DATE: December 4, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Development Services Department
TITLE: CONSIDERATION OF A HISTORIC PERMIT (H24-00002) TO ALLOW FOR THE PROPOSED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR REHABILITATION OF THE CROWN HEIGHTS RESOURCE CENTER LOCATED AT 1210 DIVISION STREET - CROWN HEIGHTS RESOURCE CENTER - APPLICANT: CITY OF OCEANSIDE
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving Historic Permit (H24-00002) to allow for the proposed interior and exterior rehabilitation of the Crown Heights Resource Center.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Located at 1210 Division Street, the City’s Crown Heights Resource Center was designed by architect Irving Gill in 1930 and built in 1931. Gill was a pioneer of the Modern Architecture movement in Southern California and was particularly known for shifting San Diego architecture by focusing on design that responded to climate and context, embracing pure form designs, and stripping all unnecessary ornament to focus on enduring strength and simplistic beauty. Gill developed his signature Mission-influenced cubist design style, which is exemplified in the Crown Heights Resource Center.
From 1931 until 1943, the Crown Heights Resource Center served as an “Americanization School.” Following the school’s closure, the building remained boarded-up, becoming a target for vandalism and damage that degraded the architectural and historical significance of the building.
In 1990, the City purchased the building and completed a full restoration in 1994. Following the restoration, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 2001, the building has been operating as the Crown Heights Resource Center.
A 2019 Facility Condition Assessment of the Crown Heights Resource Center building determined that critical architectural, engineering, and structural improvements as well as mechanical and electric upgrades were required for its continued use. The report also identified accessibility gaps necessary to bring the building into compliance with Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards.
In 2023, the City commissioned a Historic Structure Report (HSR) that outlines the building’s history and existing conditions. It also identified an approach for recommended improvements while focusing on responsible preservation practices that would maintain and protect the historical character-defining features of the building. The HSR determined that rehabilitation would be the most appropriate treatment for the building.
Today, the Crown Heights Resource Center remains a vital resource to the community, providing services operated by the City’s Housing and Neighborhood Services Department and an after-school youth program operated by North County Lifeline. Implementation of the proposed rehabilitation would allow the City to continue offering critical community services, meet ADA standards, and provide a safer, structurally sound space that maintains the building’s key historical features and significance to the Crown Heights community.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project application consists of a Historic Permit as described below:
Historic Permit (H24-00002) to allow the following: 1) interior improvements for restoration of structural damage, refinished flooring, layout modifications for the existing kitchenette, and addition of an all-gender restroom; 2) exterior rehabilitation for parking lot improvements, accessibility upgrades, landscaping and irrigation, and restoration of exterior finishes; and 3) exterior modifications to accommodate new mechanical and electric upgrades.
ANALYSIS
The proposed project has been reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Oceanside City Code Chapter 14A (Historical Preservation). Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Code of Federal Regulations Part 800 (Protection of Historic Properties), the City submitted plans for the proposed project to SHPO for review and comment. On July 3, 2024, SHPO informed City staff that the proposed project demonstrated compliance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Finding no objection to the City’s approach towards the rehabilitation project, SHPO recommended moving forward with the proposed project under the condition that archeological and tribal monitors be present during all ground-disturbing construction activities. The SHPO Project Review Letter is included as Attachment 5 to the staff report.
Given the site’s National Register of Historic Places designation, pursuant to Chapter 14A, Section 14A.8 of the Oceanside City Code a Historic Permit is required for any alteration or improvement within a historical site. Under the criteria of Chapter 14A, Section 14A.9 a historic permit may be issued for any proposed work if the project does not detrimentally alter, destroy, or adversely affect any architectural or landscape feature. Further, under the criteria of Chapter 14A, Section 14A.11, all repairs, alterations, reconstructions, restorations, or changes in use of existing improvements shall conform to the requirements of the California Historical Building Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Staff analyzed the proposed project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15331, the proposed project qualifies for a Class 31 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) categorical exemption since the project is limited to maintenance, repair, stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, conservation or reconstruction of a historical resource in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings.
FISCAL IMPACT
Does not apply.
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
The OHPAC reviewed the proposed project at its special meeting held on October 29, 2024. The OHPAC staff report, which is included as Attachment 3, further describes how the project complies with the California Historical Building Code and Secretary of Interior Design Standards. After due consideration, the Commission, with all five members in attendance, adopted OHPAC Resolution 2024-H05, recommending unanimous approval of the proposed project to the City Council by a 5-0 vote.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
Implementation of the proposed project requires a Historic Permit application to be submitted and reviewed by the OHPAC with a recommendation to the City Council for final action. After conducting the public hearing, the City Council shall affirm, modify, or reject the OHPAC’s recommendation.
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Prepared by: Shannon Vitale, Senior Planner
Reviewed by: Darlene Nicandro, Development Services Director
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Staff Report
2. City Council Resolution
3. OHPAC Staff Report
4. OHPAC Resolution
5. SHPO Project Review
6. Exhibit A
7. Exhibit B