HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix G-1_Historical Eval Memo 9-1-17
9/1/17 (R:\CTA1401.02_Olsen Residential MND\Cultural\Memorandum.docx)
1500 Iowa Avenue, Suite 200, Riverside, California 92507 951.781.9310 www.lsa.net
BERKELEY
CARLSBAD
FRESNO
IRVINE
LOS ANGELES
PALM SPRINGS
POINT RICHMOND
RIVERSIDE
ROSEVILLE
SAN LUIS OBISPO
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 1, 2017
TO: Vanessa Quiroz, Assistant Planner
City of Arcadia
FROM: Elisa Bechtel, MLitt, Cultural Resources Manager/Architectural Historian
LSA Associates, Inc.
SUBJECT: 9-39 Las Tunas Drive, City of Arcadia, Los Angeles County, California (LSA Project No.
CTA1401.02)
LSA has completed the evaluation of 9-39 Las Tunas Drive in the City of Arcadia. In summary, the
commercial property does not meet the criteria for listing in the California Register of Historical
Resources (California Register) and is not a “historical resource” for purposes of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Additional information is provided below and in the attached
documentation.
METHODS
On August 23, 2017, LSA conducted an intensive-level historic resources survey of the property.
During the survey, digital photographs were taken of the visible elevations, character-defining
features, and context views. Detailed notes regarding the architectural features and integrity were
made and a windshield survey of the surrounding area was completed to determine the condition of
the current setting.
Archival research on the history and development of the property and surrounding area was
undertaken to determine the construction, use, and ownership history of the building, as well as
important themes in history that may have been associated with the property. Both primary and
secondary sources of information such as building permits, historic maps and photographs,
newspaper articles, and written histories of Arcadia were utilized in this endeavor.
LSA evaluated one commercial property for significance in accordance with the California Register;
there are no local criteria. Results of the aforementioned efforts were documented on State of
California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) forms.
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RESULTS
Archival research indicates that the 1968 property is associated with the post-World War II
suburban development and accompanying commercial booms, which were significant events in
history. However, the property is a modest example of a common property type, has sustained
alterations, and lacks the necessary characteristics to rise to a level of significance within this
context.
While the property reflects some of the common characteristics of the Modern style as applied to a
modest suburban shopping center, it is not a distinctive example of the style. Despite being
designed and constructed by two commercial development giants, Maxwell Starkman AIA &
Associates and E.W. Hahn, Inc., the property does not reflect the innovative design or scale for
which those firms were celebrated. It is a modest example of a common resource and method of
construction, and the observed level of workmanship does not rise above the ordinary.
For these reasons, the property does not meet any of the California Register criteria. A more
detailed history and the complete evaluation can be found in the attached DPR forms.
CONCLUSION
Based on the foregoing information, the property does not qualify as a “historical resource” as
defined by CEQA. Therefore, the City of Arcadia may reach a finding of No Impact regarding historic-
period built environment resources.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this information.
Attachments: DPR Forms