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June 2015 Advocacy Notes
By Amie K. Hayes
The month of June was a buzz of anxious excitement due to highlights such as the Old House Fair and SOHO's Walk on the Exposition Side Centennial Tour Weekend, but also disheartening due to the 5pm Friday demolition of the Michels-Carey House at 2004 El Cajon Blvd. SOHO's June Preservation Action Committee (PAC) discussed next steps to be taken for the callous demolition of this early LGBTQ site, celebrated a new designation at the San Diego Historical Resources Board, the Luscomb Building at 1769 San Diego Avenue, and the upcoming 50 year celebration anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Outreach this month focused on the second Expo Tour weekend this year and South Park's annual Old House Fair. The second round of Walk on the Exposition Side tours were so well received, even with lower then usual attendance, that SOHO has made two of them available year-round. Romance of the Expo and Hidden in Plain Sight are both walking tours within Balboa Park that will join the SOHO list of available group tours: The Romance of the Expo: Courtyards, Tiles & Fountains and Balboa Park: Hidden in Plain Sight. Ending the month at the Old House Fair with an "Ask the Experts" booth, SOHO Board, staff and volunteers provided advice to a variety of questions including- "Can you identify this building feature?" and "Who can repair my sliding garage doors?" Many answers are found within SOHO's Old House Resource Directory while others are located in A Step-by-Step Guide to Research Your House.
Demolition of the Michels-Carey House |
Luscomb building |
On Friday, May 29, once city offices had closed for the weekend, the haphazard destruction of the Michels-Carey House took place at the corner of El Cajon Blvd. and Florida Street, in less than 30 minutes. City staff did attempt to correct their mistake in issuing the demolition permit and went to the site with a stop work order, but wood debris was all that remained. Not only was there no environmental abatement, but HG Fenton, the developers who had pulled the permits to construct a 130-unit project, had learned that Friday morning that the State Office of Historic Preservation had accepted a nomination for its designation and this would be heard at their next meeting. As a note of encouragement after the heartless disregard for this historic site and the LGBTQ community, San Diego has just been awarded funding to complete a San Diego LBGTQ Historic Context Statement! This survey project will identify buildings in specific neighborhoods that represent an evolution of the LGBTQ community.
This month, PAC talked about meeting with city officials to discuss repercussions of the demolition as well as how to prevent this deliberate and insensitive behavior from occurring in the future by strengthening the historic review ordinance and closing loopholes in the permitting process. The Luscomb Building at 1769 San Diego Avenue was discussed due to its recent designation by the Historical Resources Board. As you may recall, SOHO saved the character-defining features of this building from being inappropriately altered last year and was able to negotiate a successful settlement that saved the building, which included the owner applying for designation. This designation is a relief to many as the unique "castle" character, for it has 4 towers and crenellated parapet, is a beloved local landmark. Finally, PAC discussed exciting news from the State, noting the 50 year celebration of the National Historic Preservation Act. We were reminded that SOHO, established in 1969, is the oldest countywide preservation advocacy organization in California.
Until July, look forward to the City and LAMBDA's exciting announcement regarding the LGBTQ context statement and keep a mindful watch, San Diego.
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