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HomeMy WebLinkAbout55A - 2221 N. HELIOTROPE DRIVEREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 1, 2003 TITLE: PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL NO. PLACING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2221 NORTH HELIOTROPE DRIVE ON THE SANTA ANA REGISTER OF HISTORICAL PROPERTIES AND CATEGORIZING AS · ' CIT~ MANA~GER 2003-07 CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED [] As Recommended [] As Amended [] Ordinance on '1st Reading [] Ordinance on 2nd Reading [] Implementing Resolution [] Set Public Hearing For FILE NUMBER RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Deny Appeal No. 2003-07. 2. Adopt a resolution approving Historic Resources Commission Application No. 2003-30. 3. Adopt a resolution approving Historic Register Categorization No. 2003-34. Historic Resources Commission Action Adopted a resolution approving Historic Resources Commission Application No. 2003-30 and Historic Register Categorization No. 2003-34 at its October 2, 2003 meeting by a vote of 7:0 (Chinn and Bustamante absent). DISCUSSION Rec~uest of ADplicant Mr. and Mrs. Quang Kieu, the owners of the Maharajah House, request denial of the Historic Resources Commission Application No. 2003-30 placing the Maharajah House on the Santa Aha Register of Historical Properties and Historic Register Categorization No. 2003-34 classifying it as Landmark. Mr. and Mrs. Kieu submitted a letter of appeal (Exhibit 1) on October 13, 2003 stating their reasons for declining the register listing. Their request to appeal the Historic Resources Commission decision is based on 1) their letter dated October 2, 2003 requesting the Commission continue the placement and categorization of the Maharajah oHouse for 3 months and 2) their desire to redesign the architectural style of the structure to eliminate the chronic roof leak and subsequent interior damage. Page 99 55.A. Appeal No. 2003-07 December 1, 2003 Page 2 Analysis of the Issues A Floral Park historic resource survey, conducted by architectural historian Leslie Heumann, identified 25 significant historical properties as candidates for placement on the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties. The subject structure located at 2221 North Heliotrope Drive was one of these properties. This structure meets the minimum selection criteria for inclusion on the Santa Aha Register of Historical Properties as it is over 50 years old and exemplifies the Moderne style, which flourished during the 1930s through World War II but is now rare in Santa Ana (Exhibit 2). The house was designed by Balboa architect Donald Beach Kirby and constructed in 1938 by Allison Honer. It has also been placed on the Register for its historically significant association with the Maharajah of Indore India, who was the hereditary ruler of a central Indian state and reputedly one of the richest men in the world at the time. The Maharajah House has been categorized as Landmark category because of its historical/cultural significance to the City as a ~castle" for a sitting ruler and for its unique architectural significance as an exceptional example of the Moderne style, one of the best in Orange County. As indicated in Exhibit 2, all original exterior features of the Maharajah House are considered character defining and should be preserved. Prior to the City initiating the placement of the this structure on the Register, courtesy letters were mailed to the affected property owners inviting them to attend a special presentation on March 8, 2003 explaining the implications and benefits of being placed on the Santa Ana Register of Historic Properties. Several months later at the Historic Resources Commission hearing on August 7, 2003, the property owners, Mr. and Mrs. Kieu expressed their opposition to placing their home on the local Historic Register. Prior to receiving the historic listing request from the City, the owners were considering a proposal to change the architectural style of the house in order to mitigate a chronic roof leak. Specifically the owners were considering changing the classical flat roof to a pitched roof with Mediterranean features. Listing the structure on the local register would prevent the owners from inappropriately changing the defining features of the architecture, such as the roof. The Commission continued action on this item to allow time to evaluate the condition of the roof and explore potential solutions. On September 4, 2003, Commissioner Lutz reported to the Commission that after meeting with the property owners and investigating the roof leakage problem, a feasible solution could be implemented without altering the existing roof design. The Commission voted to continue the project until their October 2, 2003 meeting to allow Mr. and Mrs. Kieu sufficient time 55.A. Page 100 Appeal No. 2003-07 December 1, 2003 Page 3 to research their options. However, Mr. and Mrs. Kieu elected to not attend the October 2, 2003 Commission meeting but submitted a letter requesting the Commission continue the item. At the October meeting, the Commission expressed their concerns with the deteriorating condition of the Maharajah House and its vulnerability for inappropriate style modifications. Based on these concerns and the remarkable historic and architectural significance of the house, the Commission approved the placement of the Maharajah House on the Santa Aha Register of Historical Properties and categorized it as Landmark. Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council uphold the decision of the Historic Resources Commission and adopt the resolutions approving Historic Resources Commission Application No. 2003-30 and Historic Register Categorization No. 2003-34. Environmental Impact In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the recommended actions are exempt from further review. A Categorical ~Exemption will be filed for this project. Cynthia J. Nelson Deputy City Manager Development Services LP: rb Page 101. 55.A. Oct( ~, 10, 2003 [{i~toric Resources Colnmiss;ion Cffy of Santa A~a Pnblic Hearing angust 7, 2003 DELIVERED Dear Chairman & Commissioners, We received toda, y a letter informing about your decision at the hearing on October 2, 03 to list our house as a historical strac~ure, despite onr iequest of October 2 for deferral and contianauce. This is a formal appeal of the above decision becanse of the fbllowing reaso~s: 1. Our house is deteriorating steadily because o£ chronic roof leakage which have led to exteusive damages of the first floor· Despite multiple mpah-s and extensive efforts, the problem continues to progressively infiltrate the structure. We have presented testimony at the August 7t~: hearing, with pictures ehronology of repairs over the last 15 years of ownership. 2. We h:*ve been visited by Ms. Melanie McCann with a roofing consultant specializing in flat roofs, however his bid of $25,000 offered only a 5-year warranty. This does not appear satisfactory solution. 3. Subseqnent to the August 7~ hearing, 2 members oftbe comnfission offered their assistance, and pe~sonally examined our problem areas. They promised to identify contractors with the necessary expertise. We are still waiting for the referral. 4. We filed for a new roof in April, well before the proposed classification, yet were denied, reportedly because of staff· intention· We are willing to accept a reasonable roofing bid to attempt to preserve the fiat roof integral to present style. tlowever until we feel reassured with a sturdy roof, we need to reserve the right to consider any solution which will save the sfracmm. To force our family to live in anxiety and discomfbrt is the greatest violation of our rights· Moreover if we cannot proceed with the repairs which will save the strncture, the house ultimately will crumble away. With the historical landmark classification, does the city invest in repairing the building? Or is it still the responsibility of the owner? Your consideration of the above is respectfully requested. Should you niaintain your decision in the absence of satisfactory potential solution to onr current problems, we would have to recourse to any available means to protect our property and personal rights, including a legaI challenge. SincereIy, Chan& Quynh Kien Homeowners of 2221 North Heliotrope drive, Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714)641-0850 55.A. EXHIBIT 1 · Page 102 'EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE MAHARAJAH HOUSE 2221 North Heliotrope Drive Santa Ann, CA 92706 NAME Maharajah House [ REF. NO. ADDRESS 2221 North Heliotrope Drive CITY Santa Aha ZIP I 92706 [ ORANGE COUNTY YEAR BUILT 1938 LOCAL REGISTER CATEGORY: Landmark H1STORIC DISTRICT I N/A NEIGHBORHOOD [ Floral Park NATIONAL REGISTER CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION I B,C NATIONAL REGISTER STATUS CODE [ 3S Location: [] Not for Publication [] Unrestricted .[-] Prehistoric [] Historic [-] Both ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: Moderne The Modeme style encompassed the Modernistic, Streamlined Moderne, and Art Moderne variants. An evolution of the Art Deco style, the Streamlined Moderne flourished during the 1930s and lingered through the decade following World War I1 in a simplified version. In contrast to the verticality of earlier Art Deco designs, the Streamlined Moderne emphasized the horizontal, through bands · of windows, use of decorative raised or incised horizontal lines, railings, flat canopies With banded fascia, and narrow coping at the . roofline. Other characteristics include smooth wall surfaces, usually of stucco; metal detailing; glass block windows; rounded ~rners, porthole windows, and asymmetry. Incorporation of aerodynamic, transportation related imagery, especially nautical, is a nature of the style. In common with the Streamlined Moderne, Art Moderne buildings also tended to be horizontal in emphasis, but tended to be more clean-lined and rectilinear in their massing and detailing than their streamlined counterparts. Art Moderne designs can be recognized by their flat roofs, smooth stucco exteriors, and use of metal casement windows that often meet at the corners of the building. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: The Maharajah House appears eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical ' Resoumes. It also qualifies for listing in the Santa Ann Register of Historical Properties under Criterion 1, for its exemplification of .the Art Moderne variant of the Moderne style, and under Criterion 4b, for its association with a foreign ruling family, the Holkars of Indore, India. The house also contributes to the historic character of the Floral Park neighborhood through its age, style, scale, and historic associations with prominent residents. Additionally, the house has been categorized as "Landmark" for its unique architectural significance as an example of the Art Moderne variant of the Moderne style and its historic/cultural significance to City as the "castle" ora sitting ruler. (Municipal Code, Section 30-2.2). EXPLANATION OF CODES: · National Re~ister Criteria for Evaluationil (From Appendix 7of Instructions for Recording Historical Resources, Office of Historic Preservatiol!) B: that are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. C: that embed} the dislincliv¢ clmtacteristics ora type, period, oI method of co~truction; or that represent the xvt 'k of a m star or t at ossess Iii h artistic values, or that rel~resent a signi~caat and distitu~:uishahle entity · . p- g .... whose components may lack individual distinction. National Register Status Code: (F~om Appendix 2 of Instructions for RecordingHistorical Resources, Office of Historic Preservation) 3S: Appears eligible for separate listing. EXHIBIT 2 1 of 5 Page 103 55-A. PRIP Page 1 of 4 Resource name(s) or number (assigned by recorder) Maharajah House PI. Other Identifier: *P2. Location: DNot for Publication IUnrestricted *a. County Orange County *b. USGS 7.5' Quad Date: *c, Address 2221 North Heliotrope Ddve City Santa Ana *e. Other Locational Data: Assessods Parcel Number: 002-081-45; TR 1036 Lot: 18 and Lot: 19 *P3a. Zip 92706 Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and bourldaries.) *P3b. *P4. P5a. Located on a double lot on the southeast comer of Heliotrope Ddve and Santa Clare Avenue, the Maharajah House is a story residence representative of the Art Moderoe vadant of the Moderoe style. A fiat roof accented by a thin band at the raofline tops the "T" shaped building, which is finished in smooth stucco. Walls extend to the north and south to enclose gardensandpatios. Themassing~fthestructuresuggestsanasserob~age~fcubicv~~umesandre~ectsthein~uence~fthe emerging lntemational Style of arohitecture. The northwest and southwest coroere of the second story of the facade are cut away, creating terraces that are seamlessly integrated into the massing. HoriZontal lines are emphasized through the roofiine banding, similar banding around the terrace parapets, and architectural details such as window gdlles and canopies. A notable feature, and one highly characteristic of the style, is the use of multi-light metal casement windows that wrap the comers of the building. Located at the approximate center of the facade and flanked by pilasters scored to resemble masonry, the tripartite entry is deeply recessed and decorated in an intrtcate, geometric pattern. An alle(~ of palms is paved in stone and spans the deep front lawn from the sidewalk to the entrance. On the north elevation, painted wrought iron gates shield the garage. On the south, a bronze equestrian statue is just visible behind the garden wall. In excellent condition, the propedy is substantially unaltered on the exterior. Resource Attributes: (list attributes and codes) HP2. Single-fatuity Properly Resources Present: IBuilding r"lStructure r-IObject r'lSite [3District DElement of District r-IOther Photo PSb. Photo: (view and date) South and west elevations April 2003 *P6. Date Constructed/Age and Sources: ahistoric 1938/Source: City of Santa Ana Building Permits *P7. Owner and Address: Chan Q & Ouynh Kieu 2221 North Heliotrope D#ve Santa Aha, CA 92706 *P8. Recorded by: Leslie J. Heumann SAIC 35 S. Raymond Ave. # 204 Pasadena, CA 91105 *P9. Date Recorded: May 25, 2003 *PI0. Survey Type: Intensive Survey *PI 1. Report Citation: (Cite survey report and other sources, or enter "none") None. *Attachments: [:]None [3Location Map 13Sketch Map IContinuation Sheet reBuilding, Structure, and Object Record E]Archaeological Record []District Record DLinear Feature Record r'IMilling Station Record [::]Rock Art Record r~A~i~=,-~ ~-,r~l DPhotograph Record [3 Other(list) 55a..-~ EXHIBIT2 *Required information Page 104 BUILDING Page 2 of 4 *NRHP Status Code 3S *Resource Name or #: Maharajah House BI. Historic Name: Maharajah House B2. Common Name: Same B3. Original Use: Single-family Residence B4. Present Use: Single-family Residence *BS. Architectural Style: Modeme *B6, Construction History: (Construction date. alterations, and date of alterations): Constructed in 1938-1939. December 14, 1938. 12 room frame & stucco residence and gareges. May 6, 1941. Reroof. Mamh 15, 1955, Swimming pool. May 24, 1955. Cabana for swimming pool. January 24, 1989. 6' high bolock wall. July 21, 1993. Add 2 bedreoms and I bath, 319 square feet. September 15, 1997. Remof *B7, Moved? llaNo i-lYes EIUnknown Date: .Original Location:. *B8, Related Features: Garage, garden walls, mature landscaping, statue if original. B9a. Architect: Donald Beach Kirby b. Builder: Allison Honer *Bl0. Significance: Theme ResidentialArchitectura Area SantaAna Period of Significance: cima 1888-1953 Property Type: Single-femlly Residence Applicable Criteria: B, C (Discuss importance in terms of historicai or architectural context as defined by theme, pedod, and geographic scope. Also address integrity) The Maharajah House is architecturally significant as an exceptional example of the residential use of the Art Modeme vadant of the Modeme style, one of the best in Orange County. It is historically significant for its association with the Maharajah of Indore, the hereditary ruler of a central Indian state and reputedly one of the dchest men in the wodd at time. Designed by architect Donald Beach Kirby of Balboa, the house was built in 1938-1939 by prominent Santa Ana contractor Allison Honer for $40,000 according to the building permit, although the local press reported the cost of construction as $50,000 and of the furnishings aa $150,000. (See Continuation Sheet 3 of 4.) B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes), *B12. References: City of Santa Aha Building Permits Santa Ana History Room Collection, Santa Aha Public Library Sanborn Maps (See Continuation Sheet 4 of 4.) B13. Remarks: *B14. Evaluator: LesiieJ. Heumann *Date of Evaluation: May 25, 2003 (This space reserved for official comments.) Sketch Map MAHARAJAH HOUSE 2221 NORTH HELIOTROPE DRIVE EXHIBIT 2 3 of 5 55.A. Page 105 Page 3 of 4 *Recorded by Leslie J. Heumaon. SAIC Resource Name or# (Assigned by recorder) Maharajah House *Date May 25, 2003 [] Continuation [] Update *Bt 0. Significance (continued): Even before the house was constructed, Yeshwant Rao Holkar, the Maharajah, had captured the public imagination. Educated at Oxford, the Maharajah had been traveling in the United States in 1936, had taken ill in Los Angeles, and had been nursed by Marguerite Lawler Branyan, an Amedcan divomee. They marded in 1938, following the death of the Maharajah's first wife in 1937. In seamh of a safe haven pdor to the beginning of Wodd War II, the Maharajah decided to settle his young daughter, Pitncess Usha, and his new wife in Santa Aha. The large homo, ooe of several owned by the Maharajah, was protected by high walls and by intedor and extedor gates. According to one account, the Maharajah's instructions to Allison Honer, the prominent Orange County builder who lived across the street from the property at 615 West Santa Clara Avenue, were to build a modem, but not too severe refuge. Lavishly appointed, the house contained, in 1986 when it was the Intematiooal Society of Intedor Designers Orange County Chapter Design House: three bedroom suites, eight bathrooms, four fireplaces, a grand foyer, spacious living room, formal dining room, libraq/, solarium, kitchen, butleKs pantry, pool house (added later), servants' and guards' quarters, and an attached garage. Said to be a progressive ruler who instituted many reforms, the Maharajah had governed Indore since the abdication of his father in his favor in f 926. The Maharajah and his Amedcan Maharani returned to India following an only one-year residence in the house, leaving Pdncess Usha in the cara of a govemoss in Santa Ana, where she continued to attend public schools. The pair divomed in 1943. The Maharajah marded again, to another American, who bore him four children including a male heir, but Pdncess Usha, as the only offspdng bom of an Indian woman, succeeded her father as ruler in 1961 following the death ofherfather. Marguerite, who also remarried, remained in the house until 1952. As of 1994, according to one account (Marsh), Pdnces~ Usha occupied one of the HolkaKs hereditary palaces in India, although, other information ('lndore: The H~~kar Dynosty~~) indicates that she was stdpped ~f her rank and tities by the ~ndian state in 1970 The Maharajah House is located in Floral Park, a neighborhood northwest of downtown Santa Ana bounded by West Seventeenth Street, North Flower Street, Riverside Drive, and Broadway. Groves of oranges, avocados, and walnuts and widely scattered ranch houses characte#zed this area before 1920. Developer and builder Allison Honer (1897-1981), credited as the subdivider and builder of a major portion of northwest Santa Aha, anfved in Santa Aha from Beaver Falls, New York in 1922 (Talbert, pages 353-356). 'Before nightfall on the day of his ardval, Mr. Honer purchased a pamel of land. And that month, he began building custom homes in Santa Ana" (Oranos Countv Rooister. September15, 1981). The parcel chosen became the Floral Park subdivision between Seventeenth Street and Santiago Creek. fi/t/hen built in the 1920s, the FIoral Park homes were the most lavish and expeosive in the araa. They sold for about $45,000 each' (Oranqe County Reclister. September 15, 1981). Revival architecture in a wide vadety of romantic styles was celebrated in the Ig20s and 1930s and Floral Park showcased examples of the English Tudor, French Norman, Spanish Colonial, and Colonial Revival. The Allison Honer Construction Company went on to complete such notable projects as the 1935 Art Deco styled Old Santa Ana City Hall, th& El Toro Madne Base dudng Wodd War II, and the 1960 Honer Shopping Plaza. Honer lived in the neighborhood he had helped to create, at 615 West Santa Clare Avenue. In the late 1920s and 1930s, aoothe r builder, Roy Roscoe Russell (I 881-1965), continued developing the groves of Floral Park. An eady Russell project was his 1928 subdivision of Victoda Ddve between West Nineteenth Street and West Santa Clara Avenue. The h~mes wera quite grand and disp~ayed vad~u~ reviva~ sty~es~ inc~uding Russell~s ~wn ~arge~ Colonial Revival mansion at 2009 Victo#a Ddve. In the eady post World War II years, Floral Park continued its development as numerous, smaller, single-family houses were built. Continuing in the Floral Park tradition, they were mostly revival in style. In the 1950s, Iow, horizontal Ranch Style houses completed the growth of Floral Park. Today (2003) Floral Park maintains its identity as the premier neighborhood of Santa Ana, historically home to many affluent and prominent citizens. The Maharajah House appears eligible for listing in the National Register of Histodc Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. It also qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Histo#cal Properties under Criterion I for its exemplification of the Art Modeme variant of the Modeme style and under Criterion 4b for its association with a foreign ruling family, the Holkars of Indore, India. Architecturally, the house is distinguished by its scale, massing, horizontal lines, use of characteristic features such as comer casement windows, and its fortress-like quality. The house also contributes to the histodc character of the Floral Park neighborhood through its age, style, scale, and hisfodc associations with prominent residents. Additionally, the house has been categorized as "Landmark" forits unique architectural significance as an example of the Art Modeme variant of the Modeme style and its historic/cultural significance to City as the "costie~ of a sitting ruler. All original extedor features of the Maharajah House ara considered character defining and should be preserved. These features include, but may not be IiYnited to: materials and finishes (stucco, wrought iron); roof configuration, materials, and treatment; massing and composition; entry, doora and windows; terraces and walled gardens; architectural detailing (banding, window grilles, canopies, entry surround); chimneys and fireplaces; attached garage; odginal landscaoing; and any original interior materials, spaces, finishes, and furnishings. 55 A 'I06 State of ( F~Hrnary # HRI # Page 4 of 4 *Recorded by Leslie J. Heumann, SAIC Resource Name or # (Assigned by recorder) Maharajah House *Date May 25, 2003 [] Continuation [] Update *B12. References (continued): Harris, Cydl M. Amedcen Architecture: An Illustrated Encvclooedia. New York, WW Norton, 1998. Marsh, Diann. Santa Ana. An lllustrated History. Encinitas, Hedtage Publishing, 1994. McAlester, Virginia and Lee. A Field Guide to Amedcan Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984. National Register Bulletin 16A. ~How to Complete the National Register Registration Form." Washington DC: National Register Branch, National Park Service, US Dept. of the Interior, 1991. Office of Histodc Preservation. ~lnstmctions for Recording Historical Resources." Sacramento: March 1995. "Alison Honer Dies at 84," The Santa Aha Joumal, September 21, 1981. "Builder of Honer Plaza Dies," Orance County Reoister. September 15, 1981. "History of Floral Park." htfp://www, floral-park, cem/page2, html Talbert, Thomas (editor-in-chief). Historical Volume and Reference Works Includinc/ Biooraohical Sketches of Leadinc/ Citizens, Volume L VVhiffier, Histotfcal Publishers, 1963. Pleasants, Mrs, J. E. Histon/ of Oranc/e County. California, volume 3. Los Angeles: J. R. Finnell & Sons, 1931. Orange County Diractodes, 1928-1952. Dodd, Richard H. "Art Modeme Style: Fit For a Pdnce.' Orancle County Home. Volume 4 Number 5, May 2003. Fanar, Robert S. Win the Days of the Maharajah... Santa Ana's Storybook Romance." Orance County Illustrated, October 1972. ~lndia Princess, 5, Will Have a $50,000 Home in Santa Ana." Los Anqeles Examiner, December 16, 1938. "Maharajah's $50,000 Palace to be Built in Santa Ana." Santa Ana Daily Reoister, December 15, 1938. "Where a Maharajah Lives in California." Los Anoeles Times, August 4, 1940. Intemational Society of lntedor Designera Orange County Chapter. "Design House1956.' Brochure. "lndore.' wvvw. mahara/a.freewerve.co.uk£1ndore.html. =lndore: The HolkarDynaaty." www. dreamwater, net/reqiment/RoyalAd4/India£mdore4, htm. "Once upon a time in Indore.' wwvv. mdif~com/election/1999/sep/15column.htm. P5b. Photograph: North and west elevations, Ap#12003. DPR $23L EXHIBIT 2 5 of 5 Page 107 55.A. August 6, 2003 Historic Resoumes Commission City of Santa Ana Public Hearing august 7, 2003 Dear Chairman & Commissioners, We are honored that staffhas recommended our property for classification as a historical Landmark. However we have lived in the house for 15 years and have suffered major discomfort and cost associated with chronic roof leakage. Following is a brief summary of the problems: -House was purchased in 1988 after a complete renovation in 87 when the property was featured as "designer house" of the year, -1990 roof and balconies leaking resulting in medium repairs or the eastside balconies and living room ceiling. -1991 total collapse ora comer of the ceiling in the kitchen and garage. Major repaim to deck, ceiling and replacement of rotted beams. -1992 ceiling in the living room collapsed partially (1/3), new roof done with 5 years guarantee. -1995 leakage around chimneys, ceilings in master bathroom and library, kitchen and garage damaged. Decks above the kitchen and garage were completely resurface& -1996, 1997, 1998 leaking from east side balconies, ceilings of living room and kitchen during each rainy season, requiring repairs each time. -1998 eastside balconies major repair: balconies are enclosed with new lightweight roofing material, 4 new posts are built to strengthen balconies. A new roof is built on top of old flat One. -despite the repairs, for the last 5 years, we continue to have leaks in the living room, family room upstairs, in the kitchen and garage. The above chronolog3, cannot adequately describe our problems: damage to the structure, staining and damage to the furniture and content, children falling and tripping from the wet floors. Every rain brings anxiety and apprehension and members of the family spring to action, carrying containers, pots and pans to place under leaks. Worsening cracks and constant dampness of the ceiling are threats of total collapse of the house structure. In addition our parents decided to move out because of poor insulation with overheat during the summer and cold in the winter. Because of the unbearable burden and the considerable costs, we decided to build a new pitched roof with red tiles, and plans were submitted by our architect 4 months ago in March. The planning agency denied permit because of the planned classification as historic property. Ms McCann associate-planner at the agency agreed to come and evaluate our situation, and brought a roofmg specialist. He recommended a new flat roof guaranteed for 5 years at the cost of $25,000, half of the cost of a new pitched roof which represents a permanent solution. We oppose the classification as proposed because it would preclude us from making the needed improvements to salvage the house. Flat roofs are problematic, and Frank Lloyd Wright houses are well known as maintenance nightmare because of leaks... We are including pictures showing the condition of the ceiling in the living room and the kitchen after the recent rain, despite multiple repairs, and the posts we had installed to prop the balconies for fear of collapse. The recommendation is interfering with our rights to a safe and comfortable home. We urge the commission to remove the 2221 North Heliotrope residence from the list of properties for classification as historical structures. Sincerely, Chan & Quynh Kieu Homeowners of 2221 North Heliotrope drive, Santa Aha, CA 92706 (714)641-0850 55.A. Page '108 Recent living room ceiling damage Extensive repair from previous ceiling collapse (ceiling covering could not be matched) Recent kitchen ceiling damage (breakfast area) Kitchen ceiling recent repair at beam Unsightly posts built to prevent balcony collapse Page 109 55.A. PA'K WI_ _ST T,~ \~'q~onl It M~ghL Concern: Ro: 2221 N Heliotrope Drive Appeal No. 2003-07 will be tmable to attend tlie C't5 Council meeting on Monday. December 1, 2003 but have vohmt,'aqty contacted the Kieu's to offer ,n_, I must admit that I am not w~ll edncated on die adx-at~tages and disadvantages of having a bailding listed on the lqistorical Registry nor am I aware of who nmkes tlie decision &nd the criteria used for making thc dec/s/on But it is my tmderst&nding that the current issue is thc ~ck or ability to change the roof on tine exis~ag residence at 2221 N Heliotrope - it is currently flat and creams problems A flat roof on a business requires extensive &'ainage and rnaint~nanc _' so it ',s difficult to undersland why an ind~viduM would be reqmred to maintain a fiat roof :,n residence. Older homes h~tv~ problents witl~ water damage, leaks, etc and I am sure that a :,,vi would require e:,:te,sive maintenance and would fncre&se the potential fbi' water darner, d~ rc~t and o~er problems. Please consider d:fis letter a,g support ff~r tine appeal. It is assumed 0~at any changes would be approved by *.he appropriate dq;a~zmonts at ~he city so zhat changes would be monitored In t'xe 3'3 ycm's that 1- have lived on Heliotrope D~ive: I have witnessed many changes to the residents: at 222 t Heliotrope Drive and even thou~ it was once owned by the Mahm'ajah. it has hexer, to my knowledge, been viewcd by the "old timers" er long time residents of Santa Aha ea an historiz 1;uild;mg whose mol linc must be ma/maine& Linda Blower Dempsay EXEMPT FROM FEES PURUSANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 6103 RESOLUTION NO. 2004'012 Koo 12/29/03 A RESOLUTION OF THE CiTY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA PLACING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2221 NORTH HELIOTROPE DRIVE ON THE SANTA ANA REGISTER OF HISTORIC PORPERTIES AND PLACING WITHIN AN ESTABLISHED CATEGORY (APPEAL NO. 2003-07) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines and declares as follows: On August 7, 2003, the Historic Resources Commission held a duly public hearing to place the property located at 2221 North Heliotrope Drive on the Santa Ana Register of Historic Properties and to categorize the property as Landmark. During the hearing, the property owners, Chan and Quynh Kiev, expressed opposition to placing their home on the local Historic Register. 2. On September 4, 2003 the Historic Resources Commission continued the matter until October 2, 2003. On October 2, 2003 the Historic Resources Commission, by a vote of 7:0 (Chinn and Bustamante absent) placed the property on the Santa Ana Register of Historic Properties and categorized the property as Landmark. Applicant filed an appeal (Appeal No. 2003-07) of the Historic Resources Commission decision to the City Council of the City of Santa Ana. On December 1, 2003 the City Council of the City of Santa Ana held a duly noticed public hearing on Appeal No. 2003-07, regarding placing the property located at 2221 North Heliotrope Drive on the Santa Ana Register of Historic Properties, Historic Resources Commission Application No. 2003-30, and placing the property into an established category, Historic Register Categorization No. 2003-34. The City Council continued the public hearing to January 5, 2004, and further continued the public hearing Page 111 Re'°'ut'°n 55;xA. EXEMPT FROM FEES PURUSANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 6103 to January 20, 2004. The public hearing was closed on January 20, 2004 and the matter was continued to the February 2, 2004 Council meeting. The Maharajah House, located at 2221 North Heliotrope Drive, Santa Ana is eligible for inclusion on the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties as it exemplifies the Art Moderne variant of the Modeme style, a simplified version that flourished during the 1930s through Wodd War Il. Additionally, it is eligible for the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties for its association with a foreign ruling family, the Holkars of Indore, India. The Maharajah of Indore was the hereditary ruler of a central Indian state. Constructed in 1938, the structure is eligible to be placed within the Landmark category for its unique architectural significance as an intact example of the Art Moderne style as well as its historical/cultural significance to the City as a "castle" for a sitting ruler. This unique two-story stucco residence has a flat roof accented by a thin parapet band that emphasizes the horizontal lines and "T" shaped cubic architectural design. Other characteristic style features are the cut away building corners that create second floor terraces, multi-light casement windows and the window grilles and canopies. The structure appears to be eligible for placement on the National and California Registers. 5. The legal owners of the subject are Chan Q & Quynh Kieu. o The legal description for the subject property is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein. The subject property meets the minimal standards for placement on the City of Santa Ana Register of Historic Properties pursuant to Section 30-2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code 8. The subject property meets the minimal standards for placement in the landmark category pursuant to Section 30-2.2(1) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code: Section 2: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the recommended action is exempt from further review. Categorical Exemptions will be filed for this project. Page 112 EXEMPT FROM FEES PURUSANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 6103 Section 3: The City Council of the City of Santa Ana after conducting the public hearing hereby approves Historic Resources Commission Application No. 2003- 30, which placing the property located at 2221 North Heliotrope Drive on the Santa Ana Register of Historic Properties, and Historic Register Categorization No. 2003-34, which places the property into the Landmark category. This decision is based upon the evidence submitted at the abovesaid hearing, which includes but not is not limited to: the Staff report and exhibits attached thereto; a report entitled "Historical Property Description;" and the public testimony all of which are incorporated herein by this reference. Section 4. This decision rendered by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana is final and is subject to judicial review pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.6. Section 5: For the subject property, a report entitled "Historical Property Description," is on file in the department of Planning and Building, and is hereby approved and adopted, and together with the staff report and this resolution, justify the findings for placement on the City of Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties in the Landmark category. The Clerk of the Council is authorized and directed to include this resolution in the City of Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties. Section 6. The Historic Resources Commission Secretary is hereby directed to file a certified copy of this Resolution with the County Recorder's Office after the adoption of this Resolution pursuant to Public Resources Code SectiOn 5029. Section 7. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this day of ,2004 Miguel A. Pulido Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Joseph W. Fletcher, City Attorney By: Kylee O. Otto Deputy City Attorney Page 113 . so,u.o ' EXEMPT FROM FEES PURUSANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 6103 AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers Councilmembers Councilmembers Councilmembers CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, PATRICIA E. HEALY, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2004-012 to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on Date: Clerk of the Council City of Santa Ana Page 114 ~0 0~ L~