HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-06-09 City Council (6)TO:
City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL 6
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: Planning and
Community Environment
DATE:
SUBJECT:
June 9, 1997 CMR:272:97
APPEAL BY THE OWNERS OF 828 RAMONA OF THE
DECISION OF THE HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD AND
THE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE TO DESIGNATE THE SINGLE
FAMILY RESIDENCE AS A CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCE.
REOUEST
This report forwards to Council an appeal of an Historic Merit Evaluation at 828 Ramona
Street.
RECOMMENDATIONS .
Staffrecommends that the City Council uphold the decision of the Historic Resources Board
and Director to designate the residence at 828 Ramona a Contributing Residence, based on
findings (Attachment 1).
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
There are several policy implications related to the designation of Contributing Residence.
The Contributing Residence designation classifies the residence as a structure of historic
significance. The five criteria for evaluating the significance of historical resources and the
definition of Contributing and Landmark structures were adopted by Council in Resolution
7631. These criteria, definitions and other policy implications are summarized in the
"Background" section of this report.
BACKGROUND
On May 7, 1997, the Historic Resources Board recommended that the 828 Ramona Street
pre-1940 residential structure be designated a Contributing Residence, pursuant to Chapter
16.50 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (the Interim Historic Regulations). The
recommendation was approved by the Director’s designee on May 8, 1997. An appeal by
Harold Justman, representative ofNorma Justman, was filed on May 8, 1997. The appellant
CMR:272:97 Page 1 of 5
wants the structure designated Without Historic Merit for a variety of reasons described in
his letter of appeal dated April 29, 1997 (Attachment 7).
Under the Interim Historic Regulations, Chapter 16.50, Landmark residences may not be
demolished except under very extreme circumstances, and alterations of those residences are
subject to the binding review of the HRB and Director of Planning and Community
Environment, appealable to the City Council. Contributing residences may be demolished,
but the replacement structure is then subject to the Compatibility Standards, administered
by staff.
DISCUSSION
Under the criteria and definitions of historic significance and determination, staff
recommended, the HRB concurred and the Director’s designee approved a designation of
Contributing Residence for the residential structure at 828 Ramona. It should be noted that
information in the following analysis includes both material developed by staff in evaluating
the property and material developed by Palo Alto Stanford Heritage, which related to the
original inhabitants of the neighborhood and the subject residence.
Basis for Determination
The designation was based on a f’mding that the residence satisfies Criterion 4 for
determining historic significance. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,
period, region, or method of construction that is particularly representative of an architectural
style or way of life important to the city. The structure was classified as a vemacular, or folk
Victorian residence. The architectural description of the residence is contained in the
attached staff report, dated May 7, 1997, page 1, Attachment 5.
The vernacular folk Victorian style came into existence as a version of the National Folk
form, and reflected the development of the woodworking industry and local trade centers that
supplied inexpensive Victorian detailing. Many builders applied pre-cut detailing to older
folk house forms that were locally familiar. This builder approach produced residences such
as 828 Ramona, which makes a stylistic statement while retaining the simplicity of the basic
folk house form.
This type of vemacular Victorian cottage was constructed in modest turn-of-the-century
neighborhoods throughout Palo Alto, often as speculative cottages to spur sales in newly-
subdivided portions of the City. While once a common sight in Palo Alto, these cottages
have diminished in numbers over the years. They have survived in neighborhoods such as
this portion of Ramona Street, and selectively in portions of the former Town of May field.
As a result, these neighborhoods and their associated turn-of-the-century cottages are
associated with residents from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The 800 Ramona block
was a blue collar enclave with Japanese-American residents during the first half of this
CMR:272:97 Page 2 of 5
century. Ramona Street was also home to some of Palo Alto’s early African-American
families (see attachment 5).
The Vemacular Victorian cottage was a builder style that gave architectural expression to the
blue collar Version of a late Victorian residential environment. Staff recommended and the
HRB found that it is important to encourage preservation of a complete cross-section of Palo
Alto historic heritage, including residential architecture from neighborhoods of people with
a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. In this context, 828 Ramona is an
unusually good example, as it was the fourth house constructed in University Park (now Palo
Alto) and originally housed one of the stone workers employed in the construction of
Stanford Memorial Church.
The HRB found that 828 Ramona best fits the category of Contributing Residence. The
residence, in its scale, style, and setting, supports the historic character of its neighborhood
grouping and district. The style and setting of vernacular Victorian cottage residences relates
to the more substantial residences built contemporaneously, while the cottage scale imparts
a distinctive character to the neighborhoods in which these residences occur.
Basis for Appeal
The following summarizes the appeal of Harold Justman and staff’s response to the. appeal
arguments. Their letter is included as Attachment 2, and staff has paraphrased and
condensed their arguments in italics below.
1.828 Ramona once contained two residences, consistent with the transitional character
of the neighborhood from Downtown commercial uses to the single family homes of
Professorville. The second unit that previously existed on the lot has been
demolished, the lot is now zoned R-l, and as a single family unit, 828 Ramona no
longer represents the history or culture of the area.
This history and culture of the area are represented by the presence of small scale
period residences, which housed blue collar Palo Altans from varied cultural and
ethnic backgrounds. In staff’s judgment, the issue of whether a turn-of-the-century
working class residence can be considered historically significant is at the core of this
appeal. The Interim Historic Regulations include an update to the standards for
historic designation to reflect national and state advances in the historic preservation
movement. Contributing properties are buildings, groups of buildings, structures,
objects or sites that relate to and support the historic character of a neighboring
grouping or district because of historical or cultural importance or in scale, materials,
proportions, setting or other factors. This definition does not require the residence to
be of outstanding architectural merit, nor does it require that relatively modern zoning
densities be represented on the site. Scale and setting or "cultural significance" are
CMR:272:97 Page 3 of 5
0
factors in merit evaluation under the Interim Regulations. Based on the description
of the historic contribution of this neighborhood, and the scale and setting of the
vernacular Victorian cottage architectural style, described in the earlier section of this
report, the HRB concluded that 828 Ramona is a Contributing Residence.
828 Ramona is neither well built nor well designed.
This fact is not relevant to the historic merit determination. It is worth noting that a
Contributing Residence designation does not prevent a homeowner from fixing up
and even completely replacing the residence.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council has two alternatives to the staff recommendation:
1.Uphold the appeal and fred the residence at 828 Ramona Street to be Without Historic
Merit.
2. Determine the residence at 828 Ramona Street to be a Landmark Residence.
Staff was unable to support a determination of Landmark Residence. Research into the
history of the site did not identify noteworthy historic people, events, activities, or
archaeologic resources associated with this residence. It was staff’s judgment that 828
Ramona is not an outstanding example of the vernacular Victorian cottage style, because
even though it presents period architectural features characteristic of Palo Alto, all elements.
described are common to residences of this period and are not exceptional.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts associated with this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
This project is Categorically Exempt under the provisions of the Califomia Environmental
Quality Act.
STEPS FOLLOWING APPROVAL
Depending on the outcome of the Council’s determination, the homeowner would be free to
develop and submit plans for demolition or modification of the residence on the following
basis
.1. Structure Without Merit: Compliance with Ro 1 Regulations required.
CMR:272:97 Page 4 of 5
Contributing Residence: Compliance also required to the staff-administered
Compatibility Review Standards, if the alteration meets the definition of demolition,
meaning more than 50 percent of the exterior walls are demolished or any portion of
the front facade. If the modifications fall beneath this threshold, compliance with
only the R-1 regulations is required.
Landmark Residence: Alterations must meet the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for
Historic Rehabilitation per review by the Historic Resources Board recommending
to the Director of Planning and Community Environment, appealable to the City
Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1.Findings
2.Appeal letter from Harold Justman, dated April 29, 1997
3.Minutes of the HRB meeting of May 7, 1997
4.Notice of the Decision of the Director
5.Staff Report, May 7, 1997 (revised May 22, 1997)
6.P.A.S.T. memo re: 828 Ramona
7.Historic Merit Evaluation Application Form
8.Style Manual description of Folk Victoria style
9.Palo Alto Times, 12/17/56, "Mrs. Mosher, Palo Alto Resident 66 Years, Dies"
10.Criteria for Historic Designation
CC:Harold Justman
Historic Resources Board
PREPARED BY:Barbara Judy, Preservation Architect Consultant for Interim Historic
Program
DEPARTMENT HEAD REVIEW:
KENNETH R. SCHREIBER
Director of Planning and
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
FLEMING
Manager
CMR:272:97 Page 5 of 5
ATTACHMENT 1
FINDINGS
828 RAMONA STREET
The residence satisfies Criterion 4 for determining historic significance. It embodies
the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction that
is particularly representative of an architectural style or way of life important to the city.
The structure is particularly representative of a vernacular Victorian cottage
architectural style residence. Vernacular Victorian cottages are important to the City
because they are an expression of Palo Alto’s history, which included residents of
modest means who resided in appropriately-scaled houses such as these cottages. In
this context, 828 Ramona is an unusually good example of a Victorian cottage, as it was
among the first residences constructed in Palo Alto, and initially housed the family of
Albert Jory, a stonecutter engaged in construction of Stanford Memorial Church. The
subsequent history of the 800 Ramona block, and of 828 Ramona, was representative
of the experience of blue collar residents of Palo Alto in this century.
The residence fits the category of Contributing Residence. The residence in its scale,
style and setting supports the historic character of its neighborhood grouping and
district. The style and setting of vernacular Victorian cottage residences related to the
more substantial Victorian residences also built in Palo Alto at this time. The cottage
scale imparts a unique character to the neighborhoods in which these residences occur.
In this context, 828 Ramona is a good example of a Contributing Residence, as the
majority of the alterations it has experienced are pre-1940 alterations that fall within its
period of significance. The presence of Palo Alto Japanese American residents ties it
to the cultural and historical currents affecting the 700 and 800 blocks of Ramona.
Architecturally, this residence relates to the period structures along Homer, Emerson,
Channing, and adjacent Ramona Street blocks and contributes to that period context.
ATTACHMENT 2
REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY
TEI.E~HON~ 1415~ 573
April 29, 1997
Historic Resources Board
City of Palo Alto
civic Center
Palo Alto, California
Re: 828 Ramona
File No: 97-HRB-91
RECEIVED
APR 2 9 1997
Department of Planning and
Cornmunity~n_vironm~nt
Honorable Board Members:
My mother, "Norma Justman, who is 81 years old and has
lived in Palo Alto since 1964, owns the~ above property. She
bought the property so that she could remodel it and make it
more attractive. My mother owns the duplex at 834-836
Ramona and has since 1985 hoped for an opportunity
improve 828 Ramona.
I manage my mother’s properties and am familiar with
the history.of 828 Ramona (hereinafter the "subject
property"). The subject property once contained two
residential units. One unit was at the street and numbered ~
828 Ramona. The other unit was at the back and was numbered
830 Ramona. I enclose a copy of the Sanborn Fire Insurance
Map which documents the prior multiple density use. When
the subject property was two units it represented affordable
housing for employees of downtown Pa!o Alto businesses and
employees of the City of Palo Alto.
As a two unit property, the subject property was a
transition use between the downtown commercial district and
the single family homes of Professorville. (I enclose a
list of the former residents at 828-830 Ramona).
In the 1960’s the City of Palo Alto condemned 830
Ramona as unsafe and compelled the owner to demolish it.
enclose a copy of the condemnation resolution). The city
also rezoned the property to prevent the construction of a
second unit at the subject property.
(I
The remaining unit at the subject property is neither
well built nor well designed. Also, as a single family unit
the subject property no longer represents the true history.
of the original culture of the area.
Historic Resources Board April 29, 1997 Page Two
My mother requests that you determine that the subject
property no longer has historic merit. This determination
will allow my mother to proceed with her restoration of the
property without the added burden of HRB procedures and
expenses. Every dollar spent on HRB compliance is one less
dollar which can be spent on improving the physical
condition of the subject property. Already substantial sums
have been spent on this hearing.
My mother would like to use her money to improve the
subject property. Please allow her to do so.
Yours very truly,
Justman
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HISTORIC
RESOURCES
BOARD
EXCERPT Minutes of the Palo Alto
Historic Resources Board - 5/7/97
ATTACHMENT 3
MINUTES
Historic Resources Board Minutes
Wednesday, May. 7, 1997
8:10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Council Conference Room
Palo Alto City Hall
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, California "
Roll Call
Board Members Present: Mario, Murden, Backlund, Willis, Bemstein, Anderson, Kohler
Staff member present: Woods
Contract planner present: Judy.
City Council Liaisonpresent: Wheeler
Oral Communications: None.
Co Agenda Changes,’ Additions and Deletions: Judy reported that Item II. 7. Had been
removed at applicant’s request.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. 677 Arastradero: Application for Historic Merit Evaluation of a single family
residence constructed prior to 1940 in the R-1 Zone District (File 97-HRB-70.)
Staff presented an informational report that described the requested action of historic
merit designation from the board, provided an architectural description o.f the residence,
and evaluated its historic significance under the criteria contained in the interim
ordinance. The key recommendation from staff was that a historic designation of
LANDMARK HISTORIC RESIDENCE be assigned to the residence.
HRB Questions:
City of Palo Alto
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD MEETING of 05/07, 1997 Page 1 of 12
M~ that 2153 Waverley be designated a Contributing Residence
b;sOeTdEi~i~i~oCOmmendati~ the motion.
3. 828 Ramona: Application for Historic Merit Evaluation of a single family residence
constructed prior to 1940 in the R-1 Zone District (File 97-HRB-91.)
Chair Willis not participating due to conflict of interest.
Staff presented an informational report that described the requested action of historic
merit designation from the board, provided an architectural description of the residence,
and evaluated its historic significance under the criteria contained in the interim
ordinance. The key recommendation from staff was that a historic designation of
CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCE be assigned to the residence.
BM Murden asked where scarification from relocated windows was found on the
residence.
Judy responded that this scarification occurs in the rear half of the right side facade.
BM Kohler asked for the source of the social history for the 800 block of Ramona Street.
BMMurden confirmed that she had provided this material.
Public Comment:
Public comment was received from HarOld Justman, resident of 750 Ashby and
representative for his mother Norma Justman, the owner of 828 Ramona.
Mr. Justman indicated that his mother owns not only this property, but also 834-836
Ramona. 828 Ramona is an eyesore to a lot of people, who view it as a shack and a
health hazard. As it stands now, the structure has been difficult for him to insure. The
recommended designation of Contributing Residence would mandate compliance with
the Compatibility Review Standards that are intended to support the historic character of
a neighborhood, and he had received material on the background of this particular
neighborhood ~omCarol Murden previously.
The staff report should be corrected to reflect that the adjacent structures are not the
original structures that existed at the time that 828 Ramona was constructed, but rather
are older structures that were moved onto these sites from other locations in Palo Alto.
832 Ramona is a house that was imported from Channing Avenue, for example.
The.neighborhood as it exists now consists of parking lots across the street and on the
comer. The history of this street was destroyed long .ago - the entire neighborhood is best
characterized as a parking lot.
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD MEETING of 05/07, 1997 Page 6 of 12
The property owner does not intend to destroy the property further. Mr. Justman indicated
¯ that he has engaged an architect to design a remodel, which will allow them to retain the
existing non-complying 10-foot setback front facade. It has taken a lot of time to get
through the process. The Interim Historic Ordinance was passed because a minority of
people want to remodel without reference to the history of the community. Mr. Justman
indicated that he is sensitive to the history of the community.
Mr. Justman indicated that the expense of going through additional staff review processes
as a result of the proposed Contributing Residence designation would consume time and
money.
Public Hearing Closed.
BM Bernstein thanked Mr. Justman for his comments and observed that these issues.
should be included in discussion of the permanent ordinance.
BM Murden thanked Mr. Justrnan for his concem for the history of the community. She
observed that despite the loss of some structures, the block formed by Ramona, Homer,
Emerson and Channing contains a number of historic structures such as the City of Pads
on Homer, Cachel’s Plumbing Shop and attached stable, and the intact residences across
the street in the 200 block of Homer. The 800 Ramona block contains the AME Zion
Church. In this context, 828 Ramona is a contributing structure, and she expressed
delight that Mr. Justman does not proposed to destroy it.
MOTION: BM Anderson moved that 828 Ramona be designated a Contributing
Residence based on the recommendations of the Staff Report. BM Mado seconded the
motion.
BM Bacldund commented that from the Board, staff and Council point of view the
context for making the Contributing Residence finding is not limited to the immediate
block, but consists of the "neighborhood and district." Within this definition, 828
Ramona is contributing to the very many period residences that exist in this neighborhood
and district.
BM Kohler commented that for this particular block, the parking lots may soon
disappear, perhaps to be replaced with new housing designed to comply with the
Compatibility Review Standards - change continues here as everywhere, and the parking
lots themselves may be the next feature to change.
VOTE: 6-0-1-0 (Willis not participating)
~r Historic Evaluation of a single family residenceMerit
constructed prior to 1940 in t~triet (File 97-HRB-92.)
Staff presented an informational report that de--action of historic
merit designation from the board, provided an architectural descd~
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD MEETING of 05/07, 1997 Page 7 of 12
ATTACHMENT 4
Historic Resources Board
Notice of the Decision of the Director of Planning and
Community Environment on the Action Taken at the Public
Hearing on May 7, 1997 on Agenda Item IIo 3.,
TO:Owner: Norma Justman, c/o Harold Justman, 3130 La Selva Drive, Suite 307, San
Mateo, CA 94403.
FROM:Barbara Judy, Preservation Architect, Interim Historic Program
PUBLIC HEARING: Historic Resources Board Meeting of May 7, 1997
SUBJECT:828 Ramona: Application for Historic Merit Evaluation of a single family residence
constructed prior to 1940 in the R-1 Zone District (File No. 97-HRB-91.)
REQUEST/PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Historic Resources Board was requested to assign a historic merit designation to 828 Ramona. Under
the City of Palo Alto’s Interim Historic Program, properties may be assigned a historic designation of
Structure Without Historic Merit, Contributing Residence, or Historic Landmark Residence.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommended assigning an historic designation of CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCE to this residence.
HRB ACTION TAKEN:
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historic Resources, 828 Ramona
was assigned the category of CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCE by the Historic Resources Board. The
Director of Planning and Community Environment approves that decision as of this notice.
APPEALS.’.
All projects approved are subject to an appeal period, which allows for the applicant or members of the
public to file an appeal from the decision of the Director of the project. The appeal period is 10. days after
the mailing of this notice of the decision of the Director of Planning and Community Environment.
If you wish to appeal this action, contact the Planning Division (329-2441) regarding time and fed. If you
challenge this land use decision in. court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else
raised in the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of
Palo Alto at or prior to, the public hearing.
Prepared By:Barbara Judy
COURTESY COPY:Larick Hill, 884 Portola Road, Portola Valiey, CA 94028.
Signed By:
~/~ ./~A~
OfficialNancy Maddox Lytle, ~.mci ~.ning
Designee of the Director of Planning and Community Environment
ATTACHMENT 5
Historic Resources Board
Staff Report
Item No. II. 3
TO:Historic Resources Board
FROM:
AGENDA DATE:
Barbara Judy, Preservation Architect, Interim Historic Program
May 7, 1997
SUBJECT:828 Ramona: Application for Historic Merit Evaluation of a single family
residence constructed prior to 1940 in the R-1 Zone District (File No. 97-
HRB-91.)
REQUEST/PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Historic Resources Board is requested to assign a historic merit designation to 828 Ramona.
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Interim Historic Program, properties may be assigned a historic
designation of Structure Without Historic Merit, Contributing Residence, or Historic Landmark
Residence.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends assigning an historic designation of CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCE to this
structure.
DISCUSSION:
Architectural Description:
Date of Initial Construction: circa 1895
This is a modest, turn of the century, vemacular Victorian cottage, showing evidence of several
period alterations, that was among a group of modest residences constructed on this University Park
block of Ramona street between c.1894-1900. Defining characteristics of this story-and-a-half
cottage include the asymmetrical facade; steeply-pitched hipped roof (clad in deteriorating asphalt
shingles) with front-facing, projecting, pedimented bay at right; and partial-width covered front
porch with fiat roof supported by simple square posts and open balustrade. Exterior walls are clad
in horizontal wood siding with painted wood shingles at the gable end. Typical windows are double
hung wood sash throughout structure. Additional windows include the narrow horizontal fixed sash
at gable end and two 2/2 double hung wood sash at right rear facade. Window scarification is also
visible at the right facade. The house sits on a partial concrete foundation with several period
alterations including the lean-to at left facade with vertical wood siding and multi-lite fixed sash
Page 1
windows. A gravel driveway at left leads to evidence of a rear structure barely visible from the street.
The house was constructed for A. Jory who, according to Palo City Directories, occupied the home
from 1895-1908.
This block of Ramona Street is dominated by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation to the east. 828
Ramona is among three period residences grouped on the west side of the block: these residences
are among the earliest structures on the block and appear as a group on the 1901 Sanborn Map. An
intact, small scale, turn of the century residential environment begins at the 900 block of Ramona
to the south.
Sanborn Map History
- The 1901 Sanbom Map shows 828 Ramona located on a wide (approximatel~ 100’) lot. It is the
only dwelling unit on the lot which includes several ancillary buildings at rear. The projecting gable
end and receding porch on the street facing facade are clearly visible. The dwelling units at 834 and
842 Ramona are also present.
- The 1904 and 1908 map additions show identical information regarding the lot at 828 Ramona.
- The 1924 Sanbom indicates that the wide lot was split and this dwelling unit is shown as a single
lot property with an addition to the south.
- The 1925-1945 updated version presents 828 Ramona with a rear porch addition and second
dwelling (830) at the east end of the property. 830 Ramona, which appears on this map, has since
been demolished.
Criteria for Historic Designation:
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historic Resources, 828
Ramona satisfies Criterion 4, as the design of this residence employs period architectural themes
which are characteristic of residences of the 1890s.
Categorization:
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historic Resources, 828
Ramona best fits the category of CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCE. Staff concluded that the
residence, in its scale, style and setting, supports the historic character of its neighborhood grouping
and district.
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historic Resources,
standards for designating HISTORIC LANDMARK RESIDENCES are provided. Research into the
history of the site did not identify noteworthy historic people, events, activities, or archeological
resources associated with this residence. It is staffs judgment that 828 Ramona is not an
outstanding example of the Vemacular style, because even though it presents period architectural
features characteristically found in Palo Alto, all the elements described above are common to
residences of this period and are not.exceptional. Therefore, staff concluded that the standards for
designation as a HISTORIC LANDMARK RESIDENCE are not met.
COURTESY COPY: Owner: Norma Justman, c/o Harold Justman, 3130 La Selva Drive, Suite 307,
.P~e2
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Applicant: Larrick Hill Architects, 884 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA
94028.
Prepared By:Barbara Judy
Reviewed By:Nancy Maddox Lytle, Chief Planning Official
P~e3
i State of California -- The Resources Agencyi DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
!PRIMARY RECORD
Page 1 of 2
PI. Other Identifier:
P2. Location:
and (P2b and P2c
b. USGS 7.5’ Quad
Other Listings
Review Code_
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
NRHP Status Code 5S3
Reviewer Date
Resource Name or #: (Assigned by recorder) 828 Ramona Street
[] Not for Publication [] Unrestricted a. County Santa Clara
or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.)
Date T ; R ;114 of 1/4 of Sec ;B.M.
mN
c. Address: 828 Ramona Street City Palo Alto Zip 94301
d. UTM: (Give more than one for large and/linear resources);mE/
e. Other Locational Data (Enter Parcel #, legal description, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate)
PSa. Photograph or Drawing (Photograph required for buildings, structures, and objects)
Pamel No. 120-28-027
P3. Description (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and b0undades)
This is a modest, turn of the century, vernacular Victorian cottage, showing evidence of several period alterations, that was among a group of modest
residences constructed on this University Park block of Ramona street between c.1894.1900. Defining characteristics of this story.and.a.half cottage
include the asymmetrical facade; steeply.pitched hipped roof (clad in deteriorating asphalt shingles) with front.facing, projecting, pedimented gable bay at
right; and partial-width covered front porch with flat roof supported by simple square posts and open balustrade. Exterior walls are clad in horizontal wood
siding with painted wood shingles at the gable end. Typical windows are double hung wood sash throughout structure. Additional windows include the
narrow horizontal fixed sash at gable end and two 2/2 double hung wood sash at right rear facade. Window scarification is also visible at the right facade. The
house sits on a partial concrete foundation with several period alterations including the lean.to at left facade with vertical wood siding and multi.lite fixed sash
windows. A gravel driveway at left leads to evidence of a rear structure barely visible from the street. The house was constructed for A. Jory who, according
to Palo City Directories, occupied the home from 1895.1908. This block of Ramona Street is dominated by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation to the easL
828 Ramona is among three period residences grouped on the west side of the block. An intact, small scale, turn of the century residential environment
begins at the 900 block of Ramona to the south.
P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP2-Single Family Property
P4. Resources Present [] Building [] Structure [] Object [] Site [] District [] Element of District [] Other (Isolates, etc.)
P5b. Description of Photo: (View, date, accession #)
828 Ramona, front facade
P6. Date Constructed/Age and Sources:
[] Prehistoric [] Historic [] Both
P7. Owner and Address
Justrnan, Normac/o Justrnan, Harold Esquire
3130 LaSelva Drive Ste. 307
San Mateo, CA 94403
PS. Recorded by: (Name, affiliatiqn, and address)
Catherine Watts, Barbara Judy Presetv’atJon Architect
P9. Date Recorded: 4/29/97
P10. Survey Type: (Describe)
Reconnaissance
Pll. Report Citation: (Cite survey report and other sources, or enter "none")
None
Attachments I~ NONE ~ Continuation Sheet [] Distdct Record [] Rock Art Record[] Location Map 12] Building, Structure, and Object Record r~ Linear Feature Record E] Artifact Record[] Sketch Map [] Archaeological Record [] Milling Station Record [] Photograph Record
Other:. (Ust)
DPR 5’Z3A (1/95) HistoryMaker S~n Buenaventura Research Assodates
State of Califomia -- The Resources AgencyDEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
CONTINUATION SHEET
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
Page 2 of 2 Resource Name or #: (Assigned by recorder) 828Ramona Street
Recorded by: Catherine Watts, Barbara Judy Preservation Architect Date 4/29/97 [] Continuation [] Update
Sanborn Map History
The 1901 Sanborn Map shows 828 Ramona located on a wide (approximately 100’) IoL It is the only dwelling unit on the lot which includes several ancillary
buildings at rear, The projecting gable end and receeding porch on the street facing facade are cleady visible. The dwelling units at 834 and 842 Ramona are
¯ also present. 1904 and 1908 map additions show identical information regarding the lot at 828 Ramona. The 1924 Sanborn indicates that the wide lot was split
and this dwelling unit is shown as a single lot property with an addition to the south, The 1925.1945 updated version presents 828 Ramona with a rear porch
addition and second dwelling (830) at the east end of the property. 830 Ramona has since been demolished.
DPR 523L (1/95) HistoqtMaker San Buenaventura Research Assodstes
ATTACHMENT 6
To:Catherine Watts / Barbara Judy
From: Ca~o! Murden
Date May l, 1997
Re:828 Ramona
The attached material was done for a P,A.S.T. walking tour several years ago.
When compiling the list of occupants of 828 Ramona from the city directories,
I became aware that the 800 block, beginning in the teens, had a very strong
Japanese population (at least as indicated by surnames). This con,Anued
through 1941 and then abrt!.ptly stopped in 1942 wth the beginning of WWII
and the interment of Japanese Americans, A vivid example of the historyof
that period. The 700 block of Ramona I believe has a similar history- and
other blocks may too- but the 800 block was the only one that I do~.umen~ed.
The Pale Alto Japanese Methodist Church met for several years in the early
teens in the basement of 827 Ramona.
The 800 block was also important in the history, of the black community. The
University A.M.E. Zion church is located at 819 Ramona. Ruth Anne Gray, a
descendent of the Harris and Hinson family- a well known African American
fanfily in. Pale Alto- wrote that "Black families were clustered primarily on
Fife, .., on Ramona Street, and in the former town of Mayfield" .The families
may not have been on the 800 block of Ramona. Isaac M, Hinson, who was on
the original Board of Directors of the A.M.E, Church, did live at 827 Ramona
in 1942.
Leon Arrouzet, at 861 Ramona, ran&o-owned? a laundry, at 642 Ramona with
Alfred Dalmon in the mid to late twenties. (Directory entry.1928: University
French Laundry,- Leon Arrouzet, Alfred Dalmon - 642 Ramona)
At the time of the P.A,S.T tour about 1993 or 1994, the renter at 828 Ramona
gaveme the name of Mr, Mays as the owner.
In a telephone conversation with Mr. Mays he told me that he restored houses,
but that he would not like to see 828 put on the Inventory. He had lived in the
house for several years and had found it impossible to heat because of the
single wall consruction, and that eight or ten 6 x 6’s are all that are holding up
the house, which like many others in the area was built to house laborers.
The house next door which is a duplex, was cut in half, moved to its present
site, and rejoined, The seam where the two halves were rejoined can still be
seen if one looks closely.
1895-1896-
1896-97
1897-98
1899-190J.
1903 (Jan)
1904 (ohm)
1904 (Dec)
1906-1907
].908
1910 (Jan)
19.!I (Jan)
1912-19].3
1914-1916
828RAMONA
OCCUPANTS
Jory, A. laborer
Jory, A. (Mrs. A.) laborer
Jory, Arthttr (Mrs. A.),
laborer
Jory,Arthur (M~ s.. A.)
Miss Agnes
Jory,Arthu_r (Mrs. A.)
Agnes
William
Jory, A. (Mrs. A.) laborer
Jory, A (Mrs. A.) laborer
William. H. plumber
Res. Ra~ona Street
].st from Homer Ave,
R. side Ramona
Rmnona 9, R 1.
J0ry, A. (Mrs. A.) hod carrier
Win. H.
(Agnes Jory is list, ed as a cook at 1019 Bryant)
Heaom~ey, I,H. teamster
Anrade, Vincent.(Mrs. Minnie)
em.ploycc Ford wood ym-d
No listing
Braes, Willi,~m~. H.(Mrs.El.i.za) Vice-
Preside.nt Palo Alto Transfer an.d Storage
Bates,W.H, (Mrs W.H,) trm~sfer man
Clara J..student
1916-]919
1.920-1.921
1921.1922
1.926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1.932
1.933
193.)
1944
1946-1948
1950
1958
Bates, William H.(Eliza) transfer man
(1.919-1920 Win. H. Bates, trmlsfer man, is listed
living at the University Hotel)
Hiran.o, Ethel
No listi.ng
Oishii Make{a (Mrs. M.) l.abarer
(Mr. Ma_kota was born in. Japan. He lived in Pa!()
Alto for 40 years)
Ori enta].
Matsuda, :P housebol.der
¯ Matsuda, K. resident
Orient,-ds
Okara, T, gardener
Matsuda, K. laborer
Matsuda, H.K.
Funderburk, James (Fred ethel)
Miller, Mrs. Haze!. B.
Harrison, Jerry !.aborer
Jones, Leon (Augusta) machine¯operater Black Mr. Water
828 RAb~[ONA
From 1903 to 1907 W H. Jory was listed as a resident at 828 Ramona,
At later dates in the Palo Alto City Directories a W.H. Jory is listed as a
member of the Palo Alto City Fire Department:
1910
1911
Fire Department
Hose Cart #1 - City Hall, W. Jory Foreman
¯ Fire Department
W. H. Jory- Second Assistant Chief
Hose Cart- Hamilton and Ramona, W.H, Jozy
I914-1G
191t Palo Alto City Directory listing of residences:
(Jo.~~, Albert- laborer, 328 Everett
, Mrs. Ellen,328 Everett
, William H.,328 Everett)
Fire Department
Chemical #2, William Jory
There were a number of Jory’s in Palo Alto, but it does seem that the Jory in
the fire department and the William H. Jory who lived at 828 Ramona are the
same person.
~this ~:ternoon a[ Tlnn~y Fu-
’ .ner~l Kome In Palo.61m for
’T~unes~buro Kimura, .~7, ¯ who
’,died a~.hls home, ~15~ Staun~on
,CL, P~Io ~2tO, Sunday follow-
, Mr. Himura. w~s a retired
¯ Ia~orer. He had lived In
’,Al:o for a~t~roxima~ely lO
: s’h’.Mr" Kimura I~ survivedw[do’.v, UmeRo; two da~gh-
,ters, Mrs. Lily N;ra%a of
and Rose Ktmura, Palo
’two son5~ M~uru andP~lo Alto, and one granddaugh-
Palo Alto Times
1/3/1958
,
Lon, ghme ralo Altan,
Ume.kq Kimura dies
Umeko Klmura, who hind iived
it, Palo Alto since 1919, died
Wednesday at Stanford University
Hospital aher a short Illness. She
was 78, ~’.~d,O ALTo
Mrs: Kimura came tO Palo Alto
in 1919 ~om Wakayama Prefec-
ture in Japan?She was roamed
earlier t~at year to Tsunesabur~
Kimura.
The Ktmuras liv~ ~ Paid Alto
until World ,War II, when’they
were interned at Harte Mountain,
Wyo.
~’ey returned to PMo Air0 after
he war.
Mr. Kimu~a died in 1956.’
Mrs. Kimura had beefi a member
of Aldersgate Methodist Church of
Palo Alto.
She. ~ ~u~’ived by "two sons,
Masaru Kimura, of Palo A!to find
Robe~ Kimuraof New York City;
two daughters, Rose Kimura of
Pa]o Alto and Lily Hirata of Hon.
olulu; five grahdchlldren and one
gr~at.grandchild.
Funeral sewlCe~ were held today
at Aldersgate Methqdist ChUrct~,
under the direction ’of Roller &
Hapgood & Tinney of Palo Alto.
Internment wi!l be at Aha Mesa
CemeteD’, Palo Alto,
Palo Nto Times
10/28/1977
Lived at. 850 Ramona Street
8(}0 BLOCK.- RAMONA STREET
1904-1955
(from P~do A!to City Dir(:ctories)
1904 (ILl.)
1910 (Ja~)
1916..19.1.7
1925
827 Ram.ona
828 Ramona
834 Ramona
842 Ramo,.m
847 Ramona
848. Ramona
861 Ram.ona
828 Ramona
834 Ramona
847 Ramona
848 Ramona
850 Ramona
855 Ram~ma
822 Ramona
827 Ramona
828 Ramona
834 Ranm~a
837 Ramona
842 Ramona
847 Ramona
848 Ramona
850 Ramona
855 Ramona
861 Ramona
827 Ramona
828 Ramona
830 Ran.tuna
834Ramona
Couch, William
Joz3", A.
Gairaud, F.A.
Harrison, F.
Mosher, Edgar
:Risling, A.F.
Smi.O~, lVh’s. L.L
labor~:r
plumber
carpenter
carpenter
Andrade, Vincent
Vm~dervoor~, Win. S.
Thompson, C.A.
Benassi.ni, Valente
Twombly, H.B.
Qui,.n, Chas
emp Ford wd yd
livery stable
butcI~er
tailor
carpenter
Bates Warehouse
Imakiri, S.employment
agency
Bates, W.H. (Eliza) transfer re.an
Hirano, T. (not listed alphabetical
Okami, S. dishwasher, Wil-
Okazawa, G
Carlson, Chas O(E!/en)
Anderson, Albert C.
softs r Ramona
plumber
¯ pk~mber
Bernassini, V. (not listed alphabetically)
Hoshiani, (not listed, alphabetica]ly)
M.cDo.n ~ d, Clark
Blackman, F.]:{,
Okazawa, G.L.(Riy~’)
Oish.i, M. (Mrs. M.)
Matsuda, F. (Kogia)
Hirano, Frank (Mrs. F)
barber
laborer
P.A. Laun dry,
housec.leaner
1331
1935
1941
837
842
847
848
850
855
861
817
822
827
828
834
837
842
847
848
850
855
861
817
822
827
828
830
834
837
842
847
848
850
855
861
819
820
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramon~
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramorta
Ramona
Rmnona
Ramolia
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
Ramona
R a m On a
Ramona
Ram.on.a
Ramona
Ramo~.a
Ramona
t~mura, S. (1Vh’s. T)
Collins, Win. P.
Gw~%rtney, Harry E.
Thyssans, W. (Ardene)
Sato, Ben
Yoweng, H. (Josie)
Arrouzet, Leon
A.M.E. Zion ChurdI
Brister, R.J.
Okazawa, Genshichi
Okara, T.
Heirano, Toichi,
Kimura, Seikich,
Francis, J.H. E~gene
Wilson, Clarence R
Kitasko, G.Y.
I;.imura, Tsunisaburo
Hmkg Lun:g
Arrouzet, Leon
A.M.E. Zion Churc.h
Brister
Okazana, G~.tmcb ichi
Matsuda, Kazuo
Matsuda, Fukusaburo
Hirano, Toichi
Yamamu ra, Taichi
Kaneko, Hideo
Francis, JItE (o)
McCorkle, James Rev.
Okamato, K,.
Kimura, Tsunisaburo
.!-Iung Lung
’ Arrozet, Leon
A.M.E. Zion Church
Manchester, Floyd E.
(lives 2981 Ross Rd.)
cook
P.A. }.{dwarc Co
r 842 Ramona
teacher
garage
~n, agent
gardener
house elnr
laborer
janitor
c¢~)k.
gardener
gardener
cook
furnish ed rms
gardener
pastor A.M.E, Zion
gardener
aut.o repair
1.942
1946
827 Ramona
828 Ramo~a
830 Ramona
834 Ramona
837 Ramona
842 Ramona
847 Ramoua
848 Ramo.na
850 Ramona
855 .Ramona
861 Ramona
819 Ramona
820 Ramona
827 Ramona
828 Ramona
830 Ramona
834 Ramona
836 Ramona
837 Ramona
842 Ramoz~a
847 Ramona
848 Ramona
850 Ramona
855 Ramona
86.1 Ramona
819 Ramona
820 Ramona
827 Ram.ona
828 Ramona
830 Ram.ona
Sharp, Jas A.
(roomer 1121 Bryant)
Okazawa, Genshichi (o)
M.a~suda, He.n:ry
Yamamura, Sode Mrs. h
Yamamuro, Taro r
Hiram.o, Cheiyo Mrs (o)
Nakata, Tom (Tokeno)
Wilson, Frank H.(o)
Rogers, l.,ueille E.
Okamoto, Kenich
Ydmura, Tsunisaboro
Leung HJ..ng (Mary J)
Arcozet, Leon
auto repair
maid
gardener
house clnr
beauty shop
gardener
janitor
cook
laundry
A.M,E, Zion Church
Shm’p, J.A.welding
r 1121 Bryant
Hinson, Isaac M.shoeshiner 169
(Pearl)Univ. A.vt: r 827 R
Funderburk, Jos
Johnson, Ollie(Lucille)
Stephens, Ernest laborer
McGee, Ste.lla M.rs. (wid BM.)
Vacant
Wtlsoa, F.rat:,k H. (o)house clnr
Rogers, Lucille E,beauty ~hop
Vacan l,
Haley, Jas (Laura)laborer
Leung Hing (o)cook
.Arrozet, [,con (o)
A.M.E. Zion Church
Maneh ester, ’E.auto repair
h. 2981 Ross
Palo Alto Welding & Equipment
Morris, Wilson J(Lilly)
Smith, W.B. Rev A.M.E. Zion Church
Miller, Hazel B. Mrs.
Funderburk, Jos.(Oarrie)janitor
834 Ramona
836 Ramona
837 Ramo,m
842 Ramona
847 Ramona
848 Ramona
855 ~anlona
861 Ramona
Barras, Mitchell(Mildred)
tIomer, Vernon (Gladys) porter
Martin, Grace h
Walker, Edw(Oertie)
Wilson, Frank..H(Lavern )
Rogers, Lucille E.
Bowman, Stephanie h
Haley, Ja~(Lm~.ra)
Leung, ].~ing(Ma~)
Arrouzet, Leon
baggagcman SP Co
beauty shop
maid
driw:r
cook
1955 819 Ramona
820 Ramona
827 Ramona
rea~:
828 Ramona
830 Ramona
834 Ramona
837 Ramona
8.42 Ramona
847 Ramona
848 Ramona
850 Ramona
851 Ramona
855 Ramona
861 Ram.ona
A.M.E. Zion Church
Pato Alto Welding Shop
Fletcher, Lavinia Mrs.
Ross, Louise Mrs.
Vacaut
Bunch, William
Apartments (7)
Walker, Edward
Wilson, Frank H
Vacant
Pleas, Louvenia Mrs
Smith, Chas
Wojtala, Peter
Cha~, Albert SD
Leung, Hi.ng
Quadara, Jos W
chinmcy cl nr
Application for ATTACHMENT 7
Historic .eview
Department of Planning ~ Cornrnunit?- ]~n~-ironrnent,
250 tt~milton A.~, P.lo Alto, CA 9-1;01.
Td: (41S) $29-244t
Interim Regulations for Residential Buildings:
Historic Merit Screening
Historic Merit Evaluation
Historic Landmark Alteration Review
Compatibility Review
Compatibility Standards Exception
Historic Property Survey
Other Historic Review:
Non-residential Historic Review
Downtown Contributing Residential
Review
Voluntary Review
Non-residential Historic Designation
or Re-designation
Mills Act Contract
O P’ropert, y LoGat, ion
Address of Subject Property ¯
Zone District ¯ I")__-’?__Assessor’s Parcel Number :Historic Category(if applicable)
Q Reo~ues’r,e~l Act, ion
Description of requested action: ~)~_.h~’~.~ ~..~" ~::~.,~"T~/=r" ~,~;’)t.~.L..Q,~&~,-" ~ ,~,~..,T/xV?~.tJ
0 Applicant
Name:
Address:~.’~
City:
NOT.__._~E:The APPLICANT & PROPERTY OWNER must be placed on the submitted
mailing list in order to be notified of Meetings, Hearings or action taken.
State: ~ Zip:
Phone:
.Owner OB_O_.~_: The APPLICANT & PROPERTY OWNER must be placed on the submittedP’ropert, y mailing list in order to be notified of Meetings, Hearings or action taken.
Name:~1~-.1
Address:~,dt. ,2~_Phone:
City:State:Zip:
hereby certify that I am the owner of record of the property described in Box #2 above and that I approve of the requested action herein. If
this application(s) is subject to 100% recovery of planning costs, I understand that charges for staff time spent processing this application(s)
will be based on the Policy and Procedures document provided to me. I understand that my initial deposit is an estimate of these charges
and not a fee, and I agree to abide by the billing policy stated.
Date:
A FIELD
THE GUIDE THAT ENABLES YOU TO IDENTIFY, AND PLACE IN THEIR
HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL CONTEXTS, THE HOUSES YOU SEE IN
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD OR IN YOUR TRAVELS ACROSS AMERICA--HOUSES
BUILT FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES (RICH, POOR, AND IN-BETWEEN),
IN CITY AND COUNTRYSIDE, FROM THE 17TH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT
VIRGINIA & LEE MCALESTER
ATTACHMENT 9
ATTACHMENT 10
Standards For Historic Designation:
The .following Standards for Historic Designation .would replace the existing Historic Categories
and Criteria for Designation found in Section 16.49.020 (b) and Section 16.040 (b) of the
Historic Preservation Ordinance. The current designation Categories. 1, 2, 3 and 4 would be
replace by two categories-- Landmark and Contributor. The current designation criteria would
be replaced by the new Criteria for Evaluating the Significanceof Historical Resources.
Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historical Resources
A property would be deemed to be historicall~,.significant of it is found to be of significance to
Palo Alto, the Bay Area, the State of California or the nation under one or more of the following
criteria. Histrric property may include buildings, structures, objects, landscape elements or
natural features, e.g., El Palo Alto.
o
It is associated with events or patterns of events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad patterns of local or regional history and cultural heritage
of California or the United States.
It is associated with the lives of architects, builders, other persons or historical
events that are important to Palo Alto, the Bay Area, the nation or to California’s
]~ast.
It is an example of a type of building or. is connected with a business or use which
was once common, but is now rare,
It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of
construction, is particularly representative of an architectural style or way of life
important to the city, re~ion, state or nation, represents the work of a master,
possesses high artistic values or contains elements demonstrating outstanding ::"
attention to architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship.
°It has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory -
or history of Palo Alto, the Bay Area, the state or nation.
Designated historic property will be categorized as a Landmark or Contributor according to the
following definitions.
Landmark Properties:
Landmark proPerties are exceptional or major buildings, groups of buildings, structures,
objects, landscape elements or natural features which are of preeminent national, state,
Draft Standards for Historic Designation Page 1
regional or local importance, exhibit meritorious work of the best architects, are an
outstanding example of the stylistic development of architecture or landscape architecture
in the United States, California, the Bay Area or Palo Alto, or are identified with historic
people or with important events or activities in the city, region, state or nation. The
Landmark may have some exterior modifications, but the original character is retained.
Contributin~Properties:
Contributing properties are buildings, groups of buildings, structures, objects or sites
that relate to and support the historic character of a neighborhood grouping or district
because of historic!! o~~ cultural impor.tance or in scale, materials, proportions, setting or
other factors. A contributing property’[may have had extensive or permanent changes
made to the original design, such as inappropriate additions, extensive removal of
architectural details or changes to exterior materials.
Draft Standards for Historic Designation Page