Reflections
Newsletter
Preservation Action Subcommittee News
By Erik HansonWell, we've got dozens of irons in the old fire now. The upturn of the economy, the "smart growth" movement and the rediscovery of downtown have increased the number —f issues we are juggling. We have heard from the Gaslamp Black Historical Society regarding the "Harlem of the West" district downtown, from Old Town business people regarding a massive CalTrans district headquarters project planned for Taylor Street, and about a four story parking garage and hotel expansion directly across from Heritage Park. We are keeping pressure on old issues such as the Police Headquarters removal scheme, the proposed demolition of the Hebbard & Gill Elks Lodge (Mitchell Residence) to be heard on appeal by the City Council, and the slow-motion collapse of La Jolla's ancient Red Roost and Red Rest. cottages.
New issues arising include expansion plans for the Oceanside Museum of Art (Gill's City Hall and Fire station), and the County of San Diego's disassembly of the 1896 George Garrettson house, a major contributor to the Golden Hill Historic district, with no certain ideas about how to put it back together. The city's Historic resources Board has been wildly inconsistent this year: at one time designating a 1940's builder designed adobe home against the owner's wishes and at another time not finding the votes to save the U.S. Grant Presidential Library (Julia Dent Grant Residence). The City Council has been willing to override any designation that anybody has a problem with. We keep some optimism from seeing the accomplishments of our P.I.P. winners and the large numbers of good projects in some residential neighborhoods.
A huge increase has been seen in applications for historic designation by owners of single family homes. We like to think that SOHO's Mills Act Workshops have had a part in this.
More from this issue
- The Raising of the S.S. Catalina
By María E. Castillo de Curry- Cabrillo parkway - A Safe and Scenic 163
By David Swarens- Temple Beth Israel to be Saved From Demolition!!
By Stan Schwartz- Ballpark Preservation plans Continue Even as Construction Stops
By David Swarens- Preservation Action Subcommittee News
By Erik Hanson- R.I.P. - Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant House
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