HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 192-08TO:
FROM:
City of Palo A15
City Manager’s Report
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
DATE:
SUBJECT:
APRIL 7, 2008 CMR:192:08
APPROVAL OF THE RECLASSIFICATION OF AN EXISTING CITY OF
PALO ALTO HISTORIC RESOURCE FROM A CATEGORY 4 TO A
CATEGORY 2 AND RECORD OF LAND USE ACTION FOR 2300
WELLESLEY AVENUE (COLLEGE TERRACE LIBRARY)
RECOMMENDATION
The Historic Resources Board (HRB) and staff recommend that the City Council approve the
reclassification of the College Terrace Library as a Category 2 historic resource, based upon the
findings in the Record of Land Use Action (Attachment A).
BACKGROUND
On behalf of the City of Palo Alto, the Public Works Engineering Division requested the
reclassification of this existing historic resource. This reclassification will make this site eligible
for participating in the Transfer of Development Rights program, which will be pursued later this
year.
The College Terrace Library is significant for its association with a prominent local architect,
Charles K. Sumner and a well-known local builder, George B. Moore. Since the time of its
construction as a branch library in 1936, it has played a significant role in the College Terrace
neighborhood community by serving not only as a library, but also for many years as a
community center and meeting place. In addition, the library retains a high degree of material
integrity. Therefore, based on these significant elements, the library appears eligible for listing as
a Category 2 resource on the Palo Alto Historic Inventory. The attached HRB staff report
(Attachment D) provides more details about the historic character of the building and the
proposed reclassification.
Upon reclassification as a Category 2 historic resource, demolition would be prohibited unless
conditions were met as set forth in PAMC 16.49.060. Additionally, alterations or additions to the
building would require review by the Historic Resource Board and the building would be subject
to maintenance regulations for historic structures as set forth in PAMC 16.49.080 and the
enforcement provisions set forth in section 16.49.090.
As a Category 2 resource, and with the planned historic rehabilitation of the building, the project
would be eligible for a 2,500 square foot floor area bonus. The Transfer of Development Rights
program would allow the City to sell the bonus floor area at market rate at the optimum time
when the real estate market improves.
CMR:192:08 Page 1 of 2
BOARD REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION
On March 5, 2008, the HRB reviewed the proposed project and recommended (5-0-0-2) that the
College Terrace Library be reclassified to a Category 2 Historic Resource. No members of the
public spoke on this item. The meeting minutes are found in Attachment E.
RESOURCE IMPACT
The reclassification will make this site eligible to participate in the Transfer of Development
Rights program. Public Works plans to apply for and utilize this program so the City can sell the
development rights at a future date at the going market rate and have those funds return to the
Infrastructure Reserve of the General Fund. A recent example of this type of transaction was in
2005 when the bonus 2,500 square feet (from the Children’s Library rehabilitation) was sold for
$237,500 ($95 per square foot).
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The proposed reclassification is consistent with the Comprehensive
Municipal Code and furthers the City’s historic preservation policies.
Plan and Palo Alto
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
per Section 15301, Existing Facilities.
PREPARED BY:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
~" ’S~EVE E~SLIE
Director 6f Planning and Community Environment
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Assistant City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
A. Record of Land Use Action
B. Application Submittal Letter, providing background and photos
C. Department of Parks and Recreation Primary Record Form (DPR Form)
D. Historic Resources Board Staff Report, March 5, 2008
E. Historic Resources Board Draft Verbatim Minutes, March 5, 2008
COURTESY COPIES
Woojae Kim, Public Works
Debra Jacobs, Public Works
CMR:192:08 Page 2 of 2
Attachment A
ACTION NO. 2008-xx
RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE ACTION
FOR 2300 WELLESLEY AVENUE: HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD; 08PLN-00016
(CITY OF PALO ALTO, APPLICANT)
On April 7 ,2008 the Council approved the
reclassification of the College Terrace Library from a Category
4 to a Category 2 historic resource on the City’s Historic
Inventory List, making the following findings, determination and
declarations:
SECTION I. Background. The City Council of the City of
Palo Alto ("City CouncilH) finds, determines, and declares as
follows:
A. On January 15, 2008, Public Works Engineering, on
behalf of the City of Palo Alto, requested Historic Resources
Board review for the reclassification of the College Terrace
Library from a Category 4 on the City’s Historic Inventory to
Category 2, as provided in Municipal Code Chapter 16.49 ("The
Project").
B. Following staff review, the Historic Resource Board
(HRB) reviewed the project on March 5, 2008, and recommended
approval of the project (5-0-0-2). The HRB’s actions are
contained in the CMR: 192:08.
SECTION 2.Environmental Review. This project is
exempt from the provisions of the California Environmenta!
Quality Act (CEQA) , per Section 15301.
SECTION 3.Designation Findings
A. The following criteria shall be used as criteria for
designating historic structures/sites to the historic inventory:
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 representative
of an architectural style or way of life important to the
city, state or nation;
3. The structure or site is an example of a type of
building which was once common, but is now rare;
4. The structure or site is connected with a business or
use which was once common, but is now rare;
5. The architect or building was important;
6. The structure or site contains elements demonstrating
outstanding attention to architectural design, detail,
materials or craftsmanship.
The site is already designated as a Category 4 resource, so it
has been found to meet the above criteria.
B. The definition of Category 2 must be met to allow the
reclassification of the site.
Category 2 Definition: "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 or the stylistic deve!opment of architecture
in the state or region. A major building may have some exterior
modifications, but the original character is retained.
The College Terrace Library meets the Category 2 definition for
the following reasons:
The bui!ding’s association with a prominent local architect,
Charles K. Sumner and a well-known local builder, George B.
Moore;
The library has played a significant role in the College
Terrace neighborhood community, since the time of its
construction as a branch library in 1936, by serving not only
as a library, but also for many years as a community center
and meeting place.
Charles K. Sumner was significantly influenced by the Spanish
eclectic style of architecture that became popular in the 1920s
and 1930s. As a result, Palo Alto took on a distinctive
architectura! character and the style itself has since become
strongly associated with the region’s architectura! heritage.
The building, designed in the Spanish eclectic style, retains a
high degree of integrity and retains the majority of its
origina! character defining features. The building today
reflects the stylistic deve!opment of architecture in Palo Alto
during the early part of the 20th century.
SECTION 5.Project Approval Granted. Application
08PLN-00016 is granted for the reclassification from a Category
4 to a Category 2 historic resource on the City’s Historic
Inventory.
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Senior Asst. City Attorney
APPROVED:
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
G
Attachment B
GARAVAGLIA ° ARCHITECTURE, INC.
7 December 2007
COMMERCIAL
I
HIS TORIC PRESERVATION
I
RESIDENTIAL
Project #: 2006-043
Re: Reclassification of the College Terrace Library for the Palo Alto
Historic Inventory
I.Introduction
Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. (Collaborating Design Professional) entered
into a contract with The KPA Group (Prime Design Professional) in March
of 2007 to provide professional historic architecture consulting services for
the seismic upgrade and rehabilitation of College Terrace Library in Palo
Alto, California. As part of this project, Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. was
contracted to complete a Historic Structure Report (HSR) for the building.
This report is intended as a supplementary document to the HSR and
specifically addresses the evaluation and reclassification of the College
Terrace Library from a Category 4 Historic Resource to that of a Category 1
or 2 on the Palo Alto Historical Inventory.
Research for the evaluation included review of copies of the City of Palo
Alto permit history and architectural dra~vings for the property provided by
the client, as well as review of previous DPR Primary and Building Structure
and Object (BSO) forms completed in 1978 by Ruth Wilson. Additional
research was conducted at the Palo Alto Historical Association, the San
Francisco History Room and online (see References section below). Updated
DPR 523 forms are included in the appendix of this document.
One Sutter Street
Suite 910
San Francisco, CA 94104
415.391.9633
FAX: 415.391.9647
www.garavaglia.com
Michael A. Garavaglia, A.LA., Pdncipal
C-14833
II. Summary
Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. finds the College Terrace Library, located at
2300 Wellesley Street in Palo Alto, California eligible for listing as a
Category 2 resource on the local Palo Alto Historical Inventory. It is
significant for its association with a prominent local architect, Charles K.
Sumner and a wel!-known local builder, George B. Moore. Since the time of
its construction as a branch library in 1936, it has played a significant role in
the College Terrace neighborhood community by serving not only as a
library, but also for many years as a community center and meeting place. In
addition, the library retains a high degree of material integrity. Therefore,
Garavaglia Architecture Inc. recommends that the building be reclassified
from a Category 4 to a Category 2 resource on the Palo Alto Historical
Inventory.
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
III.Description of the Resource
The College Terrace Library, one of the five branch libraries operated by the City of Palo Alto,
is located at 2300 Wellesley Street. Designed by architect Charles K. Sumner and built in 1936,
the building’s east wing is used as a library and the west wing is leased to a daycare center. The
one-story, ~vood frame Spanish Eclectic Revival style building is approximately 4,800 square
feet in size and has a compound plan. The exterior is primarily clad in stucco and the rambling
gable roof is covered in Mission style clay tiles. Multi-pane, steel sash, casement and fixed
~vindows pierce the building envelope throughout. According to Virginia and Lee McAlester,
the identifying features of the Spanish Eclectic style include a "Low-pitched roof, usually with
little or no eave overhang; red tile roof covering...one or more prominent arches placed above
door or principal window, or beneath porch roof; wall surface usually stucco; fagade normally
asymmetrical.’’l The design of the College Terrace Library exhibits all of these features and
incorporates other details such as the decorative, tile-capped chimney elaboration; one-story
covered porches; arched windows, doors and arcaded entryways and decorative tile gable vents.
The library interior has a cruciform plan, exposed wood ceiling beams, vaulted ceilings,
slcylights, decorative ironwork and built-in recessed bookshelves. The daycare center, formerly
the community center, features an inset stage area at the west end and a rounded corner
fireplace with ceramic tile ornament in the southeast corner of its main room.
IV. Historical Background
Mayfield developed as a separate town, south of Palo Alto, during the latter half of the
nineteenth century. In 1870, Frederick Weisshaar and Peter Spacher, German immigrants,
purchased 120 acres of the former Robles rancho, covering ~vhat is now College Terrace. The
property’s second owner, Alexander Gordon, bought the land in the late 1880s, subdivided it
into lots and advertised it as "Palo Alto, the town of Leland Stanford University." After Senator
Stanford filed a lawsuit in opposition, Gordon changed the name of the area to College Terrace.
The neighborhood became part of Mayfield in 1891 2
College Terrace is a two-block by twelve-block neighborhood bounded by Stanford Avenue to
the north and South California Avenue to the South. Amherst Street and Yale Street mark the
east and west reaches of this residential district set between Stanford University and the
Stanford Research Park. At the time the land was subdivided in the late 1880s, four public parks
were developed for College Terrace residents. As shown on the 1925 Sanborn map these were
originally Eton and Hampton Parks on Dartmouth Street and Berkeley and Hollywood Parks on
Wellesley Street. Renamed in 1968 for notable local figures, Eaton Park became William C.
Werry Park; Hampton Park became Frederick W. Weisshaar Park; Berkeley Park became
Donaldina M. Cameron Park, and Hollywood Park, where the College Terrace Library was
constructed, is now referred to as Mayfield Park.
In the fall of 1914, a branch of the Santa Clara County Library opened in Mayfield and was
located in J.P. Schaefer’s store; Mrs. Schaefer served as librarian. When Mayfield and Palo
Virginia and Lee McAlester, A Field Guide to American Houses (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2002), 417.
Ward Winslow, Palo Alto: A Centennial History (Palo Alto: The Palo Alto Historical Association, 1993), 28.
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
Alto consolidated in 1925, responsibility for public library services shifted from the hands of
Santa Clara County to those of the newly formed city. Though Palo Alto offered use of its
Hamilton Avenue Library to the new part of town, the residents wanted something more
accessible. Shortly thereafter, funding was made available for a Mayfield branch library and the
facility was housed in the old Mayfield City Hal! on California Avenue near E! Camino Real.3
The Mayfield branch operated from this location for nearly the next ten years.
The Mayfield branch had, by the early 1930s, outgrown its facilities and a new library and
community center was to be constructed in the College Tenace neighborhood to meet the needs
of south Palo Alto residents. The new Mayfield Branch Library was opened on November 10,
1936 and opening ceremonies included speeches by several key members of the community.4
A nmnber of social groups donated gifts to the library; the Mayfield Women’s Club contributed
$700.00 for finishing the social hall and the Actus Club was responsible for planting a tree
opposite the front entrance.5
Located at 2300 Wellesley Street, the new facility was constructed in Hollywood Park in 1936
with Works Progress Administration (WPA) funds.6 Designed by Bay Area architect Charles K.
Sumner, the library was constructed by builder George B. Moore for $20,400.7 Originally
known as the Mayfield Branch Library, the building was renamed the South Palo Alto Branch
Library in 194t.5 When the Mitchell Park Branch Library opened in 1958, the name changed
once again, to College Terrace Library, since both libraries were located in South Palo Alto.
The xvest wing of the building was originally designed as a community center and became a
vex5, popular and much utilized community asset. Organizations that made use of the space
included, among others, the Mayfield Women’s Club, Santa Clara County Federation of
Women’s Clubs, Mayfield Service Club, Peninsula Woodwind Ensemble, Tri-City Negro Club,
Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club and the American Association of University Women.9
The library and social hall were also used over the years for educational exhibitions, community
lectures and musical productions, reading group meetings and as an exhibition space for the
artwork of local artists. The community center in the west ~ving of the building ~vas converted
for use as a daycare facility in the mid-1970s and the east wing retains its original use as a
branch library.
Charles K. Sumner
Born Charles Sumner Kaiser in 1874, the Bay Area architect forrnally changed his given name
to Charles Kaiser Sumner during World War I. A transplant from Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania,
Sumner attended the Columbia University School of Architecture and graduated in 1902. After
studying abroad on a Perkins fellowship, Sumner joined the New York firm of McKim, Mead
3 Elinor V. Cogswell, "Three Rolled Into One," Palo Alto Times, 10 November 1956.
4 Palo Alto Times, "Ceremonies Planned at College Terrace," (no date).
~Palo Alto Library News, "Mayfield Branch," March 1937, Vol. 1, No. 2.
~ Ibid., 71.7 Ruth Wilson. California Department of Parks and Recreation DPR Series forms, prepared 14/!4/1978. Also, Palo Alto
Times, "Work Starts on Branch Library," 18 May 1936.
~ Palo Alto Times, "Branch Library Now Named South Palo Alto," 14 October 1941.
~ Palo Alto Libra,7 News, "Mayfield Branch," March 1937, Vol. 1, No. 2.
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
and White. After a 1906 visit to the West, Sumner relocated in the same year to Berkeley,
California. Sumner designed about fifteen residences in Berkeley as well as the Claremont
Club. He also designed a number of commercial and residential buildings in Sacramento during
this time. ~0
Ten years after he settled in Berkeley, Sumner relocated to Palo Alto where he would design
around 90 buildings between Palo Alto and the Stanford Campus. Though he resided on
University Avenue in Palo Alto, Sumner worked from an office in San Francisco.~ The
architect’s stylistic repertoire included a range of Period Revival styles such as Spanish
Colonial, Mediterranean and Tudor Revival. According to Dames & Moore, "Several of his
designs showed the influence of the English Arts and Crafts architect C.F.A. Voysey [and]
13irge Clark described Sumner as ’a very sensitive’ architect.’’~2
About Sumner’s stylistic leanings, author Grace Hinton writes:
Sumner worked squarely within the eclectic movement but also mastered the details of
many styles. He preferred the Craftsman, Tudor and colonial revival models, as well as
the occasional Beaux-Arts/Mediterranean revival structure. After the Spanish eclectic
style swept into town--stimulated by George Washington Smith’s 1925 design for the
Pettigrew house at 1336 Cowper Street in Pa!o Alto--Sumner worked more and more in
that style.|3
Though Sumner was less than enthusiastic about the aesthetics of the Moderu movement, he
admired its "expression of function in interior design. Sumner generally provided built-in
storage, such as cupboards and closets, as part of the composition of [his] interior spaces.’’~4
Sumner believed that interiors were more the responsibility of the designer than the decorator
and that the architect "was to ’design the interior architecture of walls and ceilings, cabinets,
fireplaces, and staircases.’ ,,15 This approach is evident in the built-in bookcases, exposed beam
ceilings, decorative tiled fireplace and other interior elements of the College Terrace Library.
Other projects completed during the course of the architect’s noteworthy career include the
Forest Rangers’ Clubhouse in Yosemite Valley (a National Historic Landmark), the Los Altos
Golf and Country Club, the Butte County Courthouse in Oroville and the former Japanese
Methodist Church (1940) in Palo Alto. The latter exhibited a number of similarities to the
College Terrace Library including the engaged buttresses, multi-pane casement windows,
moulded cornice brackets and low, horizontal massing. (See photographs section below for
historic photo).
~0 Grace Hinton, biography for Charles K. Sumner in Historic Houses III: San Juan Neighborhood, Stanford University.
(Stanford: Stanford Historical Society, 2005), 11.if Ibid.
~’- Michael Corbett and Denise Bradley, Final Survey Report: Palo Alto Historical Survey Update, August 1997-August
2000 (San Francisco: Dames & Moore, 2001), 6-117 to 6-118.13 Grace Hinton, biography for Charles K. Sumner, page 11.
14 Ibid.
~s Ibid, 12.
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
Charles K. Sumner died in May of 1948, at age 74. His obituary states that he served a number
of years on Palo Alto’s planning commission and "was actively interested in all civic planning
related to the growth of Palo Alto as an ideal home community.’’16
George B. Moore
A native of Pennsylvania, George Bailey Moore was born in 1876 and was working as a
carpenter and builder in Philadelphia by age 24. He relocated to Mayfield, California in 1905
and came to play an active role in the development of the community.~7 U.S. census records
show that George B. and Bertha C. Moore were living on Stanford Avenue in Mayfield by 1910
with their children George Jr., Francis and Ross. By that time, George had established his career
as a contractor; he was a member of the city council for a number of years and also served a
term as mayor. Moore helped organize the early board of trade, which later became the
Mayfield Chamber of Commerce. 18 George B. Moore passed away in 1940. According to his
obituary, Moore "was one of the most active contractors in the city, being responsible for the
Mayfield Branch Library, the Bank of America Building, the Worth Building, both on
California and E1 Camino Real, and the Granville Wood clinic building on the highway.’’~9
V.Evaluative Framework
The College Terrace Library was first evaluated by Ruth Wilson in 1978 and recorded on State
of California Department of Recreation Historic Resources Inventory forms. This early survey
provided a cursory description and statement of significance, stating first that the "competent
but not exceptional library and community building has played an important part in the cultural
life of the area" and that it was a "fine example of the Spanish Colonial revival used for a
casually informal public building.’’2° The building was then classified as a Category 4 building
and is listed as such on the Palo Alto Historical Resources Inventory today.
The following information is from the City of Palo Alto Municipal Code. Historic Preservation
information is outlined in Title 16: Building Regulations, Chapter 16.49 Historic Preservation.
Palo Alto has adopted specific Definitions (Section 16.49.020 of the Municipal Code) for the
categorization of historic properties for inclusion on the Palo Alto Historical and Architectural
Resources Report and Inventory. These are used to classify buildings that are found to be
significant at the local level.
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 or the stylistic development of architecture in the state or region.
~6 Palo Alto Times, "Charles K. Sumner, Local architect and city planner, succumbs at 74," May 26, 1948.
~ Palo Aho Times, "G.B. Moore Keeps a Date With Death," 21 September 1940.~s Ibid.
~’~ Ibid..,0 Ruth Wilson. California Department of Parks and Recreation DPR Series forms, prepared 14/14/1978.
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
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
~vhich 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.
According to Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 16.49.020(f), a "significant building" is
defined as "any building, group of buildings or site categorized on the historic inventory as
number one or number two and all structures ~vithin historic districts."
In addition to the classification categories listed above, the City has specific criteria for
designation of historic structures/sites or districts to the historic inventory:
(1) 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 representative of an architectural style or way of
life important to the city, state or nation;
(3) The structure or site is an example of a type of building which was once common,
but is now rare;
(4) The structure or site is connected with a business or use which was once common,
but is now rare;
(5) The architect or building was important;
(6) The structure or site contains elements demonstrating outstanding attention to
architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship. (Ord. 3721 § 1 (part), 1986)
Applying City of Palo Alto Criteria for Evaluation to 2300 Wellesley Street
According to the City of Palo Alto, a "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 or the stylistic development of architecture in the
state or region. A major building may have some exterior modifications, but the original
character is retained.
The College Terrace Library at 2300 Wellesley Street in Palo Alto was designed by noted Bay
Area architect Charles K. Sumner in 1936. Like other local architects such as Birge Clark,
Sumner was significantly influenced by the Spanish eclectic style of architecture that became
popular in the 1920s and 1930s. As a result, the Palo Alto took on a distinctive architectural
character and the style itself has since become strongly associated with the region’s
architectural heritage.
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
The building retains a high degree of integrity and retains the majority of its original character
defining features. Designed by a prominent local architect in the Spanish eclectic style, the
building today reflects the stylistic development of architecture in Palo Alto during the early
part of the 20th century. As such, the building appears to be eligible for reclassification as a
Category 2 building on the Palo Alto Historic Inventory.
Furthermore, the property was found to meet additional criteria for designation:
(1) The structure or site is identi~ed with the lives of historic people or with important
events in the city, state or nation;
(5) The architect or building was important;
As discussed above, Charles K. Sumner was a noted local architect who completed a number of
commissions in Palo Alto and the Bay Area during his career. He designed the library in the
Spanish eclectic style, a style that came to shape the architectural identity of Palo Alto. Thus,
the building is significant both as the work of a prominent local architect and as a reflection of
the architectural influences of its time. Further, the building is the oldest extant branch library in
Palo Alto and still continues this use today. It was built by a well-known local contractor,
George B. Moore, with the. help of WPA laborers during the Great Depression.
The building is a ~vell-preserved example of an early branch library, one that was located in a
residential neighborhood for ready access by the local community. Built to meet the growing
needs of a newly consolidated city, the community center and library building functioned as a
cultural, social and educational institution for the residents of south Palo Alto. The west wing
was used as a center for countless community events for almost forty years and the east wing
continues its use as a library today. Thus, the building itself is significant within the social and
cultural history of both the College Terrace neighborhood and the broader Palo Alto
community.
Integrity
As defined in the National Park Service’s National Register Bulletin #15, integrity is "the
ability of a property to convey its significance...The evaluation of integrity is sometimes a
subjective judgment, but it must always be grounded in an understanding of a property’s
physical features and how they relate to its significance.’’~-~ Integrity is the measure by which
properties are evaluated. To retain integrity a property must have most of the seven aspects of
integrity as defined by the National Register Criteria for Evaluation.
~-~ NRB 15, Section VIII, 44.
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
Summary Table for Integrity
The College Terrace Library, Palo Alto, California Integrity
Factor
LOcation ...............
"... is the place where the historic property was constructed or the place
where the historic event occurred."
’"Design ...............
"...is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space,
structure, and style of a prpperty."
Setting
"...is the physica! e.ny.ir0nment of a historical property." . .....
Materials .........
"...are the physical elements...that...form a histor!c property."
Workmanship
"...is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people
during .any given period in hist.0rY or prehistory.". .........................
Feeling
"...is a property’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a
.... particular p~riod of time."
Association
"...is the direct link between a property and the event or person for which
.the property is significant."
H = High Integrity; G = Good’"’Integrity; M = Moderate IntegritY; L"’-. Low integrity
H
H
H
H
H
Some alterations have been made to the interior and building envelope over time to
accommodate alternative uses and accessibility requirements. In 1974/75, the west wing of the
College Terrace Library building (formerly the community center) was remodeled by the City
of Palo Alto for use as a preschool and day care center. Minor programmatic and handicapped
accessible alterations were made to the building interior, exterior of the building and a
playground was developed around the west end of the building. Despite these alterations
however, the College Terrace Library still retains a high degree of integrity of location, design,
materials, workmanship feeling and association. Some landscape elements and site features
have been added for the daycare center playground; still, the immediate setting remains largely
intact. Further, the library’s relationship to its residential setting within the College Terrace
neighborhood remains much as it would have during its period of significance and thus retains a
high degree of integrity. On the whole, the building retains the integrity necessary to convey its
architectural and cultural significance.
VI. Conclusion
Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. concludes that the College Terrace Library at 2300 Wellesley
Street in the College Terrace neighborhood of Palo Alto is eligible for reclassification from a
Category 4 to a Category 2 resource on the Palo Alto Historic Inventory. The building retains a
high degree of integrity and is significant for its association with notable people and events of
regional irnportance.
P~ a-~,
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report* DRAFT
December 2007
VII. Photographs
Exterior
South (front) elevation, composite image.
North (rear) elevation, composite image.
Looking northwest.Looking northeast.
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
Interior
Library: east wing stacks.
Library: view to north end of reading room.
Childcare center: view to west end of main room.
Childcare center: view to east end of main room,
College Terrace Libraw
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
References
Corbett, Michael and Denise Bradley. Final Sm-vey Report: Palo Alto Historical Sm-vey Update, August
1997-August 2000. San Francisco: Dames & Moore, 2001.
Directory of Palo Alto, Mayfield, Menlo Park, The Campus. Palo Alto: The Times Publishing Co., 1904.
Gullard, Pamela and Nancy Lund. Histo~y of Palo Alto." The Early Years. San Francisco: Scottwall
Associates, 1989.
McAlester, Virginia and Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2002.
National Register of Historic Places. How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation
Bulletin (#15). Washington, DC: National Parks Service, 1997.
Palo Alto Historical Association archives. Main Library, Palo Alto, CA.
Sanborn Map Company. Sanbm-n Fire Insurance Maps for Mayfield, California: 1904, Sheet 1; 1908,
Sheet 2; 1926, Sheet 6; 1925-45, Sheet 6.
Santa Clara County Heritage Resource Inventory. San Jose, California: County of Santa Clara
Historical Heritage Commission, 1999.
Santa Clara County Ordinance No. NS-1203.113. San Jose, California: Santa Clara County. Amended
May 2006.
United States Census Records: 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930.
U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service; The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
Rehabilitation and Guide for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1994.
Available online: http://ww~v.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/tax/rhb/index.htm.
Wilson, Ruth, Lucy Evans and Dorothy Regnery. MayJ~eld: 1850-I925. Palo Alto: Palo Alto Historical
Association, 1976.
Wilson, Ruth. California Department of Parks and Recreation DPR Series fon’ns, prepared 14/14/1978.
Winslow, Ward. Palo Alto." A Centennial History. Palo Alto: The Palo Alto Historical
Association, 1993.
College Terrace Library
Reclassification Report- DRAFT
December 2007
Professional Qualifications
Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. is a full service, architectural and preservation focused firm,
committed to providing innovative and cost efficient solutions for a variety of historical,
architectural and planning needs and for a broad range of clients, including building owners,
federal and local agencies, private developers and non-profit groups. Since the establishment of
the firm in 1986, we have developed expertise in providing clients with creative solutions to
their design needs, including building renovations and upgrades, historic preservation,
commercial and retail development, office and retail interiors, space planning, and master plan
analysis. We specialize in historic preselwation and building renovation and reuse. We approach
each project as unique to create a range of solutions that are developed to provide a positive
design impact that respects the client’s goals and budget as ~vell as the historic character of the
building and its site.
Our experienced staff enables us to provide a wide range of services that support our clients
needs in all stages of the project from initial planning to post occupancy review. The skilled
staff of professionals provides hands-on contact with local agencies and communities to
expedite situations as they arise, ~vith immediate response and resourcefulness. The firm’s work
has been published, praising the ability to design and renovate existing structures utilizing
creative design solutions.
Sarah Hahn
Architectural Historian
Qualifies under the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards - Architectural
History
Resume / Academic Background
Ms. Hahn came to Garavaglia Architecture and Circa: Historic Property Development with a broad
background historic preservation, art history, graphic and fine arts. She is an Architectural Historian
with a range of experience in the field including hands-on conservation both in the U.S. and abroad,
preservation planning, interpretation and education, and extensive cultural resource documentation and
evaluation. Her research interests have lead to a specialization in the architecture of the New Deal,
specifically the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps in national and state parks throughout the
United States.
Ms. Hahn’s work at Garavaglia Architecture and with Circa: Historic Property Development includes
historic resource evaluations, design review, historic context statements, historic structure reports and
reconnaissance and intensive level survey work. Her background in ~’aphic design and fine arts
augments her research expertise and superior report and writing skills.
Professional affiliations include the National Trust for Historic Preservation; the Historic
Preservation League of Oregon; and the California Preservation Foundation. Ms. Hahn’s
educational background includes a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from University
of Oregon and a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and Art History from the University of
Evansville, Indiana.
ticle from Palo Alto Times, Novem" 1936.
Here ~ lron~ ~iaw ol the newly completed Mayfield branch of th~ Public Library which w~ll be formally ot,en~d [
tonight wi~ e~ercises ~d con~nue to observe "open house" eve~T afternoon and e,¢erffng th{s week, whh ffuh:1~: to~co~dU~ ~iN~0r~ ~rough ~e bugfling. At the desk below is shown ~[iss Louise ?;~ahan, librarian
HOUSE’
~ " TiffsEvenh~g
city council last nlgh[ by the
mRtee In charge of the building’,
consi~Hng of Glenn ~V. Godd~d
ctm~rman, hits. Anthony ~Iohr,
Chfda~ter, Dors~y A. Lyon, and
G~berg Shambt~ugh.
A. program h~ been prepared
;rod Hbrtu~. offlc~als. The "open
ivbns~" ~v~lI be con~nned each aft-
with Boy Scou~s and Girl Scou~
ac[ing as gnid~, and pr~minen~
women of th~ city surving a~ hos-
State of California-- The Resources Agency
)EPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
:)RIMARY RECORD
Page 1 of 4
P1. Other Identifier:
*P2. Location: El Not for Publication [] Unrestricted
and (P2b and P2c or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.)
*b. USGS 7.5’ Quad"Date:
c. Address: 2300 Wellesley Street
d. UTM: Zone: 10 ;mE/mN (G.P.S.)
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
NRHP Status Code
Other Listings
Review Code Reviewer
*Resource Name or #: College Terrace Library
*a. County: Santa Clara
T ; R ; _ of _ of Sec
City: Palo Alto
Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate) Elevation:
Date
Attachment
; M.D.B.M.
Zip: 94306
*P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
The College Terrace Library is located at 2300 Wellesley Street, between College Avenue and California Avenue, in the College
Terrace neighborhood of Palo Alto. The one-story, wood frame Spanish Eclectic Revival style building is approximately 4,800
square feet in size and has a complex plan. The exterior is primarily clad in stucco and the rambling gable roof is covered in
Mission-style clay tiles. Multi-pane, steel sash, casemen!, and fixed windows pierce the building envelope throughout. Theidentifying features of the Spanish Eclectic style include a ’ low-pitched roof, usually with little or no eave overhang; red tile roof
coverin~ .one or more prominent arches placed above door or principal window, or beneath porch roof; wall surface usually
stucco; ~’aqade normally asymmetrical’ (McAlester, 417). The design of’the College Terrace Library exhibits all of these features
and incorporates other details such as the decorative, tile-capped chimney elaboration; one-story covered porches; arched
windows, doors and arcaded entryways, and decorative tile gable vents. The building’s east wing is used as a library and the west
wing is currently leased to a daycare center though originally functioned as a community center, The building is in good condition,
Significant landscape features include three commemorative magp_ olia trees planted in memory of Jim Cu!pepper, a College
Terrace Library advocate and founder of the College Terrace neighborhood group. Two of these magnolias are located in the lawn
on the California Avenue (south) side and the other is about 15 feet from the building on the Stanford Avenue (north) side.
*P3b. Resource Attributes: HP14. Government Building
*P4. Resources Present: []Building I-IStructure I-1Object []Site []District Element of District ¯Other (Isolates, etc.)
P5b. Description of Photo: South
elevation -composite image(Garagavlia Architecture, Inc.,
5/25/2006).
*P6. Date Constructed/Age and
Sources: [] Historic
[] Prehistoric [] Both
1936 (Assessor records / existing
drawings)
*P7. Owner and Address:
The City of Palo Alto3201 E. Bayshore
Palo Alto, CA 94301
*P8. Recorded by:
Sarah Hahn
Garavaglia Architecture, Inc.
One Sutter Street, Suite 910
San Francisco, CA 94104
*P9. Date Recorded:
September 2007
*P10. Survey Type: Intensive
*Pll. Report Citation: College Terrace Library Reclassification Report (November 2007) by Garavaglia Architecture, Inc.
*Attachments: []NONE []Location Map []Sketch Map []Continuation Sheet []Building, Structure, and Object Record
[]Archaeological Record []District Record []Linear Feature Record []Milling Station Record []Rock Art Record
[]Artifact Record [] Photograph Record [] Other (List):DPR 523A (1/95) *Required information
State of California-- The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
Page 2 of 4 *NRHP Status Code Ca] Reg: 5S1
*Resource Name or # College Terrace Library
B1.Historic Name: Mayfield Branch Library, South Palo Alto Branch Library
B2.Gommon Name:
B3.Original Use: Library and community center B4. Present Use: Library and childcare center
*B5.Architectural Style: Spanish Eclectic
*B6.Construction History: Built 1936. Reroofing 1973-4. Community center adapted for use as childcare center
1974. ADA upgrades 1994/1996.
*B7.Moved? IX]No FIYes FIUnknown Date:Original Location:
*B8.Related Features:Commemorative magnolia trees.
B9a.Architect: Charles K. Sumner b. Builder: George B. Moore
*B10.Significance: Theme: Architecture, Community development Area: Palo Alto
Period of Significance: 1936-1957 Property Type: Library Applicable Criteria: Palo Alto(Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity.)
Ruth Wilson completed a California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR523) form for the College Terrace Library in
December 1978. This report utilized tee historic background information provided in the DPR523 form and Garavaglia
Architecture, Inc. conducted additional research to clarify and expand the existing historic context.
College Terrace Library
Mayfield developed as a separate town, south of Palo Alto, during the latter half of the nineteenth century. In 1870, Frederick
Weisshaar and Peter Spacher, German immigrants, purchased 120 acres of the former Robles rancho, covering what is now College
Terrace. The property’s second owner, Alexander Gordon, bought the land in the late 1880s, subdivided it into lots and advertised
it as "Palo Alto, the town of Leland Stanford University." After Senator Stanford filed a lawsuit in opposition, Gordon changed the
name of the area to College Terrace. The neighborhood became part of Mayfield in 1891 (Winslow, 28).
In the fall of 1914, a branch of the Santa Clara County Libraryopened in Mayfield. When Mayfield and Palo Alto consolidated in
1925, responsibility for public library services shifted from thehands of Santa Clara County to those of the newly formed city.
Though Palo Alto offered use of its Hamilton Avenue Library to the new part of town, the residents wanted somethin~ more
accessible. Shortly thereafter, funding was made available for a Mayfield branch library and the facility was housed in t~he old
Mayfield City Hall on California Avenue near E1 Camino Real (see continuation sheets).
Bll. Additional Resource Attributes: None.
*B12. References: Corbett, Michael and Denise Bradley. Final Survey Report: Palo Alto Historical Survey Update, August 1997-August
2000. San Francisco: Dames & Moore, 2001; Directory of Palo Alto, Mayfield, Menlo Park, The Campus. Palo Alto: The Times
Publishing Co., 1904; Gullard, Pamela and Nancy Lund. History of Palo Alto: The Early Years. San Francisco: Scottwa!l Associates,
1989; McAlester, Virginia and Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2002; Palo Alto Historical
Association archives; Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Mayfield, California: 1904, Sheet 1; 1908, Sheet 2; 1926, Sheet 6; 1925-45,
Sheet 6; Santa Clara County Heritage Resource Inventory. San Jose, California: County of Santa Clara Historical Heritage Commission,
1999; United States Census Records: 1900, 1910, !920, and 1930; Wilson, Ruth, Lucy Evans and Dorothy Regnery. Mayfield: 1850-
1925. Palo Alto: Palo Alto Historical Association, 1976; Winslow, Ward.
Palo Alto: A Centennial History. Palo Alto: The Palo Alto Historical
Association, 1993.
B13. Remarks: Sketch map created using the 1925 Mayfield Sanborn
map (1945 update).
*B14. Evaluator:
Sarah Hahn
Garavaglia Architecture, Inc.
One Sutter Street, Suite 910
San Francisco, CA 94104
*Date of Evaluation: November 2007
(This space reserved for official comments.)
State of California-- The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
CONTINUATION SHEET
Page 3 of 4
Primary #
HRI#
Trinomial
*Resource Name or # College Terrace Library
*Recorded by: Garavaglia Architecture, Inc.*Date: November 2007 [] Continuation [] Update
The first Mayfield branch had, by the early 1930s, outgrown its facilities and a new library and community center was to be
constructed in the College Terrace neighborhood to meet the needs of south Palo Alto residents. Located at 2300 Wellesley Street,
the new facility was constructed in Hollywood Park in 1936 with Works Progress Administration (WPA) funds] Designed by Bay
Area architect Charles K. Sumner, the library was constructed by builder George B. Moore for $~20,400.-’ Originally known as the
Mayfield Branch Library, the building was renamed the South Palo Alto Branct~ Library in 1941. When the Mitchell Park Branch
Library opened in 1958, the name changed once again, to College Terrace Library, since both libraries were located in South Palo
Alto.
The west wing of the building was originally designed as a community center and became a very popular and much utilized
communit,, asset Or~,anizations that made use of the space included among others, the MayfieldWomen’s Club Santa Clara
Count}, Federation of Women’s Clubs, Mayfield Service Club, Peninsula Woodwind Ensemble, Tri-City Negro Club, Loma Prieta
Chapter of the Sierra Club and the American Association of University Women.4 The library and social hall were also used over
the years for educational exhibitions, community lectures and musical productions, reading group meetings and as an exhibition
space for the artwork of local artists.
The community center in the west wing of the building was converted for use as a daycare facility in the mid-1970s and the east
wing retains its original use as a branc~ library. The College Terrace Library has the distinction of being the oldest library in the
Pato Alto library system.
Charles K. Sumner
Born Charles Sumner Kaiser in 1874, the Bay Area architect formally changed his given name to Charles Kaiser Sumner durin~
World War I. A transplant from Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania, Sumner attended the Columbia University School of Architecture anc~
graduated in 1902. After studying abroad on a Perkins fellowship, Sumner joined the New York firm of McKim, Mead and White.
After a 1906 visit to the West, Sumner relocated in the same year to Berkeley, California. Sumner designed about fifteen residences
in Berkeley as w~ell as the Claremont Club. He also designed a number of commercial and residential buildings in Sacramentoduring this time. -
Ten years after he settled in Berkeley, Sumner relocated to Palo Alto where he would design around 90 buildings between Palo
Alto and the Stanford Campus. Though he resided on University Avenue in Palo Alto, Sumner worked from an office in San
Francisco.6 The architect’s stylistic repertoire include~ a range of ~Period Revival styles such as Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean
and Tudor Revival. According to Dames & Moore, ’ Several-of his designs showed the influence of the English Arts and Crafts
architect C.F.A. Voysey [and] l~irge Clark described Sumner as ’a very sensitive’ architect.’’7
About Sumner’s stylistic leanings, author Grace Hinton writes:
Sumner worked scluaretv within the eclectic movement but also mastered the details of many styles. He preferred the Craftsman,
Tudor and colonial revival models, as well as the occasional Beaux-Ar,ts/Mediterranean revival structure. After the Spanish
eclectic style swept into town--stimulated by George Washington Smith s 1925 design for the Pettigrew house at 1336 Cowper
Street in Palo Alto--Sumner worked more andmore in that style.~
Though Sumner was less than enthusiastic about the aesthetics of the Modern movement, he admired its "expression of function in
interior design. Sumner generally provided built-in storage, such as cupboards and closets, as part of the composition of [his]
interior spaces.’’9 Sumner believed that interiors were more the responsibility of the designer than the dec~0rator and that the
a~fihitect "was to ’design the interior architecture of walls and ceilings, cabinets, fireplaces, and staircases.’ " This approach isex ident in the builtqn bookcases, exposed beam ceilings, decorative tiled fireplace and other interior elements of the College
Terrace Library.
Other projects completed during the course of the architect’s-noteworthy career include the Forest Rangers’ Clubhouse in Yosemite
Valley (a National Historic Landmark), the Los Altos Golf and Country Club, the Butte County Courthouse in Oroville and the
former Japanese Methodist Church (1940) in Palo Alto. The latter exhibited a number of similarities to the College Terrace Library
including the engaged buttresses, multi-pane casement windows, moulded cornice brackets and low, horizontal massing. (See
below).
Charles K. Sumner died in May of 1948, at age 74. His obituary states that he served a number of },ears on Palo Alto’s planning
commission and "was actively interested in all’civic planning related to the growth of Pa[o Alto as an ideal home community."~
Palo Alto Librao’ News, "Mayfield Branch," March 1937, Vol. 1, No. 2.
Ruth Wilson. California Department of Parks and Recreation DPR Series forms, prepared 14/1411978. Also, Palo Alto Times, "Work Starts on Branch Library,"
18 May 1936.
Palo Alto Times, "Branch Library Now Named South Palo Alto," 14 October 1941.
Palo Alto Library News, "Mayfield Branch," March 1937, Vol. 1, No. 2.
Grace Hinmn, bi’ography for Charles K. Sumner in Historic Houses III: San Juan Neighborhood, Stanford University. (Stanford: Stanford Historical Society,
2005), 11,
6 Ibid.
Michael Corbett and Denise Bradley, Final Survey Report: Palo Alto Historical Survey Update, August 1997-August 2000 (San Francisco: Dames & Moore,
2001), 6-117 to 6-118.
Grace Hinton, biography for Charles K. Sumner, page 11.
Ibid.lo Ibid, 12.
" Palo Alto Times, "Charles K. Sumner, Local architect and city planner, succumbs at 74," May 26, 1948.
State of California-- The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
CONTINUATION SHEET
Page 4 of 4
Primary #
HRI#
Trinomial
*Resource Name or # College Terrace Library
~iilanese Methodist Church, 306 Page
1 Road (Palo Alto Times, 1940).
George B. Moore
A native of Pennsylvania, George Bailey Moore was born in 1876 and was working; as a carpenter and builder in Philadelphia by
age 24. He relocated to Mayfield, California in 1905 and came to play an active rote in the aevelopment of the community.~ U.~.
census records show that George B. and Bertha C. Moore were living on Stanford Avenue in Mayfield by 1910 with their children
George Jr., Francis and Ross. By that time, George had established his career as a contractor; he was a member of the city council
for a number of years and also served a term as mayor. Moore helped organize the early board of trade, which later became the
Mayfield Chamber of Commerce. ~ George B. Moore passed away in 1940. According to kiis obituary, Moore "was one of the most
active contractors in the city, being responsible for the Mayfield Branch Library, the Bank of America Building, the Worth Building,
both on California and E1 Camino Real, and the Granville Wood clinic building on the highway."!4
Evaluation
The College Terrace Library at 2300 Wellesley Street in Palo Alto was designed by noted Bay Area architect Charles K. Sumner and
built by a welt-known local contractor, George B. Moore, with the help of WPA laborers during the Great Depression. Sumner
designed the library in the Spanish eclectic style, a style that came to shape the architectural identity of Palo Alto. Thus, the
builc~ing is significant both as ~e work of a prominent local architect and as a reflection of the architectural influences of its time.
Built to meet the growing needs of a newly consolidated city, the community center and library building functioned as a cultural,
social and educational institution for the residents of south Palo Alto. The west wing was used as a center for countless community
events for almost forty years and the east wing has been used as a library since 1936. Thus, the building itself is significant within
the social and cultural l~istory of both the College Terrace neighborhood and the broader Palo Alto community.
The building is the oldest extant branch library in use in Palo Alto today. It retains a high degree of inte~ritv and retains the
majority of its original character defining features and appears to be eligible for local listing as a Category 2~oui]ding on the Palo
Alto Historic Inventory.
Palo Alto Times, "G.B, Moore Keeps a Date With Death," 21 September 19’40.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Attachment D
Historic Resources Board
Staff Report
Date:March 5, 2008
Historic Resources Board
From:
Subject:
Clare Campbell
Planner
Department: Planning and
Community Environment
2300 Wellesley Avenue [08PLN-00016]: Request by Public Works
Engineering, on behalf of the City of Palo Alto for Historic Resources
Board review for the reclassification of the College Terrace Library from
Category 4 on the City’s Historic Inventory to Category 2, as provided in
Municipal Code Chapter 16.49. Environmental Assessment: Exempt
from the California Environmental Quality Act, per section 15331.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Historic Resources Board recommend to the City Council approval of
the reclassification of the College Terrace Library as a Category 2 resource, based upon the
findings that the project is consistent with the definition of Historic Category 2 (PAMC Section
16.49.020(b)).
THE HISTORIC PROPERTY
The Architect and Builder
Charles K. Sumner, the building architect, moved to Palo Alto in 1916 where he would design
around 90 buildings between Palo Alto and the Stanford Campus. The architect’s stylistic
repertoire included a range of Period Revival styles such as Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean and
Tudor Revival. According to Dames & Moore, "Several of his designs showed the influence of
the English Arts and Crafts architect C.F.A. Voysey [and] Birge Clark described Sumner as ’a
very sensitive’ architect." Charles K. Sumner died in May of 1948, at age 74. His obituary states
that he served a number of years on Palo Alto’s planning commission and "was actively
interested in all civic planning related to the growth of Palo Alto as an ideal home community."
HRB Staff Report: 2300 Wellesley Avenue
Page 1
George B. Moore, the building contractor, relocated to Mayfield, California in 1905 and came to
play an active role in the development of the community. U.S. census records show that George
B. and Bertha C. Moore were living on Stanford Avenue in Mayfield by 1910 with their children
George Jr., Francis and Ross. By that time, George had established his career as a contractor; he
was a member of the city council for a number of years and also served a term as mayor. Moore
helped organize the early board of trade, ~vhich later became the Mayfield Chamber of
Commerce. George B. Moore passed away in 1940. According to his obituary, Moore "was one
of the most active contractors in the city, being responsible for the Mayfield Branch Library, the
Bank of America Building, the Worth Building, both on California and E1 Camino Real, and the
Granville Wood clinic building on the highway."
Tit e Historic Building
The College Terrace Library, built in 1936, is one of the five branch libraries operated by the City
of Palo Alto. The building’s east wing is used as a library and the west wing is leased to a
daycare center. The one-story, wood frame Spanish Eclectic Revival style building is
approximately 4,800 square feet in size and has a compound plan. The exterior is primarily clad
in stucco and the rambling gable roof is covered in Mission style clay tiles. Multi-pane, steel
sash, casement and fixed windows pierce the building envelope throughout. According to
Virginia and Lee McAlester, the identifying features of the Spanish Eclectic style include a
"Low-pitched roof, usually with little or no cave overhang; red tile roof covering...one or more
prominent arches placed above door or principal window, or beneath porch roof; wall surface
usually stucco; fagade normally asymmetrical." The desig-n of the College Terrace Library
exhibits all of these features and incorporates other details such as the decorative, tile-capped
chimney elaboration; one-story covered porches; arched windows, doors and arcaded entryways
and decorative tile gable vents.
The library interior has a cruciform plan, exposed wood ceiling beams, vaulted ceilings,
skylights, decorative ironwork and built-in recessed bookshelves. The daycare center, formerly
the community center, features an inset stage area at the west end and a rounded corner fireplace
~vith ceramic tile ornament in the southeast corner of its main room.
Alterations
Some alterations have been made to the interior and building envelope over time to
accommodate alternative uses and accessibility requirements. In 1974/75, the west wing of the
College Terrace Library building (formerly the community center) was remodeled by the City of
Palo Alto for use as a preschool and day care center. Minor programmatic and handicapped
accessible alterations were made to the building interior and exterior. A playground was
developed around the west end of the building. Despite these alterations however, the College
Terrace Library still retains a high degree of integrity of location, design, materials, workmanship
feeling and association. Some landscape elements and site features have been added for the
daycare center playground; still, the immediate setting remains largely intact. Further, the
library’s relationship to its residential setting within the College Terrace neighborhood remains
much asit would have during its period of significance and thus retains a high degree of
HRB StaffReport: 2300 Wellesley Avenue
Page 2
integrity. On the whole, the building retains the integrity necessary to convey its architectural and
cultural significance.
CRITERIA FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Criteria for Designation attd Definition of Historic Category 2
Chapter 16.49, Section 16.49.040 (b) of the Municipal Code provides general criteria that apply
to al! historic designations in Palo Alto. The criteria are:
1.The structure or
the city, state or
2.The structure or
important to the
3. The structure or
rare;
4. The structure or
5.
6.
site is identified with the lives of historic people or with important events in
nation;
site is particularly representative of an architectural style or way of life
city, state or nation;
site is an example of a type of building which was once common, but is now
site is connected with a business or use which was once common, but is now
rare;
The architect or building was important;
The structure or site contains elements demonstrating outstanding attention to architectural
design, detail, materials or craftsmanship.
Palo Alto Municipal Code, Section 16.49.020 (b), establishes the level of importance of
properties that meet the genera! criteria for designation. The focus of the definitions of the
Categories is on architectural significance. Category 2 structures are defined as follows:
"Category 2: ’Major building’ means any building or goup of buildings of major regional
importance, meritorious works of the best architects or an outstanding example of an
architectural style or the stylistic development of architecture in the state or region. A
major building may have some exterior modifications, but the original character is
retained."
HISTORIC EVALUATION
Based on an analysis of the criteria for designation and the definition of Historic Category 2, staff
concludes that the project meets the criteria for designation and fits the definition of a Category 2
in that:
The College Terrace Library was designed by noted Bay Area architect Charles K. Sumner.
Like other local architects such as Birge Clark, Sumner was significantly influenced by the
Spanish eclectic style of architecture that became popular in the 1920s and 1930s. As a result,
the city of Palo Alto took on a distinctive architectural character and the style itself has since
become strongly associated with the region’s architectural heritage. Furthermore, Charles K.
Sumner completed a number of commissions in Pa!o Alto and the Bay Area during his
career. He designed the library in the Spanish eclectic style, a style that came to shape the
HRB Staff Report: 2300 Wellesley Avenue
Page 3
architectural identity of Palo Alto. Thus, the building is significant both as the work of a
prominent local architect and as a reflection of the architectural influences of its time. It was
also built by a ~vell-known local contractor, George B. Moore, with the help of WPA laborers
during the Great Depression.
The building retains a high degree of integrity and retains the majority of its original
character defining features.
The building is a well-preserved example of an early branch library, one that was located in a
residential neighborhood for ready access by the local community. Built to meet the growing
needs of a newly consolidated city, the community center and library building functioned as a
cultural, social and educational institution for the residents of south Palo Alto. The west wing
was used as a center for countless community events for almost forty years and the east wing
continues its use as a library today. Thus, the building itself is significant within the social
and cultural history of both the College Terrace neighborhood and the broader Palo Alto
community. Further, the building is the oldest extant branch library in Palo Alto and still
continues this use today.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Applicant Submittal Letter, providing back~ound and photos
B. Department of Parks and Recreation Primary Record Form
COURTESY COPIES
Woojae Kim, Public Works Engineering
PREPARED BY:_ ,__
Clare Campbell, Planner
REVIEWED BY:
CATHY Advance P~l~nin~ Manager
HRB Staff Report: 2300 Wellesley Avenue
Page 4
ATTACHMENT E
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HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD HEARING
Draft Verbatim Minutes
March 5, 2008
Board Members:
Martin Bernstein, Chair
Patricia DiCicco
Roger Kohler
Carol Murden
Beth Bunnenberg
Michael Makinen
David Bower
Staff:
Cathy Siegel, Advance Planning Manager
Dennis Backlund, Hist. Pres. Planner
Diana Tamale, Admin. Associate
Clare Campbell, Planner
NE W B USINESS
Public Hearing:
2300 Wellesley Avenue [08PLN-00016]: Request by Public Works Engineering, on
behalf of City of Palo Alto, for Historic Resources Board review for the reclassification of
the College Terrace Library, an existing Category 4 resource, to a Category 2 on the
City’s Historic Inventory.
Clare Campbell, Planner: Good morning. I’m Clare Campbell; I’m the Planner on the
project. I’ll just introduce Deborah Jacobs from Public Works and she’ll give you a very
brief introduction to the project. Thank you.
Deborah Jacobs: Hello. I’m Deborah Jacobs. One of the things that you know about
this project is that we came to you a couple of weeks ago with a study session of our 35
percent plans of our development. One of the things that we’ve been encouraged to do
is to look into transfer of development rights that was used for the first time at Children’s
Library and see if we can apply them here. Part of applying that particular ordinance
requires us to use it on a resource that is classified as a Category 2 or a Category 1
[unintelligible] Historic Resource according to the code. And presently, College Terrace
Library is a Category 4 resource. What we’re asking for is that you look at the data from
our historic architect and determine if this does in fact meet the criteria for Category 2
resource so that we can use transferrable development rights and sell them for any
revenue that we might get. And I’ll be available for questions.
Martin Bernstein, Chair: Thank so much, Deborah. And we have actually a new
process here. I’m just reading this. Okay, next thing on our new processing here, I’m
just reading it, I’m getting myself [unintelligible], it’s the first time I’ve seen it. It says, if
applicable appellate presentation will go before 15 minutes.., okay. Questions of the
applicant, questions from the board of the applicant [unintelligible] staff. None. Any
public comment on this item? I see no request to do so. Okay, I’d like to... I’m reading
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our new schedule here. It says if the applicant would like to make any closing
comment. I’m going to leave the public hearing open so we can have some interactive
discussion if we want. Okay, !’d like to keep the public hearing open for now.
Discussions, motions, recommendations by the Board? Beth?
Beth Bunnenberq: Well first of all I would like to comment on a few things that I think
have changed since this property received a Category 4. At that point they were looking
primarily at architecture, and 1 very strongly feel that the architect Sumner was not as
fully recognized for all of the properties that he had done. And I think that also back
when the nomination forms were done, did not look as closely at things like the setting
of the buildings, and that has become increasingly important in historic preservation
now. And this little piece of park land that is around the library is absolutely an amazing
sample of very early city, not city, very early plotting of a park in a very, very tiny area.
What do you do when your property is a long, thin strip of farm land and looks like
there’s land available anywhere around? But somehow they put in these four little
parks, and by some miracle they didn’t get sold off and houses built on them. And so I
feel that in addition to the things that this architectural historian was very thorough
about, that these things have really taken on extra significance since a Category 4 was
assigned.
Martin Bernstein, Chair: Thank you, Beth. Any other Board Member’s comments,
motions, recommendations?
Ro.qer Kohler: Well 1 guess my only comment is that we did kind of review this in the
study session before and I think we’re all pretty much unanimous and believe that it
should be upgraded in its historic rating, so I don’t think there’s any argument amongst
the Historic Resources Board otherwise [unintelligible].
Beth Bunnenberq: Yes, 1 would move that we designate [unintelligible] 2300 Wellesley,
the College Terrace Branch Library, be changed from a Category 4 which it is presently
to a Category 2 building. The reasons given in the staff report which you go through
very consistently with the reasons why this building is eligible 1 think to be a Category 2.
A Category 2 building is the work of a well known local architect and it is an example of
a type of architecture which developed in California, and which is represented
considerably in the City of Palo Alto. Also, the building has kept its integrity. The
setting has changed very slightly but it has not altered its historic message or character,
and it is under a criteria set forth for buildings being eligible for Palo Alto’s registry by an
important local architect, is again in the style of very Spanish eclectic and it did
represent a building, or does represent a building which was a branch library, which is
something that is very important to the people of Palo Alto - their libraries have always
been important to them - and it was a cultural and social center for college
[unintelligible].
Martin Bernstein, Chair: Okay, we have a motion. Is there a second?
Martin Bernstein, Chair: Not recorded there.
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Beth Bunnenberq.:. Second.
Martin Bernstein, Chair: Thank you. Any additional comment before we bring it to
vote? Roger?
Roqer Kohler: Just one thing to add. I have lived here a long time and been to that
park, that library, numerous times a long time ago. I haven’t been there recently, but I
remember the insides and when 1 look at the pictures here, I think the interior is also
quite fabulous. In fact, I saw the wood beam ceilings and the detailing there is quite
good [unintelligible] a continuation of that particular style [unintelligible] came about, so
it’s kind of a little jam over there in South Palo Alto. Having to just live down South Palo
Alto and was just talking to Councilman on the way in, I drove down Alma
Street, which I call it the Alma Street 500 because there’s so much traffic, but that part
of [unintelligible] Mayfield it was - was it May... it was Palo Alto when it was built or was
it Mayfield - it was Mayfield, okay. So that’s another...
[Unintelligible - several people speaking at once]
Roqer Kohler: Anyway, for all those reasons, and I think there aren’t many public
structures that I know of further south in Palo Alto that have that age and distinction, so
[unintelligible] interior and that situation, I think it’s well worth the Category 2
nomination.
Martin Bernstein, Chair: Then I would like to just briefly comment that I agree with my
fellow board members that this project, building and site do meet the criteria for
Category 2. Any other discussion, comment?
Okay, all of those in favor of the motion to change this from a Category 4 to a Category
2, please say aye.
[All say "aye"]
Martin Bernstein, Chair: Opposed?
Martin Bernstein, Chair: Passes unanimously with the five board members present.
Thank you. Clare and Deborah, thank you so much for your presentation. That
concludes this item.
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