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Posts Tagged ‘Alhambra’

Candidates Forum Set For October 5

Posted in Alhambra Preservation Group, APG Events, City of Alhambra, tagged , , , , , on August 22, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Vote.Button.FINALAlhambra Preservation Group, with the League of Women Voters – Pasadena Area, will sponsor a Meet the Candidates Forum on Wednesday, October 5, 2016.  The Meet the Candidates Forum will take place from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Almansor Court’s Lakeview Room, 700 South Almansor Street, Alhambra, CA  91801. The event is free to the general public and light refreshments will be served. Alhambra residents are encouraged to attend.

All Alhambra City Council candidates have been invited to participate in the pre-election event. A moderator from the League of Women Voters – Pasadena Area will ask each candidate the same opening question, followed by a series of written questions from the audience. “The purpose of the Meet the Candidates Forum is to give city council candidates the opportunity to address policy issues vital to Alhambra’s future and give residents the chance to ask questions of candidates,” stated Joyce Amaro, President of the Alhambra Preservation Group. “Given the many issues facing our city, we invite all Alhambrans to attend this event and receive the information they need to cast an informed vote on election day.”

Community planning, environmental sustainability, public health and safety, historic preservation, transportation and infrastructure are just a few of the topics that may be addressed at the forum. The November 8, 2016 election will decide two of five Alhambra City Council seats.

Photo courtesy of start2finish.org.

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Preservation Mythbusters – Part II

Posted in Alhambra Preservation Group, Preservation Myths, tagged , , , on August 21, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Alhambra.Mythbusters.4This past spring, we set the record straight on myths about historic preservation myths in general. Now we’d like to talk about some myths you may have heard regarding preservation in Alhambra.

Myth #1: Alhambra doesn’t have any homes worth saving.

Oh, yes we do – plenty! More than 30 years ago, a survey completed in only two neighborhoods, Ramona Park Tract and the Wuest/Marguerita-Souders tract, identified more than 500 historic homes. This year, APG developed a map identifying more than 500 historic homes citywide, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. These homes feature the following architectural styles: Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, English Revival, Spanish Revival, Colonial Revival, and Mid-Century Modern. In addition, Alhambra has several unique buildings such as a log cabin, the Pyrenees Castle and a shopping center designed like a 19th century western boom town. So, for its size – a mere eight square miles – Alhambra is one of the most architecturally diverse cities in Southern California.

Take a look at this map and then check out your own neighborhood. If there are any homes we’ve missed, send us an e-mail with the address. If it’s historic, we’ll add that home to the map.

Myth #2 – The historic signs in Alhambra’s neighborhoods already protect Alhambra’s homes.

False! Alhambra has no policies or ordinances that protect homes and businesses from razing. These signs are a good first step in strengthening public awareness about Alhambra’s historic home tracts, but this signage does nothing to save homes from being torn down or remodeled beyond recognition. The signs have no enforcement “teeth.” A preservation element needs to be added to Alhambra’s General Plan, and the City of Alhambra needs to adopt a preservation ordinance. Please let your city leaders know this is important to you.

Myth #3 – Alhambrans don’t care about preserving Alhambra.

In 2015, to prepare for an update to Alhambra’s General Plan, the City of Alhambra conducted a survey of residents to learn about their priorities. More than half of those surveyed – 52% – stated that the preservation of historic areas and buildings should be a priority for the City of Alhambra. Also, well over half the people responding to the survey thought there were either too many apartments, too many condos or too much mixed-use development. Once again, make sure you voice your opinions to those who can effect change in Alhambra.

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Advocacy and Action Committee Kicks Off

Posted in Advocacy, Alhambra Preservation Group, tagged , , , , on August 21, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Image 35

By Melissa Michelson, Alhambra Preservation Group Board of Directors

In early August, Alhambra Preservation Group‘s newly formed Advocacy and Action Committee held its first meeting with APG members Janet Ervin, Lily Nitta and Gigi Xu attending. They discussed and developed a mission statement and agreed to hold regular meetings once a month or on an as-needed basis. The group also attended the Design Review Board meeting and went on a site visit. The group decided that the mission of the Advocacy and Action Committee should be ‘By regularly reviewing staff reports, attending City Council and committee meetings (like Design Review Board and Planning Commission), regularly communicating with the APG Board and calling APG members to action, we the Advocacy and Action Committee aim to promote the mission of APG by encouraging community participation in the efforts to preserve and protect the historical, architectural and cultural integrity of the community. The mission reflects the mission of APG: Through education, advocacy and awareness-building programs, Alhambra Preservation Group seeks to ensure that the historical, architectural and cultural resources of our city are identified, protected and celebrated for their contributions to Alhambra’s heritage, economy and environment.

Design Review Board Meeting

After initially meeting at the Diner on Main, members of the Advocacy and Action Committee attended the Design Review Board (DRB) on August 9, where 1237 Main Street, a mid-century medical building on the corner of Vega and Main Street, was on the agenda. Committee members then went to visit the property.

While at the DRB, the Advocacy and Action Committee’s message was clear: Yes, the building is in a state of disrepair; however, this mid-century medical office building is a gem that deserves to be preserved. Its unique interior which includes all-wood cabinetry, cork floors, rounded corners and exposed brick are classic characteristics of mid-century architecture. Committee members expressed to the Design Review Board that it is their hope that the existing medical building is creatively and thoughtfully incorporated and maintained as part of the developer’s plans, along with the advice and expertise of the city’s Design Review Board.

What the architect has in store:

  • Demolish 1940s two-story 1453 sq. ft. wood house and 1951 15,188 sq. ft. brick single-story medical building
  • Build 14,125 sq ft, single- story contemporary style building in north east corner of lot, with parking lot in front with 71 stalls and 4-8 bike parking slots.
  • Two driveways from Main Street (compared to current building which is along the sidewalk)
  • Demolish the double-story wood house on the lot next door
  • Re-use/recycle the brick for landscaping, for planters, etc.
  • Bring in vintage wood to the interior
  • A lobby-feature wall to reflect the site and surrounding area, and include an informational plaque

Image 33The architect mentioned structural and seismic concerns, having to put a new roof on the current building and that a community meeting from neighbors was held and all feedback was positive, but was neither asked nor offered details on those during the meeting. At the time of this writing, APG is waiting to hear from the architects (Market Street Development) for more details about the community meeting.

The DRB was interested in using existing brick, perhaps because surrounding single-story buildings also showcase brick; however, according to the architect’s plans available for public viewing at City Hall, the majority of the proposed building is painted stucco, with one exterior feature wall of wood. One DRB member preferred that the parking be located behind the building as it is currently but was told that Public Works wants to avoid that to minimize traffic on the residential streets. It is unclear to the Advocacy and Action Committee after looking at the plans, where the recycled brick will be used because the majority of the property will be a parking lot.

The DRB gave approval and recommended for the majority of the brick to be used for a new façade. One DRB board member suggested the architects look into finding a way to move the house or salvage it.

Image 31The Site Visit

On the lot is the medical building and a 2-story house. On Vega Street across from the property, there is currently an empty commercial lot so there is potential for a driveway there rather than solely on Main Street. Neither building has visible structural damage. In fact, the older home is in better shape than the brick medical building.

What’s next?

The next Planning Commission Meeting is Monday, August 29, 2016.

The next meeting for the Design Review Board is Tuesday, September 6, 2016.

If you would like to join APG’s Advocacy and Action Committee, please contact us at info@alhambrapreservation.org.

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APG’s Sizzling Summer

Posted in Advocacy, Alhambra Preservation Group, APG Events, Uncategorized, tagged , , , on August 21, 2016| Leave a Comment »

IMG_1677Summer has been a sizzling hot season for Alhambra Preservation Group!

APG kicked off the summer with its event entitled Alhambra’s Amazing Architecture at the Civic Center Library on June 29. More than 100 residents attended the lecture that showcased the diversity of Alhambra’s architecture. “Many residents didn’t realize that Alhambra is one of the most architecturally diverse cities in Southern California,” stated Joyce Amaro, APG President. “From Victorian to Mid-Century Modern and everything in between, Alhambra boasts a rich architectural heritage – one that needs to be celebrated, preserved and protected,” Amaro continued. The event concluded with the introduction of an online Alhambra map created by APG documenting Alhambra’s historic homes. Take a look at the Google map and see if there are any historic homes in your neighborhood that should be added. Send us the address at info@alhambrapreservation.org, and we’ll see that the home is placed on the map.

In July, APG held a summer fundraiser dinner raising $262.50. This first-time event was held at Alhambra’s very own Diner on Main, a restaurant designed in the Googie-architectural style, which was popular in the mid-20th century. At one point, the restaurant was filled to capacity with APG members, enjoying good food and company for a great cause. We hope to do more of these at local Alhambra restaurants such as Twoheys, Blaze Pizza, Yogurtland, Souplantation and Shakey’s Pizza. It’s a great opportunity for some family fun and it benefits us all!

In August Alhambra Preservation Group began moving into its new office at The Alhambra thanks to a generous donation by The Ratkovich Company. APG has always been, and will continue to be, a grassroots organization, but the addition of a physical office enhances the work APG can do in Alhambra. August was also the month that APG kicked off its newly formed Advocacy and Action Committee. Their role will be to monitor and attend City meetings such as the Design Review Board, Planning Commission and City Council for issues needing APG’s attention.

Fall promises to be a busy season for APG as well. Alhambra Preservation Group is partnering with the League of Women Voters – Pasadena Area to host a Meet the Candidates Forum at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5 at Almansor Court’s Lakeview Room, 700 South Almansor Street. This free event is open to the public and all Alhambrans are encouraged to attend. It’s an opportunity for residents to learn more about the candidates running for two open Alhambra City Council seats in November.

We are following up the candidates’ forum with a lecture in November by APG’s very own member, Denise Lawrence, who is a professor at the School of Environmental Design, Cal Poly Pomona. Denise will present a talk on her recently published book Protecting Suburban America: Gentrification, Advocacy and the Historic Imaginary. We’ll close out the year with our annual membership campaign and an open house at our new offices at The Alhambra. Stay tuned for more details on all of these upcoming events!

 

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APG’s Summer Fundraiser Goes Googie!

Posted in Alhambra Preservation Group, APG Events, tagged , , , , , , on July 19, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Diner.On.MainCome join Alhambra Preservation Group for a fundraiser at Alhambra’s Diner on Main (201 West Main Street) Tuesday, July 26 from 4 – 9 p.m.

“During that time, Diner on Main will donate 25% of your total meal receipt to APG,” said Joyce Amaro, APG President. “It’s a fun opportunity to enjoy a good meal, great company and unique architecture.”

Diner on Main is Alhambra’s very own example of Googie architecture, a modern style popular in the late 40s through the early 60s, particularly for gas stations, diners and bowling alleys. The style was marked by upswept  roofs, neon, geometric shapes and curved lines that included boomerangs, flying saucers, atoms and parabolas. It represented America’s fascination with Space Age themes.

Googie originated right here in SoCal. Iconic architect John Lautner coined the term when he designed a coffee shop in West Hollywood named after one of the owners, Lillian “Googie” Burton.

Be sure to make your calendar for this new APG event, where all you have to do to raise money is eat (and pay your tab)!

Questions? Send us an e-mail at info@alhambrapreservation.org.

 

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Preservation Mythbusters – Part I

Posted in Preservation Myths, tagged , , , , , on April 24, 2016| Leave a Comment »

mythbusters2How much do you really know about historic preservation? In this two-part series, we explore the myths surrounding preservation. In this article, we bust preservation myths at large. In the second article, we’ll dispel preservation myths specific to the city of Alhambra.

Myth #1 – Historic designation will reduce my property values.

Fact – Study after study across the nation has conclusively demonstrated that historic designation and the creation of historic districts actually increase property values. Why? Historic designation gives a neighborhood or an individual historic site a uniqueness that many buyers seek. Two economically valuable assurances: that the very qualities that attracted them to their neighborhood will actually endure over time, and that they can safely reinvest in sensitive home improvements without fear that their neighbor will undermine this investment with a new monster home” or inappropriate new development.

Myth #2 – Preservation is only for the rich and elite.

Fact – Today’s preservation movement is increasingly diverse. In LA, the two newest Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZs) are in Pico-Union and Lincoln Heights, home to economically and ethnically varied populations.

Preservation today also focuses on more modest sites of social and cultural significance. Just look at the small Ralph J.Bunche House in South Los Angeles, boyhood home of the pioneering African-American diplomat. Or, consider a current preservation effort to save the modest Vladeck Center, a Boyle Heights building that was the center of the Jewish life in the 1930s.Such sites underscore that preservation can be about the “power of place” at sites of rich cultural meaning.

Myth #3 – Historic preservation is bad for business.

Fact – Historic preservation is at the very heart of our nation’s most vibrant economic development and business attraction programs. In Southern California, think Old Pasadena or San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

Here’s a national example: The National Main Street Center, a program that uses historic preservation to revitalize town centers and neighborhood commercial districts, has actually tracked economic results in 1,700 Main Street communities nationally. These preservation-based programs have created over 231,000 new jobs and resulted in over $17 billion in reinvestment to date, with every dollar spent on a Main Street program yielding $40 in economic reinvestment.

Myth #4 – Old buildings are less safe.

Fact – Although historic structures do sometimes require structural retrofits or the addition of fire sprinklers to enhance safety, historic buildings typically perform better than new construction in earthquakes and other natural disasters. What determines the safety of buildings is the quality of construction, not age, and in many ways, “they just don’t build’em like they used to.”

Los Angeles’ signature historic structures have survived every major temblor of the past eight decades. In the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the most catastrophic damage occurred not to historic buildings but to newer construction such as parking garages and newer apartments with “tuck-under” parking.

Myth #5 – Preservationists are always fighting new development and only care about the past.

Fact – Historic preservationists do care deeply about the past – not to wallow in a bygone era, but to anchor ourselves as we move confidently into the future. Historic preservation is not about stopping change or blocking creative new architecture and development. Preservation allows us to retain the best of our shared heritage to preserve sites of unique quality and beauty, revitalize neighborhoods, spur economic development, and quite simply, create better communities.

Excerpted from “The Top 10 Myths About Historic Preservation” by Ken Bernstein, manager of the City of Los Angeles Office of Historic Resources.

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Alhambra’s Amazing Architecture

Posted in Alhambra History, Alhambra Preservation Group, APG Events, tagged , , , , , on April 22, 2016| Leave a Comment »

DSC_0031Is Alhambra one of the most architecturally diverse cities in Southern California? The answer may surprise you!

From a humble log cabin to an elegant castle on a hill, Alhambra is home to more than 25 styles and sub-styles of architecture.  “Alhambra is one of the oldest cities in Southern California, and it is home to architectural styles ranging from Victorian to Mid-Century Modern and everything in between,” stated Joyce Amaro, President, Alhambra Preservation Group. “It is my belief that Alhambra is one of the most architecturally diverse cities in Southern California.”

Join Alhambra Preservation Group at their June 29, 2016 event entitled Alhambra’s Amazing Architecture for a virtual architectural tour of Alhambra’s homes, businesses, schools and places of worship spanning almost 150 years. Here are the specifics on the event:

Date:   Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Time:   7:00 p.m.

Location:   Alhambra Civic Center Library, 101 S. 1st Street, Alhambra, CA / Reese Hall

All are welcome to attend this free educational event. Ample parking is located beneath the library. There will also be a delicious selection of cookies, representing Alhambra’s diverse cultures, for everyone to enjoy.

Come discover hidden gems and be inspired to preserve and protect Alhambra’s amazing architecture!

RSVP at (626) 755-3467 or at info@AlhambraPreservation.org.

 

 

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Alhambra – The City I Call Home

Posted in Alhambra Preservation Group, tagged , , on April 22, 2016| 1 Comment »

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by Joyce Amaro, President

Spring is a time of new beginnings. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new president of Alhambra Preservation Group. APG’s former president Christine Olson retired earlier this year after the death of her wife, Lisa Selje. We are so very thankful to Chris for her many years of service to Alhambra and Alhambra Preservation Group. And, while Chris will not be serving in an official capacity, she has expressed the desire to serve APG and its board in an advisory role. We welcome and appreciate her expertise, wisdom and knowledge.

APG members and supporters who are acquainted with me know that I’m no stranger to Alhambra nor the Alhambra Preservation Group. My husband Oscar co-founded the organization with Kathy Hildreth in 2002, and I was a member of the board of directors when APG became a non-profit organization in 2007. I have lived in the San Gabriel Valley my entire life, having grown up in Monterey Park and graduated from Alhambra High School. Oscar and I have resided in Alhambra since 1998. We bought and restored our 1912 Craftsman home in Alhambra’s Ramona Park area in 2000. I’ve been an integral part of APG’s various educational events and activities, from creating and organizing home tours and candidates’ forums to assisting with APG’s annual summer ice cream socials and  Heritage Awards.

I am immensely proud of Alhambra Preservation Group’s accomplishments and growth since its founding, moving from a small group of committed and passionate residents seeking change to an organization boasting a membership of more than 100 households. I hope to continue growing APG as we keep moving towards our ultimate goal of Alhambra adopting a preservation ordinance. In case you missed it, the Alhambra Source did a great article on Alhambra Preservation Group and the state of preservation efforts in Alhambra earlier this spring.

We have a very busy year ahead of us! You’ll recognize many of APG’s signature events but look for them to feature new ideas and new twists. I welcome you to join us at 11:00 a.m. at the Gamble House on Sunday, May 15 for the free Museums of the Arroyo day. It’ll give us a chance to get to know each other better and tour a national treasure. APG’s official events will begin in June and continue through the summer and fall with activities focusing on the release of Alhambra’s new General Plan, the election of two new City Council members, and APG’s annual Heritage Awards.

I look forward with enthusiasm to the coming year and am honored to be leading Alhambra Preservation Group – an organization building community and affecting positive change in Alhambra, the city I proudly call home.

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Alhambra Historical Society Turns 50

Posted in Alhambra History, tagged , on April 14, 2016| Leave a Comment »

1966.Clothing.StylesThe year is 1966. Mini-skirts are all the rage, international protests to the Vietnam War are beginning and Batman, a TV-series starring Adam West, debuts. And in a small Los Angeles suburb, at the invitation of Norma Yocum who is the city’s first woman mayor, a group of 21 long-time residents and civic leaders meet for the first time with the purpose of forming an organization that would be known as the Alhambra Historical Society.

On Sunday, April 30, the Alhambra Historical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the museum, 1550 West Alhambra Road, Alhambra, CA 91803. The festivities will include tours of the museum, a performance of the song “Alhambra” by a musical group from Alhambra Unified School District and a representative from Alhambra Coin Center available to evaluate the value of gold jewelry. The event is free and all are welcome to attend.

“Throughout its history, the Alhambra Historical Society has been dedicated to the acquisition and preservation of documents, artifacts and historical records of the city of Alhambra and its residents,” stated Rose Marie Markus, President of the Alhambra Historical Society. “The Society commemorates historical events and honors persons who have played a role in Alhambra’s history,” continued Markus.

Please plan on joining us in honoring Alhambra Historical Society’s 50th anniversary. Alhambra Preservation Group will have an informational table at the event and we’d love for you to come by and say hello.

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