|
Demolition Update: Chase Bank, Pacific Beach
September/October 2020
 The artwork on Chase Bank's Pacific Beach branch on Mission Bay Drive was designed by Millard Sheets Studio in 1977. Photo by Milan Kovacevic |
SOHO learned about the intended demolition of the Millard Sheets-designed Home Savings and Loan building, now Chase Bank, early this summer. The bank wants to build a new branch on the site, 4650 Mission Bay Drive, and accommodate a generic fast-food restaurant with drive-thru service. But these plans do not adhere to the community's 2019 approved Balboa Avenue Station Area Specific Plan (126-page pdf, 7.1 mb).
Exceptional mosaic murals by Sheets, a nationally renowned California artist and designer, on the building's exterior and interior are of historic and aesthetic value, and some are charming scenes of San Diego. But the endangered New Formalist style building itself has received less public attention lately. Trying to ensure a holistic historic review process of the art and architecture, in early July SOHO collaborated with Sheets expert and professor Dr. Adam Arenson in asking the City of San Diego to review the entire building under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act). See Dr. Arenson's letter HERE. And, though we are pleased the City explained that the entire building will be reviewed under CEQA, unfortunately, this still does not preclude the demolition of such a unique, monumental building.
After expressing our frustration in the prior eNews article cited above, SOHO understands that many San Diegans also share this concern. If you want to help save the building and the murals, please help bring attention to them. Email your goals and/or objections to project manager Martha Blake at mblake@sandiego.gov. You could also start a petition, inquire with the Pacific Beach Planning Group, or contact District One Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, JenniferCampbell@sandiego.gov, expressing the need to retain this iconic work.
For more information, read the PB Monthly article.
|
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
|
