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ALA HESS <br /> A R C H I T E C T <br />4991 CORKWOOD LANE <br /> IRVINE, CA 92612 <br />949 551 5343 <br />alan@alanhess.net <br />August 25, 2024 <br />Planning Commission <br />City of Santa Ana <br />PBAecomments@santa-ana.org <br />re: 2221 N. Heliotrope, Santa Ana (known as the “Maharaja House”) <br />To the Commission: <br />The house at 2221 N. Heliotrope is one of Orange County’s most unique <br />architectural landmarks, as recognized by the Santa Ana Register of <br />Historic Places. Its significance extends far beyond city boundaries, <br />however; as an example of residential Art Deco architecture it ranks with <br />other notable houses throughout Southern California, where the style <br />captured the spirit of optimism for the future even during the Great <br />Depression. <br />In discussing the house at your meeting, I strongly recommend that the <br />current proposal’s impact on this historic structure be carefully weighed. <br />For example, the height of new backyard structures should not compete <br />with, or be similar in height to, the scale and massing of the historic <br />structure. This is in order to protect the setting and context of this <br />acknowledged historic Art Deco landmark. <br />Unfortunately the character of any historic structure can be lost over time, <br />when numerous “minor” alterations or additions to structure, detail, or <br />setting are allowed, just as it can be lost by a single dramatic demolition. <br />I write to you as an architect and author of twenty-one books on <br />architectural history. The architectural heritage of Orange County is rich <br />and deserves to be protected. <br />Thank you for your consideration. <br />  <br />  <br />City Council 34 – 211 11/19/2024