HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/24 HISTORIC PRESERVATIONKr
A. ROLL CALL
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
POSTED ON
MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2024 Z
AGENDA .- City CierWs Office
City of
gakerslield
REGULAR MEETING 4:00 PM
by
City Hall North
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield California
First Floor Conference Room B
B. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
1. Agenda Item Public Statements
2. Non -Agenda Public Statements
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the May 21, 2024, meeting for approval.
D. CLOSED SESSION
None
E. CORRESPONDENCE
None
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing before the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of
Bakersfield to consider the revised building permit application with proposed
alterations to the "Woolworth's Building" listed on the Bakersfield Register of Historic
Places. The site is located at 1400 19th Street, Bakersfield, California, and owned
by W.A. Consulting LLC.
G. REPORTS
None
H. OLD BUSINESS
1. Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals
Recommendation: Review and discuss revised goals and action items.
I. NEW BUSINESS
None
J. COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS
K. ADJOURNMENT
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer M. Byers,
Economic and Community Development Director
If anyone wants more information on any of these agenda items, call Cecelia Griego, Economic Development
Principal Planner; Economic & Community Development Department at (661) 326-3788.
In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you have a disability and require assistance or
reasonable modification in order to participate in this public meeting, please contact the event organizer: Monica
Medve at 661-852-7018 or e-mail at mmedve )bakersfieldcity.us no later than 72 hours before the meeting to
make your request. The City will make every effort to meet the expectations of the requestor's preferred
modification but reserves the right to propose an alternative reasonable modification.
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Agenda.docx
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MEETING OF MAY 21, 2024
MINUTES
Chair Stussy called the regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to order
on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 4:00 P.M. at Conference Room B of City Hall North. Roll call
was as follows:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Cathy Butler
Eileen Diaz
Mike McCoy
Roger Mobley
Stephen Montgomery
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Cecelia Griego
Gary Hallen
Monica Medve
Gina Robles
Joshua Rudnick
Megan Simpson
PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
1. Agenda Item Public Statements
a. None
2. Non -Agenda Item Public Statements
a. None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Motion to approve minutes from the March 19, 2024, meeting.
a. Minutes approved: Motion made by Commissioner Butler to accept;
seconded by Commissioner Diaz; APPROVED: 5-0.
CLOSED SESSION:
1. None
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. None
REPORTS:
1. None
OLD BUSINESS:
1. None
NEW BUSINESS
1. Presentation to Susan Stussy for 21 years of service on the City of Bakersfield Historic
Preservation Commission.
a. Ms. Stussy spoke on her time as a member of the Historic Preservation
Commission and thanked the Commission for their contributions and
support over these 21 years.
b. Ms. Stussy spoke about the HPC brochure project she assisted with, spoke
in support of the Mills Act, spoke in support of having HPC meetings on a
more regular basis, and spoke on the history of the bronze plaque markers
project.
c. Ms. Stussy provided some business cards to Commissioner Mobley to use in
the community.
2. Selection of Historic Preservation Commission Chair and Vice -Chair.
a. Commissioner Montgomery cited the need to select officers since the
Commission is beginning a new term.
b. Commissioner McCoy nominated Commissioner Montgomery for Chair.
Commissioner Butler nominated Commissioner McCoy for Vice Chair.
Motion made by Commissioner Montgomery to accept the nominations;
seconded by Commissioner Butler; APPROVED: 5-0.
3. Selection of Historic Preservation Commission committee members.
a. Ordinance and Bylaws Committee
i. Chair Montgomery appoints Vice Chair McCoy and himself.
b. Culture Resource and Architectural Committee
i. Chair Montgomery appoints Commissioner Mobley and
Commissioner Diaz.
c. Ad Hoc Committee on Mills Act
i. Chair Montgomery appoints Commissioner Mobley and
Commissioner Butler.
d. Motion to accept committees as appointed made by Commissioner
Mobley; seconded by Vice Chair McCoy; APPROVED: 5-0.
4. Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals.
a. Commissioner Butler explained she likes the draft goals and wants to meet
the "Neon Sign Goal" and add neon signage in specific areas to show
patrons when they are entering the Downtown District. Commissioner Butler
cited the Woman's Club of Bakersfield to the Guild House could create a
historic block; she also cited the Fountain Plaza may be a future demolition
due to fire damage.
b. Commissioner Butler wants to add a goal to "Establish a Designated Historic
Block." Commissioner Butler cited that L Street to H Street could have
signage indicated patrons are entering an Arts and Entertainment District.
Commissioner Montgomery cited properties in the district with incorrect
period doors could be confusing.
c. Commissioner Mobley inquired what the definition is for a sign to be
considered historic. Principal Planner Griego explained action can be
added on the definition of a historic sign. Vice Chair McCoy explained that
signs should remain in their current location unless the business is
demolished or changes use. Commissioner Montgomery inquired if signage
can be protected. Principal Planner Griego explained protection is an
owner -initiated process, but that the Mills Act could help.
d. Chair Montgomery expressed concern regarding historic properties being
owned by out of area property owners as it may be difficult to have them
voluntarily protect these historic properties. Principal Planner Griego
explained that the Historic Resource Survey is identifying historic building
eligibility, and the City has not seen demolition applications for historic
buildings recently. Principal Planner Griego explained this is not part of the
current municipal code, but the Historic Preservation Commission can
make a recommendation for future policy change.
e. Chair Montgomery discussed the Commission's Bylaws and expressed
concern that they be written in a preservation friendly matter to protect
built heritage. Principal Planner Griego explained the Commission's powers
are in the Bakersfield Municipal Code.
f. Commissioner Diaz requested a goal for the Commission be added to
"Partner with Other Entities to Meet HPC Goals." Commissioner Diaz cited a
missed opportunity by not partnering with entities like the Driller Service
Academy or Public History Institute at California State University Bakersfield;
other entities could help complete action items. Principal Planner Griego
cited that HPC goals would be revised and a final draft prepared.
g. Principal Planner Griego explained that Historic Resource Group is still
researching and identifying local historic sites including building permits; a
report will be presented to the Commission for review at a future meeting.
COMMISSION STATEMENTS:
1. Vice Chair McCoy mentioned a project that is finishing - an 80-year-old house in
Pumpkin Center built by Italian immigrants is being moved to the Kern County
Museum; it will feature a wine bar and a garden for education. Agricultural history
information will also be provided with the addition at the Museum. Vice Chair
McCoy mentioned that there are now 40 signs at the Kern County Museum with
three added recently: Milt's, the Lebec Hotel, and Vero Shoe Sign. The Bail Bond
Leon sign is being restored and hung this fall.
2. Chair Montgomery expressed concern about the frequency of fires in town and
the loss of built history.
3. Commissioner Mobley expressed excitement about being on and participating
with the Commission. He explained he has personal history in the planning field.
4. Vice Chair McCoy commented that the original Nile Theater chandeliers have
been found at the Bakersfield Community Theatre.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. by Chair Montgomery.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Meeting Date: August 20, 2024 Agenda Section: Public Hearing Agenda Item: F. 1.
TO: Historic Preservation Commission
FROM: Economic and Community Development Department
DATE: August 15, 2024
SUBJECT: Public Hearing before the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of
Bakersfield to consider the revised building permit application with proposed
alterations to the "Woolworth's Building" listed on the Bakersfield Register of
Historic Places. The site is located at 1400 19th Street, Bakersfield, California, and
owned by W.A. Consulting LLC.
RECOMMENDATION:
Statt recommends approval of the revised building permit for Woolworth's Building restoration
project.
BACKGROUND:
On April 20, 2022, The Woolworth's Building was designated a cultural resource and placed on
the Bakersfield Register of Historic Places. The property, constructed in 1950, is noted to be
designed in the Art Moderne architectural style, with a luncheonette counter.
Due to these characteristics, the property was designated having met criteria for a cultural
resource per the Bakersfield Municipal code, with the following findings:
• The Woolworth's Building, built in 1950 as a department store in the Art Moderne
architectural style, with a luncheonette counter, exemplifies or reflects special elements
of the city's historical, economic, aesthetic, and architectural development; and
• The Woolworth's Building luncheonette counter is identified with persons and events
significant in national history; and
• The Woolworth's Building embodies distinctive characteristics of style, type, period, and
method of construction, as a mid-century purpose-built Woolworth's Building that
demonstrates the organization and design of the five-and-dime bargain retail store that
was popularized by the Woolworth Company and became a common building type
and a 20th-century fixture in American downtowns; and
• The Downtown Bakersfield Woolworth's Building retains the original luncheonette
counter, and this singular physical characteristic represents an established and familiar
visual feature of the city.
Before a building permit causing an alteration of a designated cultural resource is issued, a
public hearing considering proposed alterations is required in Bakersfield Municipal Code
(BMC). Per the BMC, the alteration of a designated cultural resource shall not be approved
unless the following conditions are found to exist:
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• The proposed work will not adversely affect the architectural features of the structure,
where specified in the designation; nor will the proposed work adversely affect the
special character or special historical, architectural or aesthetic interest or the
relationship and congruity between the subject structure or feature and its neighboring
structures and surroundings, where specified in the designation.
In the case of the Woolworth's Building, this would mean maintaining the Art Moderne style
architecture with associated elements, features and materials; preserving the original
luncheonette counter, and overall preserve distinctive characteristics of style, type, period,
and method of construction, as a mid-century purpose-built Woolworth's Building.
On March 19, 2024, the Historic Preservation Commission approved the building permit
application for the proposed alterations to the Woolworth's Building listed on the Bakersfield
Register of Historic Places. In July 2024, the alterations were submitted for a revised building
permit application. The revised scope of work is presented before the Historic Preservation
Commission for approval. The revisions include new plans for the third floor and the fourth -floor
roof top. The applicant is removing the previously proposes residential units on the third floor
and instead changing it to office space with associated changes to utilities and HVAC. It is also
removing the planned roof top deck from previously proposed residential units; access to roof
for maintenance will remain. See attached drawings.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
W.A. Consulting LLC submitted a building permit for restoration and strategic efforts to preserve
a vital piece of Bakersfield's heritage while revitalizing the downtown area.
The Woolworth Building, with its last functioning lunch counter in the nation, is a poignant
symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. Its Art Moderne architecture is characterized by curving
forms, horizontal lines, and minimal ornamentation that mirrors the historical evolution from the
Roaring Twenties to the more austere Great Depression era. Key features being preserved
include the iconic lunch counter, terrazzo entrances, monumental staircase, and red hollow
clay the walls. These elements are key to the architectural style and embody stories and
histories integral to the U.S. and our national identity.
Previous Ownership. F.W. Woolworth retail stores closed nationwide in 1997. The Bakersfield
location transitioned into an antique store on the first floor and basement. The lunch counter
continued operation on the main floor. The 2nd floor remained largely vacant, only serving as
storage and a small administrative office. The 3rd floor remained completely vacant. Following
its closure in November 2021, the building's new owners have been preparing for restoration
and construction.
Restoration Details. The plans to restore this iconic structure include revitalizing the ground floor
and iconic lunch counter, introducing new retail spaces. Furthermore, adding music
performance spaces and an event venue in the basement and converting the second and
third floors into modern business offices and executive suites for new active and productive
uses, when they previously sat vacant and in disrepair. On the exterior, significant efforts are
being made to restore the building's storefront windows, awnings, and historic terrazzo the
entrances, and essential visual features that define its character and the Art Moderne
architectural style that emphasizes curving forms, long horizontal lines, rounded corners, flat
roofs, horizontal bands of windows, and smooth walls with no ornamentation. Interior
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preservation efforts focus on the two monumental staircases with mirrored and wood veneer
stairways, terrazzo floorings, hollow clay the walls, historic lighting and other fixtures, porthole
doors, and many of the other essential character defining features.
National Standards. The restoration plans, approved by the National Park Service and the
California State Historic Preservation Office, adhere strictly to national guidelines for historic
preservation. This ensures that every aspect of the building's renovation maintains its historic
integrity while accommodating modern uses and updates that respect the history of the site
and meet current community needs. Exhibit A includes concept drawings and photos of the
revised restoration plans; full building permit plans can be viewed at:
https://repo.bakersfieldcity.us/url/ivxfvweie7hkxtdi
RESTORATION STANDARDS:
The Historic Preservation Commission has adopted the use of The Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation to provide guidance in their review of proposed rehabilitation and
alterations of historic buildings, standards for restoration projects include the following:
1. A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that interprets the
property and its restoration period.
2. Materials and features from the restoration period will be retained and preserved. The
removal of materials or alteration of features, spaces and spatial relationships that
characterize the period will not be undertaken.
3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Work
needed to stabilize, consolidate and conserve materials and features from the
restoration period will be physically and visually compatible, identifiable upon close
inspection and properly documented for future research.
4. Materials, features, spaces and finishes that characterize other historical periods will be
documented prior to their alteration or removal.
5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of
craftsmanship that characterize the restoration period will be preserved.
6. Deteriorated features from the restoration period will be repaired rather than replaced.
Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new
feature will match the old in design, color, texture and, where possible, materials.
7. Replacement of missing features from the restoration period will be substantiated by
documentary and physical evidence. A false sense of history will not be created by
adding conjectural features, features from other properties, or by combining features
that never existed together historically.
8. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest
means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.
9. Archeological resources affected by a project will be protected and preserved in place.
If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.
10. Designs that were never executed historically will not be constructed.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:
Notice of public hearing before the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Bakersfield
for the proposed alteration to a designated cultural resource was advertised in The Bakersfield
Californian on August 10, 2024. The applicant and property owners within 300 feet of the project
site were notified on August 5, 2024, by United States Mail of the public hearing in accordance
with Bakersfield Municipal Code.
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ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A - concept drawings and photos of the revised restoration plans; full building permit
plans can be viewed at: https://repo.bakersfieldcity.us/url/lvxfvweie7hkxtdi
G:\pin\SHAREMEDCD_Shared\Economic Development\Historic Preservation\HPC Meetings\2024\HPC 8.20.24\Agenda\Admin_8.20.24 Woolworth's.docx
Exhibit A - Restoration Concept Drawings and Photos
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Meeting Date: August 20, 2024 Agenda Section: Old Business Agenda Item: H. 1.
TO: Historic Preservation Commission
FROM: Economic & Community Development Department
DATE: August 15, 2024
SUBJECT: Final Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends review and discussion of Final FY 24-25 Goals and action items.
BACKGROUND:
In preparation of Fiscal Year 24-25 attached are approved goals for the Historic
Preservation Commission (HPC) to help guide HPC activities for the upcoming year and
to identify action items in implementing the HPC's goals and objectives. Goals were
revised based on feedback from the May 21, 2024, HPC meeting. Included in these
goals are accomplishments made from fiscal year 2023-2024. This agenda item is for
the HPC to discuss the implementation of action items under each goal.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Final Fiscal Year 24-25 Goals
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Goals.docx
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
B° COMMISSION
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Final Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals
Per the City's Municipal Code, the object of this Commission is to promote the public
health, safety, and general welfare by providing for the identification, protection,
enhancement, perpetuation, and use of improvements of buildings, structures, signs,
objects, features, sites, places and areas within Bakersfield that reflect special elements
of the City's architectural, artistic, cultural, engineering, aesthetic, historical, political,
social and other heritage. Each of the following goals and action items align with
Commission purpose and objectives as stated in the Municipal Code.
Goal 1: Establish a Mills Act Program
Actions:
• Develop a Mills act program, per California Government Code, for
historically designated properties
• Create program materials (application, agreement, guidelines, brochure)
about the City's Mills Act program
• Recommend to City Council Legislative and Litigation Committee for
consideration
Goal 2: Preserve Historic Neon Signs
Actions:
• Consult with City Planning Department regarding sign ordinance
• Develop criteria on what is considered a historic neon sign
• Develop parameters to create two historic sign districts in the City of
Bakersfield - Downtown and Old Town Kern
• Promote incentives for the re-creation or preservation of historic neon signs
• Support efforts to develop neon signage to indicate historic corridors and
districts, such as the Historic Arts & Entertainment District.
Goal 3: Conduct New and Update Neighborhood Surveys
Actions:
• Research areas where 70% of homes are over 50 years old
• Pursue grant funding for neighborhood surveys
• Conduct neighborhood surveys per established guidelines
• Partner with College and Highschool clubs/associations to assist in the update
of neighborhood surveys
Page 1
Goal 4: Public Education and Encourage Historic Pride in Bakersfield
Actions:
• Attend community events to educate the community about the City's
historical resources and properties
• Partner with Kern Historical Society and Kern County Museum in organizing
walking tours of historical sites
• Enhance and update website as needed
• Conduct outreach presentations to community organizations
• Support public art which celebrates our historic character
• Encourage the reuse of historic buildings
• Partner with Kern Historical Society and DBA to develop an award system to
property owners that successfully repurpose historic buildings
• Update the Rehabilitate Bakersfield Right guidebook
• Partner with local institutions such as the CSUB Public History Institute in public
education and related community projects
Goal 5: Identify Potential Grants and Partnerships with Non -profits to fund Historic
Preservation Projects
Actions:
Research grant opportunities and develop a working document of funding
sources
• Contact non -profits to partner on historic preservation activities
Goal 6: Establish Historic Districts/Neighborhoods
Actions:
• Conduct outreach to gauge residents' support for a historic district
• Recruit more property owners to join the Historic Register
• Develop recommendations to amend and improve the historic district
component of the Bakersfield Municipal Code
• Establish new historic districts within the City of Bakersfield
• Support designation of 18t" Street from L Street to H Street as a historic
corridor or possible district
Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Accomplishments:
1. Update Neighborhood Surveys: The City contracted with Historic Resources
Group to create a Historic Context Statement and administer cultural resource
surveys in four target areas. A final report and presentation are anticipated soon.
2. Historic public education: a downtown walking tour brochure has been printed
and distributed at numerous outreach events.
3. Historic public education: interest letters for the Bakersfield Register of Historic
Places were mailed to multiple properties, including the Big Shoe.
4. Historic Sites: Approved the Woolworth's Building as a cultural resource and
approved the building's restoration project.
5. Public Recognition: ECD Staff assisted in creating and distributing Historic
Preservation recognition certificates for properties on the Bakersfield Register of
Historic Places.
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