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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/30/2014 - City Arts Commission - 01 Staff Report Special Meeting Blue Sky Plaque RECOMMENDATION: 1) Review information provided in this memorandum; and 2) Approve the stone faced pedestal commemorative marker design with a precast concrete cap and flush mounted bronze plaque to be installed at the end of Goldenrod Avenue with enhanced landscaping; and 3) Recommend to the City Council the placement of a commemorative marker for Blue Sky. FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: This project will be funded by contributions from individual donors. INTRODUCTION: On August 14th, 2014, the City Arts Commission adopted a Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommendation to direct staff to proceed with a project to place a commemorative marker for the former Rex Brandt and Joan Irving Brandt residence, school, and studio Blue Sky in Corona del Mar. The marker, adjacent to the Goldenrod Footbridge, would memorialize Brandt and Irving, as well as the significance of the site. At the September 11 meeting, after discussion amongst the Commission and in response to resident concerns, the City Arts Commission requested changes to the design of the marker. Staff was instructed to call a Special Meeting on September 30 in order to present these changes to the Commission for approval. BACKGROUND: Born on September 12, 1914, Rex Brandt was renowned for his contributions to California Scene Painting in general and his depictions of Newport Beach and Balboa Bay in particular. He is a significant figure in both California arts and the cultural heritage of Newport Beach. His wife, artist Joan Irving Brandt, is known for her contributions to California scene painting, particularly her sensitive depictions of women and children. In the spring of 1940, Rex Brandt and Joan Irving Brandt purchased a lot in Corona Del Mar at the end of Goldenrod Avenue adjacent to the footbridge. The Brandts ultimately built an estate at that location which they named “Blue Sky.” The Brandts established the Summer School of Painting in 1947. Many students passed through the school, and it was at Blue Sky where Brandt and Irving were able to create TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION FROM: The Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee PREPARED BY: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director 949-717-3810, thetherton@newportbeachca.gov TITLE: Commemorative Marker for Blue Sky elegant, naturalistic paintings that captured the feel of mid-century California for which they are renowned. The Blue Sky structure no longer exists, but the site is listed in the Newport Beach Historic Resource Inventory, which was presented to City Council on June 8, 1992. The inventory categorizes historical properties in five hierarchical “classes” of significance: ■ 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. ■ 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. In the Historic Resource Inventory, Blue Sky is designated as Class 4, a Structure of Historic Interest. A Structure of Historic Interest is 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. At the September 11 meeting, the Arts Commission voted to recommend to City Council the reclassification of the Blue Sky site from a Class 4 to a Class 5 since the structure no longer exists, but is associated with historic events or persons, or architecturally significant structures. DISCUSSION: A marker would commemorate both the former location of Blue Sky and the contributions that Brandt and Irving made to the artistic and cultural heritage of Newport Beach. Since the structure no longer exists, a marker would serve to inform residents and guests of the site’s historic importance. The Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee proposes that a stone-faced pedestal design with a precast concrete cap be used as the marker (see Attachment A). The landscaping surrounding the pedestal will also be enhanced and blended with the adjacent area. The marker features a 13“ by 19” plaque that memorializes the significance of the Brandts and the Blue Sky site. The plaque includes iconic representations of Brandt’s work. The plaque will also feature the City Seal as designed by Rex Brandt and explain the elements that comprise it (see Attachment B). The Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee feels that the stone-faced pedestal design is aesthetically pleasing and sensitive to the concerns of the neighbors, who were initially concerned about the initial sunken boulder design and the maintenance of the area. The neighbors are now in favor of the proposed installation and design of the marker. Pending approval by the City Arts Commission, the Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee will approach the City Council for approval as well as the appropriate City agencies necessary to complete the project, as the Arts Commission’s powers and duties are limited to the approval of the aesthetic and cultural impact of the marker. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: This item is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Staff believes with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed reclassification of Blue Sky and installation of a commemorative marker will have a significant effect on the environment, and therefore, the Council’s action on this item is not subject to CEQA (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)). NOTICING: This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Arts Commission considers the item). ATTACHMENT A: Simulation of the commemorative marker pedestal with new landscaping and trash receptacle. ATTACHMENT B: 13” by 19” bronze plaque with text and artwork.