACH
WHEN CONSTRUCTED IN 1928.
CLASS 4
1928
JOHN A. SIEGEL
N/A
N/A
N/S
EXCELLENT"
N/S
N/S
Comments:PAID FOR BY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT.
Preparer:G. HOWALD Date:10/01/91
GOLDENROD AVENUE FOOTBRIDGE
RECORD NO.24
Attachment No. AC 3
Construction Plans
Attachment No. AC 4
Site Photos
GOLDENROD AVENUE FOOTBRIDGE
SITE PHOTOS