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Home My Public Portal AboutHistoric Survey Sample Mailing July 6, 2012 Rafik and Michelle Tadros Family Trust 24069 Highcrest Dr Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Dear Rafik and Michelle Tadros Family Trust: Congratulations. The purposes of this letter are first, to inform you that your property in Temple City has been identified as one of a unique group of properties with historic features, as described in a recently completed historic resources survey of the community, and second, to invite you to a public workshop meeting concerning this survey. This meeting, which is discussed further below, will be held on July 26, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Temple City Historical Society Hall (5954 Kauffman Avenue). As a first step in the City’s effort to sustain the community’s historic character, the City contracted with the consulting firm, Historic Resources Group to conduct a comprehensive survey of the community to identify and document existing historic and cultural resources. The draft Historic Resources Survey Report was recently completed and is available at City Hall (in the Community Development Department) and on the City’s website at http://www.templecity.us/HistoricPreservation.asp. The draft report includes narrative on the methods used to conduct the survey, a brief summary of the community’s history as a whole, a discussion of the survey results with respect to the properties with historic attributes that were identified, and a “Property Data Table” with information on each of the 96 properties identified. The report also includes the consultants’ recommendations for possible future actions by the City to preserve historic and cultural resources which contribute individually and cumulatively to the desirable character of the community. However, it is important to note that the immediate purpose of the survey is to provide information only. Inclusion of your property on the Property Data Table in the survey report in no way changes or affects the legal status of your property or the regulations that apply to it. At the public workshop on July 26, 2012, consultants from Historic Resources Group will make a presentation on the historical resources survey report in general, and why certain properties are included in the Property Data Table in particular. This will be an opportunity for public comment on the survey, and for owners of properties included in the Property Data Table to ask questions and make comments. At the meeting, the consultants will also discuss their recommendations to the City on considering policies to better plan for the preservation of important cultural elements of Temple City. 9701 LAS TUNAS DRIVE • TEMPLE CITY • CALIFORNIA 91780-2249 • (626) 285 - 2171 Historic Resources Survey Letter In order to inform the community as a whole about the historical resources survey and its significance, the latest issue of the Temple City CONNECT magazine (distributed recently to all residents) includes an informative article entitled “Building on the Past: Historic Preservation Creates a Foundation for the Future.” A copy of this article is attached to this letter for your information. If you have questions or would like further information about any of the above, please come to the community workshop on July 26th. Please feel free to contact me and other Community Development Department Staff via phone or email as listed below. Sincerely, Steven M. Masura Director of Community Development City of Temple City | Community Development Department Office: 626-285-2171 ex: 2306 Email:smasura@templecity.us Enclosure: “Building on the Past: Historic Preservation Creates a Foundation for the Future” Page 2 of 2 12 Summer 2012 temple city feature Historic preservation creates a foundation for the future BY WENDY CHUNG 12 Summer 2012 Temple City Connect 13 Historic preservation creates a foundation for the future istoric preservation should be pushed forward. And I would push it fast, because everyday we’re losing something,” insists a passionate preservationist Manuel Valenzuela. No sooner had the former Temple City Planning Commissioner, lifelong resident and self-professed “historic preservation nerd” heard news of the recent completion of the City’s Historic Resources Survey, than he unleashed his imagination with ways the 96 newly identified potential landmarks might be preserved. And though duly impressed by the extensive list of documented properties, Valenzuela could not help but be wistful for resources already gone. “We’ve already lost some great history,” he laments. “We lost Winchell’s—I think people would have been really fascinated to find out, ‘Wow! There is a Winchell’s all the way out in New Zealand, and the first one started right here in Temple City!’” Making History “Through the years,” reads a staff submission to a December 2009 City Manager’s Report, “this small building has been a bakery and before that, it was a donut shop. Aesthetically speaking, the building will be dramatically improved with a new parapet roof, new stucco, windows and doors.” The record indicated that building permits had been issued for tenant improvements and an addition to an existing commercial building at the northeast corner of Las Tunas Drive and Hart Avenue. The “donut shop” described was, of course, the original Winchell’s Donut House, opened in 1948. “That started opening up some discussion— ‘We’ve lost the first one in the world to alterations,’” remembers Valenzuela, who was on the Planning Commission at the time. “Actually the building was kind of altered to begin with—I don’t know if it would have actually qualified as a historic landmark— but still, it started to breed some awareness with the Council and staff, like, ‘Hey, we’re losing some historic resources here!’” Another source of motivation, as Councilmember Tom Chavez recalls, was the City’s preparation for its 50th Anniversary celebration. “There was a lot of reflection going on at that time about what the City had done in the last 50 years. I remember the Council took a trip to the Workman and Temple Homestead Museum in the City of Industry [to learn about founder Walter Temple’s family]. That kind of stoked the fires a bit and got everyone interested not only in our past history, but also how we could preserve that history for future generations.” Chavez—who acts as the City liaison to the local Historical Society— raised the issue to City Manager Jose Pulido, who suggested gathering seed money to support further action. In 2010, the City applied for and received a $10,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to assist in completing the community’s first-ever Historic Resources Survey. Work commenced in February 2011 under a $45,000 agreement with consultant Historic Resources Group (HRG) to undertake a systematic evaluation of potential landmarks, based on criteria established by the California Register of Historical Resources. After more than a year of data collection and synthesis, HRG submitted a draft report in May, which included a Historic Resources Survey presenting potential landmarks and recommendations for further action. “This survey project is a first step in the City of Temple City officially identifying its historic properties for future preservation,” explains HRG’s Senior Preservation Planner Kari Fowler. “Every community has a unique history, and one of the best ways to understand that unique history is through its built environment.” Agreeing, Community Development Director Steve Masura notes, “Buildings and architectural style reflect the roots of the community. Everyone has a sense of community and place, and many are interested in seeing a little bit more about what Temple City’s about and how it developed. Without at least some mechanisms to try and preserve some of it, stuff just is going to go away.” Preservatives Added Among HRG’s recommendations is for the City to explore the option of adopting a historic preservation ordinance. While proponents like Valenzuela are eager to see measures implemented to start protecting local historic resources, the City is advancing cautiously. Of the 96 potential landmarks listed in the draft survey report, the vast majority are in the hands of private owners who may have genuine concerns about their properties being designated as historic sites. In fact, the financial interests of property owners frequently outweigh a desire for preservation—sometimes turning the process into an issue that divides communities. But these conflicts can be avoided, according to Fowler, who explains, “Local historic preservation ordinances vary widely in terms of what they may require of property owners, as well as the kinds of financial and other incentives they may offer.” Although some may react negatively to what is sometimes viewed as a public encroachment on private property rights, Temple City resident Bryan Brandes—who happens to be the current Chairperson of the State Historical Resources Commission— sees the value of government involvement in historic preservation. “I’m not in favor of very strict ordinances or regulations, but I think it’s important for a framework to be set up in a government body so as to have a neutral forum.” And on the premise that preserving heritage is a public good, many agencies offer various incentives, financial and otherwise, to encourage and facilitate the rehabilitation and maintenance of historic properties. Non-profit organizations (e.g. The Getty Foundation) provide conservation grants, while state and federal governments offer tax breaks. In California, the Mills Act Property Tax Abatement Program is a contractual agreement between property owners and “Buildings and architectural style reflect the roots of the community. Everyone has a sense of community and place, and many are interested in seeing a little bit more about what Temple City’s about and how it developed. Without at least some mechanisms to try and preserve some of it, stuff just is going to go away.” COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR STEVE MASURA 14 Summer 2012 municipalities, through which owners receive a property tax reduction that is to be used toward preservation. The challenge, according to Valenzuela, is lack of awareness about what preservation really is. He believes that, were there more public education, widespread community support would ensue. “Many people think that historic preservation means taking away the rights of the property owners and that it equals ‘I-can’t-touch-my-building- whatsoever,’” he says. “But people will find that, in reality, you can make improvements, and the [California Historical] Building Code becomes a lot simpler to help update your building and save money. You may even get a property tax reduction for preserving your building.” An outreach effort, he suggests, should be focused on dispelling misconceptions about preservation, as well as publicizing its benefits both for property owners and local economies. Fowler agrees that education is a key component to any successful program. “Often, there are common perceptions about what local designation means for a property owner, or the extent of regulatory control that comes with being a local landmark,” she says. A Rich Heritage There is growing consensus that integrating designated landmarks into future development plans is a viable economic model. A Brookings Institution report explicitly asks, “Does preservation pay?” Drawing from economic impact analyses conducted across a wide range of communities nationwide, researchers concluded, “The answer to this question is a resounding ‘yes.’” Data indicates a much greater likelihood for historic preservation to enhance, rather than suppress, property values. “There’s a market for historic properties and people will pay a lot of money for those,” concurs Paul Deibel, Community Development Project Manager. In addition to benefiting individual properties, historic preservation efforts can revitalize local economies by spurring activity in industries like heritage tourism and rehabilitation construction. “Historic preservation can be a highly effective economic development tool for a local community in revitalizing neighborhoods, attracting investment, generating tax revenue, and supporting small business,” suggests Fowler. Many cities—think of those with districts carrying the “Old Town” prefix— are using historic resources to define both a sense of place and community character. Pasadena, Riverside and Orange have all made historic restoration a very powerful economic development strategy. A recent concern in Temple City has been how traffic tends to pass through, without ever stopping in, the community. “Publicizing historic resources is of interest to people on a larger scale, so it might generate visitors to come experience Temple City’s village ambiance. This is particularly true of downtown, which is identified as a potential conservation area,” says Deibel. He also notes that Temple City is lucky to still have characteristics that contemporary developments like The Grove or The Americana attempt to mimic. C r a f t s m a n C a l ifornia Bungalo w S p a n i s h C o lonial Revival 1910S AND 1920S S 1910S THROUGH 1930S S Inspiration Associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement. Larger styles are Craftsman; smaller, California Bungalows. R Key Elements Low-pitched gabled roof Exposed rafters, beams visible inside Wood exterior wall cladding Inspiration Popularized following the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego. R Key Elements Red tile roofs Stucco exterior cladding Arched windows or door openings Stylin’ Through The Ages JUST LIKE ERAS IN FASHION, HISTORICAL PERIODS ARE ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH DISTINCTIVE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES. LOOK AROUND YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND SEE IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY DEFINING FEATURES OF THESE ICONIC DESIGNS. 14 Summer 2012 Temple City Connect 15 Sweet Memories “I don’t remember much, but the main thing I do recall about visiting Temple City was Cool’s Candies,” Josette Temple reminisces. “And you know, a kid in a candy shop—that’s dangerous!” Though born and raised in La Puente, where she continues to reside, the 75-year-old granddaughter of Temple City founder Walter Temple always maintained a connection with her family’s namesake town. Even though Cool’s is no longer—the store closed in 1986 after 45 years in business—Ms. Temple still comes around, these days as a member of the Temple City Historical Society. A lthough historic preservation is primarily centered on maintaining a building’s architectural style and physical characteristics, Ms. Temple reminds us that intangible history and material place are often profoundly linked. “It’s not just preserving a building and that’s it. It also turns into an oral history,” says Valenzuela, noting that structures are imbued with the values and intentions of their original builders and tenants. “There’s a vibe that was created because of different ideas, different tastes in architecture and different personalities that all contributed to making them what they are today.” The values of the community transcend the buildings themselves, observes historian Paul Spitzzeri, who as the Assistant Director of the Workman and Temple Homestead Museum has studied the Workman and Temple families for 25 years. “Walter Temple wanted to create an environment for middle-class people to feel like they were living in the country,” explains Spitzzeri, who suggests Temple City continues to be attractive for that very same reason. “I think an ordinance would remind people of why the town was founded in the first place and of the continuity of values.” In the draft survey report, 96 noteworthy structures were documented, seven of which appear eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings span six decades, from 1907 to 1965, with the mix in potential landmarks encompassing residential, commercial and institutional uses—even public infrastructure. Through varying architectural styles, the story of Temple City’s development is told, from the original townsite to the postwar boom years. T u d o r Revival F r e n c h Revival S t r e a m l i n e Moderne M i d -C e n t ury Modern 1920S, EARLY 1930S S POST WORLD WAR I S LATE 1930S S MID-20TH CENTURY S Inspiration Based on Medieval English building traditions. R Key Elements Steeply-pitched gabled roof Stucco or brick wall cladding Half-timbering Inspiration Draws from simple farmhouses of rural France. R Key Elements Tall, narrow windows May include round towers Steeply-pitched roof Inspiration Aerodynamic elements are an homage to contemporary advancements in the airplane industry. R Key Elements Smooth wall surfaces Curved corners Flat canopy over entrances Inspiration Simple materials and construction reflect the post-war demand to build homes efficiently and at a moderate price. R Key Elements Flat roof with canopies Simple geometric forms Unadorned wall surfaces Although some may react negatively to what is sometimes viewed as a public encroachment on private property rights, Temple City resident Bryan Brandes—who happens to be the current Chairperson of the State Historical Resources Commission—sees the value of government involvement in historic preservation. Temple City Connect 15 16 Summer 2012 temple city feature United by History “I’ve always thought it was important, not only for cities but for people in general, to understand where they came from and what they’re all about,” says Chavez, adding, “It helps us determine where we want to go in the future.” This sentiment, it can be argued, commands even more weight in our fast- paced, highly mobile society. “Because people are so mobile these days, residents may not always be aware of the history of the place they live,” suggests Fowler. In this sense, the City’s Historic Resources Survey allows the community to see, touch and interact with the history of their neighborhoods via brick-and-mortar artifacts handed down from the past. Regarding building a community in an increasingly diverse society, Valenzuela believes that drawing on a common place-based history could bring Temple City residents closer together. “I think a lot of people—regardless of age, gender or culture—really do appreciate history, so it could be something that unites everyone.” The completion of the Historic Resources Survey sets the stage for a potentially ambitious commitment to historic preservation in Temple City. However, as Deibel notes, further action will be guided and informed by public input and involvement. If residents and community leaders are dedicated to preservation, some of the cited properties can ultimately be designated as local landmarks through a formal process that would be established by the City Council. But whether or not the City pursues a historic preservation ordinance, a valuable use for the Historic Resources Survey is the ability to digitize the data and incorporate it into the City’s land management database system. “That way, when somebody with a historic resource comes to the counter to improve their property, it turns into a teachable moment where we can let them know that it may not be in their best interest to stucco over the wood exterior wall cladding of a Craftsman bungalow, or remove the masonry porch piers often part of that distinct architectural style,” explains Deibel. If there happens to be community consensus for a greater preservation effort, the next step could be to draft and adopt a historic preservation ordinance through which specific criteria for landmark designation can be established and financial incentives provided. “A local ordinance is the single most effective tool for protecting historic resources. However, ideally an ordinance is just one part of a comprehensive program designed to protect a community’s historic properties,” says Fowler. Other tools may include design guidelines educating property owners on how to preserve the architectural styles of historic structures, as well as integrating preservation as an element in the City’s General Plan. Back to the Future Looking ahead, Chavez notes the pressure to take some sort of action, and soon. “History keeps going and time doesn’t stop, so the longer we wait, the more we will have to lose,” he reflects. “We had the Winchell’s going first—what’s next? It’s sad when things just disappear.” As the City opens discussion on the possibility of establishing a preservation program, Chavez stresses the need for public involvement. “We haven’t reached the point of knowing how an ordinance might play out—we still have a long way to go—but we would treat this issue like we do all others,” he explains. “The City would be receptive to community concerns, we’d weigh the plusses and minuses and make sure we preserve our history while recognizing the rights of individual owners to reach some type of compromise.” The draft historic resources survey makes several recommendations outlining how the City might launch a preservation program: S Create an Inventory of Historic Resources, which can be periodically updated. S Draft and adopt a Historic Preservation Ordinance establishing criteria for landmark designation, financial incentives for private property owners and provisions for economic hardships. S Adopt a Historic Preservation Element for the City’s General Plan, identifying strategic goals and objectives for historic preservation. S Prepare a Design Review Process for historic preservation, establishing a separate set of design guidelines for identified historic properties. S Encourage the use of financial incentives to make it economically advantageous for private property owners to voluntarily apply for landmark designation, utilizing local, state and federal funding sources. S Develop a Historic Resources Database available to local residents and scholars. To review a list of identified historic resources and learn more about the above recommendations, access the full survey report available on the City’s website, www.templecity.us. GET INVOLVED The Historic Resources Survey will be presented at a public workshop on Thursday, July 26 from 7–9 p.m. at the Temple City Historical Society Hall, 5954 Kaufman Ave. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and solicit community input. For more information, contact the Community Development Department at (626) 285-2171. Preservation 101