Subject: REQUEST TO DROP THE DESIGNATION OF THE CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 241-271 PARK AVENUE AND TO DEFER THE DESIGNATION OF TWO BUILDINGS—THE MASSON BUILDING 161 W. SANTA CLARA STREET AND THE FARMER’S UNION BUILDING 151 W. SANTA CLARA STREET

COUNCIL DISTRICT: 3

SUPPLEMENTAL

The owners of the Masson Building and Farmer’s Union Building have stated their support for the designation of these two properties as City Landmarks, but requested that City Council defer designation until March 2002. The Historic Landmarks Commission recommended that City Council designate the two properties but defer that designation until March 2002 to allow the owners sufficient time to conclude the financial arrangements referred to in the owner’s attached letter. PBCE supports the Historic Landmarks Commission designation and deferral recommendation to City Council for these two properties.

In addition to the designation deferral for the above properties, it is recommended that the City Council drop the designation of the Center for the Performing Arts at 241-271 Park Avenue. The designation process for the 17 other properties in this grouping has been a constructive process with significant public and private support. Given the opposition in the community to the designation of the Center for the Performing Arts, it is not worth detracting from the very successful historic preservation program by designating this building over the objections of many residents and users. Focus should be on the upcoming projects of the Historic Landmarks Commission including several individual City Landmark designations and the designation of the Downtown Commercial District as a City Landmark District.

The Center for the Performing Arts will be afforded the same protections as designated City Landmarks through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) despite the fact that it is not designated. Because the building is eligible as a City Landmark, it is treated as a significant historic resource under CEQA. In addition to these protections, any exterior alterations proposed for the building would be brought before the Historic Landmarks Commission for review and comment as an informational item.

The City Council, the Historic Landmarks Commission and the public are to be commended on a successful designation process that resulted in 17 new City Landmarks. The Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement is committed to affording all the applicable protections to the Center for the Performing Arts as well as the 17 new City Landmarks.

JOSEPH HORWEDEL

Acting Director, Department of Planning,

Building and Code Enforcement