55A - 2221 N. HELIOTROPE DRIVE - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

August 6, 2003 Historic Resoumes Commission City of Santa Ana Public Hearing august 7, 2003 Dear Chairman & Commissioners, We are honored that staffhas recommended our property for classification as a historical Landmark. However we have lived in the house for 15 years and have suffered major discomfort and cost associated with chronic roof leakage. Following is a brief summary of the problems: -House was purchased in 1988 after a complete renovation in 87 when the property was featured as "designer house" of the year, -1990 roof and balconies leaking resulting in medium repairs or the eastside balconies and living room ceiling. -1991 total collapse ora comer of the ceiling in the kitchen and garage. Major repaim to deck, ceiling and replacement of rotted beams. -1992 ceiling in the living room collapsed partially (1/3), new roof done with 5 years guarantee. -1995 leakage around chimneys, ceilings in master bathroom and library, kitchen and garage damaged. Decks above the kitchen and garage were completely resurface& -1996, 1997, 1998 leaking from east side balconies, ceilings of living room and kitchen during each rainy season, requiring repairs each time. -1998 eastside balconies major repair: balconies are enclosed with new lightweight roofing material, 4 new posts are built to strengthen balconies. A new roof is built on top of old flat One. -despite the repairs, for the last 5 years, we continue to have leaks in the living room, family room upstairs, in the kitchen and garage. The above chronolog3, cannot adequately describe our problems: damage to the structure, staining and damage to the furniture and content, children falling and tripping from the wet floors. Every rain brings anxiety and apprehension and members of the family spring to action, carrying containers, pots and pans to place under leaks. Worsening cracks and constant dampness of the ceiling are threats of total collapse of the house structure. In addition our parents decided to move out because of poor insulation with overheat during the summer and cold in the winter. Because of the unbearable burden and the considerable costs, we decided to build a new pitched roof with red tiles, and plans were submitted by our architect 4 months ago in March. The planning agency denied permit because of the planned classification as historic property. Ms McCann associate-planner at the agency agreed to come and evaluate our situation, and brought a roofmg specialist. He recommended a new flat roof guaranteed for 5 years at the cost of $25,000, half of the cost of a new pitched roof which represents a permanent solution. We oppose the classification as proposed because it would preclude us from making the needed improvements to salvage the house. Flat roofs are problematic, and Frank Lloyd Wright houses are well known as maintenance nightmare because of leaks... We are including pictures showing the condition of the ceiling in the living room and the kitchen after the recent rain, despite multiple repairs, and the posts we had installed to prop the balconies for fear of collapse. The recommendation is interfering with our rights to a safe and comfortable home. We urge the commission to remove the 2221 North Heliotrope residence from the list of properties for classification as historical structures. Sincerely, Chan & Quynh Kieu Homeowners of 2221 North Heliotrope drive, Santa Aha, CA 92706 (714)641-0850 55.A. Page '108