HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-08-11 City Council (29)City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL 14&15
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: Planning and
Community Environment
AGENDA DATE: August 11, 1997 CMR:353:97
SUBJECT:APPEAL BY THE OWNERS OF 579-583 VISTA and 4111-4117
GOEBEL OF THE DECISION OF THE HISTORIC
RESOURCES BOARD AND THE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE TO
DESIGNATE FOUR SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES AS
CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCES
REQUEST
This report forwards to Council an appeal of two Historic Merit Evaluations for 579-583
Vista and 4111-4117 Goebel. The appeals were filed on July 2, 1997 by Jeffrey Levin,
representative of Vista-Goebel LLC. The appellant wants the structures designated as
Without Historic Merit rather than Contributing Residences for a variety of reasons described
in his letters of appeal dated July 3, 1997 (Attachment 3).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staffrecommends that the City Council uphold the decision of the Historic Resources Board
and Director’s designee to designate the four residences at 579-583 Vista and 4111-4117
Goebel as Contributing Residences, based on the findings given in Attachment 2.
CMR:353:97 Page 1 of 7
POLICY IMPLICATIONS.
Council decisions on appeals from the decisions of the Historic Resources Board and staff
are valuable in helping the Council resolve the focus of future historic regulations. This
appeal, along with others, helps to clarify the value the City’s historic regulations should
place on preservation or compatible replacement of modest residential structures as opposed
to structures that clearly merit a Landmark desigo, ation.
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, as
amended by Resolution 9660.
BACKGROUND
On June 18, 1997, the Historic Resources Board recommended that the pre-1940 residential
structures located at 579-583 Vista and 4111-4117 Goebel be designated as Contributing
Residences, 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 June 19,
1997.
Under the Interim Historic Regulations, Chapter 16.50, Contributing Residences may be
demolished, but the replacement structures are then subject to the compatibility standards
administered by staff.
Basis for Determination
The Contributing Residence designation was based on a finding that the residences satisfy
Criteria 4 for evaluating the significance of historic resources. This criteria recognizes the
role of period architecture in embodying 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. Furthermore, a finding was made that the residences
relate to and support the historic character of their neighborhood grouping and district in their
scale materials, proportions, and setting. This is the key finding required to make a
designation of "Contributing Residence." (See complete text of the Standards for Historic
Designation, Attachment 9.)
The four residential structures were classified as Builder Style Bungalows, Spanish Eclectic
and Minimal Traditional Styles. The architectural descriptions of the residences are contained
in the attached staff reports, dated June 18, 1997, pages 1-2, Attachment 6. They are
particularly fitting styles for the Barron Park area of Palo Alto, a neighborhood where period
residences often have a low-key and rustic quality. 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 a variety of neighborhoods. In this context,
CMR:353:97 Page 2 of 7
these four residences are unusually good examples of the Barton Park modest period
environment, as they are key features of the Goebel-Vista enclave, an intact period
residential neighborhood. "Goebel Avenue was named by an early professor of German at
Stanford University, Julius Goebel. As owner of the land in 1905, he built houses tucked
away on this street in Barron Park." (Streets of Palo Alto, PAHA, 1981, pg. 30.) The result
of his efforts is the existing enclave of period houses set in heavy foliage.
The Builder Style Bungalow came into existence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,
and played a crucial role in making home ownership a reality for millions of Americans.
Emphasizing function over architectural grandeur, these houses provided a pleasant
environment and created pleasant neighborhoods. In their role as starter homes, they
naturally concentrated on delivering the most house for the available dollar. They were
frequently popularized in house pattern books, and were even available as ready-made units
from reliable house manufacturers such as Sears Roebuck and Co. This builder approach
produced residences such as 4111-4117 Goebel, which make a stylistic statement, while
retaining the simplicity of popular house forms.
The Spanish Eclectic style was a widely popular style in the 1920s and 1930s, when it was
used to give architectural definitions to residences ranging from simple cottages to
substantial estates. The style occurs commonly in regions with a Spanish Colonial history,
including California. In the broad range of residences constructed in this style, unifying
elements are the red tile roof or awning~ and stucco walls.
The Minimal Traditional architectural style came into existence in the context of the
Depression, and represented a compromise with the many Eclectic styles that preceded it.
While adopting the scale and massing of traditional Eclectic style residences, the Minimal
Traditional style abandoned most decorative detailing in a step toward modernism. The
modest scale and lack of overt decorative features that characterize this style also signal the
broader context of Depression-era economy.
The modest scale of these residences precludes architectural grandeur; howe~cer, these houses
provide a pleasant environment and create a pleasant neighborhood. By employing
traditional popular house forms, these residences create a stylistic statement that makes a
virtue of simplicity. The rustic quality of Barron Park is distinctly present within the enclave
formed by the Goebel and Vista houses, with its narrow, eurbless streets and heavy foliage.
The HRB found that 579-583 Vista and 4111-4117 Goebel best fit the category of
Contributing Residences. The residences, in their scale, style, and setting, support the
historic character of their neighborhood grouping and district. The style and setting of cottage
scale Builder Style Bungalows, Spanish Eclectic and Minimal Traditional residences,
CMR:353:97 Page 3 of 7
particularly when encountered in an intact environment as on Vista and Goebel Avenues,
impart a distinctive period character to the neighborhoods in which these residences occur.
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 reside,nee. It was staffs judgment that 579-583
Vista and 4111-4117 Goebel are not outstanding examples of the Builder Style Bungalow,
Spanish Eclectic and Minimal Traditional Styles, because even though they present period
architectural features characteristic of these styles, all elements described are common to
residences of this period and are not exceptional.
Basis for Appeal
The following summarizes the appeal of Jeffrey Levin and staffs response to the appeal
arguments. The appellant’s letter is included as Attachment 3, and staffhas paraphrased and
condensed the arguments in italics below.
The Historic Resources Board acted to designate these structures as historic solely
because they were builtprior to 1940. The residences are not historically significant.
Based on the description of the historic contribution of this neighborhood, and the
scale and setting of the Spanish Eclectic and Minimal Traditional cottages described
earlier, the HRB concluded that 579-583 Vista and 4111-4117 Goebel are
Contributing Residences. The appellan(appears to assume, incorrectly, that some
unique historical event must be associated with a structure before it can be designated
as a Contributing Residence. This is incorrect as a matter of law. The history and
culture of Barron Park are reflected in the presence of small scale period residences,
which housed blue collar families in a pleasantly rustic environment.. In staff’s
judgment, an intact blue collar residential environment shall be considered significant
under the Interim Ordinance and Regulations. 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 or historically
unique. Scale and setting or "cultural significance" are factors in merit evaluation
under the Interim Regulations.
CMR:353:97 Page 4 of 7
2.The Historic Resources Board vote was not unanimous1.
This is not relevant to the historic merit determination. The recommendation of the
Historic Resources Board to the Director of Planning and Community Environment
is based on a majority established by formal vote. To the extent that the appellant
appears to argue that the Board’s decision is less forceful as a result, he is incorrect
legally. Moreover, Council is not legally permitted to weigh the strength of its
advisory body’s decision by counting votes.
o The Interim Historic Ordinance was intended to protect "special" homes.
The intent of the Interim Historic Ordinance is to broadly protect early 20th century
residences, so that the historic inventory is not lost pending completion of final
ordinance revisions. The Interim Historic Ordinance defines all pre-1940 residences
as "protected residences," subject to a potential designation of historic status. The
ordinance has two categories of historic status: Contributing Residence and Landmark
Historic Residence. The Standards for Historic Designation, in addressing the
Contributing Residence category, states that this category consists of "...buildings,
groups of buildings, structures, objects or sites that relate to and support the historic
character of a neighborhood grouping or district because of historical or cultural
importance, or in scale, materials, proportions, setting or other factors."
These residences are located near a number of modern residences.
These residences are part of an enclave of similar structures that present an intact
period residential environment. Also within this enclave: 4106 Goebel, a 1928 two-
story comer property with side gable and period garage; 4110 Goebel, a 1930s single-
story stucco dwelling with cross gable, wood sash, and attached period garage; 4114
Goebel, a pre-1940 two-story altered structure with low-pitched gable, stucco walls,
wood sash, and exterior stair; and 4118 Goebel, a 1930 single-story Craftsman
Bungalow with charming front porch and detached garage. Refer to the Area Map
(Attachment 1) for this portion of Palo Alto to identify other pre-1940 clusters of
period residences; the next group occurs nearby. Period and many modem residences
in this neighborhood possess a semi-rural quality that is characteristic of Barron Park.
This decision will constrain future development of the site; the proposed replacement
structures should be reviewed before the designation of Contributing Residence is
made.
Refer to the HRB Minutes of June 18, 1997, Item II. 9. 579-583 Vista: vote was 5-2-0-0
(Backlund, Bernstein against). Ibid, Item II. 10.4111-4117 Goebel: vote was 7-0-0-0.
CMR:353:97 Page 5 of 7
Under the Interim Historic Ordinance, the Historic Merit Evaluation process may not
consider future development of the site. It should be noted that one of the purposes
of the Interim Historic Ordinance is to regulate the design compatibility of
replacement structures built on the site of the specified pre-1940 residences that are
demolished or altered. It is also worth noting that a Contributing Residence
designation does not prevent an owner fr, om completely replacing the designated
residence. It does require that a replacement structure conform to compatibility
standards.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council has three alternatives to the staff recommendation:
Uphold the appeal for one or more of the residences at 579 Vista, 583 Vista, 4111
Goebel and 4117 Goebel, while finding the balance of the residences to be
Contributing Residences.
Uphold the appeal and find all residences at 579-583 Vista and 4111-4117 Goebel to
be Without Historic Merit.
o Determine that one or all of the residences at 579-583 Vista and 4111-4117 Goebel
are Landmark Residences.
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 residences on the following
basis:
Structure Without Merit: Compliance with R-1 Regulations required.
ContributingResidence: Compliance also required with the staff-administered
Compatibility Review Standards, if the alterations meet 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.
CMR:353:97 Page 6 of 7
Landmark Residence: Alterations must meet the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for
Historic Rehabilitation per review by the Historic ResourcesBoard recommending
to the Director of Planning and Community Environment, appealable to the City
Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1.Area Map; Detail of Barton Park ’
2.Findings
3.Appeal letter from Jeffrey Levin, dated July 3, 1997, with.attachments
4.Minutes ofthe HRB meeting of June 18, 1997
5.Notices of the Decision of the Director
6.Staff Reports, June 18, 1997
7.Historic Merit Evaluation Application Forms
8.Style Manual descriptions of Builder Style Bungalows, Spanish Eclectic and Minimal
Traditional Styles
9.Criteria for Historic Designation
10. Barron Park Neighborhood description
CC:Jeffrey Levin, 350 Second Street, Suite 7,.Los Altos, CA 94022
Barron Park Association (Will Beckett)
Historic Resources Board
Ms. Ruth Wallace, 4114 Goebel, Palo Alto, CA 94306
PREPARED BY:Barbara Judy, Preservation Architect Consultant for Interim Historic
Program
DEPARTMENT HEAD REVIEW: ~-~~...~~
KENNETH R. SCHREIBER
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL :~. ~ MtLV
Assistant City Manager
CMR:353:97 Page 7 of 7
Parcels with structures built before 1940.
(TRW REDI Property DataDisc value (40)
Parcels with sturctttres built during or after 1940
(TRW REDI Property DataDisc value=or ) 40)
ATTACHMENT 1
/
ATTACHMENT 2
FINDINGS FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION OF THE RESIDENCES AT
579-583 VISTA AVENUE
AS CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCES (Ch. 16.50 PAMC)
The residences satisfy Criterion 4 for determining historic significance. They embody
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 structures are particularly representative of the Builder Style Bungalow, Spanish
Eclectic and Minimal Traditional residential forms. This style is important to the City
because it is an expression of Barton Park’s history, which included residents of modest
means who resided in appropriately-scaled houses such as these cottages. 579-583
Vista and 4111-4117 Goebel contribute to the historic elements of the Barton Park
context, as this neighborhood developed with a uniquely rustic and vernacular quality
to which the pleasant informality of these residences, which their Builder Bungalow,
Spanish Eclectic and Minimal Traditional architectural styles, are well suited.
The residences fit the category of Contributing Residences. The .residences in their
scale, style and setting support the historic character of its neighborhood grouping and
district. The style and setting of Builder Style Bungalows, Spanish Eclectic and
Minimal Traditional residences, particularly when encountered in an intact environment
as on Vista and Goebel, impart a distinctive period character.to the neighborhoods in
which these residences occur.
levln properties
579 & 583 Vista Ave.
July 3, 1997
To:City Council
ATTACHMENT 3 - VISTA
Re:Appeal of "Contributing Residence" status for above referenced property.
I, Jeffrey Levin, hereby protest the decision of the HRB to designate this property as
"contributing residences". Their decision appears to be solely because these structures
were built prior to 1940. There was found to be no historic significance surrounding these
homes, and the construction (all 650 square feet each) lacks any architectural detail or
outstanding examples of styles of the period. They are.dilapidated, roofs and plumbing
almost non-existent, rat and termite infested.
At the time of the heating the vote was not unanimous, with two board members
questioning the motion to label these "contributing residences". These residences are part
of a seven home multi-family cottage court, zoned R-15, is contiguous to a 1960 apartment
building, is directly across from a 1980 condominium development, and BlockBuster
Video is on the comer.
We find this decision to highly constrain future multi-family development on this site and
unreasonable based on the home sizes, condition, and lack of significance of the structures,
that this interim ordinance was designed to protect.
These hearings should be held to protect "spec~ifl’’ homes, not every, home[
The plans already submitted, for a development of this property are far superior to the
existing structures, and I believe the HRB should take into account, what will replace the
existing structures rp_rjgX to making a ruling.
We do not believe this interim ordinance was intended to prevent the demolition of this type
of structure, and to replace it with a multi-family community, designed for 1997-1998
family needs, that conform to pre 1940 family requirements. We request that these
structures be re-classified as non-contributing.
This interim ordinance was brought about to preserve those unique special homes, located
in R1 zoning, in unique special areas of Palo Alto. No thought was given to R15, R30,
and Commercial Zones in the fringe areas of the City where a pre 1940 home may be
surrounded by commercial buildings, and other non R1 developments that place an
unreasonable burden in re-developing a site to conform to current zoning and surrounding
structures.
for Vista Goebel, LLC
350 S~COND ~ SUITE 7
LOS ALTOS, CA
94022
~ 415. 917. 2509
415. 949. 9320
CITY OF PALO ALTO CITy
Office of the City Clerk ~A~,j_APPEAL FROM THE DECISION OF DIRECTOR OF PLAND ENVmON NT mISTOgIC R SO R
To be filed in duplicate
LOCATION OF PROPERTY: Assessor’s Parcel No./’~-
Street Address
Name of Property Owner (if other than appellant)
Street
Zone District ,~/~-
City ZIP
The decision of the Director of Planning and Community Environment dated ~7"/$~" ~7 (#¢ta..~/r~(~ ~///~.3~/~7)_.
19 whereby the application of "~’~-W~ ~-*’~’#- /~St~ ~_~o~,d..-/ t..-~-.~.~ (original applicag.t)
for historical evaluation review was ff~@~II~I~I~i~li~, is hereby appealed, for
the reasons stated in the attached letter (in dnplicate). (~
¯ CITY COUNCI.L DECISION:
¯ Date Approved Denied
Remarks and/or Conditions:
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS SATISFIED:
/2.
/’3.
/"4.
Plans (Applicant)
Labels (Applicant)~By:
Appeal Application Forms ~By:
Letter ~By:
Fee By:
03/97
CHICAGO TITLE COMPANY
Ii0 West Taylor Street
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone (408) 292-4212 FAX (408) 295-2476
Parcel ID: 137 23 014 .
Owner : Partti Pauli;Pauline C
CoOwner :
Site Addr: 583 Vista Ave Palo Alto 94306
Mail Addr: 4118 Goebel Ave Palo Alto Ca 94306
Sale Date
SalePrice
Ist TD
Use Code
Zoning
Legal
: 04/19/93 Doc #:11866089 MUL
:Deed :Grant Deed
:
:O1 Res,Single Family Residence
Seller : Kim Young C/Katherine C/Dougla
Total
Land
Struct
%Imprvd
Tx Area
96-97Tx
:$377,500
:$375,081
:$2,419
:1
:06059
:$4,446.76
Exempt :
MapGrid: 44 D5
-- Census --
Tract : 5106.00
Block : 1
Phone :
Current
Trans Date : 04/19/93
Document # : 11866089 MUL
&L O.AN HISTORY
Prior Transfer
10/16/92
11587845
Sale Amount:
$ Per Foot :
Loan Amount:
LTV Ratio : 0.00
Type :
Lender :
Vesting : Communit Ppty
$350,000
$458.12,
$280,000
0.00
Convention
American Svgs Bk
IIPROPERTY CHARACTERISTICS
Bedrooms :Building SqFt :764 Year Built:1938
Baths :Garage SqFt :Lot Acres :.23
Dining Rm:Garage Space :Lot SqFt :10,018
Family Rm:~-Garage Type :None Bld Shape :H-Shape
Total Rms:Stories :Bld Cond :Avg
CntlHt/Ac:No ist Flr SqFt :764 Units :
Fireplace:2nd Flr SqFt :Porch :No
Pool :No Addition SqFt :Patio :No
Spa :BsmTot SqFt :Util Room :
The Information Provided Is Deemed Reliable, But Is Not Guaranteed.
CH I CAGO T I TL E COMPANY
II0 West Taylor Street
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone (408) 292-4212 FAX (408) 295-2476
Parcel ID
Owner
CoOwner
Site Addr
Mail Addr
Sale Date
SalePrice
ist TD
Use Code
Zoning
Legal
Seller
137 23 014
Partti Pauli;Pauline C
583 Vista Ave Palo Alto 94306
4118 Goebel Ave Palo Alto Ca 94306
04/19/93 Doc #:11866089 MUL
Deed :Grant Deed
01 Res,Single Family Residence
: Kim Young C/Katherine C/Dougla
Total
Land
Struct
%Imprvd
Tx Area
96-97Tx
: $377,500
:$375,081
:$2,419
:1
:06059
:$4,446.76
Exempt :
MapGrid: 44 D5
-- Census --
Tract : 5106.00
Block : 1
Phone :
SALES & LOAN HISTORY
Current
Trans Date : 04/19/93
Document # : 11866089 MUL
Sale Amount :
$ Per Foot :
Loan Amount :
LTV Ratio : 80.00
Type :
Lender :
Vesting : Communit Ppty
Prior Transfer
lO/16/9~
11587845$350,000
$280,000
80.00
Convention
American Svgs Bk
Bedrooms :
Baths :
Dining Rm:
Family Rm:
Total Rms:5
CntlHt/Ac:No
Fireplace:
Pool :No
Spa :
PROPERTY CHARACTERISTICS
Building SqFt
Garage SqFt
Garage Space
Garage Type
Stories
Ist Flr SqFt
2nd Flr SqFt
Addition SqFt
BsmTot SqFt
:Year Built:f938
:Lot Acres :.23
:Lot SqFt :10,018
:None Bld Shape :
:Bld Cond :Avg
:Units :
:Porch :No
:Patio :No
:Util Room :
The Information Provided Is Deemed Reliable, But Is Not Guaranteed.
~ ATTACHMENT 3 - GOEBEI~
levin properties
4111 & 4117 Goebel Ln.
July 3, 1997
To:City Councfl
Re:Appeal of "Contributing Residence" status for above referenced property.
I, Jeffrey Levin, hereby protest the decision of the HRB to designate this property as
"contributing residences". Their decision appears to be solely because these structures
were built prior to 1940. There was found to be no historic significance surrounding these
homes, and the construction (all 650 square feet each) lacks any architectural detail or
outstanding examples of styles of the period. They are dilapidated, roofs and plumbing
almost non-existent, rat and termite infested.
At the time of the hearing the vote was not unanimous, with two board members
questioning the motion to label these "contributing residences". These residences are part
of a seven home multi-family cottage court, zoned R-15, is contiguous to a 1960 apartment
building, is directly across from a 1980 condominium development, and BlockBuster
Video is on the comer.
We find this decision to highly constrain future multi-family development on this site and
unreasonable based on the home sizes, condition, and lack of significance .of the structures,
that this interim ordinance was designed to protect.
These hearings should be held to protect "specifil" homes, not every, home!
The plans already.submitted, for a development of this property are far superior to the
existing structures, and I believe the HRB should take into account, what will replace the
existing structures n~ to making a ruling.
We do not believe this interim ordinance was intended to prevent the demolition of this type
of structure, and to.replace it with a multi-family community, designed for 1997-1998
family needs, that conform to pre 1940 family requirements. We request that these
structures be re-classified as non-contributing.
This interim ordinance was brought about to preserve those unique special homes, located
in R1 zoning, in unique special areas of Palo Alto. No thought was given to R15, R30,
and Commercial Zones in the fringe areas of the City where a pre 1940 home may be
surrounded by commercial buildings, and other non R1 developments that place an
unreasonable burden in re-developing a site to conform to current zoning and surrounding
structures.
350 SECOND STR£ET SUITE 7
94022
~415.917.2509
415. 949. 9320
crrY OF PALO ALTO CITY OF PALO ALTO, CA
Omce of the City Clerk CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
AePE~ ~OM ~ D~CIS~ON O~ D~C~O~ O~ ~~C
~ CO~ E~O~ ~STO~C ~SO~~)PM 3: ~ 7
To be filed in duplicate
Application No.
Name of Appellant
~,ddress ~LTZ>
Street
LOCATION OF PROPERTY: Assessor’s Parcel No.
Street Address ~/!/ ~
/ 97- 2-:~ -- 0/.~Zone District
¯ Name of Property Owner (if other than appellant)
Street City ZIP
The decision of the Director of Planning and Community Environment dated ~;"/~ " F7 ~.
’ ~~’~ " ’ (original applicant)
for historical evaluation review was no mer~t/contributin~ff_andmark or a_oproved/denled, is hereby appealed for
the reasons stated.in the attached letter (~n duplicate).
Date "7/’~//~7’ ~lgnatureo~ d~/~ . . .
CITY COUNCIL DECISION:
Date Approved Denied
Remarks and/or Conditions:
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS SATISFIED:
1.Plans (Applicant)~
By:~
2.Labels (Applicant)~By:
3.Appeal Application Forms -/"By:-
4.Letter ~By:
5.Fee .~.~By:
03197
CHICAGO TITLE COMPANY
ll0 West Taylor Street
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone (408) 292-4212 FAX (408) 295-2476
Parcel ID: 137 23 013 .
Owner : Partti Pauli;Pauline C
CoOwner :
Site Addr: 4118 Goebel Ave Palo Alto 94306
Mail Addr: 4118 Goebel Ave Palo Alto Ca 94306
Sale Date
SalePrice
1st TD
Use Code
Zoning
Legal
04/19/93 Doc #:11866089 MUL
Deed :Grant Deed
01 ResiSingle Family Residence
Total : $336,000
Land : $333,581
Struct : $2,419
%Imprvd: 1
Tx Area: 06059
96-97Tx: $3,964.76
Exempt :
MapGrid: 44 C5
-- Census --
Tract : 5106.00
Block : 1
Seller : Kim Young C/Kathering C/Dougla Phone
’S ALES & LOAN H I S T ORY
Current
Trans Date : 04/19/93
Document # : 11866089 MUL
Sale Amount:
$ Per Foot :
Loan Amount:
LTV Ratio : 80.00
Type :
Lender :
Vesting : Communit Ppty
Prior Transfer
10/16/92
11587839
$325,000
$482.91o
$260,000
80.00
Convention
American Svgs Bk
{I P R 0 P E’R T Y C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S
Bedrooms :
Baths :l.00
Dining Rm:
Family Rm:
Total Rms:5
CntlHt/Ac:No
Fireplace:
Pool :No
Spa :
Building SqFt
Garage SqFt
Garage Space
Garage Type
Stories
ist Flr SqFt
2nd Flr SqFt
Addition SqFt
BsmTot SqFt
:673 Year Built:1930
:Lot Acres :.37
:Lot SqFt :16,117
:None Bld Shape :H-Shape
:Bld Cond :Avg
:673 Units :
:Porch :No
:Patio :No
:Util Room :
The Information Provided Is Deemed Reliable, But Is Not Guaranteed.
CHICAGO TITLE COMPANY
ii0 West Taylor Street
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone (408) 292-4212 FAX (408) 295-2476
Parcel ID
Owner
CoOwner
Site Addr
Mail Addr
Sale Date
SalePrice
Ist TD
Use Code
Zoning
Legal
Seller
:137 23 013 ¯
: Partti Pauli;Pauline C
:
: 4118 Goebel Ave Palo Alto 94306
: 4118 Goebel Ave Palo Alto Ca 94306
: 04/19/93 Doc #:11866089 MUL
:Deed :Grant Deed
:
: 01 Res,Single Family Residence
:
:
:
: Kim Young C/Kathering C/Dougla
Total : $336,000
Land : $333,581
Struct : $2,419
%Imprvd: 1
Tx Area: 06059
96-97Tx: $3,964.76
Exempt :
MapGrid: 44 C5
-- Census --
Tract : 5106.00
Block : 1
Phone :
SALES & LOAN HISTORY
Current
Trans Date : 04/19/93
Document # : 11866089 MUL
Sale Amount:
$ Per Foot :
Loan Amount:
LTV Ratio : 0.00
Type :
Lender
Vesting : Communit Ppty
Prior Transfer
10/16/92
11587839
$325,000
$325,000.00
$260,000
0.00
Convention
American Svgs Bk
PROPERTY CHARACTERISTICS
Bedrooms :
Baths :
Dining Rm:
Family Rm:
Total Rms:
CntlHt/Ac:No
Fireplace:
Pool :No
Spa :
Building SqFt :840 Year Built:1930
Garage SqFt :Lot Acres :.37
Garage Space :Lot SqFt :16,117
Garage Type :None Bld Shape :Square
Stories :Bld Cond :Avg
ist Flr SqFt :840 Units :
2nd Flr SqFt :Porch :No
Addition SqFt :Patio :No
BsmTot SqFt :Util Room :
The Information Provided Is Deemed Reliable, But Is Not Guaranteed.
IIISTORIC
i RESOI’RCES
BOARD
ATTACHMENT 4
MINUTES
Wednesday, June 18, 1997 - Regular Meeting
8:10 - 10:45 AM
Council Conference Room (First Floor)
Civic Center, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto
A. ROLL CALL
HRB members p.resent: Mario, Murden, Kohler, Willis, Bemstein, Anderson, Backlund
Staff present: Gilliland, Woods
Staff consultants present: Judy, Kendall, Schubert
Council liaison present: Wheeler
B.ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
C.AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
MOTION: BM Mario moved to place agenda item 1.1 after agenda item II. 11. BM Kohler
seconded.
VOTE: 6-0-0-1 (Bemstein tardy)
MOTION: BM Mario moved to place agenda item IV. 1. after agenda item C. BM Anderson
seconded.
VOTE: 6-0-0-1 (Bemstein tardy)
IV.REPORTS FROM OFFICIALS
Discussion of PAMF/SOFA Coordinated Area Plan Process by Allison
Kendall
Kendall provided an update on the South of Forest Area (SOFA) coordinated area plan effort,
which is now underway. Her role is to facilitate the planning process: tasks now underway
include assembly of a schedule and working group, and setting the scope of the planning process.
The context of the project is that the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) will be moving;
their current site will be used for other purposes. There are many historic buildings on their
properties, and the planning effort will be coordinated with preservation issues and preservation
groups such as PAST. There are two zones; the PAMF area and the mixed use area on Homer
Street. The process is at the beginning, and is looking to identify issues and groups that should
be included in the process. The working group approach was specified in the coordinated area
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD MEETING of 06/18, 1997
~ City of Palo Alto
Page 1 of 16
Board Questions: None
Public Hearing:
Public Comment was received from ChipJessup, architect for the owner.
Mr. Jessup indicated that he is present to answer questions.
Public Comment was received from Jean Libby 1222 Fulton Street.
Ms. Libby indicated that she is learning what the i~oard is doing as it pertains to this
neighborhood. The neighborhood has evolved. There is a lot of traffic as the comer, and a large
structure put up at that comer would have traffic impacts. She is a history teacher; she uses her
sh’eet as a way to teach about change over time. She observed that the neighborhood is severely
impacted by out of scale structures and hopes that is not what is happening here.
Public Hearing ’Closed
Board Discussion:
BM Backl~and: requested that staff confirm that the house is intact.
Judy: affirmed thatthe house appears to be intact.
BM Bemstein: may I have an educational response to Ms. Libby’s concerns.
Gilliland: responded affirmatively.
BM Bemstejn: If a structure is designated a Landmark, that is a preservation designation. Other
designations, such as Contributing Residence and Structure Without Historic Merit are not
preservation designation.
BM Kohler: if designated a Contributing Residence, major alterations must comply with the
Compatibility Review Standards - this document is available from the Planning Division. If
designated No historic Merit, than design proceeds only in compliance with zoning residences.
BM Mario: asked that Ms. Libby please get involved in the new ordinance process; the current
ordinance will need your input.
MOTION: BM Backlund moved that the residence be designated a Contributing Residence
because it is a classic 1920s Spanish Eclectic residence. BM Mario seconded the motion.
VOTE: 6-0-0-1 (Willis not participating)
o 583 Vista: Application for Historic Merit Evaluation of a single family
¯ residence constructed prior to 1940 in the R-1 Zone District (File No. 97-
HRB-140)
Staff Repoi-t-: Staff presented a brief report describing the property and staff’s
recommendation that both residences located there be designated CONTRIBUTING
RESIDENCES. ~
Board Questions: None
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD MEETING of 06118, 1997 Page 11 of 16
Public Hearing:
Public Comment was received from Jeffrey Levin, owner.
Mr. Levin commented that four properties are under consideration. The plan for the property is a
subdivision. The development will be consistent with a 1930s development with cobbled streets.
These homes are not in the same category as other houses viewed today and he questions
whether they are Contributing Residences.
Public comment was received from Ruth Wallace, of 4114 Goebel Avenue; a renter from Mr.
Levin.
Ms. Wallace indicated that she has lived in this area 10 years. She doesn’t want to see this
continuing demolition of older residences happen in Palo Alto. There are seven or eight houses
in the enclave as well as trees that will never grow again in her life time. The reason the property
is run down is that it was bought with the idea of subdivision and was not maintained. The
enclave is historic and does show the development of Barron Park as a neighborhood.
Public Hearing Closed
Board Discussion:
BM Bemstein: requested that staff clarify that action today has no bearing on whether an owner
proposes to develop a parcel as allowed under City zoning ordinances.
Gilliland confirmed that zoning ordinances and historic merit processes are separate
considerations.
BM Backlund: stated for clarification of Ms. Wallace that the HRB does noteonsider any
proposed development, nor does the board consider condition. The board only consider whether
a particular residence uses an architectural style thfit is known in Palo Alto.
Judy, in response to comments by the owner, recommended that board members refer to the staff
report for 4117 Goebel to determine the date of structures on Goebel; these residences are largely
pre-1940. "
MOTION: Mario moved that both 579 and 583 Vista be designated Contributing Residences for
the reasons given in the staff report. BM Murden seconded the motion.
BM Mario: commented that there is a need to address the contributing category issue of
demolition of cottages in the permanent ordinances, as this is contrary to the direction given by
Council.
BM Backlund: inquired of staff as tO why the style for 583 Vista is given as Vemaeular Minimal
Traditional?
Judy indicated that this description is a reminder that this is Barron Park and has a rustic quality
which is part of the vernacular tradition.
BM Kohler; indicated that he will support the motion, and that the entire neighborhood should
have been given some kind of protection years ago, before it experienced so much change.
BM Bernstein; indicated that in his opinion the structures are modest and styles are weak, and so
he will not support motion.
Chair Willis: indicated that she will support the motion and observed that a cluster of houses like
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD MEETING of 06118, 1997 Page 12 of 16
this reminds us of Barton Park history. While new structures in the vicinity are demanding a
contemporary setting that is in conflict with local tradition, these houses have a rustic quality in
their setting. It is unfortunate that this enclave is targeted for change because it has survived so
long. These buildings contribute much more than their architecture. Though architecturally
modest, they cornrn, unicate volumes about the area.
BM Murden: observed that they are very definitely contributing structures in this setting.
VOTE: 5-2-0-0 (Backlund, Bemstein against)
10.4117 Goebeh Application for Historic Merit Evaluation of a single family
residence constructed prior to 1940 in the R-1 Zone District (File No. 97-
HRB-141)
Staff Report: Staff presented a brief report describing the property and staffs
recommendation that both residences on the property be designated CONTRIBUTING
RESIDENCES.
Board Questions:
Murden: requested that staff clarify the massing of the two residences; are they gabled roof
masses with jerkinhead terminations?
Judy: yes.
Public.Hearing:
Public Comment was received from Mr. Levin: "
Mr. Levin asked for direction on how to apply the Compatibility Review Standards to this
project, given that it is a multi-family development?
Chair Willis: asked whether it was appropriate to address this issue, Which is not normally raised
during historic merit evaluation hearirigs.
Gilliland: indicated that it is OK to address this as an information item.
Chair Willis: The HRB is not permitted to involve themselves in administration of the
Compatibility Review Standards. This is a Planning Department function. Address your
inquiries at another time to that staff, specifically ~o Barbara Judy.
Mr. Levin inquired as to how to clarify the historic status of residences on the 4114 Goebel site.
Judy: recommended that he initiate an application for hi§toric merit screening and evaluation for
this property, as done in the current applications.
Public Hearing Closed
Board Discussiom~
BM Backlund: disclosed that he had spoken with one 41 i 8 Goebel Street tenant.
MOTION: Mario moved that both 4111 and 4117 Goebel be designated Contributing Residences
for the reasons given in the staff report. BM Backlund seconded the motion.
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD MEETING of 06118, 1997 Page 13 of 16
ATTACHMENTS-GOEBEL
Historic Resources Board
Notice of the Decision of the Director of Planning and
Community Environment on the Action Taken at the Public
Hearing on June 18, 1997 on Agenda Item II. 10.
TO:Owner: Jeffrey Levin, Vista-Goebel LLC, 600 So. Springer Street, Los Altos, CA
94024
FROM:Barbara Judy, Preservation Architect, Interim Historic Program
PUBLIC HEARING:Historic Resources Board Meeting of June 18, 1997
SUBJECT:4111 and 4117 Goebel: Application for Historic Merit Evaluation of a single family
residence constructed prior to 1940 in the R-1 Zone District (File No. 97-HRB-
141,)
REQUEST/PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Historic Resources Board was requested to assign historic merit designations to4111 and 4117 Goebel.
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Interim Historic Program, residences may be assigned a historic designation
of Structure Without Historic Merit, Contributing Residence, or Historic Landmark Residence.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staffrecommended assigning an historic designation of CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCE to these residences.
HRB ACTION TAKEN:
Under the City ofPalo Alto’s Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historic Resources, 4111 and 4117
Goebel were assigned the category of CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCES 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 fee. 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:
Signed By:
Barbara Judy
lamlC’E. Gilliland, Acting Chief Planning Official
D~stgne’ e of the Director of Planning and Community Environment
ATTACHMENT 5 - VISTA
Historic Resources Board
Notice of the Decision of the Director of Planning and
Community Environment on the Action Taken at the Public
Hearing on June 18, 1997 on Agenda Item II. 9.
TO:Owner: Jeffrey Levin, Vista-Goebel LLC, 600 So. Springer Street, Los Altos, CA
94024
FROM:Barbara Judy, Preservation Architect, Interim Historic Program
PUBLIC I-IEARXNG:Historic Resources Board Meeting of June 18, 1997
SUBJECT:579 and 583 Vista: Application for Historic Merit Evaluation of a single family
residence constructed priorto 1940 in the R-1 Zone District (File No. 97-HRB-
140.)
REQUEST/PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Historic Resources Board was requested to assign historic merit designations to 579 and 583 Vista.
Under the City ofPalo Alto’s Interim Historic Program, residences may be assigned a historic designation
of Structure Without Historic Merit, Contributing Residence, or Historic Landmark Residence.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staffreeommended assigning an historic designation of CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCE to these residences.
!tRB ACTION TAKEN:
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historic Resources, 579 and 583
Vista were assigned the category of CONTR!BUTING RESIDENCES 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 fee. 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 notiee,or in written correspondence delivered to the City of
Palo Alto at or prior to, the public hearing.
Prepared By:-Barbara Judy
Signed By:Jar~e E’G~~A~e~In C~~e~E. ":" , ’ g " arming Official
D~i’gnee of the Director of Planning and Community Environment
P~¢I
TO:
FROM:
AGENDA DATE:
SUBJECT:
ATTACHMENT 6 - VISTA
Historic Resources Board
Staff Report
Item No. II. 9
Historic Resources Board
Barbara Judy, Preservation Architect, Interim Historic Program
June 18, 1997
579 Vista and 583 Vista: Application for Historic Merit Evaluation of two
single family residences constructed prior to 1940 in the RM-15 Zone District
(File No. 97-HRB-140.)
REOUEST/PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Historic Resources Board is requested to assign a historic merit designation to 579 Vista and
583 Vista. 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 historic designations of CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCE to both
residences at 579 Vista and 583 Vista.
DISCUSSION:
Architectural Description:
Date of Initial Construction: noted below
579 Vista
Style: Mission/Spanish Eclectic
Year Built: 1938
This is a rectangular-shaped, single-story, Spanish Eclectic cottage set on an rustic Barton Park lot
lacking street trees, signature features of this quaint symmetrical struetureinelude the flat roof with
slight parapet running the full width of front facade; thick hand pressed stucco exterior wall cladding
with grouped scuppers; central projecting entry vestibule with; and day tile edging at parapets. The
prominent entry features a stepped parapet at comers, three flat-arched openings, period lantern
fi .xture, non-original door, concrete stoop and stairs. Windows are eight-over-one double hung wood
sash flanking entry at front facade, and plain double hung wood sash at side facades. There is a day-
tiled gabled awning at right side entry with supporting brackets and exposed rafters; the narrow door
below features glazed and recessed panels. A concrete stoop and stairs then lead to basement access.
There is a small detached garage at right rear with square-shaped massing, fiat roof, stucco clad
exterior walls, and double plank doors.
583 Vista
Style: Minimal Traditional
Year Built: 1938
This is a single-story Minimal Traditional dwelling set on an rustic Barron Park lot lacking street
trees. Identifying features of this simpple structure include the cross-gable massing with exposed
rafters at overhang, covered porch under extended roof with simple porch supports and narrow
divided lite entry door, and typical gable end treatment of louver vents and vertical wood siding with
chamfered ends. Exterior walls are clad in narrow lapped siding. Typical windows are double hung
wood sash throughout structure. There is a detached garage at left rear with flat roof, similar wood
siding, and double plank doors.
The immediate surroundings are characterized by single-story Mi~fimal Traditional and’Early Ranch
style residences along Vista Avenue and Verdosa Drive, dating from the 1940s, and more recently
constructed condominium and apartment complexes along the north side of Vista, dating from the
late 1970s. Refer to the GIS Map for this portion of Palo Alto to identify other pre-1940 clusters of
period residences; the next group occurs two blocks away. Period residences in this neighborhood
possess a semi-rural quality that is characteristic of Barron Park.
Criteria for Historic Designation:
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historic Resources, 579
Vista and 583 Vista satisfies Criterion 4, as the design of these residences employs period
architectural themes which are characteristic of residences of the 1930s.
Categorization:
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historic Reso~reesl both
the residences at 579 Vista and 583 Vista best fit the category of CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCES.
Staff concluded that the residences, in their scale, style and setting, support the historic character of
their 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 areheologieal
resources associated withthese residences. It is staffs judgment that both the main residence and
the rear cottage at 579 Vista and 583 Vista are not outstanding examples of the Spanish Eclectic
and Minimal Traditional styles, because even though they present architectural features characteristic
of period residences 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: Jeffrey Levin, Vista-Goebel LLC, 600 So. Springer Street, Los Altos,
CA 94024
Prepared By:
Reviewed By:
Barbara Judy
-V_/’(J"~ " ~- ~ /
James E. Gilfiland, Acting Chief Planning Official
P~e3
State of CaJifomia -- The Resources AgencyDEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
PRIMARY
Page
P1.
P2.
Primary #
HRI #RECORD Trinomial
NRHP Status Code 5S3Other Listings
Review Code ~ Reviewer Date
1 of 3 Resource Name or #: (Assigned by recorder) 579-583 Vista Avenue
Other Identifier:
Location:[] Not for Publication [] Unrestricted a. County Santa Clara
and (P2b and P2c or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.)
b. USGS 7.5’ Quad Date T ; R ;114 of 114 of Sec
c. Address: 579.583 Vista Avenue City Palo AIto ZJp 9430?
d. UTM: (Give more than one for large and/linear resoumes); ’mE/
e. Other Locational Data (Enter Pamel #, legal description, directions to resoume, elevation, etc., as appropriate)
; B.M.
mN
P3.
Parcel No. 137-23-014
Description (Describe resource and its major elements. Indude design, metedals, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
579 Vista is a rectangular.shaped, single.story, Spanish Eclectic cottage set on an unkempt Barton Park lot lacking street trees. Signature features of this
quaint s.ymmetdcal structure include the flat roof with slight parapet running the full width of front facade; thick hand pressed stucco exterior wall cladding with
grouped scuppers; central projecting entry vestibule; and clay tile edging at parapets. The prominent entry features a stepped parapet at comers, three
flat.arched openings, pedod lantern fixture, non.original door, concrete stoop and stairs. Windows are eight.over.one double hung wood sash flan/~ng
entry at front facade, and plain double hung wood sash at side facades. There is a slay.tiled gabled awning at right side entry with suppo~’ng brackets and
exposed rafters; the narrow door below features glazed and recesed panels. A concrete stoop and stairs then lead to basement access. There is a small
detached garage at dght rear with square-shaped massing, flat roof, stucco clad exterior walls, and double plank doors. The immediate surroundings are
characterized by single.story Minimal Traditional and Early Ranch style residences along Vista Avenue and Verdosa Drive, dating from the 1940s, and
more recently constructed condominium and apartment complexes along the north side of Vista, dating from the late 1970s.
P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes)
P4. Resources Present [] Building [] Structure [] Object [] Site [] District [] Element of Distdct
P5a. Photograph or Drawing (Photograph required for buildings, stmcturas, and objects)
HP2 - Single Family. Property HP2 - Single Family Property
[] Other (Isolates, etc.)
P5b. Descdpti0n of Photo: (View, date, accession #)579 tr~sta, front ~omer facade
P6. Date ConstructedlAge and Sources:
[] Prehistoric [] Histodc I"1 Bothl~3a (bo~)
P7. Owner and AddressLevin, Jeffreytr~sta Goebel, LLC
600 South Springer RoadLos A/tos, CA 94O24
P8. Recorded by: (Name, affiliation, ~ address)Catherine Watts, Barbara Judy PresemaUon Architect
Pg. Date Recorded: 6/11/97
P10. Survey Type: (Describe)
ReconnaL~sance
Pll. Report Citation: (Cite survey report and other sources, or enter "none’)
None
Attachments [] NONE B Co~tJnualJon Sheet [] Distdct Record [] Rock Art Recordr~ Location Map [] Building, Structure, and Object Record [] Unear Feature Record [] Artifact Record[] Sketch Map [] Archaeological Record E] Milling Station Record [] Photograph Record
[] Othen (Ust)
DPR 523A (t/95) I~=toryM~er
State of Califomia-- The Resources AgencyDEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
CONTINUATION SHEET
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
Page 2 of 3 Resource Name or #: (Assigned by recorder) 579-583 Vista Avenue
Recorded by: Catherine Watts, Barbara Judy Preservation Architect Date 6/11/97 [] Continuation [] Update
583 Vista is a single-sto/~ Vernacular Minimal Traditional dwelling set on a rustic Barton Pa~k lot lacldng street trees. Identifying features of this unrefined structure
include the cross.gable massing with exposed rafters at overhang; covered porch under extended roof with simple porch supports and narrow divided lite
entry door, and ~ical gable end treatment of louver vents and vertical wood siding with chamfered ends. Exterior walls are dad in narrow lapped siding. Typical
windows are double hung wood sash throughout structure. There is a detached garage at left rear with fiat roof, similar wood siding, and double plank doors.
The immediate surroundings are characterized by single-story Minimal Traditional and Eady Ranch style residences along Vista Avenue and Verdosa Drive,
dating from the 1940s, and more recently constructed condominium and apartment complexes along the north side of Vista, dating from the late 1970so
[ State of Califomia ~The Resources Agency Primary #DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
l CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 3 of 3 Resource Name or #: (Assigned by recorder) 579-583 Vista Avenue
Recorded by: Catherine Watts, Barbara Judy Preservation Architect Date 6/11/97 [] Continuation Update
Supplemental Photograph or Drawing Description of Photo: (View, date, accession #)
583 Vista, ’front comer facade
ATTACHMENT 6- GOEBEI
Historic Resources Board
TO:
Staff Report
Item No. II. 10
~:.":.::?.:’: ~’~!: ~ ~ ~:~:~:i:~: ~::’:~:~:~:.:’~:::!:~:~:?.~:!:~:~:!:~:! ~. :,:::’:~:~:~::’:~ ?~:i:
Historic Resources Board
FROM:Barbara Judy, Preservation Architect, Interim Historic Program
AGENDA DATE: June 18, .1997
SUBJECT:"~4111 Goebel and 4117 Goebel: Application for Historic Merit Evaluation of
two single family residences constructed prior to 1940 in the RM-15 Zone
District (FileNo. 97-HRB-141.)
REQUEST/PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Historic Resources Board is requested to assign a historic merit designation to 4111 Goebel and
4117 Goebel. Under the City ofPalo 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 historic designations of CONTRIBUTING RESIDENCE to both
residences at 4111 Goebel and 4117 Goebel.
DISCUSSION:
Architectural Deseripfion:
Date of Initial Construction: noted below-
4111 Goebel Avenue
Style: Builder Style Bungalow
Year Built: 1930
"Goebel Avenue was named by an early professor of German at Stanford University, Julius Goebel.
As owner of the land in 1905, he built houses tucked away on this street in Barton Park." (Streets
of Palo Alto, PAHA, 1981, pg. 30.) This block of Goebel at Vista forms an enclave of modestly-
scaled period bungalows on generously sized lots with mature trees. The rustic quality of Barron
Park is distinctly present within this enclave, with its narrow eurbless streets and jumbled foliage.
Similar to 4117 Goebel (see separate inventory form), 4111 Goeb~l is a single-story, T-shaped,
Builder Style Bungalow. Identifying features of this simple structure include the cross-gambrel roof
with jerkinhead ends, unadomed fascia, and louver vents; overhanging eaves with exposed rafters;
and narrow lapped siding. Typical windows are double hung wood sash with nine stylized lites at
upper sash and siriaple wood trim. Alterations include replacement shingle roofing, metal flue
pie.rcing through rake at right, and the non-original entry door at concrete stoop and stairs. The
smaller side door under front-facing gambrel, with glazed and recessed panels, appears original.
There is a detached garage at fight rear with square massing, fiat roof, similar lapped siding, unusual
hexagonal window with leaded glass centered at fropt facade, and corrugated metal awning over
right hollow core door (no awning at right door).
4117 Goebel Avenue
Style: Builder Style Bungalow
Year Built: 1930
4117 Goebel is a single-story, square-shaped,.Builder Style Bungalow similar to its neighbor at 4111
(see separate inventory form), yet in better condition. Identifying features of this smart structure
include the side-gambrel roof with jefkinhe.ad ends, unadorned fascia, and louver vents; overhanging
eaves with exposed rafters; and narrow lapped siding. There is a prominent partial-width covered
porch centered at front facade featuring a gabled roof extension with jerkinhead end, decorative
braces, and divided lite entry door with simple wood surround. Typical windows are eight-over-one
double hung wood sash, with non-functional wood shutters, symmetrically placed at front facade
flanking.entry and plain double hung sash at side facades (with some replacement aluminum sash
at right facade). There is a rectangular-shaped garage at right rear with fiat roof, similar lapped
siding, and double plank doors.
Also within this enclave: 4106, a 1928 two-story comer property with side gable and period garage;
4110, a 1930s single-story stucco dwelling with cross gable, wood sash, and attached period garage;
4114, a pre-1940 two-story altered structure with low-pitched gable, stucco walls, wood sash, and
exterior stair; and 4118, a 1930 single-story Craftsman Bungalow with channing front porch and
detached garage.
The immediate surroundings are characterized by single-story Minimal Traditional and Early Ranch
style residences along Vista Avenue and Verdosa Drive, dating from the 1940s, and more recently
constructed condominium and apartment complexes along the north side of Vista, dating from the
late 1970s.
Refer to the GIS Map for this portion of Palo Alto to identify other pre-1940 clusters of period
residences; the next group occurs two blocks away. Period residences in this neighborhood possess
a semi-rural quality that is characteristic of Barron Park.
Criteria for HistoricDesignation:
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historic Resources, 4111
Goebel and 4117 Goebel satisfies Criterion.4, as the design of these residences employs period
architectural themes which are characteristic of residences of the 1930s.
P~e2
Categorization:
Under the City of Palo Alto’s Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Historic Resources, both
the residences at 4111 Goebel and 4117 Goebel best fit the category of CONTRIBUTING
RESIDENCES. Staff concluded that the residences, in their scale, style and setting, support the
historic character of their 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 these residences. It is staff’s judgment that both the main residence and
the rear cottage at 4111 Goebel and 4117 Goebel are not outstanding examples of Builder Style
Bungalows, because even though they present architectural features characteristic of period
residences 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: Jeffrey Levin, Vista-Goebel LLC, 600 So. Springer Street, Los Altos,
CA 94024
Prepared By:Barbara Judy
Reviewed By:James E. Gilliland, Acting Chief Planning Official
State of California -- The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
PRIMARY
Primary #
RECORD
Page 1 of 3
P1. Other Identifier:
P2. Location:
and (P2b and P2c
b.
HRI #
Trinomial
NRHP Status Code 5S3Other Listings
Review Code__ Reviewer Date
Resource Name or #: (Assigned by recorder) 4111-4117 Goebe/Avenue
[] Not for Publication [] Unrestricted a. County Santa Clara
or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.)
USGS 7.5’ Quad Date T ; R ;1/4 of 114 of Sec Boa,
c. Address: 4111-4117 Goebel Avenue City Palo AIto Zip 9430
d. UTM: (Give more than one for large and/linear resources) ; , mE/ mN
e. Other Locational Data (Enter Parcel #, legal description, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate)
Parcel No. 137-23-013
P3. Description (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
4111 Goebel
"Goebel Avenue was named by an early professor of Gennan at Stanford University, Julius Goebel. As owner of the land in 1905, he built houses tucked away on this street in
Barton Park." (Streets of Palo Alto, PAHA. 1981, pg. 30) This block of Goebel at Vista forms an enclave of modestly.scaled period bungalows on generously sized lots with
mature trees. The rustic quality of Barton Park is distinctly present within this enclave, with its narrow curhless streets and jumbled foliage. Similar to 4117 Gcepel (see separate
Inventory form), 411t Goebel is a single.story, T.shaped, Builder Style Bungalow. Identifying features of this simple structure include the cross.gambrel roof with jerkinhead
ends. unadorned fascia, and louver vents; overhanging eaves with exposed rafters; and narrow lapped siding. Typical windows are double hung wood sash with nine stylized
lites at upper sash and simple wood tdm. Alterations include replacement shingle roofing, metal llue piercing through rake at right, and the non.original entry door at concrete
stoop and stairs. The smaller side door under front.facing gambrel, with glazed and recessed panels, appears original There is a detached garage at tight rear with square
massing, flat roof, similar lapped siding, unusual hexagonal window with leaded glass centered at front facade, and co’gated metal awning over left holldv~ core door (no
awning at right door). Also within this enclave: 4106, a 1928 two.story comer property with side gable and period garage; 4110, a 1930s single.story stucco dwelling with
cross.gable, wood sash, and attached period garage; 4114, a pre.1940s two.story altered structure with low.pitched gable, stucco walls, wood sash, and exterior stair; and
4118, a 1930 single.story Craftsman Bungalow with charming front porch and detached garage.
P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP2 - Single Family Property HP2 - Single Family Property
P4. Resources Present [] Building [] Structure [] Object [] Site [] District [] Element of District [] Other (Isolates, etc.)
j P5a. Photograph or Drawing (Photograph required for buildings, structures, and objects) P5b. Descdpti0n of Photo: (View, date, accession #)
4111 Goebel, parlJal front facade
P6. Date Constructed/Age and Sources:
[] Prehistoric [] Historic [] Both
l~0.(both)
P7. Owner and AddressLevin, Jeffrey
Vtsta Goebel, LLC600 South Springer RoadLos Alto& CA 94024
PS. Recorded by: (Name, affiliation, and address)Catherine Watts, Barbara Judy PresematJon Amhitect
Pg. Date Recorded: 6/11/97
PIO. Survey Type: (Describe)
Reconnaissance
Pll. Report Citation: (Cite survey report and other sources, or enter "none")
None
Attachments 1"3 NONE B Continuation Sheet r~ District Record I-1 Rock Art RecordE] Location Map r~ Building, Structure, and Object Record E3 Uneer Feature Record [~ Adifact Record[] Sketch Map [] Archaeological Record D Milling Station Record [] Photograph Record
[] OtheF. (Ust)
DPR 523A (1/95) His~ker ~ ~ ~ ~
State of Califomia -- The Resources Agency
~ DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
!CONTINUATION SHEET
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
Page 2 of 3 Resource Name or #: (Assigned by recorder) 4111-4117GoebelAvenue
Recorded by: Catherine Watts, Barbara Judy Preservation Architect Date 6/11/97 [] Continuation [] Update
4117 Goebel
"Goebel Avenue was named by an eary professor of German at Stanford University, Julius Goebel. As owner of the land in 1905, he built houses tucked away on this street in Barton
Park." (Streets of Palo Alto, PAHA, 1981, pg.30) This block of Goebel Avenue at Vista forms an enclave of modestly.scaled pedod bungalows on generously sized lots with mature
trees. The rustic quality of Barton Park is distinctly present within this enclave, ~th its narrow curbless streets and jumbled foliage. 4117 Goebel is a single.story, square.shaped,
Builder Style Bunglow similar to its neighbor at 4111 (see separate inventory form), yet in better condiiion. Identifying features of this smart structure include the side.gambrel roof with
lerkinhead ends, unadorned fascia, and louver vents; overhanging eaves with exposed rafters; an~l narrow,lapped siding. There is a prominent partial.width covered porch centered
at front facade featurng a gabled roof extension with jerkinhead end, decorative braces, and divided lite entry door with simple wood surround. Typical windows are eight-over.one
double hung wood sash, with non.tunctional wood shutters, symmetrically placed at front facade flanking entry and plain double, hung sash at side facades (with some replacement
aluminum sash at fight tacade). There is a rectangular.shaped garage at fight rear with flat roof, similar lapped siding, and double plank doors. Also within this enclave: 4106, a 1928
two.story comer property with side gable and period garage; 4110, a 1930s single-story stucco dwelling with cross.gable, wood sash, and attached perod garage; 4114, a pre.1940s
two.story altered structure with low.pitched gable, stucco walls, wood sash, and exteror stair; and 4118, a 1930 single.story Craftsman Bungalow with charming front porch and
~letached garage.
tState of Califomia k The Resources Agency Prima ry #DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 3 of 3 Resource Name or #: (Assigned by recorder) 4111-4117GoebelAvenue
Recorded by: Catherine Watts, Barbara Judy Preservation Architect Date 6/11/97 [] Continuation [] Update
Supplemental Photograph or Drawing Description of Photo: (View, date, accession #)
4117 Goebel, front facade
DPR 523t. (1/95) ~n Busn~ ~ ~
ATTACHMENT 7 - VISTAAppliaation for
H i sto tic R vi w
Applicant Request
In.Regulations for Residential Buildings:
~ Historic Merit Screening
L,~ Historic Merit Evaluation
Historic Landmark Alteration Review
Compatibility Review
Compatibility Standards Exception
Historic Property Survey
Property Location
Address of Subject Property :
Zone District ¯ "’~.-t ~"
Other Historic Review:
Non-residential Historic Review
Downtown Contribu.ting Residential
Review
Voluntary Review
Non-residential Historic Designation
or Re-designation
EZZZZ] Mills Act Contract
Fee(s): $ ’ ;
Job Ledgei # .: ,
Assessor’s Parcel Number ¯
Requested Action
Description of requested action:
D~pdl|lhulh L’= ’-’,U;;h,3:i ".
Historic Care g .c~. ~b~,,h r :,r!.qi :: nt
¯
Aloplicant NOTE: Zrhe APPLIC.ANT & PROPERTY OWNER must be placed on the submitted
m.ailing list in order to be notified of Meetings, Hearings or action taken.
,.--,~..-.NOTE" The APPLICANT & PROPERTY OWNER must be placed on the submittedrt-, ~ : ¯, / mailin.g list in order to be notified of Meetings, Hearings or action taken.
Name:
t.~_J~,....,W ~-~-~V13-VI~I"~, ~O~j~,/.~./
~~"
Address"~0 %0. / ~,~i~V ~4 "Phone" #~’?17--~/ ~~
City: ~?S ~~ State: .. .~ p: .. ~ ~ / "
hereby ce#ify that I am the owner of record of the prope~y described in Box #2 above and that I approve of the requested action herein. If
this application(s) is subject to 100% recove~ 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 my.initial deposit is an estimate of these cha~gesand-not a fee, and I agree to abide by the billing policy stated.
Signature of Owner:
Application for ATTACHMENT 7- GOEBEL
~ ~50 ]]~;]~o~ A..~, P~,]o A]~., ~CA 94301.
Applicant Request
In~egulations for Residential Buildings:
~j,/Historic Merit Screening
r--]
~ Historic Merit Evaluation r~
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
Property Location
Address of Subject Property :
Zone District: ~ [~Assessor’s Parcel Number" /37- "~2, -
Fee(s): $
Receipt # :.,
Requested Action
Description of requested acti~
JobLedg~’,# .:
Historic Category(if applicable) :
~f~ /
Community Erlv,ronment
NOTE: The APPLICANT & PROPERTY OWNER must be placed on the submittedAppIicanmailing list in order to be notified of Meetings. Hearings or action taken.
Name: ’~.
Address:~-"~Phone:
City: ~’State: ~ Zip: ~/°~y
Fronert-_~ hWn¢l / NOTE: The APPLICANT & PROPERTY OWNER must be placed on the submitted~r -’/-~ ~ [*I/ ~ / mailing list in order.to be notified of Meetings, Hearings or action taken.
Name:~~~ _ V I S ~ ~ ~ f~ ,~~.
Address:~ B ~[ ~/~ ~ ~"’
hereby ce#ify that I am the owner of record of the prope~y described in Box #2 above an6 that I approve of the requested action herein. If
this application(s) is subject to.100% recove~ 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 Jhat my initial deposit is an estimate of these charg
and not a fee, and I agree to abide by the billing policy stated.
Signature of Owner:Date:
A FIELD GbATTACHMENT 8 - VISTA
THE .GUIDE THAT ENABLES YOU TO IDENTIFY~ AND PLACE IN THEII~
HINFORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL CONTEXTS~ THE HOUSES YOU SEE IN
" FOR AMERICAN FAMI~.~ES (RICH, POOR, AND
’,.’IN crI~ N COUNTRYSIDE~ FROM ~ 17TH CENTURY TO THE PRESEN’-I
VIRGINIA & LEE MCALESTER
Iow-phcl~d red tile root"
covering
eaves usually
with little or
no overhsng Furl’ace
usually stucco
arches abovedoors, prlrmipal
windows,
or beneath
¯ porch rcol’s
$1DE-GABI~2D ROOF
pages 4~-~
CROSS-GABLED ROOV
p~ges 04-$
page 4a8
COMBINED HIPPI"D-AND-GABI~D ROOFS
FLAT ROOF
page 4a9
91~INCIPAL SUBTYPES
ECLECTIC HOUSES
Spanish Eclectic
IDENTIFYING FEATURES
Low-pitched roof, usually with little or no eave overhang; red tile roof covering; typically
with one or more prominent arches placed above door or principal window, or beneath
porch roof; wall surface usually stucco; facade normally asymmetrical.
PRINCIPAL" SUBTYPES
Five principal subtypes can be distinguished:
SIDE-GABLED RooF--About 2o percent of Spanish Eclectic houses have side-gabled roofs.
Many of these are multi-level with taller, side-gabled sections bounded by lower, side-
gabled wings.
CROSS-GABLED ROOF--About 4° percent of Spanish Eclectic houses have cross-gabled roofs
with one prominent, front-facing gable. These are usually L-plan houses; one-story and
two-story forms are both common, as are examples with wings of differing heights.
COMBINED HIPPED-AND-GABLED RooFs--Some landmark examples have rambling, com-
pound plans in which different units have separate roof forms of varying heights ar-
ranged in an irregular, informal pattern. Typically both hipped and gabled roofs are used
in combination, a pattern which mimics the varied roof forms of Spanish villages.
HIPPED aoov--About ~o percent of Spanish Eclectic houses have low-pitched hipped roofs.
These are generally two-story forms with simple rectangular plans.
FLAT ROOFmAbout ~o percent of Spanish Eclectic houses have flat roofs with parapeted
walls. These typically show combinations of one- and two-story units. Narrow, tile-cov-
ered shed roofs are typically added above entryways or projecting windows. This sub-
type, loosely based on flat-roofed Spanish prototypes, resembles the Pueblo Revival
house.
VARIANTS AND DETAILS
The style uses decorative details borrowed from the entire history of Spanish architec-
ture. These may be of Moorish, Byzantine, Gothic, or Renaissance inspiration, an un-
usually rich and varied series of decorative precedents. The typical roof tiles are of two
basic types: Mission tiles, which are shaped like half-cylinders, and Spanish tiles, which
have an S-curve shape. Both types occur in many variations depending on the size of the
417
FLAT ROOF
I. Santa Barbara, California; ca. ~93o. Figures t and ~ are typical of
smaller examples built by the thousands in California suburbs during the
~92os and ’3os. The flat roof with decorative tiles along the parapet is typi-
cal, as is the arched entryway with either gabled or fiat roof.
2. Santa Barbara, California; ca. tg~o.
3. St. lJouis, Missouri; ~93os. Figures 3, 4, and 5 combine both one- and
iwo--story sei:tinns. Note the small shed roofs over the windows and the
shed-roof entryways.
4. Durham, North Carolina; ~93os.
5. Independence, Missouri; ~93os.
3
Spanish Eclectic 429
American Houses Since t~4o: Modern
MINIMAL TRADITIONAL (ca. t935-5o)
\Vith the economic Depression of the t93us came this compromise style
which reflects the form of traditional Eclectic houses, hut ~acks their deco-
rative detailing. Roof pitches are low or intermediate, rather than steep as
in the preceding Tudor style. Eaves and rake are cluse, rather than over-
hanging as in the succeeding Ranch style. Usually, hut not always, there is
a large chimney and at least one from-facing gable, both echoing Tudor
features. In fact, many examples suggest Tudor cottages with the roof
line lowered and detailing removed. These houses were Imih in great nmn-
bets m the years immediately preceding and following World War II; they
commonly dominate the large tract-housing develnpments of the peri~al.
As the photographs.show, they were huih of wood, hrick, stone, or a mix-
lure of these wall-cladding materials. Ahhough most ’,,,’ere relatively small
mnnly. I’a’~-slnry houses of the pcriod have extra detailing and represent
late examples of one oflhe traditinoal ]:.clcclic styles, usually Cohmial
viral or Momerey.
478 Modern
for
fill
eotl
Ran
T
and
Ther
boxe~
Build
based
Rihho
Partial
house
ATTACHMENT 8 - GOEBEI
o
STANDARD BUILT HOMES
T HE FARNUM Standard
Bu£1t Home is patterned
after the more expensive
bungalow. It is well balanced
in both exterior and interior. The
material is of a good grade; in fact,
better than is usually found in this
kind of a house. The Farnum is
triced in keeping with our policy of
:reater value giving. Our tremen-
dous business, plus our dlrect-from-
factory-to-you system, makes th~s
possible.
The Living Room. From the
front porch, which is 24 feet by 8
feet, one enters the living room
through a handsome door. Size,
12 feet 8 inches by 12 feet 2 inches.
It has wall space for a piano, and
room for furniture. Two windows
afford light.
The Dining Room. A cased
opening connects the living room
and dining room. Size, 12 feet 8
inches by 10 feet 1 inch. A double
window throws light.
The Kitchen. Size, 10 feet 8
inches by 8 feet 2 inches. Sp£ce is
provided for a sink, range, table and
ice box. It has one window. A door
leads to the rear yard.
Standard Built
~Vo. P6OlT--Already Cut and Fitted
*9420_o
A Livi~ng Room, Dining
Room, Kitchen, Two
Bedrooms, With
Bathroom
The Bedrooms. An open hall off
the. dining room connects with the
two bedrooms. Each bedroom has
two windows, assuring light and
ventilation. There is a clothes closet
in each bedroom.
The Bathroom plumbing is to
be roughed-in on one wall, saving
part of installation expense.
Height of C®iling. 8 feet 3 inches
from floor to ceiling.
For Our Easy Paymenf Plan ,.qee Page 144
8EARS,ROEBUCK AND GO.
b
Page tt9
ATTACHMENT 9
Information Regarding the Interim Historic Ordinance
STANDARDS FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION
The following standards for Historic Designation have replaced the former
Historic Categories and Criteria for Designation found in Section
16.49.020 (b) and Section 16.040 (b) of the Historic Preservation
Ordinance. The previous designation Categories 1,2,3 and 4 are replace
by two categories-- Landmark and Contributing. The current designation
criteria is replaced by the new Criteria for Evaluation the Significance of
Historical Resources.
Criteria for
Evaluating the
Significance of
Historical Resources
Criterion 1
Criterion 2
Criterion 3
Criterion 4
Criterion 5
A property would be deemed to be historically 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. Historic property may
include building, stnactures, objects, landseapeelements or natural
features, e.g., El Palo Alto.
¯ 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 past.
¯ It is an e~ample 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, region, 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.
standards for historic designation Page 1
Designated historic property will categorized as Landmark or Contributing
according to the following definitions.
Landmark
Properties
Landmark properties are exceptional or major building, groups of
buildings, structures, objects, landscape elements or natural features which
are of pre-eminent national, state, 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. A property may be designated a landmark when it is one
of a distinctive contiguous assembly of historically significant structures
with a unified architectural theme or setting that creates a significant and
distinguishable entity. The Landmark may have some exterior
modifications, but the original character is retained.
Contributing
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 historical or cultural
importance 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..
standards for historic designation Page 2
pl~t ’Dou9 I o.,.~.L-~h~ 415 493 ~6~9 P. 02
ATTACHMENT 10
History of Barton Park
l~y l~vgla~ L, Graham, Copyright 1996
Early Days
The Puichon tribe of Ohlone Indians lived here forat least !,000 years before us; a village was located
near Mickey’s pasture. Matadero ~C’r_,eek ran to the~,yi.n winter.and had a ste~lhead run, Barton
~k ended m seasonal marshes near El Camino,
Starting in the 1780s, Spanish cattle belongin.~ toMission Santa Clara grazed tile oak-dotted nattve
tbhunchg.rass, bringing alien grasses and weeds withen.~. ~astradero ("logging place’) was the first~’oao in me area, serving the mission with redwood
lumber from Po~ola ,Valley, Ir~ !822, Juan Pefiawon private grazing rights, then in 1841 was
granted our land as part of the 8,418 acre Rancho
Rinc6n de San Franeisquito. Pefia sold it to the
Robles brothers in 1847 for about $3,500,
The Robles sold 250 acres of the rancho i~l 1853 for
$2,.000 to .E.lisha CYosby, ~vho built a large house
..~.a..n.ame~ it Mayfield Farat. Crosb..y sold to Sarahw. auis in 1857 for $10,701. She built an ornategingerbread mansion on the front of Crosby’s -,
farmhouse. Sarah was a famous suffragist and ~s
honored by a S_tato H!storical marker installed in
1986 on La Se..Iva Drive in Barton Park. Wallis
sold it to Etiward Bah’on in 1878 for $36,000.. Headded to the mansion, bought !00 more acres,
ehannelized Barton CYeek along Los Robles, andplanted a 50-acr~ omamenlal hark. His e.~m~, ranthe farm for 26 years alter his’death in 18--9"~."
pa ~o ~ ~o, which ~e ~e
s~g~ zmd in I~3, a ~ty ~ad mine 6me la~
~d California’s firs~ s~te highway wh~ it was ’
pave~ in 1913: In 19~, ~e South~ ~ific Rb "I "Ru~ t ~e Mgyfield euto~ to S~ ~z ~oughthe B~n ~t¢, where ~ bi~pa~ ~s now
Y -~ m~b~
~m~ons on ~he ~smrly of lhe t~ tracks in 1910,
The Founding of Bah’on Park
~’yh.e~s~t.e w~..s b0ug,ht in 1919 for nearlyme £triscou strawoc _try int~’ests of Watsonvillereel broken up into small parcels to be rented or sold
~growers. The mansion and trark was bought in23 by Colonel Sebastian Jones and converted1925 to The California Military byAcademy,
school passed through several hands after Colonel
Jones’ death in 1929, until the mansion burned tothe ground on Thanksgiving weekend, 1936.
Colonel Jones founded Ban:on Park in 1925 when
lie laid out 63 lots for business along Et Camino andtionses along La Selva and Barton, In 1922, Stan-
ford’s Professor Carruth bought part of Roble
Ri~e ~d b~ ~ academic community that later
oft included the Bol and other notablo families.
Irven tract (Alta Mesa) was laid out in 1926, the
Oak subdivision (between Los Robles and La Para)
in 1927, Woodland Park (Magnolia, Military) in1937, La Calle in 1940, La Rosa Gardens m 1941,and Los Robles Manor the same year.
The Peninsular railroad built a commuter station
where Matadero crossed the tracks called Neal. Theelectric cars ran until 1934 and steam train passen-
ger cars until 1964. The State Highway was
widened in 1926 and renamed Et Camino Real.
Agriculture in Bah’on Park
~k9~i2 "0esUlture was the mainstay in Barton Park in theand 1930s. The strawben’y fields last~ onlyabout seven years before the buildup of red sptderraites ruined the plants, They were then convened
.to to.m_.atoes or to orchards,~ Apricots were grown
~n~ uerrito, alortg upper Los Roblos, Ormc,,..maranta and Maybell. Pears dominated alongoarron, La Donna, La Para, E! Centro, Ilima and~atraig,una. and prunes in E,~oina Grand¢ Park, Then family rata La Enema Daipi_ on Kendall until
19.39, The Peers Daiq¢ on Stanford land ran cattlewhere Gunn High School now stands, .
Two water companies supplied irri~.ation anddomestic water. In 1928, five families began the
[imway Mutual Water Company, which was later
bought by the Bol family and operated as tim BartonPark Water Company until purchased by Palo
in 1953. Krnie Johnson ma the Los Robt~ Water
Company from his homo on Laguna.
The Post-War Boom
~Tt~post-World War II boom b.~,ught urbanization~ ,a~ro.n. Park., ThiR_y r~sidential building trotswere ~aia out, beginning with the bigg.e.st, EneinaGrand Park in I946. The famous builder Joseph
Eichler built his ~rst subdivision on tl~ Bol tmotalong Josina and Kendall in 1948, Bairotl P~k
~s e.ssentially built out by 1965 and this growthugnt many problems,
JUL--:~I--97 THU ID4 : 13
Sewers wexe installed after the establishmont of" I.as
6noinas Sanitary District in 1947, Street lighting
was provided by fl~e couaty in 1954 through the
efforts of the Maybdl-Barron Park Improvement
Association. The Barton Park Fire Protectiort
district was established in 1949 and set up a
volunteer fire department.
Barren Park School (now Hoover) was designed by
Palo Alto’s renowned architect, Birge Clark, and
was built in 1948. To relieve overcrowding, Loma
Vista (now Juana Briones) wa.s opened in 1953 andVenture in I954. Termaa lumor High (now
Terman Park and the Jewish Community Center)
~o,~ned in 1960 and Gunn High School in I964.l erman was closed in 1977 and Venture in 1978.
Problems...and Opportunities
H ~ogd, s damaged Bah’on Park repeatedly, striking21 times in the 54-yeax period 1931-1983. Most
severe were major floods in 1931, 1932, 1937,
1955 (the worst), 1957, 1962 and 1983. Attempted
solutions included putting B~on Creek under-
ground from Laguna to E1 Camino in 1958, widert-
ing the Ma .tadero culvert in 1979 and of course the
current underground bypass project in 1994-96.
~h.e Staaford "Research" Park opened in 1952 andut.e.kly bee~_ e, a large industrial paxk, bringing
probtems of noise., ak, creek and gt’oundwa.terpollution. A sudden spurt of apartment projects in
the 1950s on Ma.tadero,-Kendall, La Selva, Los
~m~bul~., V~tsta, M, aybel.I .and Ara~tradero broughtt me term,alton or ttte Maybell-Barron Parkprovemem Association in !953. ~The apartmeat
bo0~ was aeoompan, i .exl by a glut of sleezy bars,
mum~r seeps ana aault bookstores, The BPA
worked with the county to create a General Plan for
the area and clean up the worst abuses..
But the BPA was divided over the issue of ~nex-
ation to Pale Alto. Piecemeal annexations of
sections of Barren Park occurred; Ventura went in1954 and then the rest of the neighborhood split in
half in 1959 With the loss of Ch’dmaeres I!,Loma Vista neighborhood, Uppe~r Los Rob]es area
and the El Cam[no strip.
Bol Park is Created
In 1965, the B,,PA propo.sed a park along lhe newly
abandoned ratlroad, /osma Bol came forward with
an offer to sell the Bol family "donkey pasture"
below market price. The BPA prevailed upori the
County to ¢stablisl~ "Special Service District #1"
and we voted 2-1 in !970 to tax ourselves for five
years to raise the purclmse price and deve!opment
costs. Bol Park was designed by our own architect,
Ken Arutunian, and dedicated in 197g. Phase II,
the ,b.ikepath, was acquired from the Southern
Paetfic and Stanford, and dedicated in t980.
Meanwhile, the BPA continued working on El
Camino issues, expanded to work on the creeks’
erosion a~d flooding, and eagh~eered the final,
successful annexation movement leading to our 2-I
vote to enter the city in 1975.
Recent Issues and Activities
Following annexation: major issues included a very
large coadottfinimn development on the Thain
property (Bah’on Square) and the growing traffic
problem throughout Barton Park. Street trees were
~lhanted on EL Camino .ag, d on many of our .streets.e BPA S~ponsored a btcentennial cdebrattoa, then
began host~pg regular May Fetes in Bol Park,
eomplede wuh maypole dancing and music.
In the 1980s, pollution of our deep ,aquifers was
discovered and has resulted in masstve state and
federal ground-water remediation (cleanup) projects
under the watchful eyes of the BPA and the BPk .
Foundation. This invo.!ved the drilling of many
monitoring and extraction w, dls throughout much ofthe neighborhood, the ongoing treatment of the
~ffluent, and discharge of very clean water toatadero Creek, Ch.~..ical spills and fires have
posed serious air pollution threats, and th.e, BPA
held a large-scale evacuation drill in coordination
with the City and Red C _r~, s in 1987. The 1989
Loma Pdeta .e~.hqttake sttmuhted the effort to
prepa~ the neighborhood for self-initated scare.h,
me and dimster control operations.
Ban:on Park Forever
/a !975, an anti-annexation motto was "Barton
Park Forever". We have taken this to heart, and the
BPA works to maintain a sense of neighborhood
cohesiveness and distinction..,a sense that Barren
Park is very special place and will last "forever".
~ils of~r ne~h~h~d lifo h the p~st, A b~k~iz~ i~us-
t~ted histo~ is p~aed ~r publica~n =~n. ~ ~ ~f~.
a~n on B~a P~k Higo~, ~1 ~¢g Gnham at 493.~9,