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Happy Birthday, APG!

Posted in Alhambra Preservation Group, APG Events, tagged , , , , on January 26, 2017| Leave a Comment »

DecadeHappy 10th Birthday, Alhambra Preservation Group!

This year Alhambra Preservation Group celebrates 10 years as a non-profit organization. Founded in 2003 by Katherine Hildreth and Oscar Amaro, Alhambra Preservation Group began as a small group of concerned Alhambra residents who loved local history and wanted to stop the razing of historic homes and structures in Alhambra. Today, APG boasts a membership of more than 100 households.

“For 10 years, APG has been a pioneering force, educating Alhambrans and advocating for the preservation of Alhambra’s historic resources,” stated Joyce Amaro, Alhambra Preservation Group President. “APG’s inaugural home tour in 2004 introduced Southern California to Alhambra’s beautiful Arts and Crafts homes. Likewise, APG’s Meet the Candidates Forum in 2006, hosted in partnership with the Pasadena League of Women’s Voters, was the first time in Alhambra’s history that residents had the opportunity to ask questions of candidates running for Alhambra City Council,” continued Amaro.

Alhambra Preservation Group continues that pioneering spirit today with its advocacy and activism. In 2015, it rallied its members to lobby for the inclusion of a Preservation Element in Alhambra’s update to its General Plan. Because of APG’s efforts, 52% of Alhambrans surveyed stated that historic preservation should be a priority in the City of Alhambra’s future planning efforts.

In 2016, APG developed a Google Map that identified more than 500 historic homes, businesses, churches and schools that still stand in Alhambra. A presentation given by APG board members last summer highlighted Alhambra’s architectural resources and asserted that Alhambra is one of Southern California’s most architecturally diverse cities, featuring close to 25 different architectural genres and sub-genres. Because of these mapping efforts, APG has been invited by the California Preservation Foundation to make a presentation on the Google map at CPF’s annual conference, which will take place in Pasadena in May, 2017.

Last year also saw the creation of the Advocacy and Action Committee. This committee has been integral in re-establishing APG’s presence at City Hall and monitoring community development activities.

The coming year will be no different. We’re gearing up for a year of education and advocacy. Here are just a few of the activities we’re planning:

  • Join us on a free tour of the Pasadena Tournament House on February 23. APG board member, Barbara Beckley, a former Rose Princess, will co-lead a tour of this mansion, which was the winter home of William and Ada Wrigley and now serves as the headquarters of the Tournament of Roses.
  • A “Meet Your New Councilmembers” event in the spring will give APG members the opportunity to meet Alhambra’s two new council members, Jeff Maloney and David Mejia.
  • In the summer we will organize a special 10-year fundraising campaign and Thank You APG Members event.
  • Our annual Heritage Awards in the fall will honor Alhambra homeowners and residents. This year we’ll be introducing the Founder’s Award, which will honor an Alhambran whose work in the area of historic preservation has been especially noteworthy.
  • We’ll also look to the future, asking members and residents to provide input on what APG’s goals should be for the next 10 years.

Are you ready to celebrate with us? It’s going to be an exciting year!

Photo courtesy of craft hubs.com.

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APG to Host Free Tour of the Tournament House

Posted in Alhambra Preservation Group, APG Events, Events, tagged , , , , , , on January 26, 2017| Leave a Comment »

tournament-of-roses-houseJoin Alhambra Preservation Group on February 23, 2017 for a free tour of the historic Wrigley mansion in Pasadena that now serves as the headquarters, or Tournament House, for the Tournament of Roses. This tour will be co-led by APG’s very own vice president, Barbara Beckley, who is celebrating her 50th anniversary of being a Rose Princess. Here’s all you need to know about the tour:

Date: Thursday, February 23, 2017

Time: 3:00 p.m. (please meet at 2:45 on the home’s front porch)

Cost: Free! The tour is offered at no charge by the Tournament of Roses.

Location: 391 South Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91184

RSVP by February 21, 2017 at (626) 755-3467 or info@alhambrapreservation.org

Parking is available in a small lot on the Tournament of Roses property or on adjacent streets. Please note that the tour will include stairs.

After the tour, we’ll stop by Twoheys restaurant in Alhambra for a no-host dinner.

Built in 1914 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr, this Italian Renaissance-style mansion was considered one of the more modest homes on Pasadena’s “Millionaire’s Row.” The three-story mansion was built for $170,000 and has 22 rooms totaling 18,500 square feet of living space. Of the Wrigley’s six residences throughout the United States, Ada Wrigley considered this home her favorite.

Photo courtesy of the Tournament of Roses.

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APG Hosts 2016 Meet the Candidates Forum

Posted in Alhambra Preservation Group, APG Events, tagged , , , , , on November 3, 2016| Leave a Comment »

image-13More than 100 residents from every Alhambra neighborhood attended the 2016 Meet the Candidates Forum hosted by the Alhambra Preservation Group and moderated by the League of Women Voters-Pasadena Area on October 5 at Almansor Court. All four of the Alhambra City Council candidates were in attendance and answered questions from the audience. Audience questions asked for the candidate’s positions on issues ranging from the adoption of a preservation ordinance to the creation of a more environmentally sustainable city, from the completion of the 710 Freeway to concerns regarding future development in Alhambra.

“The Meet the Candidates Forum provided the perfect venue for Alhambrans to meet and get to know the candidates who are running for Alhambra City Council,” stated Joyce Amaro, President of the Alhambra Preservation Group. “APG was proud to partner with the League of Women Voters – Pasadena Area in providing this opportunity for the voters of Alhambra,” continued Amaro.

Here’s what forum attendees had to say about the evening’s event:

“This provided the community the one opportunity to see the candidates face to face.”

“The forum provided direct access to candidates’ positions and quality of responses.”

“I liked hearing the concerns of the audience brought up many issues I had not considered.”

“It was good to hear all of the candidates respond to the same questions – and struggle to answer some of them. This was a rare opportunity to compare their viewpoints and perspectives, side-by-side.”

The candidates attending included Jeff Maloney and Mark Nisall, who are running for Alhambra Council District 3 and David Mejia and Ken Toh, who are running for Alhambra Council District 4.

Please remember to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8.

Photo courtesy of Sherrie Watson, Alhambra Preservation Group.

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The House That Took My Breath Away

Posted in Alhambra Preservation Group, tagged , , , , on October 18, 2016| Leave a Comment »

img_9564by Joyce Amaro, President

It took my breath away! This past spring as I was driving through Alhambra searching for homes to feature in Alhambra Preservation Group’s summer event, Alhambra’s Amazing Architecture, I saw a house that made me catch my breath and hit the brakes. It was a small, yet quaint Spanish home sited diagonally on a corner lot. A “crown” was perched atop three arches that framed its front porch, giving it a regal look. I marveled at the uniqueness of its design. I admired the intricate inlaid tile work in its arches. I smiled at finding a new architectural gem in my hometown.

Discovering new architectural gems is just one of the benefits of being a member of Alhambra Preservation Group (APG). From our home tours to our Meet the Candidates Forums, from our educational talks to our field trips, APG strives to provide programs and events to further our mission of historic preservation. This past year was no different. I am immensely proud of APG’s recent accomplishments:

  • Residential awareness about Alhambra’s architectural and historical resources is at an all-time high because of events like the one APG sponsored this past June that highlighted our city’s architecture and established Alhambra as one of the most architecturally diverse cities in Southern California.
  • Fifty-two percent (52%) of Alhambrans who submitted a written survey as part of the city’s General Plan process in 2015 said that historic preservation should be a priority for the City of Alhambra. This was a direct result of APG’s education of residents about the need for a preservation ordinance and APG’s promotion of the survey.
  • APG’s online presence continues to grow with a new interactive Google map documenting more than 500 historic homes in Alhambra.
  • APG’s newly-formed Advocacy and Action Committee monitors city meeting agendas for items of interest and will create “calls to action” when issues arise.

So, what is APG’s goal for 2017? Alhambra’s adoption of a preservation ordinance! This has always been our #1 goal, and we won’t stop fighting for this until Alhambra enacts one. We’re closer than we’ve ever been, but we still have a lot of work to do. Even as I write this, a beautiful three-story Victorian home on South Garfield Avenue faces an uncertain future because Alhambra has no legislation to stop the razing of historically or architecturally significant homes, schools, churches or commercial buildings. Alhambra is long overdue for the adoption of a preservation ordinance. We need your help to do this!

We invite you to join or renew your membership in Alhambra Preservation Group during our fall membership campaign and to give as generously as you’re able. As an all-volunteer non-profit organization, we greatly value and rely on your contributions of time and money. We thank you for your support in helping APG to continue its programming and advocacy for the preservation of Alhambra homes and buildings of architectural significance.

As a special thank you, we’re inviting APG members to an exclusive event on November 30 at my home. This “Evening with the Author” event will feature a discussion by Dr. Denise Lawrence-Zuniga, a professor of Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona and APG member. At this evening event, she’ll be discussing her recently published book, Protecting Suburban America, which includes a section on APG and its preservation work here in Alhambra. I’d love to meet you and welcome you into my home, so I invite you to join APG!

And, yes, that unique Spanish home is still there, on the southwest corner of South Electric Avenue and Acacia Street, just south of Main Street. Why don’t you drive by yourself and discover another one of Alhambra’s architectural gems that deserves to be preserved and protected?

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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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