HomeMy WebLinkAbout031209_ExecutiveSummary-O'BrienHouse_1102SBirch.pdfEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
O’BRIEN HOUSE
1102 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
NAME O’Brien House REF. NO.
ADDRESS 1102 South Birch Street
CITY Santa Ana ZIP 92707 ORANGE COUNTY
YEAR BUILT Circa 1921 LOCAL REGISTER CATEGORY: Key
HISTORIC DISTRICT N/A NEIGHBORHOOD Wilshire Square
NATIONAL REGISTER CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION A,C NATIONAL REGISTER STATUS CODE 5S1
Location: Not for Publication Unrestricted
Prehistoric Historic Both
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: Colonial Revival
The most universal of all American domestic building styles, the Colonial Revival has been popular since the 1876 Centennial
celebration in Philadelphia stimulated a patriotic interest in the American architectural past. Whether drawing upon Georgian,
Federal, or Dutch Colonial prototypes, Colonial Revival buildings feature rectangular building plans and designs which are usually
symmetrical, or at least highly regular and balanced, in composition. Roofs are commonly side-gabled, hipped, or gambreled,
sometimes accented with dormers. Porches, one or two stories in height, are often included, mostly as central focal points, and
frequently incorporate classical elements such as columns, pilasters, and entablatures. Doorways are adorned with classical surrounds
and pediments; sidelights, transoms, and fanlights are not uncommon. Windows are typically double-hung sash, with multiple lights
in the upper sash. French doors and Palladian windows are also utilized. Depending on location, Colonial Revival buildings have
wood, brick, or stucco exteriors (McAlester, 320-326).
SUMMARY/CONCLUSION:
The O’Brien House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under Criterion 1, as a building with the
“distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style or period.” The O’Brien House also qualifies under Criterion 4b, for its
association with the O’Brien family, who were among the “original settlers” of Wilshire Square. Additionally, the house has been
categorized as “Key” because it “is associated with a significant person or event” in the history of the City, the founding of the
Wilshire Square neighborhood (Municipal Code Section 30-2.2).”
EXPLANATION OF CODES:
• National Register Criteria for Evaluation: (From Appendix 7 of Instructions for Recording Historical Resources, Office of
Historic Preservation)
A: that are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
C: that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the
work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity
whose components may lack individual distinction.
• National Register Status Code: (From Appendix 2 of Instructions for Recording Historical Resources, Office of Historic
Preservation)
5S1 Is separately listed or designated under an existing local ordinance, or is eligible for such listing or designation.