Next week, the California State Historical Resources Commission will consider six nominations for federal historic designation, and six nominations for state historic designation. Nominations and photographs of properties under consideration are available at http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24368.
The Commission will meet next Tuesday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m. in the Kiln Room at Asilomar Conference Center, 800 Asilomar Avenue in Pacific Grove, California.
National Register of Historic Places nominations scheduled for action include:
Century 21 Theater San Jose Santa Clara County
An early and and notable example of a Cinerama-type theater designed by noted Bay Area architect Vincent G. Raney. The Century 21 Theater embodies the distinctive characteristics of the mid-century modernist style and suburban roadside architecture popular during the 1960s. This modernist landmark in San Jose is one of the best surviving examples of the freestanding dome type theater remaining in California.
Arthur and Kathleen Connell House Pebble Beach Monterey County
Completed in 1958, the Connell House is an excellent example of the International Style within the Modern Movement in Pebble Beach, and representative of master architect Richard Neutra’s mid-century residential work. The house exemplifies the rational design approach associated with Modern architecture, with thoughtful delineations between public and private areas that do not compromise its open, flowing spatial quality.
Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital Marina Monterey County
One of the last built medical facilities for mounted, horse-drawn, and mule-packing units of the U.S. Army, and the only known complete hospital surviving. When ground broke on Fort Ord construction in 1940, the horse-drawn 76th field artillery battalion was the first unit assigned and stables and a veterinary hospital were among the first buildings erected. The transition to mechanize was felt abruptly at Fort Ord, where the interval between major new horse construction and the active military use of horses was measured in months.
Mission Nuestra Seňora de la Soledad Soledad Monterey County
Thirteenth of twenty-one Catholic missions established in California by the Franciscan order between 1769 and 1823, Mission Soledad is significant in the areas of Exploration/Settlement, Hispanic and Native American Ethnic Heritage, Religion, Architecture, and Archaeology. Two of the buildings were reconstructed in the mid- twentieth century, and much of the rest of the district is in ruins, with potential to yield important information about the Franciscans, the mission system, and the Native people who lived and worked there.
Pond Farm Pottery Historic District Guerneville vicinity Sonoma County
During the first half of the twentieth century, European immigrant ceramists such as Marguerite Wildenhain introduced new arts and crafts skills, methods, and philosophies across the country. Her school, Pond Farm Pottery in Sonoma County near Guerneville, is eligible at the national level of significance for its association with the development of the Studio Pottery Movement, the emergence of ceramics as an important art form, and the internationally significant contributions of Wildenhain.
Villa Carlotta Altadena Los Angeles County
A single-family house constructed in 1918 as a summer residence for Francis R. Welles and his family, designed by renowned architect Myron Hunt.
California Historical Landmark nominations scheduled for action include:
Custom House (CHL #0001 Update) Monterey Monterey County
On winning its independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico repealed the Spanish laws forbidding foreign trade and the California hide and tallow trade soon developed with New England. The Mexican Government erected the Custom House at Monterey, then the capital of Mexican California, in 1827, and until 1845, this was the only custom house north of Mexico. It was here on July 7, 1846 Commodore John D. Sloat, commander of the U.S. Pacific squadron, first raised the American flag and officially proclaimed California to be a part of the United States.
Castro-Breen Adobe (CHL #0179 Update) San Juan Bautista San Benito County
The adobe is associated with Jose Castro, Commandant General of Northern California, who built this house facing the plaza for the residential use of his secretary and for administrative use by himself. In 1848, the house was purchased with California gold by the Breens, a prominent pioneer family known for their survival of a severe winter season that stranded them and the rest of the Donner Party in the California Sierras during the winter months of 1846.
Plaza Hotel (CHL #180 Update) San Juan Bautista San Benito County
Following use as a dormitory, barracks, then private residence, the original 1792 one- story adobe was expanded with a timber second story and turned into a hotel in the late 1850s. It became the headquarters for the overland stage, and a favorite stopping place for fiesta guests, traders, and travelers.
Camilo Ynitia Adobe (CHL #210 Update) Novato (vicinity) Marin County
Reportedly built as a one room adobe in 1776 with the assistance of Lieutenant Bodega’s survey party under the King of Spain, further research indicates a more likely two part construction beginning in 1834. The updated nomination renames the landmark the Camilo Ynitia Adobe in recognition of the only U.S. land grant owned and maintained by a Native American in Alta California.
Reid-Baldwin Adobe (CHL #368 Update) Arcadia Los Angeles County
This update documents Lucky Baldwin’s long and direct association with the historic adobe and incorporates more current historic research and writing standards for the historic property.
Sierra Railway Shops Jamestown Tuolumne County
The last surviving short-line steam railroad shops and turntable in California, and the most significant “movie railroad” in the state. The Shops first began operation in 1897 and were the Sierra Railroad’s main shops until 1955. The Shops include the turntable and roundhouse, freight depot, ancillary shops buildings, motive power, and rolling stock associated with the Shops and the railroad.
The public may present oral statements at the hearing at the appropriate time. Written comments about any subject on the agenda may be submitted to Carol Roland, State Historic Preservation Officer, Office of Historic Preservation, Post Office Box 942896, Sacramento, California 94296-0001. Inquiries may be directed to Recording Secretary Twila Willis-Hunter by phone at (916) 445-7052, by fax at (916) 445-7053 or by mail to the State Historical Resources Commission, Post Office Box 942896, Sacramento, California 94296-0001. Notices and agendas for the Commission’s workshop and meeting are available at www.ohp.parks.ca.gov ten days before the meeting.