HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-07-22 City CouncilC ty
City of Polo Alto
Manager’s Report 9
TO:
FROM:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: Planning and
Community Environment
AGENDA DATE:
SUBJECT:
July 22, 1996 CMR:315:96
819 Ramona Street .(Former A.M.E. Zion Church)
REQUEST
This is an application to reclassify the property, located at 819 Ramona Street (former
A.M.E. Zion Church), to a Category 1 building on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory.
The property is currently listed as a Category 3 historic building.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council continue the current application for reclassification
and maintain the current category of the building until after the City has conducted the
anticipated Coordinated Area Plan for the South of Forest Avenue area.
The Historic Resources Board recommends that the City Council approve the application to
reclassify the property to a Category 1 building on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory.
BACKGROUND
Project History_
On March 29, 1996, Ruth Anne Gray, the applicant, submitted an application for
reclassification of the property located at 819 Ramona Street to a Category 1 building on the
City’s Historic Resources Inventory. The property is currently owned by the Palo Alto
Medical Foundation (PAMF) and is listed as a Category 3 historic building on the City’s
inventory. In support of the reclassification, the applicant has supplied an analysis of the
property’s current condition and historic merit. This information was previously submitted
to the State Historical Resources Commission in support of an application to nominate the
building to the National Register of Historic Places. The application materials are attached
to this staff report (Attachment 1).
CMR:315:96 Page 1 of ?
In December 1995, the Historic Resources Board reviewed an application prepared by Ms.
Gray to nominate the subject property to the National Register of Historic Places. The Board
unanimously recommended that the City Council support the application and recommend
that the State Historical Resources Commission support the nomination. On January 16,
1996, the City Council discussed the Board’s recommendation and voted 5-3 to table the
issue (see Attachment 2 - Excerpt City Council Minutes). On February 2, 1996, the State
Historical Resources Commission voted to support the National Register application.
On May 1, 1996, the Historic Resources Board reviewed the current application and voted
4-1-1 (Anderson no; Kittas absent) to recommend that the City Council reclassify the
property to a Category 1 building on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory (see Attachment
3 - Excerpt Historic Resources Board Minutes). The Board’s decision was based on the
criteria for designation and definitions of the historic categories. The Board determined that
although the structure is in poor condition, it is an example of an important architectural style
and its history warrants recognition as an "exceptional building" in Palo Alto. As outlined
in Ms. Gray’s submittal materials, the rich history of the structure as a multicultural,
religious, social, educational and political center supports the first and second criteria for
designation. The structure is identified with a religious group which has a long history in the
country and which has been established in Palo Alto since 1918. Additionally, the structure
and its previous uses are representative of a free and tolerant way of life which is important
to the city, state and nation.
Site Information
The former A.M.E. Zion Church was constructed in 1924 and is identified by the City’s
Historic Resources Inventory as a simple church structure done in the Classical Revival style,
with minimal detailing. The building is culturally significant because it was the first African
American church built in Palo Alto, and the first African American church, of any religious
denomination, to be established in the San Francisco mid-peninsula, between San Mateo and
San Jose, California. The church also represents the longstanding history of African
Americans who settled in Palo Alto over a century ago, and whose descendants continue to
live in Palo Alto. It was used as a religious facility until 1964 when the property was sold
by the Church to the current owner, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. The building is
currently used for storage and the parking lot supports other PAMF uses in the area.
As identified by both the applicant and property owner, the building is currently in a
dilapidated state. Ms. Gray states that although the building is in poor condition, it remains
in place with all its original elements. She maintains that the building "has a sound
foundation and could readily be rehabilitated in a straightforward manner to its original
condition." Ms. Gray stresses the need for a full evaluation of the structure by qualified
professionals to determine the extent of the damage to the building and to determine the work
and funding needed to return the building to its original condition.
CMR’.315:96 Page 2 of 7
In May 1995, David Jury, Real Estate Manager for the property owner, contracted with
Joseph Parello, Civil Engineer, to perform an inspection for the purpose of verifying the
structural status of the building (see Attachment 4 - Letter from David Jury). Mr. Parello’s
report identified several possible structural defects including "signs of foundation distress,
such as sizable diagonal cracks which extend down to the footing." Mr. Jury concludes that
"extensive money must be spent on the building just to keep it standing". On April 24, 1996,
Mr. Jury submitted additional documentation in response to the current application. This
information is attached to this staff report (Attachment 5).
Based on their knowledge of the building’s condition and the findings of the structural
inspection, the City’s Building Division has concluded that the building is substandard due
to extensive structural deterioration.
Applicable Regulations
Process
As described in the attached report from the City Attorney’s Office (Attachment 6), the
procedure set forth in Section 16.49.040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) will be
followed for requests to change the historic category of an existing historic structure or site
(see Attachment 7 - Chapter 16.49 PAMC). Section 16.49.040 requires the Historic
Resources Board to consider an application at a public hearing held within sixty days of
receipt. Notice of time, date and place of the hearing must be given at least twelve days in
advance of the hearing to the applicant, property owner, and owners of property within 300
hundred feet of the subject property.
At the public hearing the Board shall recommend to the City Council approval, disapproval
or modification of the reclassification application. The recommendation will be forwarded
to the Council for final determination. The attached memorandum from the City Attorney’s
Office explains the effect of the Development Agreement between the City and PAMF on
the process of reclassification (see Attachment 8). In essence, while the Development
Agreement is in effect, any change in historic designation could not be applied to the subject
property in a manner which affects the Medical FoundatiOn’s rights under that Agreement.
Although the Council approved a major amendment to the Development Agreement in
March of this year, the pertinent provisions of the Agreement remain in effect until after
occupancy of PAMF’s Urban Lane campus.
Criteria for Reclassification
Subsection 16.49.040(b) sets forth the criteria for designation, or in this case, reclassification
of an existing historic structure or site. The Code requires the Council to evaluate the
application in light of these criteria, as well as the definitions of the four historic categories,
found in Section 16.49.020(b). A motion to reclassify the category of a historic structure
CMR:315:96 Page 3 of 7
should include fmdings based on evidence in the public record which supports the criteria.
Not all criteria must be supported in order to approve a reclassification. The criteria are as
follows:
o
The structure or site is identified with the lives of historic people or with important
events in the city, state or nation;
The structure or site is particularly representative of an architectural style or way of
life important to the city, state or nation;
The structure or site is an example of a type of building which was once common, but
is now rare;
The structure or site is connected with a business or use which was once common, but
is now rare;
o
The architect or building was important;
The structure of site contains elements demonstrating
architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship.
outstanding attention to
Historic Categories
The Historic Preservation Ordinance contains four historic categories, which have been
created to define and categorize historic structures/sites on the historic inventory. Each
category has a specific definition related to the importance, appearance and condition of the
structure. In order to change the category of an existing historic structure, the Council must
make a determination that the structure conforms to the defmition of the recommended
category.
The Historic Preservation Ordinance defines the historic categories as follows:
Category 1: "Exceptional Building" means any building or group of buildings of
preeminent national or state importance, meritorious work of the best architects or an
outstanding example of the stylistic development of architecture in the United States.
An exceptional building has had either no exterior modifications or such minor ones
that the overall appearance of the building is in its original character.
Category 2: "Major Building" means any building or group of buildings .of major.
regional importance, meritorious works of the best architects or an outstanding
example of an architectural style of the stylistic development of architecture in the
CMR:315:96 Page 4 of 7
state or region. A major building may have some exterior modifications, but the
original character is retained.
Category 3 or 4: "Contributing building" means any building or group of buildings
which are good local examples of architectural styles and which relate to the character ’
of a neighborhood grouping in scale, materials, proportion or other factors. A
contributing building may have had extensive or permanent changes made to the
original design, such as inappropriate additions, extensive removal of architectural
details, or wooden facades resurfaced in asbestos or stucco.
The Historic Preservation Ordinance defmes a category one or two structure as a "significant
building." Any exterior alteration to a "significant building" is subject to Historic Resources
Board review and recommendation. An application for demolition of a "significant building".
is subject to a mandatory 60-day moratorium. The City Council may extend the moratorium
for a period of up to one year from the original date of application for a demolition permit.
Category 3 and 4 structures outside of the "downtown" are not subject to a demolition
moratorium.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The following Comprehensive Plan policies and programs apply to this application:
Q
Urban Design, Policy 2: "Encourage private preservation of buildings which have
historic or architectural merit or both." Because the building is currently eligible for
the National Register of Historic Places, review of any major alterations or demolition
is required by the California Environmental Quality Act. Reclassifying the building
to a Category 1 or 2 structure on the City’s Historic Inventory would not increase the
level of private preservation or the City’s ability to preserve the structure over that
already in place.
Urban Design, Program 10: "Encourage the rehabilitation of historic buildings by
providing, for the preservation of the building facade when it is not economically
feasible to retain the whole building." Through the Coordinated Area Plan proposed
for the South of Forest Avenue area, the City will conduct a comprehensive study of
the area, including the subject site and other facilities currently owned by the PAMF.
If it is feasible to rehabilitate the building, the City could negotiate a facade easement
to preserve the exterior of the building while allowing the property owner an
economically viable reuse of the structure which is consistent with the direction of the
Area Plan.
Urban Design, Program 11: "Maintain and strengthen the City’s design review
procedure for historic buildings proposed for exterior remodeling or threatened by
CMR:315:96 Page 5 of 7
demolition." Reclassifying the building to a category 1 or 2 structure would not
increase the level of protection from demolition currently afforded by the building’s
eligibility for the National Register.
DISCUSSION
In accordance with the Council’s action in January 1996 on the National Register application,
staff recommends that any action to reclassify the category of the subject building should be
delayed until after completion of the anticipated Coordinated Area Plan for the South of
Forest Avenue area. Any action preceding the Area Plan could be inconsistent with the
Coordinated Area Plan process and could impede creative solutions to preserve the building,
if desired. Additionally, because the building is eligible for the National Register of Historic
Places, review of any major alterations or demolition is currently required by the California
Environmental Quality Act. Reclassifying the building to a Category 1 or 2 structure on the
City’s Historic Inventory would not add to the level of review already required.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could approve, disapprove or modify the application for reclassification.
If Council wishes to approve the reclassification, staff can prepare proposed findings in
accordance with Council direction.
If the Council intends to reclassify the building, staff suggests that the definition of Category
2 best describes the subject structure, which is of regional importance because of its rich
history. Although the structure is in poor condition and is therefore not an outstanding
example of an important architectural style, it is a building of major regional, cultural
importance, per Section 16.49.020(b), in that it served as the center of the religious and
cultural life of the Afi’ican American Methodist Community from 1924 through 1964 .
Although the structure has had few major exterior alterations, its present condition is contrary
to the Category 1 definition.
FISCAL IMPACT_
No fiscal impact will result from action on this application.
~NTAL ASSESSMEI~[~
Exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State
CEQA Guidelines, Section 15061 (b)(3): There is no possibility that the classification
decision may have a significant effect on the environment.
STEPS FOLLOWING APPROVAL~
If the Council continues the application, Planning staff will analyze the historic merit of the
building in the course of the anticipated Coordinated Area Plan for the South of Forest
CMR:315:96 Page 6 of 7
Avenue area. Staff will work with the Historic Resources Board to formulate a
recommendation on the retention of the building and any future use of the site.
If the Council approves the proposed reclassification, the City Clerk would send to the owner
of the property a letter outlining the basis for such designation and the regulations which
result from the reclassification. Notice of the reclassification would also be filed in the
Building and Planning Division files.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1
Attachment 2
Attachment 3
Attachment 4
Attachment 5
Attachment 6
Attachment 7
Attachment 8
Attachment 9
-Ruth Anne Gray’s Submittal Materials
-Excerpt City Council Minutes (1/16/96)
-Excerpt Historic Resources Board Minutes (5/1/96)
-Letter from David Jury
-April 24, 1996 Letter from David Jury
-April 9, 1996 Report from City Attorney
-Historic Preservation Ordinance
-December 13, 1993 Report from City Attorney
-April 30, 1996 Letter from State Historic Preservation Officer
CC:Ruth Anne Gray, P.O. Box 575, Palo Alto, CA 94301
David July, PAMF, 330 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, CA 94301
PREPARED BY: Joseph M. Colonna, Senior Planner
KENNETH R. SCHREIBER
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
CMR:315:96 Page 7 of 7
Attachment I
March 28, 1996
MAR 2 9 1996
DEPARTMENT, O-" ~LANNJ~G"
Ruth Anne Gray
P.O. Box 575
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(408) 975-6493 (work)
(408) 749-9032 (home)
Historic Resources Board
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Reclassification of Former University African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
819 Ramona Street, Palo Alto, California
Honored Members of the Historic Resources Board:
This letter accompanies a formal application to the City of Palo Alto. The purpose of
which is to raise the current classification of the former University A.M.E. Zion Church
mentioned above on the local Palo Alto Historic Buildings Register Index, from a Category
Three to a Category One. With this application I ask the Historic Resources Board to
upgrade the current classification of this building, as it is worthy of preservation at its
highest level.
.I have raised this issue with your Board several times in the past. At this time I submit
additional research conl’Lrming this former church’s historic function as mutliculmmL
multi-ethnic, multi-racial religious, social, educational, political and cultural center: the only
building in Palo Alto to have such a unique history, and one reflecting the positive racial,
ethnic, and social harmony of Palo Alto during the early years of this century.
As you are aware, the State of California, via the state Historical Resources Commission,
voted unanimously in support of preservation based on the building~s.._hi.’stg.rie merit. The
former church will immediately be listed-on the~California S~teHisto~c_Register.. The
building would also be immediately listed on theNational Register of Historic Plaeb.s.
However, financial obstacles created by the current owner, the Palo Alto Medical
Foundation (PAMF), stand in the way. Nevertheless, it is likely that the building will be
determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Pla~, despite owner obstacles.
Page Two
Historic Resources Board
March 28, 1996
I appreciate your consideration and support for reclassification of this historic Palo Alto
building. I will look forward to meeting with you at the next Historic Resources Board
meeting on April 3, 1996.
Sincerely yours,
Ruth Anne Gray
encl.:Application for Reclassification
Historic Resources Inventory - City of Palo Alto
Nomination Application for the National Register of Historic Places
Planning Division - City of Palo Alto
Members: Historic Resources Board:
Mildred Mario - President, HRB
Linda Scott
Montgomery Anderson
Caroline Willis
Roger Kohler
T~t.. (~1~) $29-~441
Architectural Review Board
Design Enhancement Exception
Environmental Impact Assessment
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Historic Resources Board
Conditional Use Permit
Variance
site and Design
Zone Change
Subdivision
[~ Home Improvement Exception ~ Parcel Map
]~)..T..~: Only the APPLICANT will be notified of Meetings, Hearings or action taken.
Phone:
State: ~ Zip: ¢Z
O F’ropert,3f Owner
Address: U:O0 G~,~t~t’~’~ ~t~-¢~e Phone:
S~te: ~ 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.
Signature of Owner:Date:
State of California - The Re~ourc~ A~ncy
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
... ]ISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
Site
LrrM~ a ..,.,,NR ~ SHL~
Lon Era,~ Sig~
T3 Cat ~HABS ~HAER ~ Fed ~
IDENTIFICATION Cat. TZ"I"
1. Common name:
City:
~5. Present Use:
Other past uses:
2. Historic name, if known:
3. Street or rural address 810 ]~,s~oz~ Street
City:PaSo ,~tO ZIP:_
4. Present owner, if know~: t>&-l-o A~l.to Jw,~a=~ Fot~r~dation
Palo AZto, Ca 9A301 ZIP:
Aba.~do~].Original Use:
County’.’
Address: 300 Ho=er Avenue
Ownership is: Public
Churd~
8an%a Clara
Private
DESCRIPTION
6. Briefly describe the present physical appearahce of t~e site or structure and descJ’ibe any major alterations from its original
condition:
This simple church e~ructure i~ e~sez~ia3.]~ Classical Rewlva~ in style~ ~ith minimal
detailing. It is possible that the origlual surface was not stucco.
7.Locational sketch map (draw and label site and
surrounding streets, roads, and prominent landmarks):
~NORTH
-
8. Approximate property size:
Lot size (in feet)Frontage
Depth :L].2.5 ,:
or approx, acreage
9. Condition: (check one)
,. Excellent E~]b. Good [=’]c. Fair
d. Deteriorated E~] " e. No longer in existence
10. Is the feature a. Altered? El" b. Unaltered?
11. Surroundings: (Che~k more than one if necessary)
a. Open land I~] b. Scattered buildings
c. Densely built-up E~] d. Residential
e. Commercial {~f. Industrial
g. Other
12.Threats to site:
a. None known F~I b. Private develot~ment
c. Zoning E~] d. Public Works project ’ []
e. Vandalism [~ f. Other [~
819 Ramona
NOTE: The following (It~rns 14-19) are for sttucture= only.
14. Primary exterior building material: a. Stone [] b. Brick
f. Other
15. Is the structure: a. On its original si|e? [] b. Moved?
18. Year of initial construction 192~ Thisdate is: a. Factu~[]
c. Sm=o ~] d. Adob~ [~ e. Wood []
¢.Unknown? r-I
b. Estimated
17. Architect (if known):
18. Builder (if known): ¯
19. Related features: a. Barn [~ b.. Carriage house
f." Windmill [~] g. Watertower/tankhouse [~
20.Briefly state historical and/or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site when known) :
Formerly the A.H.E. Zion (African Methodist ~piscopa~) church, which, since 196A, has
5sen located at 35A9 Middlefield Road. ~his was the first blacM church in Palo Alte~
begun in 1919 and holding services at Fraternity Hall. TMmn, with 22 members and
funds raised ia part throughout the town, the new building was planned in 1923
dedicated Apr~l 5, 1925. During the De~ssiom, appeals to assist in payment of
building ar~ mortgage expenses were generously met ~y contributions from other churches
and from private iudividuals, ~thleen Norris, Frank Crist, a~i Fred Ti~uey, a~ong¯others,
~Main theme of the hzszoric resource: (Che~k only one): a. Ard~itec~Jre b..Arts & Leisure
C. Economic/Industrial [~ d. Exploration/~et, tlement E~] ". Gi~err~merlt [~] f. Military
g. Religion. [~ h. Social/Education D
22. Sources: List books, documents, =~rveys, personal interview=; and their dates:
23. Date form prepared" 1979, 1985 By (name): _.P,,z~L~ Woo]=ley; F~stoz~c Resources Board ; P.A.
d ess: ’alo to, ’CA %301 Z,P:
Phone:Organization:
(State U~ Only)
NPS Form 10.900(o~. ~JO)OMB No. 10024=0018
United State~ Dej~rt~errt of the Intedor
National Register Of Historic Places
Registration Form
This form is for u=~ in nominatlffO or requesting determinations for individu=d properties and dl~ct=. See. in~’uctions in How to
Na~on~l Register of Hl~oric Pl~ces Regi~a#on Focm (Nat~ Register Bul/etin 16A). Comp~e each item by maddng "x" in the aDpropda~e box or
by entedng the information requested. If an item does not ,=pp~ to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applical:~e." For functions,
architectural las~t~on, matedais, and ames of skjniflcance, enter only cmegodes and subcatego~s from the instmc~ons. PI~ce additional
entriee and narrative items on continuation shest~ (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, won:l processor, or computer, to complete all items.
1. Name of Property
historic name Uulvarslc7 African Me~hodls~ Episcopal Zion ChuTch
other names/site number ~’he Ramona S~:=eet: Church
2. L~catlon
street & number t o ...,,..t
city or town Palo Alt:o
I-1 not for publica~on
I-I vicinity
state Caltfo~ta code ~ county ~code ~ zip code
3. State/Federal Acjency Certification ~
Signature of ¢ert~ng official/T’dle Date
State of Fede~ agency and bureau
In my opinion, the property 1~] me~t~ [] does not rn~t t~ Nst~ Regi~ cfited~ ([] ~ continu~on ~ ler a~lltional
omment=.)
Signature of cefftfying offlciaJ/T~e Date
State or Foder~d egency and bureau
4. National Park Service Certification
I hereby ¢e~ly that the property is:
[~ entered in the Nalior~ Register.
[] See continuation sheet.
[~ determined eligible for the
National Register
[] See continuation
[] determined not eligible for the
National Register.
[] removed ~om the National
Register.
[] offier, (exp~n:)
Signmum of the Keeper Date of Action
Zion Church Santa Clara, California
5. Ctassification
Ownership of Property(Chec~ ~ ~ bo~es ~s ~(Chec~ only oee box)
Number of Resources within Property
(Do not ir~ude Weviou.~ listed resources in me count.)
I~ private ~ building(s)
[~ public-loc~[~ district
[~ public-State ~ site
I"-1 public-Federal 1~ structureE~ object
Contributing Noncontdbuting
1 0 buildings
sites
structures
Name of related multiple property .sting
(Enter "N/A" if property is not part ot a mu~p~e property li~ng.)
ob~s
_3 0 Tot~
Number of contributing resources previously listed
In the National Register
~/X
6. Function or Use
Histodc Functions
(Enter categories from instn~don~)
RELIGION/Religious ~actli=7
KELIGION/Church School
Current Functions
(Enter ca~egod~ from instn~on~)
VACANT/EOT IN USE
COMMEECE/TEADE/Warehouso
LA~DSCA2E/Parklng Lots
SOCIAL/Clubhouse
EECREATIONAND CULTURE~uslc Facility
EECKEATION AND CULTU~E!Audlto~Iu=
7. Description
Architectural Clesslflcati~n
(Enter categories from i~)Materials
foundation CONCRETE
COMPOSITION,SH~GLES
O~erFENESTRATION/WO~A~D GLASS/ORNAMENTKL
GLASS
Narrative Description
Un±versi~y A.M.E. Zion Church
8. Statement of Si~nificance
Applicable National Register Criteria
(Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the c~teria qualifying the propertytot NatJonaJ Register IL~ng.)
[]B
[]D
Santa Clara ~ Ca.l±forn_la
County an~ State
"Areas of Significance
(Enter categories from instructions)
RELIGION
Property is associated with events that have made
a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
our history.~SOCIAL HISTORY
Property is associated wi~ the lives of persons
significant in our past.
Property embodies the distinctive characteristics,
of a type, pedod, or method of construction or
represents the work of a maste~, or possesses
high artistic values, or represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components lack
individual distinction.
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Period of Significance
1918 - 19/,6
Significant Dates
Significant Pe~m
(Complete if Crite~on B is marked above)
Cultural Affillalion
~U’chitect/Builder
Property has yielded, or is likely to yield,
information important in prehistory or history.
Criteda Considerations
(Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.)
[] A owned by a religious institution or used for
religious purposes.
[] B removed from its odginaJ location.
[-’] C a birthplace or grave.
[] D a cemetery.
[] E a reconstructed building, object, or structure.
[] F a commemorative property.
[] G less than 50 yeats of age or achieved significance
within the past 50 years.
Nan’ative Statement of Significance
(Exp~n the significance of tt~ property on one or mine continuation
Bibliography
(Cite ttze books, artic~s, and ot~or soum~s used in preparing t~is form on one or more continuation
Previous documentation on file (NPS):
I=1 preliminary determination of individual listing (36
CFR 67) has been requested
[~ previously listed in the National Register
I~ previously determined eligible by the National
Register
I=1 designated a National Historic Landmark
[] recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey
#
[] recorded by Historic American Engineering
Record #_
Primary location of additional data:
[] State Historic Preservation OfficeI"=I Other State agency
[] Federal agency
[] Local government
[~ University
~ Other ,Name of repository:
Palo Alto Maln L~brary & Palo Alto ~s~orlca;
10. Geographica! Da~
S~a Clara, Cal±fo~la
Ac~ge of Pmp~y Less ~han one acre
UTM
(Pla~ ~on~ UTM mf~n~ on a ontinu~
Zone Easting Noahing
Verbal Boundary Deecrlptlon
(Dew.be the boundaries of ~e properly on a continua~::m sheet.)
Zone Easting Northing
Boundary Justification
(Explain why the bounda~s were selected on a cor~lnuation she~.)
11, Form Prepared By _
name/title Ruth Anne Gray
organization d~te Nove=]~’a~ 4, 1995
street & number 795 No~:~h ~ai~: Oa~r~ Ave., Onit: #2 telephone (408) 749-9032
city or town.Su"~,7",rale state CA zip code 94086
Additional Documentation ’
Submit ~e ~lowing item~ with t~e comple~d form:
Continuation Sheets
A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property’s location.
A Sketch map ~or historic districts and properti~ having large acreage or numerous resources.
Photographs
Representative black and ,~tdte’photogmphs of the property.
Additional items
(Ch~ w,h me SHPO or FPO for any ~ld~ items)
...............(Complete this item ~t the mqu~st of SHPO or FPO.)
number 400 Channing Avenue
city or town 1)alo state Cali_____~ot’-ia zipcod~ 94301
P~)~rk Reduction Act Statement: This in~ is being coCk.’ted for ~ to tl~ N~lJon~l P~ of H~orlc ~ to nomirmte
pmp~n~es for listing or determine eligibility for IL~ng, to lt~ pm~ and to amend existing I~ F~ .to this mqu~st is required to obtain
a ~ in accord~mce with the National HIsto~¢ Pms~mta~:m Act, =s amended (16 U.S.C. 470 ~t
of this form to the Chief, Administrative Servtc~s Divtskm, Na~on~ Park ,Seneca, P.O. Box 37127, W~ingl~n, DC 20013.7127; and ~ Offic~ of
Mana.aement and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Projects (1024-0018), Wa~hington, DC 20503.
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Section number 7 Page ~SantaClara County, California
.Architectural Description
Summary:
The former University African Methodist Episcopal Zion C"aureh is a rectangular one story
building with a substantial basement designed and constructed between 1924-1925, to
serve religious, spiritual and social needs for gatherings of the Palo Alto community. Its
simple vernacular style follows no specific architectural style, and is a simple wood frame
structure with stucco exterior walls covering the entire building. The basement is reached
only by a covered exterior stair and is almost totally a finished, full-height space wlaieh was
used b,y the congregation for Sunday School classes and meetings. The front facade
features an open porch and there is an intentionally non-functional bell tower with stairs to
the choir loft over the porch area. It has a steeply pitched gable type roof covered by
composition shingles, and a high vaulted ceiling inside the church sanctuary itself. The
door to the sanctuary is reached through the open porch. The sanctuary is an open vaulted
space with a wood floor and smooth, off-white plaster walls. The sanctuary windows
located on both sides of the building are of colored ornamental glass with wood trim
painted brown. The original two--tiered platform for the alter is still intact.
The church building retaim its original character and appearance. The building has.not
been modified, altered or remodeled in any way since its construction in 1925. The
building is eurrendy being used as storage by the present owner, the PAMF (Palo Alto
Medical Research Foundation), who has owned it since 1965. It is presently in a
deteriorating state due to neglect.
The church is located in downtown Palo Alto at 819 Ramona Street in the block between
Homer and Channing Avenue, and three blocks east of University Avenue. The church is
bordered by two parking lots on either side. The surrounding neighborhood i~ transitional,
and is of mixed use ranging from commercial and office use, medical laboratories, light
industrial, and multi- to single-family residential. The entire city block, zoned at RM-30,
contains many historic properties currently facing demofition by either the present owner,
PAMF, or by a developer purchasing the block.
I. uildin Desi and Current Statu~
As one stands on Ramona Street and faces the church, the building is centered on a
rectangular lot of 50 feet by 112.5 feet. The current Santa Clara County Tax Assessor map
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Places
University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
was utilized to develop the following information. The APN number is: 120-28-025; and
neighboring lots: 1) 827 Ramona, to the right of the church, on the Southeast with APN
number: 120-28-024, and 2) the lot situated on the left of the church to the Southwest at the
comer of Homer and Ramona, APN number 120-28-013. The lot on the comer of
Homer and Ramona served as a parking lot for parishioners during the active days of the
church. It is in need of resurfacing. Currently, this lot and the lot at 827 Ramona serve as
private parking for PAMF. The parking areas are finished with concrete pavement. The
parking lot at 827 Ramona has a large untrimmed and overgrown tree whose roots have
cracked the pavement. The tree is close enough to the Southeast comer of the ehttreh (at
the front) to obsmact the visual view of the church, and to cause damage to the church via
its root system. The concrete pavement surrounding the tree is cracked and uneven.
The church has a rectangular floor plan, approximately 36 feet by 50 feet, including its
open front porch. It is set back five feet from the pedestrian pavement and the porch
entrance to the building is located in the front facade, providing an inviting and welcoming
sense to the building’s entrance. The open porch is accessed by four external concrete
steps, and the actual interior sanctuary is entered by one wooden step which is part of the
porch floor. The building owners have blocked access to the porch with a hurricane fence.
Additionally, medical equipment and furniture is stored on the porch. Them is limited
access to the sanctuary of the church.
The roof has a one foot ove~ang in the shape of a wide box cornice extending one foot
beyond theexterior side walls. The roof is covered by composite, asphalt shin~es fastened
to the wood sheathing over the roof structure. However, large areas of shingle and
composite roof material are missing and one can easily see the wood sheathing of the roof.
The exterior wall finish on all sides of the building including the bell tower and chimney
are of conventional stucco laid on chicken or similar wire mesh, which is fastened to the
sheathing of wood plank boards fastened to the stud wall. Originally the building’s stucco
exterior, now discolored, was painted off-white, similar to some of the sandstone buildings
in the area. The wood fenestration was painted chocolate brown, and the colored
ornamental glass filtered the light into the church sanctuary.
The left front (southwest) portion of the building has a non-functional bell tower, 8 feet by
8 feet in plan with an elevated roof approximately two feet above the ridge of the church
roof. There was never any intention for this tower to house a bell. The bell tower has a
window on the west elevation. Currently, the overgrown tree (once a sapling bush) grows
agaimt the southwest comer of the building, along side of the beg tower. It may be another
cause of root damage to the building, and its branches may also damage the roof. It should
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Places
University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santo Clara County, California
be removed. On that same side, the location where the church sign was mounted, the wall
is badly discolored. A large City owned curb side tree has been allowed to become
overgrown, thereby damaging the roof of the church. The sidewalk is cracked and uneven,
and a trip hazard due to root damage.
The entrance to the building is through a nine feet wide round arch opening, leading to the
open porch and from there to the church sanctuary. To the right of the porch opening is a
six feet wide arched window with ornamental glass. Some of the glass in the lower
portion of this window has been broken out. The frame of the window is badly weathered
and paint and surface wood is missing. Above the arched porch opening and the six foot
window is a second window in the form of an isosceles triangle, also with ornamental
glass. This window, other than perhaps some missing caulking and minor cracking in the
stucco-below the left comer, is in good condition. Windows and doors are surrounded by
plain milled boards, and the front windows have simple moldings. Fascia on the roof and
gable ends are of the same simple millwork.
The Southwest or-Western elevation has three, 3 feet wide by 7 feet high windows lighting
the sanctuary, and one 3 feet by3 feet window to the porch, with colored ornamental glass
beneath the bell tower. Them are thr~ ventilation openings beneath each large window.
The stucco finish is badly cracked and bulging for several feet in a horizontal crack along
,the level of the vents, and downward from mid-wall of this elevation. The stucco has
peeled away from the structural framework in this area, and this damage is most prevalent
towards the i’ear of the building on this elevation. At the Northwest comer of the building
(in the rear) missing stucco appears to have been recently filled in as a quick-fix. Most of
the damage and deterioration of the roof is very evident from this elevation. The original
roof covering is mi,ssing in large chunks, and the owner has covered portions of the roof
with two large tarps. The rain gutter is missing from this side. Windows and vent
openings appear to have been blocked from the inside, either by wood or by equipment.
The stucco finish in general is cracked and discolored.
The Eastern elevation has two windows which arc 3 feet wide by 7 feet high over a shed
roof which covers the entrance to the basement. The entrance to the basement of the
building is located on the concrete foundation wall. Access is gained through concrete
steps 2 feet 6 inches wide surrounded by concrete retaining wails. The stops ar~ covered
by a shed roof over a wood post frame and joists. There is also one vent opening to the
basement. At the sanctuary level, there is one 3 feet by 3 feet window above the wood-
paneled door. There are no longer steps leading up to the door. The windows have been
blocked from the inside, and the door is very weathered and damaged. Stucco surrounding
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Places
University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
the bottom of the door frame has crumbled away. There is a large buckling, sagging crack
in the stucco between the vent openings. On this elevation some of the glass has been
broken out of the windows. A spotlight appears to have been added near the rear of the
building on this elevation side to provide light for the parking lot at 827 Ramona.
There is cracking in the stucco around the window and door frames. The smeeo is badly
discolored and stained above the shed roof structure, at the bottom of the windows, and
from the roof/rain gutter area. Some of the roofing material is missing near the rain gutter
edge and the plank board sheathing is visible. The rain gutter on this side is detached
the roof and the lower half of the rain gutter is missing.
The rear or Northeast wall of the building has an attaebed chimney elevated appmximam]y
two f~et above the ridge of the roof, and located slightly off-center (towards the west) on
this wall. The rear wall also has two vent openings in the cripple wall leading into the
basement of the building. Unused equipment appears to block both basement windows.
The stucco exterior has minor cracking throughout.
The building is in very poor condition: neglected, abandoned, in a state of dilapidation, and
not maintained by the present owner. However, the building basically remains in #ace
with all its origimd elements. It has a sound foundation and could readily be rehabilitated in
a straightforward manner to its original condition. A substantial portion of the original
roofing material is missing and tarpaulin covers only part of the damage. Water is
inf’fltrating the building through the rook as are other damaging environmental elements
such as bird droppings and overgrown trees.
Stucco on some portions of the walls is missing, cracked and bulging on the level of the
ground floor structure particularly near basement vents. The budging does not indicate
structural damage, since the stucco appears to peel away from the framework. This
damage to the stucco was caused by the roots of climbing vines, which have since been
removed. There is a wide diagonal crack in the stucco on the top of the front wall at the
level of the roof, and also a vertical crack between the chimney and the building at the
Northeast elevation, and other hairline cracks on the other walls. These cracks were
caused, most likely, by the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989, and by age.
Rehabilitation of the building would be of tremendous benefit and historic value to the
community. A rough estimate of the work and funding needed to complete this task still
requires further assessment. The whole structure and the" particular elements of the
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
building should be thoroughly checked, and the stress capacity connection examined,
ineluding proper anchorage, bolting, bracing, sheathing where needed, in accordance with
the State Historic Building Code and governing City Ordinances. To date, accurate
determinations of these issues have not been addressed, and nothing has been done to
maintain or preserve this structure. Additional items needed to be checked are: insulation,
water and weather protection, electrical systems, circuit protection, wiring, heating/cooling
systems, pest inspection, etc.
To date two cursory assessments have been made by the owner, PAMF, to support their
claim that the building is unsafe and to justify destroying the building. The building needs
an appropriate evaluation by architects and structural engineers experienced in the
rehabilitation of historic buildings.
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
Statement of Significance
.Introductio_v.
The former University African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church sanctuary located at
819 Ramona Street in downtown Palo Alto, and built in 1925, is historically significant for
being the fn’st African American church built in Palo Alto, and for being the fn’st African
American church, of any religious denomination, to be established in the San Francisco
mid-peninsula between San Mateo and San Jose, California. This dhureh also represents
the long-standing history of Af:riean Atnerieans who settled in Palo Alto over a century
ago, and whose descendants continue to live in Palo Alto. The cornerstone for this church.
was laid on April 25, 1925. This church served as a religious, social, and community focal
point throughout its active life (1925 - 1965). This building was and still is Palo Alto’s
most important symbol of multicultural, multi-~thnie eooperatiun and unity manifested
during the early part of this century. Although this church was built primarily for use by
the African Atnedean congregation, the entire local community contributed to the effort.
It is a unique edifice reflecting the positive racial and ethnic liarmony, and good will of
Palo Alto.
I. APlacein "ted tate "t _
The A.M.E. Zion Church, and Methodists in general, laad at their core belief a commitment
to individual ~eedom, human rights, and exlueation. Author Reverend William Walls in
his book, e "e e "t " " " "_ ,
describes the modem introduction of Christianity to African peoples and ties it to the
introduction of the slave trade and the colonization of Africa and the New World.
However, the story of the African American minister and Christianity among slaves is a
unique history, taking place principally in the United States. In the midst of suffering and
degradation, African American slaves frequently sought refuge in rcfigion. The slave
expressed his pain, sorrow, and hope for a future life and participation with God in another
world and reality through his spiritual practice. Through the development of American
Gospel music and chants, having their roots in the tribal rituals and music of their native
Africa, African American slaves found and readily identified with the characters and stories
of the Judeo-Christian Bible: the slavery of the Jews in Egypt; the sufferings of CtLdSt on
the Cross, etCo
Unusual restrictions and limitations were imposed on African Americans who wanted to
worship. Although, Caucasians were encouraged by the positive effect Christian teaching
and worship had on the African American slave population, they often feared the
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara. County, California
emergence of preachers amongst African American slaves: there was fear that a strong
minister or leader might, encourage slave insurrections. To maintain control, white
ministers frequently preached to slave congregations, or restricted hours of worship,
mandated that permission be obtained before worship, and imposed segregation of
congregations.
Most African American Methodism did not independently develop ministers who founded
congregations until the establishment of the National Negro Methodist Churches. There
was one exception, however:. Henry Evans of Fayetteville, North Carolina. He started his
ministry in 1790. Evans was moved to become a Christian and a Methodist early in his
life. He was inspired to preach, and like many African American preachers, suffered
suspicion and scrutiny by slave owners. Often, Evans had to go into hiding, and he often
preached to slaves in secret m~tings. However, as slave owners noticed positive changes
in their slaves, Evans’ sincerity was eventually recognized and accepted. Evans was
allowed to preach openly. By the end.of Rev. Evans’ life in 1810, he was admired as a
minister to both African Americans and whites
Restrictions on African American religious worship were eventually lifted and slaves were
permitmd to assemble and worship. African American ministers were allowed ordination
and permission to preach. Nevertheless, African Americans could not always worship
peacefully free of limitations, intimidation, and fear. Even af’mr 1863 when Slavery was
abolished in the United Stores, this fear and need to control prevailed in some form during
the Reeonsrruction Era.
The A.M.E. Zion Church developed under the auspices and guidance of the Methodist
movement in the.United States, founded by Rev. John Wesley. All African American
churches were born in whim congregations. Reverend Wesley was an ardent supporter of
the abolition of Slavery in the United States and viewed the horrible institution as a blight
upon Christian morals and ethics. Wesley was the founder of the Methodist Movement in
England. He, and his brother Charles Wesley founded the Holy Club in 1729 when they
attended Oxford University. They endeavored to encourage their fallow students to
studious and virtuous life." They developed a broad-ranging ministerial service amongst
England’s poor and down-trodden, and in their application of serious, methodical habits
and religious study in their lives, the term "Methodist" was born. John Wesley’s ministry
grew as a new, more humanistic expression of Christianity took hold in Europe. Wesley
evenmaliy sent ministers abroad to the West Indies and to the New Land: America. In
1766 Philip Fanbury, an Irish minister who had been licensed by John Wesley, held the
fwst meeting on American soil at his home in New York City. Five people attended, one
of which was a slave named Betty. Betty asked that the meeting be opened for her fellow
slaves. As a result slaves were allowed to a~nd services with whites. As increased
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
membership outgrew Rev. Embury’s home, the John Street Church in New York City
was established as the fLrst Methodist church in the United States.
The strug~e for African American freedom, symbolized by the Underground Railroad and
the And-Slavery Movement, with its luminaries among the African American race: Harriet
Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Frederick Douglass, had its basiS and support in the church.
Historically, African Americans had to s~uggle for the right of religious freedom and
assembly. Even within the American Methodist church movement, although themission
of the church was to promote independence and freedom, social and economic practices of
the day encouraged whites to continue to view African Americans as property. Both slaves
and Free’Negroes.were not permitted to sit with white worshipers. Instead, all persons of
color were segregated to the poorest seating in church facilities. Generally, white
Methodists did not penalize or reprimand African Americans for worship. However,
African Americans were denied equal access to the same benefits of the ministry that white
churchgoers enjoyed. Increasing dissatisfaction over the discriminatory treatment of
African Americans led to the emergence of strong leaders, such as James Varick, who"
established the A.MJ~. Zion Church in 1796.
The African Methodist EpiScopal Zion Church denomination (A.M.E. Zion) starred in
New York City in October 1796 by Bishop James Varick (1756-1827), founder and the
first Bishop of the denomination. The church, eventually known as Mother Zion, had
humble beginnings in a former livery stable which had been converted into a dwelling. The
church’s first meetings in this stable had significant symbolic meaning relating to the life of
Jesus Christ for its worshipers. The church, was led by white ministers for a tinm.
During this period, other churches were organized in Long Island, other parts of New York
City, New Haven, Connecticut, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia church, established in 1794 by Richard Allen, was called
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church and was organized with the support of the Quakers, who
.was the most forthright Protestant religious group to oppose slavery. Subsequently,Pennsylvania was the first state of the Union to abolish slavery.
With ties to the A.M.E. Zion churches on the East Coast, the Californian churches and
missions had very direct links to congregations in the South, particularly from North
Carolina to Pale Alto, California. In North Carolina the A.M.E..Zion Church was very
strong, having its ministerial college at Livingston College and Hood Theological Seminary
in Salisbury, North Carolina. This college for African Americans and training center for
the denomination’s ministers was founded in the late 1870’s. Originally the college
campus was located in Concord, North Carolina and known by the name of Zion Wesley
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
Institute. Appeals to the community to raise funds to build a church sanctuary, and
otherwise support Christian endeavor was a common practice within this denomination,
and amongst other denominations. In 1882, after a fund drive to raise money to build a
college, the campus moved to Salisbury, North Carolina and the name was changed to
Livingston College. The college was incorporated in 1885. Normally, most A.M.E. Zion
ministers received their training and ordination at Livingston College. Education,
specifically ministerial education, was the route to enlightenment for most African
Americans. Educated African Americans and/or those trained in the ministry were the
foundations of the more pdviledged upper strata within the African American community.
One of the fast ordained A.M.E. Zion ministers, Reverend John Jameson Moore, left
Baltimore, Maryland in 1852. Reverend Moore became ordained at the 1839 Annual
Conference in Pkiladelphia and became an itinerant preacher. Often traveling by fool he
made his way to CaLifornia, crossing the Allegheny Mountains. As he traveled, he
preached to fugitive slaves along the way, traveling by day and preaching at night. Once in
California Reverend Moore established the fast Negro school in Cafifomia and on the
Pacific coast and several churches. Throughout history the A.M.E. Zion Church proved to
be in the forefront of ministering to African Americans encouraging building the mind as
well as the spirit. The A.M.E. Zion Church had church missions in California in the
Ninetieth century.
First A.M.E. Zion Church was organized in San Francisco on August 1, 1852 by
Reverend Moore, and was the most prominent church of its day. Reverend Moore
remained affiliated with the Philadelphia Conference while on the-Pacific Coast. In 1868
he was elected a bishop and returned to Philadelphia. On January 10, 1868 Bishop lJ.
Clinton arrived from the Southern United States with experience in organizing the South
Carolina Conference in March 1867. He established the fast California Conference (an
annual meeting of all district A.M.E. Zion churches) in San Francisco. Three churches
participated: San Francisco (formerly called Zion Church; now known as First Church),
San Jose, and Napa. The purpose of the Conference was to consolidate and share
information, conduct business and account for church records, fellowship, lend moral
support, and set future goals. This tradition continues today.
During the early years in California, occasional lapses in leadership, caused by deaths and
sometimes poor management, hindered growth of the denomination in California and its
expansion stagnated between 1868 - 1881. However, after 1881 the A.M.E. Zion church
in the Western United States experienced rapid growth. This positive change was fostered
by the strong leadership of the Rev. Alexander Waiters who arrived in California from
Baltimore, Maryland and Bishop Thomas Henry Lomax (1832-1908). Reverend Lomax
was a forceful leader, a long-time advocate of A.M.E. Zion and was strongly kkflue.nced by
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Unive~ity A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
the ministry of Rev. Henry Evans (1778 - 1810). Both Lomax and Waiters took up the
reigns of leadership, and reorganized and inspired the membership. As an example the
Oakland, California church was established in 1900 with the sacrifice and dedication of
ministers like Rev. Tillman Brown and Rev. H.W. Hawkins. Reverend WJJ. Byers, who
later pastored at University A.M.E. Zion, had rich experience in starting churches in the
Southern California and in Arizona. By the turn of the century, the California Conference
embraced not only churches in the state of California, but also in Oregon, Washington
state, and Arizona. There were half a million church members with 3,612 church
buildings, and 2,500 ordained clergymen.
As church expansion continued the original California Conference began to split off due to
the enormous territory it covered. In 1916 the Oregon-Washington Conference began. On
September 22, 1920 the Southwest Rocky Mountain Conference was split off from the
California Conferenee: this division occurring at the meeting held in Los Angeles,
]IL ePalo u ¯"ve "_. "
University African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Mission (University A.M.E. Zion
Church) was part of the expansion sparked in 1881. The Mission Church was founded in
1918 in Pale Alto and was the twenty-fourth church established in the A.M.E. Zion
Church California Conference. Reverends E.P. Bond, Lloyd W. McCoy, and WJJ.
Byers all pastored the fledging church mission during the early years. Reverend Bond
ministered re the tiny church mission at its inception. Reverend Lloyd W. McCoy,
energetic leader of the church, in 1922 initiated the goal to build a church in Pale Alto.
He set a worthy goal for the church and inspired the growing congregation to move
forward. Reverend WJJ. Byers distinguished himself in 1908 for his outstanding
ministerial leadership in Northern Arkansas. He served as Presiding Elder under Bishop
George L Black’well. During the early 1900’s Rev. Byers traveled to California
ministering from Oakland down through the mid-Peninsula and supporting the
establishment of new church missions. Therefore, Rev. Byers acquired and excellent
knowledge and experience of the growth of churches in Californiaand thePacific Coast.
Reverend Byers served on the national organization’s governing boards as well: in 1940 he
served on the Board of Finance for A.M.E. Zion Church. As and elder of University
A.M.E. Zion Church during its beginnings, Rev. Byers was appointed as pastor to the
church in 1939 and remained until his sudden death in February 1943. Reverend Byers
was adnfn~ and respected by the congregation, as well as by ministers of other local
denominations. In October 1942 a reception was held in his honor with Rev. Paul
Offenhiser, pastor of First Baptist Church congratulating Rev. Byers on behalf of the Pale
Alto Ministerial Association.
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
The original founders of the Pale Alto church: Mrs. Melvina McCaw, Mrs. Maude Naris,
Mrs. Jennie Moorc Bass, and Mr. Isaac MacDuffey Hinson were African American
residents of Pale Alto and dedicated church advocates. Most of the founders had relocated
to California.
One of the founders, Mr. Isaac MacDuffey Hinson, came from a strong religious
background. Both he and his father werc active laymen of their church in Concord, North
Carolina. Hinson came to live in Pale Alto, California in 1916 with his wife and new born
son, Francis. However, his connection to Pale Alto go~s back even further in history:
Isaac Hinson’s wife, Pearl Blanche D~nnis Hunnicutt Hinson was the granddaughter of
Mr. Seaman Harris who came to Pale Alto in 1887 from North Carolina. Seaman Harris
was a former slave, born in 1852. After Emancipation of the Slaves in 1863, Harris
worked as a sharecropper, trying to earn a modest living and support his wife and thirmen
child~n.
Harris was an honest and highly intelligent man who was good in mathematics and who
taught himself to read the Bible, and whom the landowners trusted to collect the revenues
from the other sh~ppers. However, in the Reconstruction Era South, Harris realized
that African Americans had li~e oppommity to better their situation. Thercforc, Harris
devised a bold plan: one day in 1887, after collecting the revenues, he purchased a one-way
train ticket to California. Haz~ went into hiding, and was separated fi’om his family for a
few years, until the statute of limitations ran out regarding his theft of the revenues in North
Carolina. During that rime Harris had wisely avoided the larger city c~nters of San
Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles. He was aware of church missions in California and
he decided to sere in Pale Alto, California in 1887, prior to the City’s incorporation in
1894. Harris found work and was eventually able to save the money to purchase a newly
constructed house on Fulton Street in 1896 and send for his wife and his remaining six
children (some of the other children had died either in infancy or at a young age and am
buried in North Carolina. Harris’ two grown daughters had each married and starred
families of their own). In later years, Harris built a house on the property next door to his
home for his daughter Martha Jane, and her remaining child Pearl Blanche. Martha Jane
and her daughter Pearl came to Pale Alto in 1900. In 1914 Pearl went back to North ’
Carolina to ma~ Isaac MacDuffey Hinson in an arranged marriage. Descendants of
Seaman Harris and his grandson-in-law Isaac Hinson, still reside in Pale Alto.
Mrs. Maude Naris, another founder of the Palo Alto church, came from a strong
background. Mrs. Naris was related to the Baker family who came to Palo Alto in 1879,
when Palo Alto was still known as University Park. Mrs. Naris was active in the
N.A.A.C.P., the Negro Welfare League, and other groups. Her son, Felix Naris was "a
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
brilliant musician and played the trumpet. He frequently played for public occasions while
attending Pale Alto High School and studied at the music conservatory. Naris also had a
keen interest in singing and acting and was frequently involved in church entertainment
activities.
The founders of University A.M.E. Zion Church initially met at the home of IVIrs. McCaw
locaFd at 330 Cowper Street in Pale Alto. Membership increased and the newly formed
church held services at rented meeting halls in downtown Pale Alto. The congregation fast
rented space at Fraternal Hall located at High Street and University Avenue. When this
locale became unavailable, they rented Ostrander Hail, located on the second story over the
Bank Of America at University Avenue and Ramona Street in November 1923. As more
African Americans settled and established themselves in Pale Alto during the early 1920’s,
there arose a need for a permanent church home. In 1922, under the leadership of Rev.
Lloyd W. McCoy, the membership launched an effort to raise money to purchase land and
build a church. As of December 1923 the congregation had already purchased land
(819 Ramona StreeO. The first challenge was of financial assets: University A.M.E. Zion
Church mission had insufficient collamral to apply of a loan from the banks in town.
Therefore, Mr. Chdstiansen a wealthy member of the white community and a pe~onal
friend of one of the founders and church Trustees, Isaac Hinson, agreed to make a penonal
loan to the seven Trustees of University A.M.E. Zion Church, instead of to the church
mission itself. Some of the individual Trustees owned property in downtown Pale Alto,
and were willing to sacrifice and use their personal assets as collateral for the loan.
This was a tremendous risk for the individuals who parricipamd, and it reveals to what
extent which these African Americans committed themselves to their church.
The total amount 16 build a new church was originally estimated at$10,000. In 1923, with
22 active members and a total congregation of 40, members of University A.M.E. Zion
Church aggressively solicited contributions from local businesses, organizations, and
residents. For example the Mission Bee, s, a women’s society of the church, was an active
fund raising group. Also, Trustee Isaac I-Iinson, a bootblack working at the Hotel
President, constantly promoted the church and was very effective in getting contn’butio~
from Stanford luminaries and wealthy Pale Altans whom he c.am¢ into contact with in the
course of his work.. Additionally, the church investigated all available resources for raising
money such as A.M.E. Zion’s national tercentenary building fund. By the end of 1923
the church had raised $1,264 to get started. On March 10, 1924 a groundbreaking
ceremony was held for the church. Bishop L.W. Kyles, presiding over the Fourth
Episcopal District of A~I.E. Zion, was present, along with Rev. Lloyd W. McCoy who
was current pastor of the church, and Rev, WJJ. Byers, equally instrumental in the
church’s beginnings. The building project progressed and on April 5, 1925 the new church
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
building was dedicated at a special afternoon services. Rev. McCoy was still resident.
minister; Rev. Byers’was now assigned to First church in San Francisco, other local
ministers, and Bishop J.W. Martin of Los Angeles were in attendance for the dedication.
At the dine total church membership was 38 and the average attendance was75. To build,
the church cost $6,000: half of which was covered by mortgage, and the remainder was
.paid for in contributions, earned by various fund raising events.
IV. burst African American Church of the Mid-Peninsula
University A.M.E. Zion Church was the fn’st African American church in the mid-
peninsula. However, African American worshipers were of various Christian
denominations. Some of them like Mrs. Octavia Jones, whose original religious af-Ftliation
was Christian Scientist, joined University A.M.E. Zion Church. Others sought to establish
other denominational churches in Palo Alto. Other Af:riean American denominations, such
as the Assembly of God and the Baptists, followed. Prior to the establishment of
independent congregations, Af:riean Americans worshipped at local white churches during
Palo Alto’s early years. However, while not prohibited from attending church services,
African Americans experienced occasional discomfort as white Palo Altans practiced a
subde form of segregation, based on current social customs and attitudes. Thus Ahiean
Americans felt justified in establishing their own chttrch. White Palo Altans
wboleheartedly supported this venture. The news media via the local newspaper, the
~ frequently published newsy, positive articles supporting the efforts of the
congregation of University A.M.E. Zion, and the related efforts towards its cause. The
general effect was the positive promotion of the City’s African American population.
In March 1938 African American Baptists established Jerusalem Baptist Church in Palo
Alto, of which the Rev. E.W.D. Morton recognized this need. This church mission was
sponsored by the Pilgrim Baptist Church of San Mateo. Seven Af-riean American Palo
Alto residents formerly organized Jerusalem Baptist as a church on January 7, 1945. At
ftrst the church rented space; eventually a small building on Emerson Street was
purchased. As a reflection on the church’s struggles, a local pastor commented Baptist
Deacon Edmon Stevens for his persistence and commitment in establishing a church in
downtown Palo Alto, "in a day when our tribe was neither welcome or wanted". In
September 1947 Jerusalem Baptist Church bought property at 398 Sheridan Avenue in the
California Avenue District, and built a $~10,000 smacture. During the late 1960s and early
1970s the church bought property on Gmt Avenue and on the comer of Ash and
Sheridan. A Capital Funds Champaign was initiated in 1985 and concluded on Mother’s
Day 1989. Past and present members of Jerusalem Baptist marched from the old church
to the new sanctuary in celebration of this accomplishment. Reverend Emil M. Thomas
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
currently is pastor of the church, and has been there since 1982.
In 1925 the Assembly of God church also established itself in Pale Alto. Two African
American groups of the Assembly of God held services in Pale Alto. However, neither
survives today. One group started in 1925 over a store located at 445 High Street.
African American churches sprang up in neighboring East Pale Alto (formerly called
Ravenswood) during the 1950s. This area had been a white middle class agrarian
community since before the turn of the century. The population had very few racial
minorities at the time. After World War If, white homeowners migrated out of the area
formerly known as Ravenswood. As the area had a history of some discrimination, anti-
discrimination groups hdped African Americans to purchase homes. During the 1950’s
East Pale Alto was of particular focus because housing prices were lower than Pale Alto,
and because residents were generally more tolerant. Rhonda Rigenhagen in her ~
~o Alto succinctly describes how the real estate practice of"block busting"
changed the ethnic character of this area. In the late 1950’s real estate agents sought to
intimidate and frighten white East Pale Alto homeowners into "panic" sales of their homes
by suggesting that their property would devaluate. The alarmed residents sold their homesat devalued costs. Real estate agents then quickly resold the homes to African Americans
at inflated prices. Thus in 1952 the African American resident population had been only
22%, the population jumped to 60% and more during the 1970s and 1980’s.
Subsequently the original white population shrank to 12%. As the complexion of the
neighborhoods changed, the resident churches also changed. Older established churches
became integrated and currently ar~ predominantly African American. The fast African
American congregation established in East Pale Alto was not until 1955. This church was
St. John Baptist Church and the Rev. James and Onedia Branch were the founders.
Other religious groups established themselves in Pale Alto; however, they tended to be
either culturallyisolated as ethnic minorities, or isolated as befievers in a faith with few
local adherents. Meeting in homes or in rented space was the norm for the smaller groups,
until these groups had the means to build their own church facility. The Depression Era hit
smaller congregations especially hard. During this time of economic slump, older, mor~
established churches strug~ed to survive. Relatively few of the newer, smaller churches
were able to survive.
Among other cultures to establish places of worship were the Palo Alto Japane.~
Methodist church, which sta~d in 1909. It was initiated by Japanese Christian students
studying at Stanford University, and local Japanese residents. In 1911 the mission
received their charter and organized with nine members. Served by part-time pastors, the
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
church mission occupied the basement of a boarding house located at 827 Ramona, and
owned by Mr. G. Okazawa. Sunday school and adult workshops were held them. This
house had its own unique history. It was located right next door to University A.M.E.
Zion Church. Secondly, in 1945 this house at 827 Ramona Street was purchased for use
as a parsonage by University A.M.E. Zion Church. The house became available for sale
as a result of the Japanese internment during World War 1/. This building was a two story
structure with an enclosed upstairs porch. It has since been demolished by the current
owner. However, between 1945 through 1965 the house served as a banquet hall,
multipurpose meeting room, theater, and class rooms to suit whatever educational or
cultural needs University A.M.E. Zion Church required.
The Pale Alto Buddhist Temple began in Spring 1914. Buddhist Bishop Koyu Uehida
met another with ten Pale Alto area issei (fast generation settlers) at Alta Mesa Memorial
Park for a Hanami Bosan Kai (Flower Viewing) ceremony, which is the now traditional
Memorial Day service. Monthly services were held in homes; as membership increased
weekly services were held at he Kaneda Home Laundry on Emerson Street. In 1927 the
Buddhist Temple purchased a house on Ramona Street. Since then, the congregation has
relocated to 2751 Louis Road, where they have been since 1951.
Homer Street, Ramona Street, and Emerson Street in Pale Alto (all within close proximity
,to Alma Stree0 were populated with a multicultural, multi-ethnic mix of people and housed
populations of.minority businesses, residences, and places of worship. During the late
1890’s Fulton Street and Cowper Street were locales where minorities owned residences,
and in the late 1920’s Fife Street developed as an area reserved for African Amedcans
coming to Pale Alto. Mr. Jerry Harrison, member of University A.M.E. Zion Church
who came to Pale Alto in 1922, was the first African American to build a home on Fife
Street. He built the house himself for the sum of $250 in 1927. It was a 27 piece early
prefabricated building called a "beginner’s house".
Many African Americans were employed as service workers, holding jobs as maids and
house cleaners, janitors, cooks, bootblacks, porters and laundresses. However, some of
them established businesses. One of the f~t to establish a non-service type business was
Amerieus Neely. Mr. Neely was a shrewd, self-educated man who left Kansas at an early
age. He was mechanically inclined and considered a "Jack-of-all-trades". His viewpoint
was:
"If you worked for Caucasians, they only let you go so far. It was an unwritten
thing that there was a place for you."
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Santa Clara County, California
In 1929 Neely converted a Ford motor into a wood saw and established a wood yard on
Forest Avenue between Emerson and High Streets. In 1933 he opened a bicycle shop at
414 California Avenue in the May’field District. He and his wife Celeste lived in the back
of the bicycle shop. Celeste Neely became the fast African American real estate agent in
town.
The various ethnic groups tended to exist harmoniously, and whenever necessary, they
helped each other in times of need. In 1923, even though University AMI.E. Zion Church
struggled to raise funds to buy land and build a church, the membership recognized the
need to support their neighbors of other cultures. Two women’s church groups, the
Mission Bees and the Sorosis Social Club, donated $25.00 to the Red Cross for Japanese
relief.
Racial tensions occassionally surfaced. The WMI. MacMillan and Company Real Estate
Map published in approximamly 1889, depicts desirable real estate for sale in Pale Alto.
What is missing on this map are the streets populated by minority residents and
businesses. Therefore, these maps tend to paint an inace, urate picture of the whole
community. In contrast, the Sandboume FLre Insurance Maps, beginning in 1896 and
which where drawn by an insurance company based in Chicago, Illinois, realistically show
all streetsin the town
As minority businesses and residents wishing to purchase property.were being steered to
certain streets and districts of Pale alto, eventually Pale Aim businessmen and Realtors
attempted to legally restrict the spread of racial minorities to other parts of Pale Alto. In
1921 the Pale Alto Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution advocating segregated
districts for Asian America- and Af:dcan American citizens. Objections were raised to this
resolution, and the most vocal and outspoken group were the members of University
A.M.E. Zion Church. Mr. Henry Dodson, present and spokesman of the Colored
Citizens’ Club of Pale Alto, presented a counter-resolution. The resolution stated that
"...agitation for such an ordinance will only create race prejudice and cause race
friction, and engender strife and discord where all before was peace and harmony".
Dodson revealed that the congregation of University A2VLE. Zion Church had recently
declined an’opportunity to purchase a $7000 buil .d~ng which had been offered at a bargain
price of $3,000. This property had been located in a white neighborhcx~d and the African
American citizens did not want to incite radal discord or animosity. Additionally, the
counter-resolution cited the Supreme Court ruling of Buchanan vs. Waley; the Supreme
Court ruled on a similar ordinance passed in Louisville, Kentucky, finding it illegal and in
violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. Finally, Dodson offered that out of a population
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8 17 Santa Clara County, CaliforniaSection number Page
of approximately 80 African American citizens, 100% were employed and law-abiding
citizens. The resolution put forth by the Chamber of Commerce was eventually dropped.
Dr. D. Cassandra Fletcher, in her article "The History of Palo Alto: The Minorities’ Point
of View" articulates clearly the racial attitudes present in Palo Alto during its early years.
Japanese Americans were viewed as a major threat during World War 17 even though they
were unquestionably law-abiding and peaceable. Chinese Americans and Chinese
immigrants, as well as Filipino students studying at Stanford University had it much
worse. In California anti-Asian sentiment was fairly virulent, as Arthur Coffman describes
in his book, An Illustrated History_ of Palo Alto:
"Whereas the attitude prevailing towards Blacks was one of virtual neutrality, that
toward Orientals was actively negative. During the first decade of the 20th century
there existed in Palo Alto an anti-Japanese Laundry League whose sole purpose
was to persuade citizens to patronize laundries using only non-Oriental workers. In
referring to the Chir~ese, newspapers invariably called them Chinamen, Chinks,
Celestials and Pagans. Restaurants and laundries proudly advertised that they had
no "coolie" help. Permits to open businesses in Palo Alto were denied to Chinese.
Housing for them was limited to hovels. Yet when young Caucasian thugs one
evening assaulted a Chinese boy whose only offense was to be on a public street,
there was great public indignation over the thugs’ brutality."
Generally, racial tensions and discord was not desix~xl by any of the racial groups. The
Afriean Ameriean population continued to grow and flourish..In 1921 the local census as
reported in the Palo Alto Times reported that 18 Japanese Americans, 3 Chinese
Americans, and one African American was born. Similarly in 1922 there was little
change: .14 Japanese Americans, 2 Chinese Americans, and one Af-riean American child
was born and there was a relative population of about 80 African Amerieans. However, in
the 1940’s the African American population almost doubled; in 1940, 239 Af’riean
Americans lived in Palo Alto. By 1947 African Americans outnumbered all other racial
groups at 467, and increase of approximately 95.4%.
V. ~_~_~Years of Commitment and Survival
In 1935 the effort to retire the mortgage and eradicate other mounting debts was launched
by Rev. J.E. MeCorlde who had lengthy experience in the A.M.E. Zion Church
organization in California.Under his leadership church members canvassed the Palo Alto
community to raise awareness of the church’s need.
The effort was a positive goal which citizens of all races took to their hearts. For the cause
a committee of wealthy and influential.white citizens’formed to assist University A.M.E.
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
Zion Church to raise funds and launched an effort which continued for four years.
Members of this committee were W.B. Allen, Chairman, C.J. Crary, Treasurer and
affiliated with the Palo Alto National Bank, Ray Tirmey, Secretary, D.A. Mendenhall,
Dallas E. Wood, eolurnnist of "The Prowler" of the Palo Alto Times, and Frederick J.
Perry served on the executive board. Ministers from the Palo Alto Ministerial Association
joining the committee were: Rev. Paul Offentliser, Rev. Oscar Green, pastor of All Saints’
Episcopal Church, Rev. Richard Silverthom. Also, prominent fiction writer, Kathleen T.
Norris served on the committee. By the Spring 1935 all Palo Alto banks had established
accounts on behalf of the University A.M.E. Zion Debt Fund for the purpose of facilitating
anyone who wished to make a voluntary contribution, a subscription form for mail-in
contributions was also provided in the local paper. Some of the major debtors of the
church agreed to reduce the amount that the church owed to them as a good faith effort.
Certainly University A.M.E. Zion Church was experiencing financial challenges with
mortgage interest due, operating debt, and expenses. Nevertheless, the commitment of
church members and the cooperation from the larger community was outstanding. By the
end of July 1935 all debts except the mortgage were paid off. The next goal for the church
was to eliminate the mortgage debt.
The local media played a critical role in communicating the worthiness of the cause to the
Palo Alto community. The added function and benefit the local paper performed was in
publicizing the names of the donors. Prominent and wealthy Palo Alto citizens were
frequently cited for their generosity and good will. However, sometimes donors wished
to remain anonymous. Letters to the Editor in the September 7, 1934, September 19, 1936
and May 14, 1937 issues of the ~ ~ challenged the reading public to match
funds, and/or donate on a voluntary basis for the overall good of the community.
Dallas E. Wood was instrumental in promoting the efforts of University AaM.E. Zion
Church via his newspaper column, and through his contacts at the
Columnist Wood wrote favorably about the efforts of Palo Alto African American citizens
to support their church and its contribution to the community. Mr. Wood’s weekly articles
gave the fund-raising effort needed visibility and his "The Prowler" column tirelessly
reminded the reading public in numerous articles devoted to the fund raising effort.
University A.M.E. Zion Church certainly performed its share of the work and proved
themselves worthy of the respect and generosity of the local community. All members
participated in advocating for the church. Reverend McCorkle made frequent presentations
to local organizations such as the Rotary Club of Palo Alto, and the Kiwanis Club to solicit
interest and donations, and to explain the church’s position. Fremont Post, No. 52,
American Legion was another contributor.
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Social and fraternal clubs such as the Palo Alto Elks Lodge, the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis,
the Shriners, and the American Legion, offered f’mancial assistance. University A.M.E.
Zion Church’s own social dubs played their part: in September 1934 the Negro Women’s’
Civic Club hosted a dinner at the.church to raise funds. The church also hosted a
"Snowball Rally" during this time to raise funds. University A.M.E. Zion never tired in
utilizing inventive ways to raise funds and help their cause.
Wealthy and prominent Palo Alto citi~_ens, eminent scholars at nearby Stanford University,
and area businesses contributed financial and moral support. Kathleen T. Norris, popular
and respected fiction writer, served on the fund-raising committee headed by W.B. Allen
and CJ. Crary. Her specialty as an author was short stores and novels, with books such
as ~ Saturday’s Child, ~ and Baker’s Dozen to her credit. Norris was a
strong advocate for the church and frequently lent her name to efforts on the church’s
behalf. -In addition, she also helped other groups. Norris was a frequent speaker at
meeting of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. She lived with her
husband Charles at a home located at 1247 Cowper Street in Palo Alto, one of the many
homes designed by noted Palo Alto arehitoct Birge Clark.
Occasional surges of mounting debt and falling in arrears on mortgage payments proved to
be challenges, and the church membership of University A.M.E. Zion redoubled their
efforts to handle the debt.
The Palo Alto Miaisterial Association organized a citizens’ committee to assist the fund-
raising cause. Other religious denominations offered facilities, donations, and moral
support as well. All Saints’ Episcopal Church of Palo Alto figured prominently in hosting
fund-raising dinners sponsored by University A.M.E. Zion Church, by coordination
assistance with other churches, and by serving as .the principal nucleus for the fund raising
efforts within the local community. In early September 193~ Palo Alto churches joined
together in a union service held at All Saints Episcopal Church. Simultan~usly,
University A.M.E. Zion Church held a fund raising service at their own site. Another
union service was held on January 2, 1943 at First Presbyterian Church. Again on
May 12, 1937 a community fundraising dinner was held at All Saints Episcopal Parish
House. Three hundred people attended the event at which Rev. Paul Offenhiser served as
Toastmaster, Rev. MeCorkle made a brief address, and Dr. D. Charles.Gardener, Chaplain
Emeritus of Stanford University Memorial Church was the featured speaker. For this
dinner the Y.M.C.A. sold tickets at 60cents each, and the members of the church prepared
the banquet.
By January 1939 the mortgage debt had been reduced to $1,500 and a final effort was
launched to eradicate this debt. The Palo Alto Ministerial Association suggested a plan:
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
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If University A.M.E. Zion Church raised $500, the Ministerial Association would
endeavor to raise the f’mal $1,000. At the time the Rev. Pkilbert Lanlcford was pastor to
University A.M.E. Zion church. The effort was initiated and by May 1939 the church had
raised the necessary $500. Kathleen Norris became honorary chairperson serving with
Rev. Oscar Green as chairman of the community committee helping to raise the $1,000.
To kick off the effort, on May 25, 1939 a fundraising dinner was given at University
A.M.E. Zion church, sponsored by the Pale Alto Ministerial Association. Members of
the congregation provided for dinner preparation arrangements and entertainment with.
Gospel music and spirituals. Kathleen Norris gave the principal address.
Throughout the duration of the four year campaign, Rev. McCorkle, and later Rev.
Lankford, and the congregation never failed to thank the public as the church’s financial
debts were reduced. In October 1934 a letter to the public from the church was printed in
the ~. An except of it reads as follows:
"To our good friends and well-wishers of Pale Alto, and especially to the Pale Alto
Times Prowler, we take this oppommity to express our sincere thanks for your
unlimited kindness and publicity in coming to our rescue in our recent distress.
You not only saved our church building and gathering place for our group here, but
you restored a lost hope, brought new faith and a greater desire to become better
citizens. Our church must serve as a social and community hall as well as a place
of worship. Therefore we hope you can realize the real services you have rendered
US."
Additional letters of gratitude appeared in the July 6, 1937 edition of the
In the July 15, 1939 paper at the end of the fund raising effort and after the church’s
mortgage was burned, this expression of gratitude appears:
"We wish gratefully to acknowledge not only the liberal response of the many
individuals whose names have appeared from time to time in the columns of the
Pale Alto Times, but the civic and social organizations, the business from, the
church dubs, and any other agency that has made it poss~le for us to be free of any
bonded indebtedness."
In June 1939 the Japanese Methodist Church donated $550.00, serving as a eridcal
payment towards the retirement of University A.M.E. Zion Church’s mortgage. The Pale
Alto Times of June 6, 1939 reported that the Japanese Methodist Church had recently
purchased a lot and a house in 1935, and had just completed building their own sanctuary
located at 306 Page Mill Road. As a gesture of gratitude and sharing they made a
generous, unsolicited donation to the African American ehurelx
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Santa Clara County, California
By July 1939 the mortgage was paid off. In a gala event on July 8, 1939, the mortgage
was burned with much ceremony. The church was fLlled with well-wishers of all races.
University A.M.E. Zion Church now had the distinction of being the only church in the
A.M.E. Zion Caiifomia Conference to have cleared all of its debt. The message preached to
all was that citizens should not become stagnant and cease to be pro-active in serving the
church and the community
VI. A Dynamic Community_ Force
University A.M.E. Zion Church never failed to promote its traditional historic goals of
individual freedom, humanrights, and education. The church served as a focal point for
raising social and community awareness and members of the congregation volunteered
their time and effort in numerous community and social groups. Not all events could be
locatedat the church due to space accommodations for large gatherings. Outreach and
interchange with the general community was critical to maintaining local good will for
University A.M.E. Zion Church. Also, it was not until 1945 that the church purchased the
property next door at 827 Ramona to accommodate the church’s overall space needs. Up
until that time very_large events were occasionally held at other facilities such as the
Community Center, and All Saints’ Episcopal Church.
University A.M.E. Zion Church served as the initial clearinghouse and focal point for the
birth of the National Association for the. Advancement of Colored People 0N.A.A.C.P.) in
Palo Alto. Members of the church had participated with the N.A.A.C.P since 1934.
However, formulation of a Palo Alto branch of the N.A.A.C.P. didnot occur until 1952,
where Mrs. Willa Mac Graves served as the group’s f~rst president. In May 1934 a
women’s church club called the Excelsior Club, hosted a tea for Mrs. Daisy V. Lampkin,
Field Secretary of the N.A.A.C.P. Mrs. Lampkin’s goal was to increase N.A.A.C.P.
membership by 1,000 in the San Francisco Bay Area, and she was touring the State of
California at the time. In July of that same year a delegation of African American residents
from Palo alto attended the Second Annual Conference of the Northern California
Conference of the N.A.A.C.P. Ms. Rachel Davis DuBois from Columbia University and
Dr. J.P. Lovel, Professor of English at Howard University in Washington, D.C., were
featured speakers. Other local groups kept involved also. All Saints’ Episcopal Church
vigorously supported the effort, frequently lending its large facilities for N.A.A-C.P.
functions. This church vividly demonstrated the pro-active, positive support within the
local white community.
The years during World War II raised concern over racial discrimination within the Armed
Forces. Palo Alto citizens of all races responded to the need for dialogue and problem-
solving. However, there was a clear irony in the reality of Palo Alto Japanese Americans
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University A.M.E. Zion Church
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forced to live in internment camps and deprived of their homes and possessions during this
period of time.
Although not speaking at University A.M.E. Zion Church (he spoke at All Saints’
Episcopal Church) Roy Wilkins, then Assistant Secretary of the N.A.A.C.P. in New York,
addressed the public in November 1942. Mr. Wilkins’ talk was entitled "The American
Negro and the War Effort". At the time, Wilkins, a graduate of the University of
Minnesota, was also editor of the periodical entitled ~. Immediately after the attack on
Pearl Harbor, Wilkins and 19 other African American journalists conferred with War
Department officials in Washington, D.C. on policies regarding African American
soldiers. He was active, in seeking better opportunities and treatment of African
Americans in the Armed Forces. Wilkins congratulated Pale Alto for its level of tolerance
and encouraged the community to continue to maintain a positive environment:
"...to volunteer experimentally to teach people how to live together;, not to expect
overnight changes, but not to slip backward."
Other speakers such as Thara Edwards, National Public Relations Director for the National
Maritime Union, also addressed listeners in October 1944. At that meeting Captain Hugh
Mulzac, African American commander of the SS Booker T. Washington, commended the
efforts of President Franklin D. Roosevelt to assist in the appointments of African
Americans to command posts and increasing integration in the Naval Services.
On June 13, 1943 the Santa Clara County branch of the N.A.A.C.P. ~elebrated its first
anniversary in a party at University A.M.E. Zion Church. Church members s~ch as Felix
Natis, son of church founder Mrs. Maude Natis, performed at the event.
Issues ranging from the human rights movement to the appreciation of the Arts were
priorities for African American Pale Altans and for the larger community in general.
University A.M.E. Zion Church would serve as a focus and umbrella for topics such as
property ownership and rental, employment, health, education, juvenile delinquency, social
and cultural issues, and recreation and the Arts. The fight against discrimination neve¢
lessened. It is fortunate that in Pale Alto there were many who were tolerant and
enlightened and who sought to help those whom they considered less fortunate.
Employment opportunities were generated in October 1939 by the establishment of a
bureau called the Negro Employment Exchange. The purpose of the agency, located on
Grant Road in Palo Alto, was to provide a wider variety of jobs for African Americans and
to provide traiaing in food preparation.
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Education was a top priority with University A.M.E. Zion Church. One of the church
clubs which led the way in promoting education among the membership’s young people
was the Excelsior Club founded by Mrs. Pearl Moulden. Mack and Pearl Moulden came
to Palo Alto in 1928. Pearl Moulden sought a good education for her family and herself,
and went so far as to enter Palo Alto High School, along with her son William, and
graduate with him in 1934. She established the Excelsior Club which had as its mission
statement the promotion of education for African American youth. This organization
evolved into the current Community Activities Committee, continued by Mrs. Moulden’s
daughter Maxine Moulden-Jackson. The Excelsior Club sponsored fund-raisers in order
to fumish the money for a scholarship for a worthy student _a.,ttending Palo Alto High
School. The high school usually selected from among the ~t African American students.
In 1936 William Moulden, Mrs. Moulden’s son won the award. In 1937 Ruth Dennis
Hinson, Trustee Isaac Hinson’s daughter won the scholarship. Both students continued
their education at San Jose State Coliege. University A.M.E. Zion Church welcomed
visitors from overseas: two African students, who were scholarship winners to the
University of California in Berkeley, California, were guests of honor at an Excelsior Club
tea in October 1934. Miss. Mary Ruth Banks, a teacher from Los Angeles, visited Palo
Alto to assist Rev. J.E. McCorkle with evangelistic services at University A.M.E. Zion
Church in August 1938. She also made a presentation to the Ameliorated Gkls Club. The
church membership took interest in local school board issues as well. In April 1945 an
N.A.A.C.P. meeting was held at the church. Candidates for the Board of Education of the
Palo Alto Unified School District spoke to an interested audience. Professor Raymond
Harriman and Professor J. Paul Leonard were the candidates and both were invited to voice
their views on education in Palo Alto, including the budding idea of Junior Colleges. Both
speakers advocated good waining in the fundamentals, ad~uate vocational training and
cultivation of the Arts as necessary in, the school system. Both also supported, to varying
degrees, equal opportunity for children of all races.
University A.M.E. Zion Church was also the site for lectures on health issues. To
celebrate Negro Health Week in April 1940 Dr. Charles L. Ianne, Director of Tuberculosis
for Santa Clam County, spoke at a Youth Council meeting at the church. Other speakers
were Dr. Merrill K. Bennett of the Stanford Food Research Institute, and Dr. Blake
Wilbur. Topical f’flms on health care were also shown.
Political and social issues of local, state and national importance were addressed by the
church membership. Members were interested and open to hearing new ideas. In April
1934 Frank Cmsswaith, native of the Virgin Islands, instructor at the Rand School of
Social Services in New York, visited Palo Alto. Mr. Crosswaith spoke on behalf of the
Socialist Party at the Native Sons’ Hail, located close to the church. He was a long-time
advocate of Socialism, the party’s candidate for Congress in New York, and served on the
United States Department of the interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic
Continuation Sheet
Section number ~8 Page 24
Places
University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
executive committee of the American Labor Party. The California League of Women
Voters sent representative IVlrs. Julian C. Whitman to speak to the Tri-City Colored
Women’s’ Club in April 1937. Legislative measures concerning social welfare and orphan
aid was discussed. African Americans listened with interest in December 1938 to Mr.
Harry Williams, Secretary of the National Negro Congress, San Francisco Council, a
Democratic parry organization, the New Deal Democratic Club hosted this program at the
Community Center. University A.M.E. Zion Church members initiated positive action
themselves with the establishment of the Negro Welfare League. This organization,
founded in 1939, had four different branches which handled different areas: 1) Economic,
headed by Mrs. Louise Joaquin, 2) Social Welfare, chaired by Mrs. Pearl Moulden, 3)
Civic, chaired by Mr. Fred Smith, and Religious, chaired by Mrs. Maude Naris, original
founder of University A.M.E. Zion Church, and who also served as Treasurer for the
Negro Welfare League.
Recreational and social growth were very important goals of University A.M.E. Zion
Church. The clubs and groups arising out of the church were both religious in orientation
and social in nature. Thereby, these groups provided for recreation, citizenship
development, spiritual enrichment and socialization for the membership of the church. The
church had several women’s groups affiliated with it: the Young Women’s’ Missionary
Society, the Pride of the Peninsula Chapter Order of Eastern Star, the Mission Bees, the
Sorosis Club, the Tri--City Colored Women’s Club, the Negro Women’s Civic Club, the
Excelsior Club, the Negro Sewing and Knitting Group, organized to assist the Red Cross
during the years of World War IL not to mention a few.
Social and cultural needs of young people were important and in the summer of 1936
African Americans organized a forum to address issues and needs of their young people.
Events such as a Mother-Daughter Banquet for all member families was held by the
church at the Palo Alto Community Center on December 29, 1934. Mr. Josephine Brice
Johnson, State President of the National Association of Colored Girls, was guest of honor
and speaker for the event.
On many occasions ties that church members developed with the larger community proved
to be invaluable. Church member and pianist for the church for 30 years, Mrs. Hester
Kinnard Harrison worked for the City of Palo Alto as a recreation leader at the Lucie Stem
Community Center. Each summer special ourings and camps were planned. Pearl
Moulden and Hester Harrison figured prominently in the planning of these events. Local
organizations lent facilities and equipment for the cause. A temporary summer camp for
African American girls was established on Stanford property during 1936. In 1938 a
weekend excursion was staged at Boulder Creek, site of the Palo Alto Y.M.C.A..
United States Department of the interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 25
Places
University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
By July1940 young African American girls from Palo Alto werepermitted to use the Girl
Scout Camp located at Sky Meadow in the Big Basin area for one week during the month
of August. Mrs. Pearl Moulden was the director of the event, assisted by her son William
Moulden, a student at San Jose State College. Reverend WJJ. Byers of University
A.M.E. Zion Church served on the camp committee.
University A.M.E. Zion Church also had men’s groups affiliated with the church. One of
the best known was Community Lodge 43: Free and Accepted Masons. This fraternal
organization was established in Palo Alto in 1927. All of the important male members of
the church joined this group. The ceremonies and rituals of the Masons were generally
solemn and religious in nature, and fit well with University A.M.E. Zion Church
membership. Historically, Negro Freemasonry was established in the United States in
1787 by a Methodist minister named Prince Hail of Boston, Massachusetts, who traveled
to England to receive a charter to begin the movement on behalf of African Americans.
The group celebrated Saint John’s Day at the ehnreh on June 22, 1947. Other men’s
groups were the Palo Alto Phalanx Club, consisting of young African American men who
were also members of the Y.M.C.A. Felix Naris was president and William Moulden was
vice president during the late 1930’s. The Colored Elks’ Lodge was another group under
the social umbrella of University A.M.E. Zion Church. In May 1945 the first African
American Boy Scout Troop was formed. Young African Americans belonged to other
scout troops that were integrated. However, this was the first time a separate Af:riean
American Scout Troop was established. Scout Troop 40,. as it was called, was sponsored
by the Church of God in Christ and trained by the Stanford Area Council of the Boy
Scouts of America.
Coed groups such as the Adult Recreation Club was fo~’med in 1941.
African Americans and white Palo Altans worked side-by-side on projects and citizens’
committees were established to address relevant issues. African Americans from
University A.M.E. Zion Church sponsored a Christmas party for children and adults in
December 1937 at the Community Center. The Tfi-City Colored Women’s Club and the
Excelsior Club sponsored the event and invited the general public to attend.
During World War H the need for an African Americansoeial center arose. Mrs. Frank
W. Weymouth, active African American leader on the Santa Clara County Executive
Board of the N.A.A.C.P., articulated the need of local African Americans for a social
clearinghouse, equipped with temporary sleeping accommodations for African American
service men of the Armed Forces, and a nursery and day care center for working mothers.
Also, neighborhoods where African Americans lived and worked had deteriorated
somewhat, partly to the privations caused by the war, and partly due to certain
United States Department of the interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 26
Places
University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
white landlords’neglect and refusal to make repairs. Additionally, very few homes were
available for purchase by African Americans in Pale Alto. In October 1943 an evening
meeting of the Social Center Committee was held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. The
Japanese Methodist Church on Page Mill Road, now vacated due to the World War II
internment, was viewed as a potential site for an African American social center. The Pale
Alto Interracial Council approved the use of the Page Mill church for the Social Center
Committee. The Rev. R. Marvin Smart was the chairman of the committee, and he
expressed the biggest problem which the Social Center Committee faced was where to
move the personal belongings of the Pale Alto Japanese American residents displaced by
World War II internment. Currently these belongings were stored in the Page Mill church.
The members of University A.M.E. Zion had a keen interest in the Arts. As an African
American church religious music was showcased at the church and in the greater
community. During the years when the church sought to pay its debts, many of the fund
raising events featured Gospel music and spirituals. A March 1941 fund-raiser featured a
30 voice choir from University A.M.E. Zion Church, with Mrs. I-fester Han’ison as piano
accompanist. However, classical music was also appreciated. On March 8,1945 a talented
classical violinist, Victoria Rice gave a concert at University A.M.E. Zion Church.
Ms. Ride studied at the Eastman Conservatory in Rochester, New York, and then studied
with Alexander Roman, violinist for the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra. She also
taught on the faculty of the Gray Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, California.
Ms. Mabel Richardson, contralto and church soloist of First Church A.M.E. Zion in San
Francisco gave a recital sponsored by the’Excelsior Club of University A.M.E. Zion
Church. The concert was held in November 1937 at the Mayfield Branch I.a’brary and
featured many classical music selections as well as spizimals. At that same location Iris.
Katherine Hill Ca!dwell, lecturer at the San Francisco Museum of Art, gave a lecture on
African Negro Art in March 1940.
University A.M.E. Zion Church featured its own "home-grown" local talent. Entertaining
productions, usually based on traditional, and sometimes stereotypical humor, were
pcrf0rmed by members of the church for the general public. One example of local talent
was the formation of a young men’s vocal group which included Fdix Naris.
University A.M.E. Zion Church never failed to celebrate its history and successes. In
1940, 1949, and 1954 _Pale Alto Times news articles report multi-denominational
anniversary celebrations. These celebrations were accompanied by a variety of special
entertainment and programs, usually lasting a week. Also Negro History Week,
traditionally celebrated in the month of February, was acknowledged and validated through
lectures, programs and recitals at the church and in the community.
United States Department of the interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet -
Section number 8 27Page
University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara Count, California
Conclusion
The existence of this church points directly to the long-standing African American heritage
in Pale Alto. African Americans lived within clos~ proximity to downtown University
Avenue and to their white neighbors. Several African Americans owned property, were
stable citizens, and were loyal and committed m their church, and c~ntral nucleus of their -
stability: University A. ME Zion Church. This section of town, in addition, reflected a
multicultural, multiethnic-ethnic neighborhood mix and proved that various races lived and
worked here during Pale Alto’s early years. Dr. D. Cassandra Fletcher’s article, "The
History of Pale Alto: the Minorities’ Point of View" sums it up best:
"While this is by no means an exhaustive study of historical evidence, Pale Alto
was dearly a community in which blacks found a satisfactory niche of their own.
Within the stifling confines of racism, political exclusion, and economic oppression
they wed, marr, d children, crea~ organizatiom to address their political and social
needs, built their own church, established their own businesses, and worked hard at
the lowopaying jobs which they were allowed to have. White Pale Alto was not
without love, respect, understanding, or compassion for its darker-skinned brothers
and sisters. The sterling example of collective community support given for the
campaign to lift the mortgage debt on the University A.M.E. Zion Church is
incontrovertible proof of that."
Clearly, the former sanctuary of University A.M.E. Zion Church at 819 Ramona Street in
Pale Alto is unique and has a rich history.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service ,:
National Register of Historic
Continuation Sheet
Section number ~ Page
Places
University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Coffman, Arthur. An Illustrated Hist0rv of Palo Alto. Palo Alto, CA: Lewis Osborne,
1969.
Fletcher, D. Cassandra, Ph.D. ’°I’he History of Palo Alto: The Minorities’ Point of View".
Palo Alto, CA: Palo Alto Historical Association Archives, 1987.
Gray, Ruth Anne. "Palo Alto’s Fast Black Church: University A.M.E. Zion". Palo Alto,
CA: Palo Alto Historical Association Archives, 1979.
Gray, Ruth Anne. "Blacks in Palo Alto History: Historical Notes". Palo Alto, CA:
Palo Alto City Council Archives, 1987.
Miller, Guy C., Ed. Palo Alto Comrnunitv Book. Palo Alto, CA: Arthur W. Cawston,
1952.
Ringhagen, Rhonda. A.J;lig.g~LPJL~t Palo Alto. East Palo Alto, CA: Romic Chemical
Corporation, 1993.
Walls, William J., Bishop. _Tll_C_African Methodist " " u : e ’_
Black Church: Charlotte, NC:/LM.E. Zion Publishing House, 1974.
Winslow, Ward and the Palo Alto Historical Association.".t " " t .Palo Alto, CA: Palo Alto Historical Association, 1993.
Woodson, Carter G. The History_ of the Ne_m’o Churell. Washington, D.C.: The Associated
*Publishers, 1921.
~ (May 1923; Dee. 3, 1923; March 11, 1924; April 4, 1925;
July 6, 1934; Sept. 7, 1934; Sept. 8, 1934; Sept. 10, 1934; Sept. 18, 1934; April 16, 1935;
April 27, 1935; April 29, 1935; April 30, 1935; May 3, 1935; May 14, 1935;
March 26, 1936; May 5, 1937; May 13, 1937; May 14, 1937; Sept. 19, 1938;
May 20, 1939; May 25, 1939; May 26, 1939; May 27, 1939; June 3,’ 1939; July 2, 1939;
July 8, 1939; July 15, 1939; July 16, 1939; Feb. 6, 1943; March 20, 1943; April 5, 1947;
Nov. 1, 1952; December 4, 1954; June 22, 1972; June 12, 1978; December 3, 1989,
December 4, 1989; January 16, 1993; February 18 - 28, 1993; March 5, 1993).
NOTE: There is an extensive number of newspaper articles pertaining to this church and its
congregation. This listing reflects only a representative sample of available information.
United States Department of the interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 9 Page 29
University A.M.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
. .The Palo Alto Weekly (April 1, 1992; February 10, 1993; December 8, 1993)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register Historic
Continuation Sheet
lO 30 ’Section number Page
Places
University A~.E. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
Verbal Boundary Descripdo~n
This description is taken from the Corrective Grant Deed, Document 9290944,
Book K165, Page 1740, filed on May 28, 1987. APN: 120-28-25.
Parc~l One:
Portion of Lot 3, Block 7, Map of the Subdivision of Block 7, University Park (now Palo
Alto) filed February 24, 1903 in Book "F-3" of Maps, Page 10, Santa Clara County
Records, described as follows:
Beginning at the intersection of the Northwest line of Homer Avenue with the Southwest
line of Emerson Street; thence from said point of beginning Northwest along said line of
Emerson Street 200 feet; thence at right angles Southwest and parallel with said line of
Homer Street. 105 feet to the Northwest line of 15 foot alley; thence Southeast along said
line 200 feet to the Northwest line of Homer Street; thence Northwest along said line 105
feet to the point of beginning.
Parcel Two:
Beginning at a point on the Southeasterly line of Homer Avenue, distant thereon 56 feet 6
inches Southwesterly from the point of intersection of the Southeasterly line of Homer
Avenue with the Southwesterly line of Emerson Street, running thence Southwesterly along
said Southeasterly line of Homer Avenue 56 feet; thence at right angles Southeasterly 112
feet 6 inches; thence at right angles Northeasterly 56 feet; thence at right angles
Northwesterly 112 feet 6 inches to the point of beginning, being Lots 46 and 47 as
designated upon a Map entitled "Hart and MacMillan’s Subdivision of Block No. 8
University Park (now known as Palo Alto) Santa Clara County, California" and which Map
is of record in the Office of the County of Recorder of the County of Santa Clara, State of
California in Book D of Maps, Page 117.
United States Department ’ of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 1o Page 31
U~vcrsiry A~M~. Zion Church
Santa Clara County, California
Parcel
Commencing at a tx)int on th~ Southeasterly lin¢ of Horn~r Avenue, distant ~hereon 56 f~t
3 inches No~lhCasterly from the point of intersection of said Southeasterly linc of Homcr
Awntm with the Northeasterly lin¢ of High Strut; th¢nc~ in a Southeasterly direction and
parallel to said tins of High Stret 100 fret; thencv in a North¢ast~rly direction and parallel
to said line of Homer Avenu= 56 feet and 3 inches; th¢nc¢ in a Northwesmrly direction and
parallel to said line of H.igh S~t 100 feet to said South~.astvrly line of Homer Avcnuc;’and
thence in a Southwesmrly direction and along said Southvast~rly lin¢ of Homer Avenue 56
fvvt 3 inch¢s to th¢ point of comm¢ncvment, and being the Nord~¢asterly one-half of Lots
17, 18, 19 and 20 of Block 8 as d~signated upon a Map ¢ntitl¢d "Hart and MacMillan’s
Subdivision of Block 8, University Park" filed for record in Book D of Maps, Page. 117,
Santa Clara County R~ords.
United States Department of the interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic
Continuation Sheet
10 32Section number Page
Boundary Justification
Places
Sam~ Cla~ Co~ty, Ca~omia
Taken from Morris and Gr~nwood Subdivision of Block 9, filed with the Office of County
Ass~sor, Santa Clam County, California. Book 120, Page 28. APN: 120-28-25
r o
:z.
112.! I
~.~/~ NNIN~ AVE
Attachment 2
nally decided that the traffic circle was the best solution. He
eed with Council Member Kniss when the process began that the
~ods needed to be involved, but he would have voted
the $84,000 figure when it came back to the Council if he
had ~n present at the time. He was uncertain that the cost
e~provided by staff was appropriate, but he felt it was time
to move ~rward and make a traffic circle work. If the traffic
circle done well, it would be a nice landscaped area that
would raffic down and allow the bicycles to flow.
Council Fazzino said the primary issue before the Council
was traffic ,. The community had previously expressed serious
concerns about le problem of traffic safety in the City. The
purpose of a [c circle was to slow traffic down. He embraced
the concept of ~fic circles completely and believed traffic
circles could work Palo Alto. The City had a serious traffic
problem and had a traffic problem. The Council had
heard from many memb~of that community regarding stop signs and
barriers, particularly ~tential problems for school children in
that area. It was ext important for the City to fihd a
solution which resolved safety concerns. Although not
everyone was enthusiastic traffic circles, he believed there
was a general agreement tha traffic circles represented a good
compromise. He did not like te~m "generic traffic circle"; but
at the same time, he did not 1 ~ the idea of an $80,000 traffic
circle either. He wanted to thi of the circle as the basis for
the development of a beautiful neighborhood specific traffic
circle instead of trying to impose same traffic circle on each
neighborhood. .He wanted to put a
neighborhoods to design traffic circl~
that particular neighborhood. He was
a public/private partnership, particul
Professorville. Professorville was a
was done with respect to public/private
in place which allowed
that were appropriate for
ited about the concept of
.y in ano area such as
’ent area, and whatever
or infrastruc-
ture needed to reflect the unique nature the area. Some
concerns had been raised about the nature ~he public/private
partnership; and the City had just embarked a very exciting
public/private program by agreeing to put in the new tree
program. He believed it might be possible to .corporate the
traffic circle management eventually into the .tywide tree
program. He was not as concerned-about what ~result from
approval of the item that evenlng. The Council was. apkroving the
foundation of a traffic circle concept and was providing ~exibili-
ty for neighborhoods to design traffic circles which m~t their
specific neighborhood needs. ~
MOTXON PASSED 8-i,. Kniss "no."~
~ECESS: 9:05 P.M. ~... 9:20 P.M.. ~ _ .....
~ ~,0
12.The Historic Resources Board recommends to the City Council
approval to place property located at 819 Ramona Street
(former AME Zion Church) on the National Register of Historic
Places
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
78-16
Council Member McCown said she would not participate on the~item
due to a conflict of interest because the property was owned by the
Palo Alto Medical Foundation which was a client of her law firm.
Chief Planning Official Nancy Lytle said the staff report
(CMR:I14:96) addressed the nomination application which had been
made by a private citizen, Ruth Ann Gray, to place the former~
University African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church on the
National Register of Historic Places. The nomination application
would be reviewed by the State Historical Resources C6mmission
(SHRC) on February 2, 1996. Staff recommended the Council not
recommend to the SHRC and the State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO) that the nomination be approved and forwarded to the
National Park Service for further consideration and action. Staff
felt the actions could be inconsistent with the policy in the Palo
Alto Medical Foundation’s (PAMF) Specific Plan and future actions
that the City might take in that area. The Historic Resources
Board (HRB) recommended that the Council recommend the nomination
be forwarded to the National Park Service for final action.and
inclDsion.
Historic Resources Board Member Mildred Mario said the HRB
unanimously supported the application to place the former AME Zion
Church on the National Register of Historic Places. The HRB
strongly recommended that the Council approve the application and
send it to the SHPO and SHRC and that the nomination of the former
AME Zion Church be approved and forwarded to the National Park
Service for final action and inclusion on the National Register of
Historic Places. The HRB believed that the religious institution
could be considered eligible for the National Register because it
derived its primary significance from historical importance as
documented by. Ms. Gray, not only as the first African-American
church built in Palo Alto but also because of the multi-cultural
coopera£ion and unity and the positive racial and ethnic harmony
and goodwill of Palo Alto. The staff report suggested it was less
significant because of its Category 3 status which indicated that
it had little architectural historic value and that the categories
in the Palo Alto Historic Preservation Ordinance focused on the
physical or archStectural significance of buildings and did not
address the social or cultural aspects of historic preservation.
The. category definition describ@d by staff was correct, but that
was the reason the HRB was in. the process of rewriting portiohs of
the Ordinance. The staff report failed to mention that in Section
16.49.010 entitled "Purpose," Section (a), stated: "Designate,
preserve, protect, enhance and perpetuate those historic struc-
tures, districts and neighborhoods which contribute to the cultural
and aesthetic heritage of Palo Alto," and Section (e) stated:
"Enrich the educational and cultural dimensions of human life by
serving aesthetic as well as material needs and fostering knowledge
of the living heritage of the past." .The intent was always in the
Ordinance but it had not been property described in the defini-
tions. The staff report suggested it was not.the appropriate time
for the application and that the structure was in serious disrepair
and might be dangerous. The HRB had been sympathetically looking
at the property since 1989 and had persistently called upon the
owner to do remedial’repair work. The HRB believed it was the only
01/16/96 78-17
way to save a significant piece of Palo Alto history. The HRB
suggested the Council mention in its letter to the SHRC that the
HRB unanimously, recommended approval of the application.
Council Member Simitian clarified the staff recommended one
direction and the HRB recommended another, and there was an
application from an individual citizen to a body which had a
certain set of standards that it used to measure applications. He
asked whether the Council needed to comment on the application.
City Manager June Fleming said the application was not initiated by
staff and the Council could use the option to not make any comment.
Council Member Simitian asked whether a Motion to Table would be an
appropriate means if that were the desire of the Council.
City Attorney Ariel Calonne said yes. In December 1993, the City
advised the HRB about its authority to change the designation and
that the HRB could change the designation during the life of the
Development Agreement entered into between the City and the PAMF,
but. that change in designation would not have any effect on the
property owner’s rights, i.e., the City was not in a position to
change the rules that were in existence in the 1991 Development
Agreement.
Council Member Simitian said he had recently taken a five-minute
tour of the inside of the building.
Council Member Kniss referred to a statement on page 3 of the staff
report (CMR:I14:96) that read: "A more appropriate time to
reconsider how to approach the possible preservation of the former
AME Zion Church and its contribution to the culture and history of
the area would be after PAMF vacates the area and during the time
when a new plan is developed...,, She asked whether there was any
problem waiting until that time. She said the people voted on the
Specific Plan and asked how that issue would be addressed.
Director of Planningand Community Environment Ken Schreiber said
the 1990 Specific Plan was approved by the Council and the voters.
The Specific Plan and the related Development Agreement between the
City and PAMF were currently in effect. The PAMF had currently
applied for a new campus to be located elsewhere in the City, and
if the new project were approved and built, the existing Develop-
ment Agreement and the Specific Plan would become inoperative. The
Specific Plan would be put on hold and the PAMF’s right to pursue
it would cease because of PAMF’s commitment to the new site. The
Council would soon be reviewing an amendment to the Development
Agreement .which would address not only the cessation of the
previous approvals but what to do about the existing site if and
when the PAMF decided to relocated. The PAMF had agreed to have an
intensive planning~process that involved the community and staff.
There would be a process to establish a new set of uses for the
vacated PAMF property. Staff felt the appropriate time to consider
the proposal for the AME Zion Church would be when the Specific~
Plan and previous Council actions regarding the site had been
voided. The problem with a delay was the condition of the
01/16/96
building, but he did not believe the placement on the historic
inventory.would stop the decay of the building.
Council Member Andersen said he had visited the church. He asked
what was the likelihood that a property would be placed on the
National Resister of Historic Places if an owner objected to that
placement for his property.
Ms. Lytle said the likelihood was poor, but it could still be
included in a separate list of qualified registered status which
would give the property a higher level of California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) status.
Mr. Calonne clarified it would be deemed eligible for listing,
although not formally listed. He recalled the eligibility for
listing triggered additional environmental review requirements for
the Varsity Theatre.
Mr. Schreiber referred to a letter from the PAMF to the State-of
California, Office of Historic Preservation, dated January 16,
1996;" that indicated the property owner’s opposition to the
designation.
Council Member Andersen asked whether anything could be done either
bythe community, city, or federal government to force the property
owner to improve the property if the property were registered.
Mr. Calonne said the City had property maintenance standards in the
Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC), but he wanted to leave open the
question of how far the City could go with those standards. There
was nothing currently in the PAMC that would apply.
Council Member Andersen clarified the building could not be
demolished if it were placed on the National Register.
Mr. Cal0nne recalled with the Varsity Theatre that those types of
constraints were a function Of the local o~dinance. The issue
would return to the Council to determine whether the existing
category designation of the property should be changed. As the
property rose up through the categories in the City’s ordinance, it
was entitled to a higher level of. protection. He did not believe
there were any self-executing provisions of state or federal law
that would constrain demolition.
Council Member Andersen clarified even if the property were
approved, subject to an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the
building could still be demolished~
Mr. Calonne clarified the eligibility for listing would trigger a
finding of significance with respect to demolition that would
result in some enhanced environmental review.
Mr. Schreiber said the situation was complicated by the presence of
the existing Specific Plan which required that certain actions
occur such as zone changes prior to physical changes on that site.
A request for a demolition permit would be against the provisions
of the Specific Plan. The Planning Commission’s recommendation for
amending the Development Agreement included a recommendation that
would prohibit demolition of structures on the PAMF property unless
the Chief Building Official and Fire Chief determined that there
was a public safety hazard in connection with a building. The
community’s concern regarding demolition was triggered by the
church.
Council Member Andersen said there appeared to be extensive damage
to the building. He asked whether the City had done an inspection
to determine whether there was a health and safety hazard in the
structure.
Mr. Schreiber said the Building Inspection Division did not become
involved in the assessment of building safety except as it related
to occupancy or as an immediate threat to sidewalks, etc. The
Chief Building Official had casually looked at the building and the
property owner had looked at the building in a more significant,
consultant/structural/engineering way. The Chief Building Official
had concluded the building had significant problems. The City
might end up in a situation where the building would meet the
standards of the Uniform Building Code regarding an unsafe
building, but the City would have to do additional inspections and
evaluations beyond the exterior evaluation that had been done.
Vice~ Mayor Huber said it had been suggested that the PAMF had
allowed the building to be treated with benign neglect. He
clarified that if the building were on the National Register, short
of the normal code’provisions that the City would enforce on any
structure, there was no particular advantage given by the listing
to compel anyone to do repairs°
Mr. Schreiber said that was correct.
provisions that would apply.
Staff was not aware of any
Mayo~ Wheeler clarified under the present agreement, one of the
options that was open to the City and the PAMF. was the potential to
relocate the building to another site. She asked whether the
inclusion of the building.on the National Register would make it
more difficult to relocate the building if a suitable site could be
found.
Ms. Lytle said the first choice in historic p~eservation was the
preserve in its setting and on its original site, and there was
potential for that to become complicated through the National
Register status.
Mayor Wheeler clarified there was a Development Agreement between.
the City and the PAMF that related to the property on which the
church was located. She asked whether there was a legal downside
for the City if the Council elected.to accept the HRB’s recommenda-
tion that might be in conflict with action taken by a previous
Council in reaching that agreement with the PAMF.
Mr. Calonne did not believe the recommendation would cause
conflict. An issue would arise if the Council directed staff to
01/16/96 78-20
take further action to impact the development rights of the PAMFo
He distinguished the kind of academic change in designation from
the impact on development rights and he believed the pieces could
be split into those segments. The ~ecommendation would not create
concern with the Development Agreement.
Ms. Mario asked whether the eligibility for the National Register
designation would trigger Section 16.49.080 of the Ordinance,
"Maintenance of historic structures in the downtown area" which
would not allow the owner to allow the building to deteriorate any
further. She believed if the building were eligible for national
historic eligibility, it would upgrade the category automatically°
Mr. Schreiber said his interpretation of the section was that it
referred tothe Downtown area as defined in the 1986 Downtown Study
and that area was not part of the study.
Ruth Ann Gray, P.Q. Box 575, Palo Alto, said a nomination had been
submitted to the National Register Of Historic Places for-the
former AME Zion Church located at 819 Ramona Street, and she asked
Cou~bil to support the nomination and forward a letter of approval
to the State Office of Historic Preservation for the National
Register of Historic Places. There was little dispute that the
edifice had played a significant historic role in the community of
Palo Alto and that it had roots that went back to 1896. The
building was unique and was the only public building representing
the 100-year plus history of African Americans in Downtown Palo
Alto. It was the first African American church in the Mid-
peninsula and the contribution of the church, the people who
supported the church, and the members of the church were well
documented. The City had benefitted from the historic contribution
made by the former AME Zion Church. The goal was to recognize and
preserve the totality of Palo Alto history. She referred to the
staff report (CMR:I14:96) and said the historic value of a
structure should not limited to one aspect such as architecture and
should include cultural and social contributions. The building and
landscaping had been allowed.to deteriorateby the owner, but the
foundation of the building was still intact. She referred to
Attachment 3 of the staff report and said the application had been
revised and the State had the revised application. Relocation of
thebuilding would detract from its historic purpose. She reminded
the Council that the HRB had’unanimously recommended approval of
the building for nomlnatlon to the National. Register.
David Jury, Real Estate Manager, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, 330
Town & Country Village, said the PAMF had been the owner of the
building since 1964. He referred to a letter from the PAMF to the
Office of Historic Preservationdated January 16, 1996, that
objected to the nomination. The PAMF recognized the history and
the value of the building to other people; but unfortunately, it
could not afford the financial responsibility for permanent~
preservation and renovation of the building. ~The building had no
present functional use and a doubtful future economic value for the
PAMF. The 1991’ Specific Planand EIR considered the property
carefully, and nothing had changed the history or the circumstances
’of the property. The PAMF had tried to find a user who would move
01/16/96 78-21
the building to another property; but unfortunately, the building
was too wide to fit between the street trees and would have to be
cut into sections to be moved and a new structure rebuilt inside
the building in order to hold it up while being moved. The cost of
renovation and preservation of the building was in the hundreds of
thousands of dollars. He had been unable to find a contractor who
was willing to put a roof on the building. Contractors were unsure
the building would support the weight of new roofing materials and
a crew and were not willing to risk their crews to put the roof up.
The building’s foundation had cracked and the pony wall had also
failed. A civil engineer had explained to him Zhat the floor was
shifting the pony wall which resulted in the Stucco bulging out
from the building. The PAMF was a nonprofit foundation and did not.
have the funds to preserve the building. Funds were donated for
research, education, and health care, and it would be a breech of
the PAMF’s fiduciary responsibility to its donors to take money
donated for those purposes and use it on the building. The PAMF
regretfully requested that the Council not recommend approval of
the nomination and to not be considered by the state.
Trey, or Burrowes, Director of East Palo Alto Historical and
Agricultural Society, 1955 University Avenue, East Palo Alto,
requested support for the nomination of the former AME Zion Church
to the National Register of Historic Places. The Council’s support
for the nomination would increase the availability of tools, money,
and technical support for the building. He believed the building
could be restored by the will of the community. The Council’s
support would be one step toward preservation of the structure and
would be an important symbol of mutual respect. There was a
symmetry between his organization and what Ms. Gray was trying to
do and what the Council could do that evening. The Council should
be responsible and inclusive to the major issues of the region and
show that the history was important to a community where African-
Americans were a distinct minority. The Council had an opportunity
to make an important gesture by supporting the nomination for the
building. The building could be the shining star in a development
plans. .,
Linda Scott, 1057 Ramona Avenue, said the building could be saved.
She felt the Council would want to know whether the building was
eligible or not when it considered the site in the future. If the
building were a National Register-building or was considered by the
state to be eligible, the City would regret that itohad been torn
down. She encouraged the Council to ask the question soon.
Caroline Willis, 1120 Palo Alto Avenue, said it would be easy to
ignore that there were many differentcultures in the community.
The church offered the City a unique opportunity in the community
to maintain something that had always been there and had shown the
differences and similarities between people. The Council was being
asked to recognize the church’s importance and approve its
nomination to be on the National Register. It would be nice to
have the building~remain on the site in future or to have a visual
reminder on the site of how the community had been integrated in a
different way°
Karen Holman, 725 Homer Avenue, representing the Palo Alto/Stanf0rd
Heritage, said the organization supported the recommendation of
former AME Zion Church for designation on the National Register for
Historic Places°
Dennis Backlund, 488 University Avenue, Apt. 503, supported the
former AME Zion Church being eligible for the National Register.
The l~atest CEQA amendments stated a building did not have to be
listed on a local registry to be considered significant in the long
run after further study. He believed the building deserved, a
higher rating than Category 3, and he felt the serene simplicity of
the architecture was completely expressive of its social and
cultural past. He said studies indicated that churches and
theaters were the two main representatives of the spiritual life of
a community. The history of the building was truly unique and
represented a level of diversity that might not ever be captured
again in Palo Alto. The Council should preserve the spirit of
diversity by preserving those historical examples 6f diversity that
the City still had. There was an infinity of possibilities for~he
use of the building, e.g., a future destination for school children
or a"cultural center for the celebration of Martin Luther King’s
birthday or other memorials of black history,~ which might be the
key to finding money for the building. He appreciated the
objections of the PAMF, and a nonprofit organization could not
irresponsibly put money into a project, but other sources should be
sought° The Council should not move too speedily toward demolition
of the building°
MOTION: Council Member Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Schneider, to
recommend to the State Historical Resources Commission and the
State Historic Preservation Officer (SHP0) that the~ nomination be
disapproved and.not forwarded on to the National Park Service for
further consideration and action.
Council Member Rosenbaum believed the staff argument was compel-
ling,.and a previous Council during difficult negotiations with the
PAMF had come up with a Specific Plan that stated what that Council
believed was appropriate for the building. He felt it would be
inconsistent for the Council at the present time to suggest an
action which was contrary to that decision. If the plans of the
PAMF came to fruition at the other site, it might offer the
possibilities of other uses as suggested by the Mr. Backlund which
would be the time to consider the listing on the National Register
of Historic Places.
council Member Schneider echoed the comments of Council Member
Rosenbaumo She felt it was the wrong time for the Council to
consider a site specific plan, and it should .proceed at a much
later date.
Council Member Simitian could not support the staff recommendation.
He agreed with some of the comments of the previous speakers about
the cultural importance of the facility. He understood that a
request from a private party would be submitted to state and
federal sources to determine whether the building should or should
not be placed on the National Register. He believed those specific
agencies and individuals rendered a judgment based on their
expertise and their application of the facts to the criteria. He
did not believe the Council was well qualified nor was it the
Council’s role in the process to tell those people what their
conclusion should be. He believed the Council’s role was to allow
the process to move forward and let the people at the state and
federal level tell the City whether or not they felt that particu-
lar structure met the criteria. He felt the issue should be
tabled.
Council Member Kniss associated with the comments of Council Member
Simitiano One issue was the Specific Plan, and if the building
went on the National Register of Historic Places, the Council would
have to consider what use it would be given, how it would be
supported, and what group would ’support it. She did not disagree
that it was a worthy building; however, she was surprised that
there was not a .group of people from that church organization who
supported the application present that evening. She would be more
inclined to approve the application if there were a large and
supportive group who would be willing to raise the fuHding
necessary to support the building. She believed the correct
di{~ction would be to table theissue. The Council should not
address the issue before the PAMF proposal had been presented to
the Council.
Council Member Fazzino was sympathetic to the approach by Council
Member Simitian, but one of his biggest regrets during the previous
discussion of PAMF’s Specific ’Plan was the fact that Council did
not do more to preserve the former AME Zion Churchon the site.
Former Mayor Gall Woolley and many others were frustrated by the
inability to identify individuals or groups who might be willing to
move the building° The building’s use as a religious institution
by the African-American community during the City’s early years and
its social and cultural impact on the community were reasons just
as important as the building’s design to preserve the structure.
Regardless of the area’s future, he would support moving forward
with" the recommendation to place the building on the National
Register. It might be a signal to prospective groups that the
community was interested in preserving the structure, particularly
if the PAMF departed for another location. Until the Urban Lane
alterative were approved, he appreciated that the PAMF was
concerned about any action that might create inflexibility for
PAMF’s expansion on the .site according to the Specific Plan. He
agreed there were other groups at both the.state and federal level
who had specific criteria with respect to what qualified a building
to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. However,
he felt the Council was in a unique position of making a case that
the building provided certain historic and cultural values to the
community and that should be the argument used in a recommendation
to.both the state and federal government.
council Member Andersen did not believe preservation ’of the
building would happen on that site regardless of what action the
Council took. He could visualize the building being preserved in
an area where elementary school children might have greater access
to it, and there had been a lot of possibilities suggested. He did
not believe it was the responsibility of the PAMF to preserve the
building, and he was afraid that if the building were registered,
the issue w~uld become more complicated. He believed registering
the building would lock the building to that site. He hoped that
tabling the issue would send a significant message not to pu.t the
building on the National Register.
Vice Mayor Huber recalled being on the Planning Commission when the
PAMF project was discussed in the late 1980s and early 1990s and
the efforts of Ms. Gray to preserve the church. At that time, the
sense was that the church would ultimately be demolished. With the
new PAMF proposal for Urban Lane and the discussions that would
include the neighborhood, the Council would have an opportunity to
consider the situation again which would be a more appropriate
time. He would support a motion to table the issue rather than
send the wrong message to the state and preferred to wait until the
PAMF process had moved forward and then look at the issue again at
that time.
Mayor Wheeler recalled several previous presentations by Ms. Gray
and’that she had contacted several members of the community with
the hope that she could help~to preserve the structure, either in
its present location or at another location across the street that
the PAMF had made available as part of the Development Agreement
for community use. She said her feelings toward preservation and
the importance of the history of the building were in conflict with
the reality of the situation to actually preserve the~structure in
its current location. She associated with the comments of Vice
Mayor Huber and wanted to preserve the structure. The best
opportunity to do that would be during the future discussions with
the neighbors which would occur after the Council had dealt with
the issues of the relocation of the PAMF to determine what the
future plans for the current PAM~ site might be.
MOTION TO LAY ON THE TABLE: Council Member Kniss moved, seconded
by Huber, to table the issue.
MOTION TO LAY ON THE TABLE PASSED 5-3,
Schneider "no," McCown "not participating.,’Rosenbaum, Fazzino,
Council Member Simitian recognizgd that there were members of the
HRB that felt strongly about the application and asked whether the
HRB took a position independent of the Council on behalf of the
City.
Mr. Calonne said the Charter’made it clear that the Boards and
Commissions were advisory to the Council. He would recommend that
the council could make its position absolutely clear by an action
to direct the Boards and Commiss±on not to take action on the item.
MOTION: Council Member Andersen moved that the City Council direct
the Boards and Commission not to take any action on this item.
MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND
Council Member Simitian said the reason many people were appointed
to Boards and Commissions was because they were strong advocates
for the concerns addressed by the Boards and Commissions. He asked
the City Manager and the City Attorney to provide some clarity for
both the Council and the members of the Boards and Commissions
about the nature of the relationship when a situation occurred that
the Council took a different position than the recommendation
provided by a board or commission.
Mr. Calonne said he would follow through on the advisory language
in the Charter to determine how it was interpreted in the past.
Council Member Andersen wanted to know whether the Council’s
tabling action would be communicated and asked for reconsideration
of the previous action.
MOTION TO TAKE FROM THE TABLE: Council Member Andersen moved that
the item be taken from the table,
MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND
Council Member Fazzino clarified that individual members of the HRB
could communicate their personal point of view to the federal
government and could identify themselves as members of the HRBo
Mr. Calonne said that was correct as long as the members did not
attempt to mislead the recipient that they were acting in some
official capacity.
~tion Authorizing the Filing of a Claim with the Metro-
poli~Transportation Commission for Allocation of Transpor-
tation~elopment_~__ Ac~ Funds for Fiscal Year 1996-97
Senior PlannerGa~e Likens. said the Council had been provided with
a li~t of recommend~projects for application to the Metropolitan
Transportation Commi~on ~(MTC) and the Santa Clara County
Transportation Agency ~ Transportation Development Act (TDA)
funds. Staff had worked~ith the. Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory
Committee to identify four pr~cts: s~pplemental funding for the
Al~icycle Bridge; p~m~aratlon of a bicycle plan and
~vati~n .~f ~. ~ikie Way Bike Bridge; andinstallation of bike lanes in the vi~i~ity of Gunn High School.on
M~R senbaum moved, se~qded by Fazzino, to
adopt_the~R~olu~.. ...... _ _ . ~ 1 of the
Transportation Development Act Funds for Fiscal Year 19~7"
--MOTION PASSED 7-0, McCown, Schneider absent.
Attachment 3
-Historic Resources Board Minutes
Wednesday, May i, 1996
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Council Conference Room
Palo Alto City Hall
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, California
Roll Call
Board Members present: Anderson, Scott, Kohler, Willis, Mario
Board Members absent: Kittas
City Council Liaison present: None
.Staff Members present: Grote, Bills (for Item VII)
Approval of Minutes: None
Oral Communications: None
III. Report from City Council Liaison: None
IV.819 Romona Street
(Former AME Zioh Church building)
96-HRB-10
Application to reclassify the property and building to a
Category 1 from the current Category 3.
Project Representatives: Ruth Ann Gray, resident of the City
of Sunnyvale.
Ms. Gray began her presentation by stating that she had not
received acopy of the notice for today’s meeting and that she
wanted to know if the notice was sent to her P.O. Box or her home
..address. She wants all further notices to be sent to her home
address and she wants to be notified of all future actions
regarding the former church building. She raised objections to how
she had been treated during the application proces and said she is
being expected to follow a procedure that is incorrect and should
not be used. She said that .her application materials are very
complete regarding her reasons for applying for a reclassification
and that she is available to answer any questions the Board has
about herapplication.
Public Testimony:
David Jury, Representing thePalo Alto Medical Foundation
(PAMF), owners of the former AME Zion Church building. Mr.
Jury stated that PAMF would be happy to memorialize the site,
especially with a plaque of some sort, but that the Foundation
does not have the money necessary to restore the building..
~AMF is also willing to discuss the sale of the property, but
has not had any interested buyers. PAMF does not intend to
demolish the building. They have approached contractors about
re-roofing the structure, but have been told that no ~ne wants
tO go onto the existing roof because of its poor and unsafe
condition.
/
Dennis ~cklund, resident of the City of Palo Alto, stated
that t~e recategorization of the bu£1ding to a Category 1
would/require restoration of the building. He said that the
fact that the building has been determined eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places should guide the Board-in
its decision regarding recategorization.
Anna Maria Vaienzula, interested party, suggested mediation as
way of resolving differences between the property owner and
those interested in the preservation of the structure°
Summary of HRB Discussion:
Boardmember Scott commented that the Board wants the building
to be stabilized, not restored. She felt that.the $400,000 bid
the owner received for maintenance of the building was high.
She said her intention was not to put pressure on PAMF, but
that upgrading the category will help in receiving grants and
other money that may be availabie for stabilization of the
building or possibly restoration in the future. She would like
to see the Board recommend a Category I, not ~ Category 2 as
recommended in the staff report.
Boardmember Willis commented that the Board should let Council
know that the building is worthy of Category i status, and
that should help guide actions in the future.
Boardmember Anderson stated that he doesn’t agree that the
building is a Category I. The best he felt could be hoped for
is that the building wi!lstay as it is currently. He does not
feel that the City can or should be expected to step in and
save all buildings that are in need of preservation°
Boardmember Kohler said that the building is interesting
architecturally and that it may be worthy of a Category 1
designation. He agreed with Boardmember Anderson about the
i~feasibility of~ expecting the City to step in and save all
buildings in need of preservation. He asked Mr. Jury if he or
~AMF had explored moving the building.
Mr.’Jury’said there had been some discussions about moving the
structure,-but that no private party had registered real
interest in that option.
Chair Mario said she supports a Category 1 designation and
said that the building complies with the definition of a
Category I. She said that the State censfders the building to
have architectural and social significance and therefore
supports the recategorization.
The Board moved to recommend reclassification of the building
to a Category I in the interest of stimulating private sector"
interest in the restoration of the building° It meets the
definition of Category 1 in the following ways:
It is identified with importani events in that it was the
first black church in the region; .,
It represents a multicultural way of life;
It is an example of the stylistic development of
architecture in that it is a rare example of a plain,
functional and beautiful building.
Further, there are the f611owing exceptional conditions and
circumstances surrounding the building:
It is the first black church in the area;
The have been no architectural changes to the original
building;
It contributes to the cultural and architectural heritage
of Palo Alto;
It is part of the living heritage of Palo Alto and is a
significant piece of Palo Alto history;
o It represents the cooperation of all churches and groups
in the area in that many Japanese, Afro-American,
European and Medical groups came together to help pay the
mortgage on the building;
The building is eligible for the National Register of
Historic Places.
Further, the architectural qualities of the building are that
it is representative of a specific architectural style and
type of building.
Uust as the Hewlitt-Packard garage is considered a Category 1
structure because of events that occurred there, so should the
former AME Zion church building be considered a Category 1
building.
VOTE:4-1-1-0 (Anderson against, Kittas absent, one vacancy)
~00 Street . 96-HRB-IIB~yant
Pr~osal for a new foundation and first and second-story
add~ons to an existing historic residence.
. \Project R~resentatives: John Barton, Architect
Mr_._~arton g~a brief summary of the proposed project.Public Testimon~ .None
Summ~ry ~f B~ Di~ssion:
Boardmember Kohler st~ed that this submittal is greatly
improved over the la~ submittal. He felt even more
improvements could be made, He thought that the tower element
is out of place and should ~Qt be part of the proposal°
Boardmember Anderson said that\simplifying~ the detailing is
~ ~eomr itghh~ ~:t ~2i ~°h ~ ~ ~e ~ h aCh ~ h~o~d~i ~ ~ c~heaatr l~h ~ t~ ~ ~t
looks. "sliced-off" at the end because of its narrow depth. The
shed dormers might be better as gable dormers. The residents
would also get more head-room with gable~ormers. Boardmember
Anderson said that he supports the di~ectO~ the applicant is
Attachment 4 -
Project Of~¢e
May 26, 1995
Linda Scott, Chair
Historic Reaour~es Board
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
As you are aware, the Historic Resources Board requested that the Palo Alto Medical Foundation
pu~ a new ronf on the 819 Ramona building.
¯ During the wet months of this winter, despite repeated c~lls I had no lu~k in getting a roofing
cxmtractor who had time to estimate the job. Finally, I requested that our facilities departmer~ ask
a contractor that they used reguladyto prepare an estimate. The cor~tractor, Femandes and Sons,
informed our facilities director, Charles Hoage, that he did not want’to estimate the job until a
structural engineer examined the b~ding to determine if a new roof could be installed with the
buildin~ in the present condition, or ffstructura! work was needled.
A stnu:tural engineer, Joseph Parello, examined the buil&ng in mid May and sent the attached
report. As you can see, he feels that there is far more involved than just a roof, and ~ahat ex~ensive
money must be spea~t on the buildingju~ to keep it standing - much less support a new roof. He
did not go into the roof supp.ort iss.ue as he co .uld not see ~ the walls withO~ peeling off
substantial amounts of the exterior.
I am reques6~ the assistance of the Historic Resources Board. There have been very few
inquiries lately into the future ~e ofthe building. Recently a wbman named Barbara Slone (326-
9718) has’expressed ir~ere~t in finding a loc~tion and relocating the stxucture. She told me that she
feels she can raise the money but needs help from the city in securing a Iocatim~. She feels that her
group was promised help from the city many years ago. ~
If anything can be done to relocate the building it needs to be done quickly. A new roof umd the
related structural work to support it, may be Out of our ecxmornic realm ofpossibLlity. Any help
that you can give to Barbara Slone would be appreciate~L If’you hasie any other ideas, please let
me know.
Shacer~y,
~~O MEDICAL FOUNDATION
Real Est~e ~
330 Town ~: Country Village ¯
Pa]o
CA 94501
(415)
FAX (415) ~24-5325
JOSEPH PARELLO
CIVIL ENGINI~EFI
R~ NO. 20760
790 Lucerne Drive, Suite 23
SunnyveJe, California 94086
Tel {408) 735-7210
Fax (408) 732-3507
May 15,1995
Mr.Davld Oury
Rea! Estate Manager
Palo Alto Medical Foundat|on
300 Homer Street
.Palo Alto, CA. 94301
S@ject:
Former A.M:E, Zion C~urch¯819 Ramona Street
Pato Alto,CA.
TO WHOM IT.MAY CONCERN
On May 12,!995 the undersigned Reglstered. Civil Engineer has performed an
Inspe~t.%on of the Subject Church’BuI1dlng at Management request,
Said Inspection was done for the purpdse of verifying the structural status
of this old buildlng. Our observations and recommendations are as follows:
Sald.ButIdlngwhich is approximately 70 years old.and measures approxo 36 ft.
along its front,by 50 ft.. from front to back,conslst~ of a wood frame structure
having a High pitch "Cathedral" type of roof.with Gabteclosure wa]Is at front
and back,and verttca! slde wails from foundation to roof line, .........
The exterior finish on a11 4 sides sppears to be conventlona! ’;~td~.~roba-
bly Iald on some type o~ wlre mesh fastened to the 2xstuds,method anknown,
As seen from the outslde,standlng on the parking lots which ~ist on both s~des
of sald bu[Idlng, the roof appear to be In very poor condi~Ion,wlth some por-
~ions of the orlg~nal roofing material mlss[ng,and In some other portions having
been covered wlth tarpaulin mostty badly weathered,
ManagementInformed us that sa~d butIdlng has been abandoned for its or|ginaI
uses since I965,a[though its parking lots are stitl being used by neighboring.
businesses.
Inspection of the tnte~ior areas which are cluttered wlth discarded wood and
other debris show many s~gns of ce~[~ng and walls dI1apidat~on,cracks and
JOSEPH PARELLO pageCIVIL ENGINEER
P.E. NO. 20760
790 Lucerne Ddve, Suite 23
Sunnyvale, Calitornla 94086
Tel (408) 735-7210
Fax (408) 7’32-3507.
obvious signs of rainwater Infiltration,and damage.
How much of said rainwater has permeated into the exterior wails and the con-
dition of their framing members is anybody=sguess.
Inspection of the perimeter wails from the outside presents many signs of founo
datlon dist~ess,such as slzable dlagonal cracks which extend down to the footing
and a.strange bulging of the two side walls towards the outside at about.the sa-
me elevation from the ground,whlch seems to correspond with the elevation of the
main floor inside. In our opinion said bulging is due to shiftings of the main
floor structure during the past Seismic occurrences.
The many diagonal cracks along the concrete foundation stem,in our opinion may
be due to foundation failure ~nd to local settlements.of the soil.
-Inspection of the basement area towards the rear of the buildlng,whlc~ appears
to be the old furnace/heater location, reveals also many large diagonal cracks
of the concrete stemwa1! corresponding with the ones vlstble from the outside.
Alsovery visible is a 2 ftohlgh pony studwaI1 which seats On said stemwa]l top,
and Is off=plumb by quite a bit,towards the outside,Just alohg the above mentio-
ned bulging of the wall above. Ifseems that the floor stucture .may rest on thls
failing . pony wall,’and God forbid,it (s also posslble that the original framers
set the sole plate’of the exterloribearing wall on said floor structure.
Inspection of the crawl space under.the main floor inside said basement space,
and thru dpenlngs in the closure wails therein,show that theglrders which sup-
port the floor ~olsts.are In turn supported-by 4x4 wood posts resting on some
concrete pads,slze unkn~wn..No lateral bracing of any kind,and no metal connectors
of any klnd are to be seen,leadlng us to believe that at! members were just toe=
n~tled to each other. These conditions may explain the shifting of the floor,as
above mentioned°
Laterai bracing by means of plywood or 5/8" thko wood boards as called for by
.the building code are nowhere to be seen,lnslde or outside said exterior watts
and probably non-exlstent. It can therefore be assumed ~hat a collapse of this
old structure,under high=veloclty winds.or a seismic occurrence is very possible.
790 Lucerne Drive, Suite 23
Sunnyvale, California 94086
JOSEPH PARELLO page 3
CML ENGINEER
P.E. NO. 20760
Tel (408) 735-7210
Fax (408) 732-3507
Other than material damages from sucha collapse,danger of physica! har~ or
loss of life to pedestrians walking along Ramona Street frontage or" using the
two parking lots adjacent to this buildings cannot be Ignored.
Of course, unless and until such building structure is completely retrofitted
and rehabilitated in accordance with current BuldingCodes,and City O~dlnances,
nobod~ should be allowed inslde.lt, or even park their cars anywhere near t~
exterior wails, within amlnlmum d|stance of 30 ft, therefrom.
In concIuslon, our Report would not be considered Impartlal,or even usefu1,1f
¯ we dld not provide our professional input to the very minimum amount of w~rk
and materi~]s which would be required to rehabilitate this building.
1.)Complete removal of the.roof structure coverings to the bare wood mem~bers
supporting It In order to a11ow a licensed wood grading technician to deter-
mine how much of It can be salvaged, and how much of it needs to be rep1~-
ced in klnd.
If the supporting members can be salvaged,the whole roof area must be
ted with’I/2"’thk.Plywood sheathing nailed per engineers specs, prior to
receiving the new roofing materia~s selected by Owner,
2.) .Complete removal of a11 the exterior walls Stucco revetements to the bare
Stud frame .In order to evaluate how much~he wood framing can be salvaged,
and.how much of It needs to be replacedo
Once the frame Is rebuilt and all the old e]ectricalwiring removed and re=
placed per Code, a new I/2" plywood membrane must be installed on aI!
rlmeter wa!ls,per engineer’s specs.for seismic resistance,
3.)Prior to constructing the,work described In items I.) and 2.) a Soils
Engineer must be retained to ~nspect the soll around the perimeter wa1[s
and m~ke recommendations on what is needed to underpin or otherwise retro~it
the perimeter foundations to prevent further settlements and/or failures
of the same.
( contoon page 4.)
790 Lucerne Drive, Suite 23
Sunnyvale, California 94086
JOSEPH PARELLO page 4CIVIL ENGINEER
P.E. NO. 2O760
Tel (408) 735-7210
Fax (408) 732-3507
4.)Remova! of a considerable amount of the main floor planklng in order to
provide access and working clearance for the inspection and retrofitting
as neededall of the interior supporting posts and their footings as
specified by the Engineer on the job.
Reconstructing the floor in kind,or as specified by Owner.
Refinishing the interior wails, the ceiling and all wlndow casings and
doorsas well as refinishing the exterior walls,repalntlng and cleaning
.a11 the premises are not items related to restoring the safety of thls
buI1dlng~but they will be’ Items of cost to be considered, if this Bldg.
is to be worth of conservation.
The above onslderationF and recommendations do not Imply to be a complete
set of speclftcations,and are offered here only for the purpose of guidance
to the persons who would beInvolved In the cost estimation of the Bas|c, and
Hinlmal construction items which should be implemented just to make this B1dgo
safe to human lives ~f its conservation Is of relevance.
The above concludes the scope of this Report.
Respectful ly submitted by :
-~/dosepH~ Parello - RCE.
Lic.#20760- Exp.9/30/97
Attachment
Project Office
April 24, 1996
Members and Staff
Historic Resources Board
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
A Sutter Health Affiliate
SUBJECT: Application to elevate 819 Ramona Street to Category 1
Historic Status.
Members of the Historic Resources Board and City Staff:
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation shares the community sentiment
regarding the historic value of the former University AME Zion Church site
at 819 Ramona Street. We do not agree however, with the sentiment
expressed by a few people that the building must remain and be
rehabilitated. We wish to commemorate the site with a significant historic
marker and a booklet, both of which will be done at 6ur expense, but we
cannot be responsible for the rehabilitation of the building.
Due to a recently increased level of effort on the part of a few individuals to
force the Foundation into an expenditure of possibly hundreds of thousands
of dollars, we feel the necessity to respond. Our response is formed around
several facts. In recent months, there has been a concerted effort to re-
classify the building and require that PAMF maintain and possibly restore the
building. The damage suffered by the building in the Loma Prieta
earthquake is more extensive and expensive than previously known. We
have had independent outside experts examine the building and prepare
estimates that demonstrate to us, that the work required is shockingly
expensive .for basic stabilization of the buildings structure alone. It has
become clear to us that there is a desire on the part of some people to force
this issue into a situation where the Foundation will be asking for some
unrelated project approval and a mitigation measure regarding the church
can then be "shoehorned" into the project.
During the last several years there have been news articles regarding the
possible fate of the old building. We have been quoted accurately on
several occasions as being willing to help an individual or organization .move
330 Town & Country Village
Palo Alto
CA 94301
(415) 324-5300
FAX (415) 324-5325
Historic Resources Board
April 24, 1996 "
Page 2
the structure. We discussed the issue with representatives of Pale Alto
Community Child Care and Peninsula Conservation Center as well as several
individuals representing themselves and various organizations. Every
response that came back was negative. Whether from the cost of the
move, the condition and age of the building or the availability of suitable
land as a move target, we had no favorable response to our offers. It is now
evident that there is no serious interest connected with funding to undertake
such a project as this.
The building; which since 1965 has been used for storage, until it was
deemed unsafe, has no interior finishes or furnishings. There is no hint as
to the past use as a church when looking at the interior. The property is
currently a Category 3 historic structure due solely to its past occupancy,
and not due to any intrinsic features of the building. There have. been
continuing inquiries and attempts to reclassify the property. The expressed
hope is that a higher classification will force the Foundation to save and
rehabilitate the structure.
You have heard comments amounting to charges that the Foundation is
practicing "demolition by neglect". These charges stem from the fact that
the roof leaks and water has been allowed to enter the building for several
years. It is true that the Foundation has not been maintaining the building.
When the building was purchased it was ..N_Q.T. a historic structure and it
always has been the intent of the Foundation to tear the building down..
There was no intent, desire, or funds to replace a roof on a building that we
intended to demolish. The main problems with the condition of the building
have nothing to do with the roof. They are a direct result of building
construction methods and earthquake damage.
A struc{ural engineer’s report completed prior to the Loma Prieta Earthquake
did not mention any bulging of the walls but did call into question the basic
structural integrity of the building in the event of an earthquake (LTK
Associates, Structural Engineers, February 2, 1 989). Our Research Institute
Facility Manager, Ken Kirk, states that the bulging of the walls occurred
during the Loma Prieta Earthquake. A report in 1995 did address the
bulging walls as well as the general structural integrity of the building
(Joseph Parello, Civil Engineer May 15, 1995). This report attributes the
bulging in the walls to damage from "past seismic occurrences." The
bulging is a direct result of the failure of the pony walls (short structural
walls connecting the foundation and the floor structure). This is a major
indication of structural failure and potential for total building collapse,
according to Parello. The report goes on to detail numerous other issues
regarding the original construction which.must be corrected.
Historic Resources Boacd
Apl~! 24, 1996
Page 3
The applicant has submitted, as backup to her request, the application to
the National Register of Historic Places. On Section 7 Page 4 in the
conclusion she states.’ "It has a sound foundation...". This is not true. Our
structural engineer, Joseph Parello, specifically states "The many diagonal
cracks along the concrete foundation stem, in our opinion may be due to
foundation failure and to local settlements of the soil."
The applicant also states that the building "could readily be rehabilitated in a
straightforward manner to its original condition." The applicant does not tell
us what "readily" means and neglects to mention cost or who could
"readily" rehabilitate this building.
She states in the second paragraph of the conclusion that "The bulging
(stucco) does not indicate structural damage, since the stucco appears to
peel away from the framework." She goes on to claim that the stucco
bulging "was caused by the roots of climbing vines, which have since been
removed." She does not attribute this statement to any authority or expert.
Civil Engineer Joseph Parello states, "In our opinion said bulging is due to
shifting of the main floor structure during the past seismic occurrences."
This bulging occurs at the same level as the floor where it sits on the pony
wall on both sides of the building. The applicant asks us to believe that
vines have caused this while a licensed engineer attributes it to seismic
damage.
The measures necessary to address the seismic integrity of the building
were the subject of an estimate prepared by W.L. Butler, Inc., General
Contractors (W.L. Butler, February 9, 1996). The contractor was asked to
estimate the cost of all work necessary to make the building structurally
safe. This would include a new foundation, new pony walls, numerous
framing details, removing the stucco, removing the interior plaster, install!ng
new plywood shear reinforcement on all walls, replacing the roof, replacing
the stucco and many other issues required by the building code. The cost
of this work would be $398,000, according to Butler. It is important to
note that this work only stabilizes the structure. It does not accomplish an
historic renovation. The interior will still be an uninhabitable empty box with
bare drywall, no heating system, no plumbing system and no electrical
system. Complete historic renovation would surely be at least twice this
number, and this does not take into account the lost value and opportunity
for housing on the land.
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation is not in a position to make the necessary
rehabilitation expenditure. Foundation funds are largely gifts given for the
purpose of health care, biomedical research and health-related education. It
would be a serious breach of our responsibility to our donors to use close to
Historic Resources Board
April 24, 1996
Page 4
$400,000 of those funds for building stabilization, with no ability to use the
building for Foundation purposes afterwards.
We have no reasonable remaining hope of finding a church group, a
financial "angel" or a historic preservation group willing to spend its own
money. We also have no way to fund major repairs to relocate or
rehabilitate the building.
This is an issue that needs to be addressed on its own merits. There are
individuals who would like to create a nexus to some future Foundation
application by delaying this decision until an application is being considered
by the City. In our opinion, this is not only unfair, it is a misuse of historic
ordinances, CEQA, and the Citys’ police powers.
The application before you is to change the status of the building from
Category 3 to Category 1. The definition of Category 1, as contained in
Chapter 16.49.020 (b) of the Municipal Code, "means any building or group
of buildings of pree.rninent national or state importance, meritorious work of
the best architects or an outstandinq example of the stylistic development
of architecture in the United States."
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines
preeminent as "Superior to or notable above all others." While the history
of th.e site is clearly very important, the structure can hardly be defined as
superior to or notable above all other buildings in California and the United
States. According to Carol Roland at the State of California Office of
Historic Preservation, the term "preeminent" is not used to define properties
by either the State or National Register. To assume that placement on the
state list thereby confers "preeminent" status is absurd. This would allow a
single citizen to override city council decisions regarding which properties in
Pain Alto are most deserving of historic status and preservation.
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation downtown campus site contains five
buildings on the historic inventory including the Birge Clark designed Roth
Building and the dramatic residential building at 737 Bryant Street. Surely,
the HRB does not want to elevate this property to a position of
"preeminence" above all other properties on the site not to mention all other
properties in the city that are not on the state inventory.
The architecture of the building is not notable at all. If judged simply by
architecture, this building would not qualify as a Category 1. This is not
meritorious, it is not work of "the best architects", nor is it an "outstanding
example of stylistic development of architecture in the United States"
Historic Resources Board
April 24, 1996
Page 5
Despite the understandable and well-meant desire of a few citizens to
restore this structure, that goal simply is unattainable. The past use of the
building is well documented, and we are certainly willing to memorialize it’s
history appropriately.
This action is ill timed and unwise. The reality is that PAMF will not
willingly spend close to a million dollars on this building. Forced to action,
our response must be a demolition permit application. We would prefer not
to do that at this time. The city council voted in January of this year to
approve a development agreement that would leave the status of this
building unchanged, pending an area wide study. We urge you to follow the
same course of action and not attempt to change the status of this building.
This application should be evaluated within the criteria set out by Chapter
16.49 of the Municipal Code, and not judged by what some individuals may
wish was in the Municipal Code. If this application is judged within the
criteria set out in the Historic Preservation Ordinance, it must be denied.
Y#
id Jury
Real Estate Manager
Attachments:LTK Associates Report, February 2, 1989
Joseph Parello Report, May 15, 1995
W.L. ButlerEstimate, February 2, 1996
ASSOCIATES
GENERAL
The church is located on RamonaStreet between Homer and
Channing in Palo Alto. The structure is quite old, but the
exact date of construction is unknown to us. There is no
construction document of any kind available. ~e made two
site visits to ascertain some structural facts about the
building. We did not spent a great deal of time to try to
find out the exact sizes and dimensions of all elements
as we do not think they are necessary for the purpose of
this report.
The buildlng is one-story, approximate1~ 49 Ftx 36 Ft
in plan with a partial basement at the reak of the building
and a small mezzanine above the front entrance of the
church. The construction consists of wood roof trusses
at approximately 24" oc with spaced sheathing above,
the trusses are supported by wood stud walls on concrete
foundation. The floor is of raised wood construction.
The exterior wall finish is stucco. There is no plywood
sheathing on either roof or walls. See sheet $I for floor
plan and .section.
The building is not in use now as a church and is basically
unoccupied.
DISCUSSION
We were asked by the architect, Stoecker & Northway to
address the question whether this building can be picked
up and moved to another locat~on..Extraordinary stresses
will be imposed on the structure during the preparation
process and the actual moving. The level of stresses
depends on the method used by the.movlng contractor.
We do think that this buildlng is adequately constructed
to withstand the move, however, some reparable damages
are to be expected from the moving operation.
The next question is what needs be done structurally to
make this building habitable. Based on what we have seen,
The structure is totally inadequate in earthquake resistance
~as it is lacking in roof diaphragm, shear walls in both
directions, chord members, drag members, tie-downs, etc.
1
In our judgement, total collapse is a distinct possibility
in case of a strong earthquake. It is however possible to
strengthen and upgrade the structure to meet substantially
present code requirement. Assuming that roof trusses, beams,
studs, posts, etc. are in good condition, (this is a big if,
as dryrot or termite damage may be present) following items
must be done.
I. Remove roofing material, install new plywood diaphragm.
2. Remove either exterior or interior p~aster finish, install
plywood sheathing on all 4 exterior walls.
3. Splice, add or by other means complete necessary chord
and drag members.
4. Install required sill bolts and tie-downs.
5. Construct new foundation. "
In conclusion, our opinion is that the building can be moved
but,the cost of making it habitable would be very high.
4,1
4-1
-I
790 Lucerne Drive, Suite 23
Sunnyvale, California 94086
JOSEPH PARELLO
CIVIL ENGINEER
P.E. NO. 20760
Tel (408) 735-7210
Fax (408) 732-3507
May 15,1995
Mr.David Jury
Real Estate Manager
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
300 Homer Street
Palo Alto, CA. 94301
Subject:
Former A.M.E. Zion Church
819 Ramona Street
Palo Alto,CA.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
On May 12,1995 the undersigned Registered Civil Engineer has performed an
inspection of the Subject Church Building at Management request.
Said Inspection was done for the purpose of verifying the structural status
of this old building. Our observations and recommendations are as follows:
Said Building which is approximately 70 years old and measures approx. 36 ft.
along its front,by 50 ft.. from front to back,consists of a wood frame structure
having a High pitch "Cathedral" type of roof with Gable closure walls at front
and back,and vertical side wails from foundation to roof Iineo
The exterior finish on all 4 sides appears to be conventional ":~td~o".proba=
bly laid on some type of wire mesh fastened to the 2xstuds,method mnknown.
As seen from the outside,standing on the parking lots which exist on both sides
of said building, the roof appear to be in very poor condition,with some por=
tions of the original roofing material missing,and in some other portions having
been covered with tarpaulin mostly badly weathered.
Management informed us that said building has been abandoned for its original
uses since 1965,although its parking lots are still being used-by neighboring
businesses.
Inspection of the interior areas which are cluttered with discarded wood and
other debris show many signs of cei]ing and walls dilapidation,cracks and
790 Lucerne Drive, Suite 23
Sunnyvale, California 94086
JOSEPH PARELLO page 2CIVIL ENGINEER
P.E. NO. 20760
Tel (408) 735-7210
Fax (408) 732-3507
obvious signs of rainwater infiltration and damage.
How much of said rainwater has permeated into the exterior walls and the con-
dition of their framing members is anybody’s guess.
Inspection of the perimeter walls from the outside presents many signs of founo
dation distress,such as sizable diagonal cracks which extend down to the footing
and a strange bulging of the two side walls towards the outside at about.the sa-
me elevation from the ground,which seems to correspond with the elevation of the
main floor inside. In our opinion said bulging is due to shiftings of the main
floor structure during the past Seismic occurrences.
The many diagonal cracks along the concrete foundation stem, in our opinion may
be due to foundation failure and to local settlements of the soil.
Inspection of the basement area towards the rear of the building,which appears
to be the old furnace/heater location, reveals also many large diagonal cracks
of the concrete stemwall corresponding with the ones visible from the outside.
Also very visible is a 2 ft.high pony studwall which seats on said stemwaI! top,
and is off-plumb by quite a bit,towards the outside,just along~the above mentio-
ned bulging of the wall above. It seems that the floor stucture may rest on this
failing pony wail, and God forbid,it is also possible that the original framers
set the sole plate of the exterior. bearing wall on said floor structure.
Inspection of the craw! space under the main floor inside said basement space,
and thru openings in the closure wails therein,show that the girders which sup-
port the floor joists are in turn suppor%ed by 4x4 wood posts resting on some
concrete pads,size unknown.No lateral bracing of any kind,and no metal connectors
of any kind are to be seen,ieading us to believe that at! members were justtoe-
nailed to each other. These conditions may explain the shifting of the floor,as
above mentioned.
Lateral bracing by means of plywood or 5/8" thk. wood boards as called for by
.the building code are nowhere to be seen,inside or outside said exterior wails
and probably non-existent. It can therefore be assumed that a collapse of this
old structure,under high-velocity winds or a seismic occurrence is very possible.
790 Lucerne Drive, Suite 23
Sunnyvale, California 94086
JOSEPH PARELLO page 3
CIVIL ENGINEER
P.E. NO. 20760
Tel (408) 735-7210
Fax (408) 732-3507
Other than material damages from such a collapse,danger of physical harm or
loss of 1~fe to pedestrians walking along Ramona Street frontage or using the
two parking lots adjacent to this buildings cannot be ignored.
Of course, unless and until such building structure is completely retrofitted
and rehabilitated in accordance with current BuidingCodes,and City Ordinances,
nobody should be a11owed inside it~ or even park their cars anywherenear the
exterior walls, within a minimum distance of 30 ft. therefrom.
In conclusion, our Report would not be considered impartial,or even useful,if
we did not provide our professionai input to the very minimum, amount of work
and materials which would be required to rehabilitate this building.
2.)
3.)
Complete removal of the roof structure coverings to the bare wood memmbers
supporting it in order to allow a licensed wood grading technician to deter=
mine how much of it can be salvaged, and how much of it needs to be repla=
ced in kind.
If the supporting members can be salvaged,the whole roof area must be fit=
ted with I/2" thk.Plywood sheathing nailed per engineers specs, prior to
receiving the new roofing materials selected by Owner.
Complete removal of all the exterior walls Stucco revetements to the bare
Stud frame in order to evatuate how ’muc~he wood framing can be salvaged,
and how much of it needs to be replaced.
Once the frame is rebuilt and all the old electrical wiring removed and re=
placed per Code, a new I/2" plywood membrane must be installed on all pe=
rimeter walls,per engineer’s specs.for seismic resistance.
Prior to constructing the work described in items Io) and 2.) a Soils
Engineer must be retained to inspect the soil around the perimeter walls
and make recommendations on what is needed to underpin or otherwise retrofit
the perimeter foundations to prevent further settlements and/or failures
Of the same.
( contoon page 4.)
790 Lucerne Drive, Suite 23
Sunnyvale, California 94086
JOSEPH PARELLO page 4CIVIL ENGINEER
P.E, NO. 20760
Tel (408) 735-7210
Fax (408) 732-3507
4.)
5.)
Removal of a considerable amount of the main floor planking in order to
provide access and working clearance for the inspection and retrofitting
as needed all of the interior supporting posts and their footings, as
specified by the Engineer on the job.
Reconstructing the floor in kind,or as specified by Owner.
Refinishing the interior walls, the ceiling and al! window casings and
doors as well as refinishing the exterior walls,repainting and cleaning
all the premises are not items related to restoring the safety of this
building~but they will be items of cost to be considered,if this Bldg.
is to be worth of conservation.
The above considerations and recommendations do not imply to be a complete
set of specifications,and are offered here only for the purpose of guidance
to the persons.who would be involved in the cost estimation of the Basic, and
Minimal construction items which should be implemented just to make this Bldg.
safe to human lives if its conservation is of relevance.
The above concludes the scope of this Report.
Respectfully submitted by :
’areIIo - RCE.
Lic.#20760 - Exp.9/30/97
STRUCTURAL EVALUATION REPORT
"i for
CHURCH ON RAMONA ST.
PALO ALTO
LTK ASSOCIATES
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Feb. 2o 1989
LTK "StructUral Engineers
745 DLstel Ddve
Los Altos, CA 94022ASSOCIATES
GENERAL
The church is located on Ramona Street between Homer and
Channing in Palo Alto. The structure is quite old, but the
exact date of construction is unknown to us. There is no
construction document of any kind available. We made two
site visits to ascertain some structural facts about the
building. We did not spent a great deal of time to try to
find out the exact sizes and dimensions of all elements
as we do not think they are necessary for the purpose of
this report.
The building is one-story, approximatelz 49 Ftx 36 Ft
in plan with a partial basement at the rea~ of the building
and a small mezzanine above the front entrance of the
church. The construction consists of wood roof trusses
at approximately 24" oc with spaced sheathing above,
the trusses are supported by wood stud walls on concrete
foundation. The floor is of raised wood construction.
The exterior wall finish is stucco. There is no plywood
sheathing on either roof or walls. See sheet S1 for floor
plan and section.
The building is not in use now as a church and is basically
unoccupied.
DISCUSSION
We were asked by the architect, Stoecker & Northway to
address the question whether this building can be picked
up and moved to another locatlon. Extraordinary stresses
will be imposed on the structure during the preparation
process and the actual moving. The level ~of stresses
depends on the method used by the moving contractor.
We do think that this building is adequately constructed
to withstand the .move, however, some reparable damages
are to be expected from the moving operation.
The next question is what needs be done structurally to
make this building habitable. Based on what we have seen,
The structure is totally inadequate in earthquake resistance
as it is lacking in roof diaphragm, shear walls in both
directions, chord members, drag members, tie-downs, etc.
In our judgement, total collapse is a distinct possibility
in case of a strong earthquake. It is however possible to
strengthen and upgrade the structure to meet substantially
present code requirement. Assuming that roof trusses, beams,
studs, posts, etc.-are in good condition, (this is a big if,
as dryrot or termite damage may be present) following items
must be done.
i. Remove roofing material, install new plywood diaphragm.
2. Remove either exterior or interior plaster finish, install
plywood sheathing on all 4 exterior walls.
3. Splice, add or by other means complete necessary chord
and drag members.
4. Install required sill bolts and tie-downs.
5. Construct new foundation.
In conclusion, our opinion is that the building can be moved~
but the cost of making it habitable would be very high.
.l
WoL. BUTLER,
February 8, 1996
Mr. David Jury
Real Estate Manager
Palo Alto Medical Foundation330 Town & Country Village
Palo Alto, CA 94301
.1 Re:Storage Building
819 Ramona Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear Mr. Jury,
The following Scope of Work and Cost Breakout Is based on our site visit on Jan. 31, and Feb. 6, 1996. In
addition, we have reviewed the reports generated by Joseph Pare,o, Civil Engineer dated May 15, 1995,
and by LTK Associates, Structural Engineers dated Feb. 2, 1989. Our recommendation is as follows:
Scope of Work:
Foundation:
A.Remove and replace concrete walls in basement which are failing (cracked and
deteriorated) in several places. (See exhibit #1)
B.Install seismic hold downs and anchor boitsthroughout.
II.Demolition & Framing:
A.Remove and replace pony walls at perimeter which are failing. This requires raising the
structure and suppoding it while new pony walls are built. All plumbing and electrical
running between ground level and the floor structure will be disconnected and reconnected
once building is lowered back in place. (See exhibit #2)
B.All extedor stucco will be removed and new plywood shear will be installed on all
elevations. This will required scaffolding at entire perimeter of building.
C.Podions of the roof structure appear to be rotted from exposure to the elements, these will
be removed and replaced. (See exhibit #3)
D.The roof structure over the basements stairs is rotted and will be completely re-built. (See
exhibit #4)
E.The roof eaves are falling apart and will be completely re-buiit, including all crown molding
tdm. (See exhibit #5)
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Demolition and Framl,,.ji (Continued.)
Remove all layers of roofing material (Cedar shingles and Asphalt shingles) repair skip
sheathing as necessary, and Install new 112" CDX plywood over skip sheathing for new
roofing matedal support. (See exhibit #6)
Intedor lath and plaster is falling off ceiling and walls, and will be removed completely.
(See exhibit #7)
Remove pigeon waste from attic and replace ceiling over second story loft. (See exhibits
#Sa and 8b)
Doors & Windows:
All extedor doors and windows need to be refurbished or in many cases replaced. (See
exhibit #9)
Bo All extedor window grates must be removed, painted and re-installed after all windows are
refurbished or replaced. (See exhibit #9 )
Stairs and Railings:
Ao Current stairs to second story loft do not meet current building codes and will need to be
replaced.
So There are no hand railings in the stairway to the second story loft nor in the stairway to the
basement. Railings will be added in both to meet current building codes.
C°There is not a guard rail at the basement stairway. One will be added. (See exhibit #10)
There is no hand rail at the front steps. One will be added to meet current building codes.
(See exhibit #11)
Roofing:
VI.
VII.
VIII.
A.Supply and install new 30 year Elk Prestique Architec~urel Asphalt shingles, flashing
metal, gutt~ ers and downspouts.
Intedor Finishes:
A.All walls and ceilings will have new 518" gypboard installed over existing framing, and
will receive fire taping only. (Surfaces will not be finished taped or painted.)
F_.xtedor Finishes:
A.Install new building paper, stucco wire and stucco on all elevations.
B.Paint all elevations with (1) pdme coat and (2) finish coats.
C.Concrete walkway from front of building to basement stairs is heaving due to roots from
.adjacent tree, and will be replaced, in~Juding cutting roots if possible. (See exhibit #12)
D.Install new parking lot lighting to replace existing broken lighting. (See exhibit #13)
Miscellaneous:
Ao Install R-19 bait insulation in all extedor walls.
Provide and install sump pump for basement drainage.
]
IX.
XQ
General Conditions:
Ao
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Provide full time supervision for full length of project. Estimated at 3 months.
Provide temporary storage for existing contents of building.
Provide temporary storage for tools and materials dudng course of construction.
Provide temporary fence for course of construction.
Provide temporary power for course of construction.
Provide temporary toilet for course of construction.
Provide for debds removal for course of construction.
Provide course of construction clean up and final clean up.
Exclusions:
Plans, Permits and Fees.
Handling or off-haul of any hazardous materials.
Repairs or upgrades to existing parking lots.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call at (415) 361o1270.
Respectfully,
l Todd Blocker
Project Manager
1
cc: Bill Butler
l
February 8, 1995
Mr. David Jury
Real Estate Manager
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
330 Town and Country Village
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Re: 819 Ramona Street, Palo Alto, CA
Cost Breakout
Category
1500 Temp Fadgtioo
1511 ’Temp E~4xtc~ty
1514 Temp Phor~
Days Hrs
2 60 1
t 6O 1
2 4 6
5 15 6
4 10 6
Qty. Units Cost
12 wks 50O
300 mo 3
0 hrs
150 mo 3
50O B 3
7 oo 35O
120 hm 35
60 hrs 35
12 wk 200
64 hrs 45
t2 v~s t000
0 hr~
MaL/~ub
6431 Stairs & R~,ngs
7200 Insulation
7300 Roofing
76OO Flooh~ng & Sheetme~
8100 Dao~ & VV~k~ & Mddk~gs
925O
5 31 8 1240 hm 45
2 5 8 80 m 45
2 5 8 80 hm 35
0 hm ..
0 hrs
4 10 6 ~320 hrs 45
4 7 8 224 hm 45
9250 Tmn~
9900 Painting
15400 Plumbing Systems
16050 Electra; Systern~
~ ~ P~
TOT~
2 t 6 16 hm 50
4 10 6 320 hm 45
0 h~
0 hr~
0.00
0.00
2,500.6O
1,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.6O
0.00
0.00
3,366.00
0.6O
12,000.00
8°500.00
5,500.00
1~00.00
3°500°00
42,975.00
0.00
0.00
4,500.00
3,000.00
To~
$81,800.6O
~,t00.6O
$7,56O.6O
$57,375.00
$11 ,,~o.oo
$14,400.00
$318,441.00
$3t,844.10
$47,766.15
Should you have any questions please give me a call.
Respectfully,
Todd Blocker
Project Manager
exhibit #I
.]
exhibit #2
exhibit #3
exhibit #4
exhibit #5
.]
exhibit #6
exhibit #7
exhibit #8a
exhibit #8b
exhibit #9
exhibit #10
exhibit #11
exhibit #12
exhibit #13
Attachment 6
FROM CITY ATTORNEY
April 9, 1996
THE HONORABLE HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD
Palo Alto, California
RE: Application for Redesiqnation of 819 Ramona
Dear Members of the Board:
The purpose of this memo is to respond to several
questions which have arisen concerning the pending application to
reclassify the property at 819 Ramona Street (the former AME Zion
Church) to a "Category i" building on the City’s Historic Resources
Inventory.
Procedure Required. Chapter 16.49 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (Historic Preservation Ordinance) sets forth the
required procedure for designation of historic structures/sites or
districts° The process includes review by the Historic Resources
Board, which makes a recommendation to the City Council. The
Council may approve~ disapprove, or modify the recommendation of
the Board.
The Historic Preservation Ordinance does not expressly
address the procedure required for an application to change the
historic category designation of a structure already listed as a
City historic resource° However, we have advised the Planning
staff that the same procedure applicable to a new designation must
be followed for requests to change the historic category of a
resource, absent any specific code provision to the contrary° The
reason for this advice is that "upgrade" of the historic category
applicable to a property is, like the original decision to
recognize the property as an historic resource, an action which
could conceivably affect the property rights of the owner° As
960409 lao 0080258
THE HONORABLE HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD
April 9, 1996
Page 2
RE: Application for Redesiqnation of 819 Ramona
such, basic due process principles apply. In the absence of any
special procedure for changes in designation, the existing code
requirements concerning notice, hearing, and standards applicable
to review will ensure that a property owner is extended the
requisite due process.
Timinq of Process; Notice. Section 16.49.040 of the
Municipal Code requires the Board to consider an application for
historic designation at a public hearing held within sixty days of
receipt. ~ In this case, the hearing must occur on or before May 28.
I understand that the Planning staff has established a tentative
date of May 1 for the Board’s hearing, which is well within the time
periodestablished by the code°
Notice Of the time, date, and place of the hearing must
be given at least twelve (12) days in advance of the hearing to the
applicant, property owner, and owners of property within three
hundred (300) feet of the subject property.
Proceedings outside the public hearing. Because
designation or redesignation of an historic resource is a "quasi-
judicial"matter, involving application of established standards to
a particular set’of facts, due process requires that the interested
parties receive a fair hearing. The applicant and the property
owner are entitled to a meaningful opportunity to be heard. This
means, among other things, that the applicant and the property
owner are entitled to have knowledge of significant information
which influenced the Board in making its decision, and that the
Board’s consideration of the application must occur after having
conducted the noticed public hearing. The Board may not discuss
the merits of the application at another meeting prior to
commencement of the public hearing.
Standard for review. The staff report accompanying the
application at.the time of the Board’s public hearing will set out
the standards applicable~ to the evaluation of the application.
Briefly stated, the code requires the Board to evaluate the
application in light of the criteria set forth in Section
960~409 lac 0080258
THE HONORABLE HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD
April 9, 1996
Page 3
RE: Application for Redesignation of 819 Ramona
16.49.040(b), as well as the definitions of the various historic
categories, found in Section 16.49.020(b).
Effect of Development Agreement. The Board may recall
that in 1993, this office advised the Board regarding the effgct of
the Development Agreement between the Medical Foundation and the
City on any proposal to change the historic designation of the
subject property. In conjunction with the other materials the
Board will be receiving with respect to the application, we will
provide the Board with a copy of our prior memorandum, together
with an update.
Res y
E RA L. CAUBLE
Senior Asst.. City Attorney
DLC:lac
cc:Kenneth R. ~chreiber, Director of Planning and
Community Environment
Nancy Lytle, Chief Planning Official
Lisa Grote, Zoning Administrator
/Joe Colonna, Senior Planner
Ruth Anne Gray, P. O. Box 575, Palo Alto, CA 94301
David Jury, PAMF, 400 Channing Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Ariel Pierre Calonne, City Attorney
960409 la~ 0080258
Attachment 7
BUIZ,DING P~GLrLATIONS 16.49.020
CHAPTER 16.49
HISTORIC PRESERVATION!
16.49.010 Purpose.
It is found that the protection, enhancement,
perpetuation and use of structures, districts and
neighborhoods of historical and architectural sig-
nificance located within the city a~e of cultural ’and
aesthetic benefit to the community. It is further
found that the economic, cultural and aesthetic
standing of this city will be enhanced by respect-
ing the heritage of the city. The purposes of this
chapter an: to:
(a) Designate, pre-serve, protect, enhance and
.’~3erpemate those historic structures, districts and
neighborhoods which contribute to the cultural
and aesthetic heritage of Palo Alto;
(b) Foster civic pride in the beauty and ac-
complishments of the past;
(c) Stabilize and improve the economic value
of certain historic structures, districts and neigh-
(d) Develop and maintain appropriate settings
for such structures;
(e) Enrich the educational and cultural di-
mensions of human life by serving aesthetic as
well as material needs and fostering lmowledge of
~ living heritage of the past;
(O Enhance the visual and aesthetic char-
actor, diversity and interest of the ci~
(g) Establish special requirements so as to
assu~ the preservation and the satisfactory main-
tenance of significant historic structures within the
downtown area.
(Ord. 3721 §1 (part), 1986)
16.49.020 Definitions.
Throughout this chapter, lhe following defini-
tions shall apply:
(a) "Downtown area" means that area of the
University Avenue business district subject to
Chapter 18.48 of Title 18 of the Palo Alto Munic-
1Prior ordinance histoo,.: Ords. 3197, 3243, 3333 and
3523.
ipal Code (the zoning code) and all zones within
the geographical boundaries shown on the maps
incorporated into Chapter 18.48, including
planned community and public facility districts.
(b) "Historic categories" means those cate-
gories established to define and categorize the his-
toric structures/sites on the historic inventory.
Those categories are as follows:
Category l: "Exceptional building" means any
building or group of buildings of preeminent na-
tional or state importance, meritorious work of the
best architects or an outstanding example of the
stylistic development of architecUtm in the United
States. An exceptional building has had either no
exterior modifications or such minor ones that the
overall a~ce of the building is in its original
character.
Category 2: "Major bttilding" means any build-
ing or group of buildings of major regional im-
portance, meritorious works of the best architects
or an outstanding example of an archite.cttwal style
or the stylistic development of architecture in the
state or region. A major boilding may have some
exterior modifications, but the original character is
Category 3 or 4: "Contributing building"
means any building or group of buildings which
are good local example.s of architecv.u-al styles and
which relate to the character of a neighborhood
grouping in scale, materials, proportion or other
factors. A contributing building may have had ex-
tensive or permanent changes made to the original
design, such as inappropriate additions, extensive
removal of architectural details, or wooden fa-
cades msurfaced in asbestus or stucco.
(c) "Historic district" means a collection of
buildings in a geographically definable area pos-
sessing a significant concentr~ion or continuity of
buildings unified by past events, or aesthetically
by plan or physical development. A district
should have integrity of design, setting, materials,
workmanship and association. The collective
value of a historic district taken together may be
greater than the value of each individual building.
All structures/sites within a historic district are
16101
16.49.030 PALO ALTO IVIUNICIPAL CODE
categorized as significant on the historic inven-
tory.
(d) "Historic inventory" means the current
edition of the Palo Alr~ Historical and Architec-
tural Resources Repor~ and Inventory, and the
master list of categories for those structures or
sites.
(e) "Historic structure/site" means any struc-
ture or site within the city which has been identi-
fied as having historic or architectural significant..
and has been placed, on the historic inventory of
the city of Palo Alto, including structures and
si~es within categories I, 2, 3 or 4, and all struc-
tures within historic districts.
(f) "Significant building" means any build-
ing, group of buildings or ske categorized on the
historic inventory as number one or number two
and all sumctures within historic districts.
(Ord. 3721 §1 (par0, 1986)
16.49.030 Historic resources board.¯
(a) Composition. The historic resources
board shall be composed of seven members
pointed by the city council and serving without
pay. Members shall have demonstrated interest in
and knowledge of history, architecture or historic
preservation. One member shall be an owner/oc-
cupant of a category 1 or 2 historic structure, or
of a structu~ in a historic district; three members
shall be architects, landscape architects, building
designers’or other design professionals and at.
least one member shall possess academic educa-
tion or practical’ experience in history or a related
field.
(b) Terms of office. Members shall serve for
terms of three years and .until their respective suc-
¯ cessors are appointed. Terms shall be staggered
so that three positions are refilled or~ year, and
four positions are refilled two years later.
Commencing on October 21, 1991, there shall be
one member whose term expires May 31, 1992,
and one member whose term expires May
1994. Subsequent appointments shall be made
for terms of three years, or until their successors
are appointed. Terms of office commence June 1.
(c) Appointment. In filling vacancies on the
historic resources board, the following proce-
dures shall be followed by the city council:
(1) Following notification of vacancy or
pending vacancy on the historic resources board,
the city clerk shall advertise the same in a news-
paper of general circulation in the city, including
the council agenda digest, four times within two
weeks.
(2) Written nominations and applications
shall be submitted to the city clerk within one
week of the date of the last notice to be forwarded
to the city council for its consideration. Notwith-
standing the foregoing, if the nomination or appli-
cation of an incumbent board member is not sub-
mi~wA to the city clerk within the period specified
above, said period shall be extended for an addi-
tional five days during which the city clerk shall
accept written nominations and applications of
nonineumbents.
(3) The Palo Alto Historic Association
shall be given notice of vacancies on the board
and shall be encouraged to have its members sub-
mit applieatiom.
(4) The city council shall review all nomi-
nations and applications, and conduct such inter-
views as it deems rex.essary prior to selections.
(5) Final selection mad appointment shall be
made by the city council at a regular city cottneil
meeting after the period for submittal of nomina-
lions and applications has expired.
(d) Organization. The board shall hold meet-
hags twice monthly or at the pleasure of the chair-
person, and shall establish such roles as may be
¯ appropriate and necessary for the orderly conduct
of its business. The board shall elect.a Chairper-
son and a vice chairperson from its membership
who shall serve in such capacity for terms of one
year each. The chairperson shall preside over
meetings of the board, ~ in the absence or dis-
ability of the chairperson, the vice chairperson
- shall perform the duties of the chairperson.
Four members shall constitute a quorum
¯ dccisions of tbe board shall be determined by ma-
jority vote of those members present at the meet-
.ing. Action minutes shall be kept by the board.
16102
BUILDING REGULATIONS 16.49.030
(e) Duties. It is the duty of the historic
sources board to:
(I) Render advice and guidance to a prop-
erty owner upon the owner’s application for alter-
ation of any historic single-family or duplex
building in the downtown area and any such
16102.1
BUILDING REGULATIONS 16.49.040
building designated as significant elsewhere in the
city.
(2) Inform the architectural review board of
the historical and/or architectural significance of
historic commercial and multiple-family structures
in the downtown area and any such buildings des-
ignated as significant elsewhere in the city that are
under review by the architectural review board.
Submit recommendations to the architectural re-
view board regarding proposed exterior altera-
tions of such historic slructnres.
(3) Recommend to the council tl~ designa-
tion of additiona~ buildings and districts as his-
toric.
(4) Research available information and add
.,historical information tO the inventory sheets of
historic structu~s/sites. This inventory is main-
mined in the department of planning and commu-
nity environment.
(5) Perform such other functions as may be
delegated from time to time to the historic re-
sources board by the city council.
-(Ord. 4047 §§I-3, 1991: Ord. 3876 §I, 1989:
Ord. 3721 §I @art), 1986)
16.49.040 Designation of historic struc-
tures/sites.
(a) Procedure for designation of historic
structures/sites or districts. Any individual or
group may propose designation .as a historic
structure/site or district.. Such proposals shah be
reviewed by the historic resources board, which
will mak~ its recommendation to the council Des-
ignation of a historic stxucture/site or district must
be approved by the city council. The proce.dure
for such designation is as foIlo.ws:
(1) Any proposal for designation shall be
filed with the department of planning and commu-
rfity environment and shall include the following
(A) The address and assessor’s parcel
number of the site or boundaries of the proposed
district;
03) A description detailing the struc-
ture/site or district’s special aesthetic, cultural,
architectural, or engineering interest or value of a
historic nature;
(C) A description of the historical value
of the swactu.re/site.or district:
0D) A description of the current condition
of and any known threats to the structure/site or
district;
(E) What restoration, if any, would be
necessary to return the structure/site or district to
its original appearance;
(F) Sketches, drawings, photographs or
other descriptive material;
(G) Other supporting information.
(2) Each proposal shall be considered by
the historic resources board at a pu’blic hearing
within sixty days of the receipt of the pmpg.sal. In
any case where an applicafion for a plarming or
building permit al~fe.cting the exterior of a Imilding
is pending concurrently with a proposal for des-
ignation, the recommendation of the historic
resources board shall be made within twenty days
of receipt of the proposal.
(3) Notice of the time, place and purpose
of the hearing shall be given at least twelve days
prior to the date of the hearing by publication at
least once in a newspaper of gdnerai circulation,
or by mall to the applicant, to the owner or own-
ers of th~ property, and to the owners of property
within thr~ hundred feet of the site.
(4) The historic Tesourees board shall rec-
ommend to the city council approval, disapproval
or modification of an application for designation.
(5) The city council may approve, disap-
prove or modify a recommendation for desig-
nation and, in any case where an application for a
planning or building permit is pending concur-
rentiy with the proposal for designation, such de-.
cision shall be made within thirty days of the
commendation, if any, of the historic resources
board.
(6) After approval of the designation of a
structure/site or district, the city clerk shall send to
the owners of the property so designated, by
marl, a letter outlining the basis for such designa-
tion and the regulations which result from such
designation. Notice of this designation shaIJ also
16103
! 6.49.050 PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE
be filed in the building depar~nent and the depart-
ment of planning and community environment
files.
(b) Criteria for designation. The following
criteria, along with the def’mitions ofhistoric cate-
gories and districts in Section 16A9.020, shall be
used as criteria for designating additional historic
structures/sites or disuicts w the histori.c inven-
(I) The structure or site is identified with
the lives of historic people or with important
events in the city, state or nation;
(2) The structure or site is particularly rep-
resentative of an architectural style or way of life
important to the city, state or nation;
(3) TI~ structure or site is an example of a
type of building which was once common, but is
now IRre;
(4) The structure or site is connected with a
business or use which was once common, but is
now rare;
(5") The architea or building was impoi~t;
(6) The structure or site contains elements
demonstrating outs~nding attention to archiw~-
rural design, detail, materials or c~anship.
(Ord. 3721 §I @art), 1986)
16.49.050 Exterior alteration of hlstorlc
structures.
(a) Review process. ALl applications for. a
building permit for exterior alteration to any his-
toric structure/site in the downtown area or a
significant building elsewhere in the city, new
construction on a parcel where them is currently a
kistofic structure in the downtown area .o~a sig-
nificant building elsewhere in the dry, or such
application for construction within a historic
district shall be reviewed as follows:
(1) Review bodies.
(A) Pursuant to Chapter 16.48, the archi-
tectural review board shall review applications in-
relying any historic structure/site in the down-
town area and any significant structure/site else-
where in the city, other than single-family and
duplex residences. The architectural review board
shalt refer applications to the historic resources
board for a recommendation on the proposed
alteration of the structure.
(B) The historic resources board shall
review applications involving single-family and
duplex r~sidences which are historic structures/
sites in the downtown area or which arc signifi-
cant buildings elsewhere in the city. Compliance
of the property owner with the recommendations
Shall be voluntary, not mandatory.
(C) The planning staff may review and
approve minor .exterior alterations pursuant to
guidelines which the historic resources Mard may
adopL Minor exterior alterations a~ those altera-
tions which the director of planning and commu-
nity environment or MS/her desisnee determines
will not adversely affect the exterior architectural
characteristics nor the historical or aesthetic value
of the historic structure, its site or stmoundir~s.
(2) Time limit. Recommendations of the
historic resources board on alterations to a historic
single-family or duplex residence shali be ren-
dered within thirty days of the date of referral by
the architectural review board ortlm chief building
official. Failure to provide a recommendation
within the time limit shall cause an application for
a commert.-ial or multiple.family use to be returned
to the architectural review board, and a single-
family or duplex application to be forwarded to
the chief building official for consideration of
issuance of a building permiL
(b) Standards of review. In evaluating appli-
cations, the review bodies shall consider the
chitectural style, desisn, arrangement, t~xtur¢,
¯ materials and color, and any other pertinent fac-
tors. The prime concern should be the exterior
appearance of tim building site.
(1) On buildings not in a historical district,
the proposed alterations should not adversely
affect the exterior architectural characteristics nor
the historical or aesthetic value 0fthe building and
(2) In historic districts, the proposed
alterations should not adversely affect:
(A) The exterior architectural character-
istics nor the historical, architectural or aesthetic
value of the building and its site; or
16104
BIJ’£LDI2N’G REGULATIONS 16.49.060
(B) The relationship of the building, in
terms of harmony and appropriateness, with its
surroundings, including neighborhood structures.
(C) Appeals. Any interested party may
appeal to the city council the decision of the archi-
tectural review board not to recommend approval
of an application for a building permit to alter the
exterior of any historic strueutre in the downtown
area, or a significant structure elsewhere in the
city or in a historic district. Such appeal shall be
processed in accordance with Section 16.48.090.
(Ord. 3721 §l (part), 1986)
16.49.060 Demolition of significant
buildings in the downtown area.
(a) Permit and findings. No permit shali be
¯ ’issued to demolish or ~ause to be demolished all
or any part of a significant building in the down-
(1) The city council determines that under
the historic designation, taking into account the
current market value, the value of transferable de-
vel.opment rights, and the costs of rehabilitation to
meet the requirements of the building code or
other city, state or federal laws, the property re-
tains no reasonable economic use; or
(2) The chief building official or the fire
chief, after consultation, to the extent feasible,
with the department of planning and community
environment, determines that an imminent safety.
hazard exists and that demolition of the building is
the only feasible means to secure the public
safety; or
(3) The city council determines that demoli-
tion of the building will not have a significant
effect on the achievement of the purposes of this
chapter.
(b) Application for a permit to demolish. An
application for a permit to demolish any signifi-
cant building in the downtown area shall comply
with Chapter 16.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code. In addition to the contents specified under
Chapter 16.04, any application for a permit to
demolish a significant building in the downtown
area, on the grounds specified in Section
16.49.060(a)(1), shall contain any appropriate
and relevant economic information which will
enable the council to make the necessary determ!-
nation.
(e) Review of application.
(I) Historic resources board. Applications
which are accepted as complete for a permit to
demolish a significant building in the downtown
area on the grounds specified in Section
16.49.060(a)(1) or (3) shall be placed on the
agenda of the historic resources board for hearing
and recommendation. If the historic resources
board does not act on the application within thirty
days of referral to it, the city council may proceed
without a recommendation from the historic re-
sources board.
(2) City council heating and d~’ision. Any
application for permit to demolish a significant
building in the downtown area on the grounds
specified in Section 16.49.060(a)(I) or (3) shall
be heard by the city council. Notice shall be given
by mailed notice to all owners of property imme-
diately adjacent to the property that is the subject
of the application, and by publication at least once
in a local newspaper of general circulation. The
applicant shaIl have the burden of establishing that
tbe criteria set forth in Section 1.6.49.060(@(I) or
(3) has been met. The council may approve, dis°
approve or approve the application with condi-
tions, and shall make findings relating its decision .
to the standards set forth in Section 16.49.060(a).
The decision of the council shall be’.rendered
within thirty days from the date of the conclusion
of the hearing.
(d) Permit to move a significant building in
the downtown area or in a historic district. In
viewing an application for a permit to demolish a
significant building in the downtown area or in a
historic district on the grounds specified in Sec-
tion 16.49.060(a)(I) or (3), the historic resources
.board may decide that the building may be moved
without destroying its historic or architectural in-
tegrity and importance, and may recommend to
the city council that the demolition permit be
denied, but that a permit to relocate be processed,
pursuant to Chapter 16.32 of this code. In that
16105
16,49.070 PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE
case, the time limits and notice requirements of
Secdon 16.49.070(c) shall also be applicable.
(Ord. 3721 §I (,pan), 1986)
16.49.070 Demolition of contributing
buildings in the downtown area and sig-
nificant buildings other than in the down-
town area.
(a) Application and moratorium. Any person
wishing to demolish a contributing building in the
downtown area or a significant building other
than downtown shali file an application for a dem-
olition permit in accordance with the procedures
established by Chapter 16.04 of this code. Wi.th
the app1.~cation, the applicant shall submit one
clear photograph of the front of the building and
such other information as may be required by the
chief building official in accordance with the re-
quirements for the demolition permit. A dopy of
the application and photograph shall be forwarded
to the city council as an information item in the
next council packet. The chief building official
may.not take action on the application for sixty
days following receipt of a completed application.
(b) Referral to architectural review hoard or
historical resources board~ D~ring the sixty-day
. moratorium, tbe chief building official shall refer
the application for a permit to demolish to the ar-
chitectural review hoard, in the case of ali build-
ings other than single-family and duplex resi~
dences, for review and recommendation. The ar-
chitectural review board shall refer the application
to the historic resources board for recommenda-
tions on the historical and/or architectural signifi-
cance of the building and the appropriate time for
the moratorium. Ademolition permit application
for a single-family or duplex residence shall be
referred to the historic resources board for re.c0m-
mendation.
(c) Council action. The architectural review
board, the historic resources board, or any inter-
ested person may recommend flint the council ex-
tend the moratorium. The council shall agendize
such a request and may extend the sixty-day peri-
od for a period up to one year. In the case of an
extended moratorium, the council, upon the rec-
ommendation of the historic resources board, may
require that appropriate and reasonable public
notice of the availability of the structure be pro-
vided by the applicant.
(Ord. 3721 §I (part), 1986)
16.49.080 Maintenance of historic
structures in the downtown area.
The owner, lessee or other person legally in
possess!on of a historic structure in the down°
town area shall comply with ali applicable codes,
laws and reguladom governing the malnl~nance
of propert3,. Additionally, it is the in~m of this
section to preserve f~m deliberate or inadvert~
neglect the exterior features of buildings desig-
nated as significant or contributory in the down-
town area, and the interior portions thereof wheal
such maintenance is necessary to prevent deteri-
oration and decay of the exterior. All such build-
ings shall be preserved against such decay and
deterioration, and shall remain free from stmeatral
defects through prompt corrections of any offl~
following defects:
(a) Facades wl~eh may fall and injure m~m-
bers of the public or pmpert’y;
(b) Deteriorated or inadequate foundation,
defeedve or deteriorated flooring or floor sup-
ports, deteriorated wails or other vertical struc-
tural supports;
(e) Members of ceilings, reofs, c~iling and
roof supports or other horizontal members which
sag, split or buckle due to defective mat~ri.al or
deterioration;
(d) Deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing
of exterior walls~.roofs, foundations or floors, in-
eluding brol~en, windows or doors;
(e) Defeodve or insufficient weather protec-
tion for exterior wall covering, including lack of
paint or other protective covering; .’
(f) Any fault or defect in the building which
renders it not properly watertight or structurally
unsafe.
(Ord. 3721 §1 (part), 1986)
16106
BUILDING REGULATIONS 16.49.100
16.49.090 Enforcement.
(a) Unlawful aR~ration or dcraolition.
(1) Violation -- Penalties. It is unlawful
for a person or entity to demolish or cause to be
demolished any significant building or portion
thereof in the downtown area in violation of any
of the provisions of this chapter. Any person or
entity violating, these provisions is guilw Of a mis-
demeanor and, upon conviction of any such vio-
lation, such person shall be punishable by a fine
of not more than one thousand dollars or by im-
prisonment for not more than six months, or by
both such fine and imprisonment.
(2) Civil penalty. Any person or entity who
demolishes a buiJding or causes a demolition in
violation of the provisions of this chapter may be
l~able civilly in a sum equal to the r~placement
value of the building or an amount in the court’s
discretion, not to exceed ten thousand dollars.
(’3) Injunctive relief. The city at~oraey may
maintain an action for injunctive relief to restrain a
violation or cause, where possible, the complete
or partial restoration, r~constraction, or replace-
merit in kind of any building or site demolished,
altered or partially demolished in violation of this
(4) Restriction on development. Alteration
or demolition of a historic structure in violation of
this chapter shall eliminate the eligibility of the
sm~cture’s lot for any transfer of development
fights, pursuant to the Palo Alto comprehensive
plan, and such lot, if it is the site of an unlawfully
demolished historic structure from which devel-
opment rights have been tra~fermd, shall not be
developed in excess of the floor area ratio of the
demolished structure for a period of twenty years
from the unlawful demolition. A person or entity
may be relieved of the penalties provided in this
section if: (i) the unlawful alteration or demolition
did not constitute a major alteration, as determined
by the chief building official, or (ii) as to an
lawful alteration, the person or entity restores the
original distinguishing qualities and character-of
the building destroyed or altered. Such restoration
must be undertaken pursuant to a valid building
permit issued after a recommendation by the his-
toric resources board and a finding by the city
council that the proposed work will effect ade-
quate restoration and can be done with a substan-
tial degree of success.
(b) Failure to abide by maintenance r~gula-
tions.
(I) Abatement. The procedures set forth in
Chapter 16.40 of the Paio Alto Municipal Code
governing unsafe, dangerous or substandard
buildings, whether in commercial or residential
use, shall be applicable to any violations of Sec=
tion 16A9.080.
(2) Misdemeanor. It is unlawful for any
person or entity to fail to maintain any building in
the downtown area designated as significant or
contributory in violation of Section I~.49.080.
Any such violation constitutes a misdemeanor
punishable as set forth in Section 16.49.090(a)(I)
above. Each day of violation constitutes a sep-
arate offense and may be separately punished.
Th~ Chief building official and ordinance compli-
ance inspector are authorized to exercise the au-
thority in California Penal Code Section 836.:5
and to issue citations for violation of Section
16.49.080.
(3) Civil penalty. Any person or entity who
fails to maintain any building in fhe tlowntown
area designated as significant or contributory in
violation of Section 16.49.080 may be liable civil-
ly in a sum not to exceed one thousand dollars.
Each day of violation constitutes a separate of=
fense for Which a penalty may be assessed.
(c) Remedies not exclusive. The r~medies
provided by this section are not exclusive.
(Ord. 3721 §l (part), 1986)
16.49.100 Severability.
If any provision or clause of this chapter is
held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by
any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalid-
ity shall not affect other provisions of this chap-
ter, and clauses of this chapter are declared to be
severable. (Ord. 3721 §1 (part), 1986)
16107 Rev. Ord. Supp. 3/92
Attachment 8
FROM CITY ATTORNEY
December 13, 1993
THE HONORABLE HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD
Palo Alto, CA
RE: Change in Historic Designation of A.M.E. Zion Church
Dear Mern~ers of the Board:
George Zimmerman has advised me that you would like to
consider changing the historic designation of hhe former A.M.E.
Zion Church site (the "Church"), which I understand is currently
designated a "category 3" on the City’s Historic Resources
Inventory. According to the EIR for the Palo Alto Medical
Foundation Specifi~ Plan, the historic designation "applies to the
oldest part of the building and does not include the more recent
addition."
As you know, the City Council adopted the Palo Alto
Medical Foundation Specific Plan on July 22, 1991, and approved the
Development Agreement between th’e City and the Medical Foundation
on August 26, 199~o The Specific Plan set forth the planning and
zoning guidelines under which the development of additional Medical
Foundation facilities could be constructed. The Development
Agreement gave the Medical Foundation certain vested rights to
develop the site under the "Applicable Rules"
As defined in the Development Agreement, the "Applicable
Rules~’ are the rules, regulations and official policies of the City
in force as of the Effective Date of the Development Agreement,
governing permitted uses of the Property, governing density, and
governing design, improvement and construction standards and
specifications applicable to the Project. "Applicable Rules" also
include the PC Planned Community Zoning and anY condition thereof
which would be enacted by the City in furtherance of or pursuant to
the Specific Plan. The historic designation of any part of the
ProPerty as of the- date of the Development Agreement, and the
ramifications of such historic designations with respect to zoning
or .development of the Property (such as the right to demolish),
931213 l.c 003083
The Honorable Historic Resources Board
December 13, 1993
Page 2
would be included in the Applicable Rules, and thus, subject to the
rights given to the Medical Foundation under the Development
Agreement.
The Development Agreement allows the Medical Foundation
twelve years in which to develop the Property in accordance with
the Specific Plan, under the "Applicable Rules" The Development
Agreement, of course, does not prohibit the City from amending its
rules, or adopting new ones, during the term of the Development
Agreement; it simply prohibits the City from imposing any such
change or new legislation on the Medical Foundation’s approved
.pr’Oject, except as necessary to protect the public health or
safety. Therefore, there is no Iegal impediment to the Council’s
consideration of, or adoption of, a change to the historic
designation for the Church. It would, however, be a breach of
contract for the City to impose any such change on the Project
during the term of the Development Agreement.
The City Council, in certifying the EIR and adopting the
Specific Plan, found that the impacts of the Project on the Church
were not significant under CEQA. Nonetheless, the Council did
requir@ the following mitigation as a condition of approval of the
Project:
"The former A.M.E. Zion Church should be
reused or relocated if feasible~ If not, the
Foundation would be responsible ~or erecting a
memorial plaque on the site; preserving the
large Ficus tree located at the south side of
the building; underwriting a documentation of
the Church’s history at this ~ site; and
displaying this documentation in the
Foundation facilities."
The preceding language does appear to allow demolition if
reuse or relocation is infeasible. With regard to the question of
whether the Medical Foundation could demolish the Church without
further approvals, it appears that both the Specific Plan and the
~Mitigation Monitoring Program require a PC Planned Community Zone
approval, including approval of specific plans and specifications,
prior to any construction or demolition on the Property, including
the Church property. We are in the process of reviewing that
specific issue; however, in any event, there is no legal impediment
to the Board’s consideration of~the Church’s historic designation.
931213 I’.~ 0030831
The Honorable Historic Resources Board
December 13, 1993
Page 3
I will be present at your meeting of December 15, 1993,
and will be happy to discuss this issue with you at that time.
Respectfully submitted,
SWC:Iac
SUSAN W. CASE
Senior Asst. City Attorney
cc:Kenneth R. Schreiber, Director of
Planning and Community Environment
w°Ariel Pierre Calonne, City Attorney ~
Fred Herman, Chief Building Official
Virginia Warheit, Senior Planner
David Jury, Palo Alto Medical Foundation
9312i3 h,c 0030S3 t
Attachment 9
STATE OF CALIFORNIA ~ THE RESOURCES AGENCY
OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
P.O. BOX 942896
SACRAMENTO 942960001
(916) 653-6624
FAX: (916) 653-9824 April 30, 1996
R E C E I ~"~o., Oow.or
0 1991
Department of Planning am
Community Environment
Ms. Mildred Mario, Chairperson
Historic Resources Board
Planning and Community Environment
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear Ms. Mario:
I am writing in support of the preservation of the former
University African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Palo Alto.
As you may know, on February 2, 1996, the State Historical
Resources Commission voted unanimously in support of the
significance of the building and to request an official
determination of National Register eligibility. The application
was forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register and on
March 29 the Keeper ruled that the building was eligible for
listing in the Register. The National Register is our nation’s
official list of properties worthy of preservation. National
Register listed and eligible properties have been documented
according to rigorous standards. Their significance and their
ability to convey their importance are thus insured.
I believe that the University African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church deserves the highest consideration for preservation. Few
buildings reflecting the history and achievements of African
Americans in California survive today. I ask that you take
whatever action is necessary to insure that this most significant
property is not lost.
If I may be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to call.
Sin, ~ly,
tic Preservation Officer