4 - SPR19-01; DBA 19-01_114 117 E 5TH STREET COMMENTS

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From:jphlegal@aol.com To:Nguyen, Ken Cc:Bernal, Sarah Subject:Re: First American Project Date:Sunday, September 22, 2019 8:33:10 PM Also, re Parcel 2 -- it proposes only 21 parking stalls for 24 units?? Not everyone walks, bikes or will take the SA Trolley. Thank you, Julie Humphreys -----Original Message----- From: Nguyen, Ken <knguyen20@santa-ana.org> To: jphlegal@aol.com <jphlegal@aol.com> Cc: Bernal, Sarah <SBernal@santa-ana.org> Sent: Sun, Sep 22, 2019 6:24 pm Subject: Re: First American Project Thank you :) Sent from my iPhone On Sep 22, 2019, at 6:20 PM, "jphlegal@aol.com" <jphlegal@aol.com> wrote: Kenneth, I strongly urge and recommend further investigation before approving this proposed project. I understand that, standing in this location, at the corner of N. Main and E. 5th-- but partially concealed under a 1966 veneer of sheet metal and brick--s a 1931 Art Moderne building associated with the earliest history of First American, and Orange County itself. There are elements of the 1931 exterior vestibule- terrazzo floor, decorative ceiling and fluted columns- that were integrated into the modern construction and remain visible on N. Main today. However, because the 1931 building isn’t fully exposed, the environmental report commissioned by Toll Brothers Apartment Living (the project applicant) concluded that there is no historic structure on the site. I understand that City staff has maintained that the site is without historic merit because it's not within a historic district, and has been unwilling to challenge the environmental assessment. However, this is not supported by the city's past practice since the city has frequently sought to identify and seek historic designation of many structures that are not within a currently- identified "Historic District." Moreover, the City's own General Plan is clear about the value of historic preservation to the local economy and quality of life in Santa Ana. The General Plan policies as interpreted in the Transit District Zoning and EIR -- to which this block is subject -- emphasize the need to preserve and design in accordance with the pre-World War II architecture of the neighborhood. I believe further investigation is required. If the 1960s-era alterations are reversible--as many preservationists believe they are--then the 1931 building may be restored to a new use. While I might support a properly-designed mixed-use development in the project location, I don’t believe it’s necessary to demolish historic structures to achieve a desirable outcome for all stakeholders. The historic integrity of DTSA and its surrounding structures is a major asset that should be valued and preserved at all reasonable cost. Other cities, including Los Angeles,