To: PRESERVATION COMMISSION
From: ANTONIO GARDEA, SENIOR PLANNER
TITLE
title
PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE DESIGNATION OF THE BUILDING AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 4, TITLE 10 OF THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 523 S. CATALINA AVENUE (CASE NO. LM-2021-03)
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Open the public hearing, administer oath, take testimony, and deliberate;
2. Close the public hearing; and
3. Adopt a resolution by title only approving a Historic Landmark Designation pursuant to Chapter 4, Title 10 of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code for the property located at 523 S. Catalina Avenue
end
BACKGROUND
Local Landmark Designation and Criteria
In order to be eligible for designation, a structure must be at least fifty years of age and meet one or more of the following criteria, as stated in Section 10-4.201 of the Preservation Ordinance:
A. It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering or architectural history.
B. It is identified with persons or events significant in local, state or national history.
C. It embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship.
D. It is representative of the notable work of a builder, designer or architect.
E. Its unique location or singular physical characteristic(s) represents an established or familiar visual feature or landmark of a neighborhood, community or the City.
The information provided in the sections below will illustrate that the nominated building is eligible for designation.
Description of Nominated Property
The nominated property is developed with two structures, a multiple-family residential building constructed with a detached two-car garage. The 1986 Historic Resources Survey identifies the structure as a pre-1917, “B”-rated Craftsman style building that is potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The property is located in line with three other Craftsman-style, locally-designated landmark buildings. These properties form a potential historic district along the 500 block of South Catalina Avenue.
The property is located on the west side of Catalina Avenue, between Ruby Street and Sapphire Street. The rectangular-shaped parcel is 40 feet wide and 165 feet long (Approximately 6,600 square feet in area). According to Los Angeles County Assessor records, the house was constructed in 1913. City building permit records indicate that in 1940 the house was converted to two apartments and then in 1947 was altered to create a third apartment. In 1949, a detached garage with unit above was constructed.
LANDMARK ANALYSIS
Historic Resources Survey Rating
The property was identified in the 1986 Historic Resources Survey as an example of Craftsman style architecture. The building was given a “B” rating. According to the survey “B” rated buildings are somewhat less unusual or distinctive in terms of age or architecture, however, they are well designed buildings which research may prove to have a relationship to important events or person in history. Many of these buildings are likely to have local significance and some of these buildings may also be candidates for the National Register, depending on the results of research.
Construction History
L.A. County records indicate that the property was constructed in 1913. On June 11, 1927, permits were issued for alterations to the home (Dr. Shea). On June 5, 1940, the City issued permits for conversion of the house to two units (Kemp). On April 3, 1947, permits were issued to add a four-room apartment and on February 14, 1949, a permit was issued to allow the construction of detached garage with a four-room apartment above (Tytus).
Design and Architecture
The nominated building is an example of the Craftsman-style architecture typical of residential buildings constructed between 1905 and 1930. The character-defining features are the roof form, the fenestration and horizontal wood, and the exterior cladding. The cross gabled roof is designed with two dormers - one with a front facing gable, the other with a shed roof with open eaves and shaped rafter tails. Decorative braces are added under the wide eave overhang. The front façade is asymmetrical with a partial-width porch. The stairs leading to the porch are centrally positioned leading to the main entry. The columns and the base are clad in brick. Pairs of windows flank both sides with divided light transoms. The windows and doors have wide surrounds that are associated with Craftsman-style homes.
The property exhibits some alterations, in particular the addition of stairs along the south elevation leading to the second story apartment. The detached structure at the rear of the property was constructed in a vernacular style, dissimilar to the original building and not considered an historic resource. Overall, the main structure is largely unaltered and retains its original character.
Historical Background
Permit records show that Dr. J. Russell Shea owned and developed the property in 1909 and lived at the home until the 1930s. As reported in the Redondo Reflex, Dr. Shea was elected as a City Trustee (i.e. Councilmember) from 1928 through 1954. Mrs. Maude D. Shea was appointed as Redondo Beach postmaster and president of the county postmasters in 1935. Mrs. Shea was also president of the Women’s Club. After Dr. Shea and Mrs. Shea moved out, the house was altered and converted to three apartment units.
MILLS ACT CONTRACT
If the Preservation Commission decides to approve the requested designation, a Mills Act Agreement will be prepared and later considered by the City Council. The Mills Act contract offers a property tax break to homeowners that maintain and carefully restore local historic landmarks.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The main residential structure at 523 South Catalina Avenue is an example of Craftsman architecture. This property reflects elements of the City's early development including the cultural, social and economic history and is associated with a person of local significance. The property is a valuable historical resource to the community and will become a contributing member to a potential historic district. Thus, the property merits designation as a local landmark. If approved, this landmark will be referred to as the "Shea Residence" for the first known family who owned the property.
ATTACHMENTS
Draft Resolution
Exemption Declaration
Landmark Designation Application
Building Record
Photographs