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H IS T,O R IC I,•r�,lil SANTA -ANA "June 20. 2016 Santa Ana City Council 20 Civic Center Plaza P.O. Box 1988, M31 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the Santa Ana City Council; The French Park Historical District was created by the Santa Ana City Council as a result of strong resident interest to protect the architectural legacy of our neighborhood. Working with staff and the City Council the French Park Historical District was created April 2, 1984. The District includes 144 historic properties which fall under city -adopted design guidelines for historic preservation. French Park has just learned that City Council will consider a recommendation to approve the demolition of three antique buildings in the adjoining Lacy neighborhood. We are concerned that the city is again planning to demolish historic houses in this neighborhood without first considering preservation and reuse alternatives. French Park is also concerned that the City is moving so quickly to demolish these houses that there is no opportunity for the community to meet and consider other alternatives. French Park worked with the Lacy Neighborhood in 2010 and 2011 to stop the demolition of its older homes and encourage the reuse of of the remaining properties. In recognition of the pending demolition French Park requests City Council temporarily delay approving a the demolition contract to instead explore ways to retain and reuse at least one of the three houses, known as the Burgan House, located at 720 E. Sixth Street. Reuse of the 720 E. Sixth Street address may include, but not limited to, as a facility for gardening, teaching sustainable farming and farm to table food preparation. The house is named after one of its early owners, Samuel and Celeste Burgan. The Burgans were themselves farmers who moved from Ohio to Orange County sometime before 1910. The City of Santa Ana purchased the Burgan house, along with several dozen other historic houses in the Lacy Neighborhood, for redevelopment purposes. Of these properties the Burgan house is one of three structures still owned by the city and one of the last original homes remaining in the Lacy Neighborhood. We believe the Burgan house is a good candidate for rehabilitation and re -purposing as both a park and learning facility The city is rich with talent and resources and we understand there is interest to reuse the Burgan house and the adjoining city lots. In consideration of this French Park asks Council to postpone the demolition of the several houses for at least 60 days to allow the parties time to explore alternative uses and search for funding. Should you have any questions I can be reached at 714-639-6219. Yours Truly, 4,6&4 CoC4 - Debbie McEwen, President Historic French Park Association Cc: City Council City Manager Parks and Recreation Director HISTORIC FRENCH PARK ASSOCIATION, P.O. BOK 1 4 5 2 SANTA ANA, CA 92702, WWW . P R E N C H P A R K. O R G 1