03/15/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. ' ' . STATE Of CALIfORNIA-THE RESOURCES AGENCY GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN, Govern", . . . DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION e >.0, BOX 2390 SACRAMENTO 95B11 . (916) 322-8597 March 9, 1983 Mr. John Loomi s Thirtieth Street Architect, Inc. 2821 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92663 Dear John: In reference to our numerous conversations over 116 West Fourth Street, Santa Ana, it remains my belief that your latest solution deals. in a sensitive and appropriate way, with the problem of the amputated columns. Under the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, restoration of this strong original facade, while clearly most preferred, is not a mandate. Dealing sensitively with the remaining historic fabric is a mandate. The deep and simple fascia you proposed provides enough visual weight to carry the column stubs. The remainder of the new composition maintains a subordinate role. We have a critically wounded building here--the best we can do for it is to treat it with respect until it can be restored. To tinker with it or attempt to upstage the historic elements in favor of some ground-level diversions is not in the best interest of the resource. There is, however, another appropriate alternative that would be to totally screen the composition from the top of the parapet to the top of the shop windows. That, too, is historic preservation! Retention--not necessarily display--of historic fabric is of for-most concern. Neither your proposal nor my alternative can be faulted on these grounds. Perhaps, it might be better to have the building's awkwardness hidden until the day of restoration; I leave that to you and your client. ~:~7,; . the very severe demands of seismic upgrading and security, and based on our on-site discussions and recorrmendations of January 7, we continue to believe the project to be certifiable. However, until the District becomes a reality, the National Park Service refuses, understandably, to process applications. It is sad that the City and the potential District are in such an awkward and tenuous position: there is no good reason for it. We will cont i nue to provi de whatever support is asked and urge you to encourage the City to use both the lines of corrmunication and the services directly available to them. We are here for one reason--to make preservation work in California. Sincerely, ~'c-Q Robert E. Mackensen Preservation Architect Office of Historic Preservation K-1388H