Preserve
“To preserve and promote the heritage of San Clemente.”
“To present the Society's views to the appropriate governmental agencies regarding proposed major developments and legislative actions affecting our historical environment.”
San Clemente historic properties in danger that need our attention:
Currently the Historical Society is working to save the Casino Complex and the Miramar Theater. Also, in our radar are the Beachcomber Motel and the Sea Cliff Villas (Robison House) which are located at the Pier Bowl.
Casino Complex – The owner pf this historic 1930s dance pavilion has applied to the City to move the octagonal domed building in a corner of the parcel and to demolish the historic buildings surrounding it to make way for condos. The Historical Society is opposed to the relocation and demolition of this Landmark, and supports the preservation of the historic architectural setting of the North Beach entertainment historic district.
The application to move the Casino building and demolish the historic ”Patio of the Stars” and other historic buildings on the parcel is moving very swiftly through the planning department, and an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been ordered by the City. The EIR Scoping Meeting was held January 17, 2008 . The City has ordered a master parking study and a North Beach circulation study to be done. These studies should take four months and delay the Casino EIR until they are completed. The City recently required the circulation of the draft EIR for the project be delayed until the City's Master Parking and Master Circulation Plans are finalized. SCHS policy is opposed to the Casino complex being demolished or moved and is in favor of its continuing adaptive reuse.
Miramar Theater –The last owner applied for a demolition permit to demolish the theater. Thousands of signatures were received to “To Save the Miramar” and signs were placed on front yards with signs stating “Save the Miramar”. Signatures and signs continue to this day. The Historical Society does not promote any business plan, but asks that the property be adaptively reused.
The new owner of the property has removed the demolition permit from the city. He says he wants to restore the theater. No business plan has been produced for the theater at this time, so the Historical Society is cautiously continuing their preservation efforts.
Sea Cliff Villas (Robison House) – The Sea Cliff Villas and famous gardens are still in danger of development. Its owners tried to get approval for seven new condos but were finally defeated by the Coastal Commission who denied their application. The owners are in the process of selling the property to another owner whose plans we have not heard yet. Stay tuned.
Beachcomber Motel – In 2006, the Beachcomber Motel owner applied to demolish the historic building to construct a huge hotel in its place. The City staff recommended denial to the Planning Commission who voted to deny it. The application has been postponed so that the developer can modify his plans to please the City Council. No other plans have come forward. Stay tuned.
Landmarks Task Force Approval
After two years of research and public hearings by its Landmarks Task Force, the recommendations of its historical consultant (Historical Resources Group) and its Planning Commission, the San Clemente City Council approved the long awaited City Landmarks Ordinance.
The new ordinance:
- Identifies five new non-structure cultural resources.
- Designates 22 structures as official City “Landmarks.”
- Waives many cultural heritage permit fees.
- Provides a Planning Department liason person with preservation expertise.
- to assist historic property owners through the permit and planning process.
- Provides for “Landmark” plaques to be placed on such building, with owner's permission.
- Sets up community educational and grant programs to enhance historical
preservation.
- Establishes a comprehensive law specifically prohibiting “demolition by neglect.”
The new ordinance celebrates the most iconic of the City's historic structures, enhances and encourages historical preservation, and does not burden historic property owners, nor their neighbors, with any new restrictions.
List of official San Clemente Landmarks
(as approved by City Council on October 2, 2007)
This list is not in any particular order.
• 304 Avenida Cabrillo, L.S. Frasier House, 1938
• 2. Avenida del las Palmeras, Cotton Estate Gate, 1928
• 3. 114 Avenida Del Mar, Hotel San Clemente, 1927
• 415 Avenida Granada , Casa Romantica, 1928
• 233 Avenida la Cuesta, Campbell House, 1941
• 243 Avenida la Cuesta, Goldschmidt House, 1928
• 105 W. Avenida Pico, Ole Hanson Beach Club, 1927
• 140 W. Avenida Pico, Casino San Clemente , 1936
• 611 Avenida Victoria , Municipal Pier, 1928
• 4100 Calle Isabella, Casa Pacifica (Cotton Estate) 1926
• 100 No. Calle Seville, Community Center (Ole Hanson Room and Site) 1927
• 412 Cazador Lane , Warner House, 1929
• 100 S. El Camino Real, Bartlett Building , 1926
• 101 S. El Camino Real, Easley Building , 1929
• 104-118 N. El Camino Real, Administration Building , 1926
• 1426 N. El Camino Real, San Onofre Inn, 1928
• 408 N. El Camino Real, Old City Hall , 1928
• 1209 Buena Vista , Moulton House, 1929
• 418 Cazador Lane , 1926
• 420 Cazador Lane , Ann Harding House, 1926
• 230 W. Marquita, Swigart House, 1929
• 202 Avenida Aragon, St. Clement's Church, 1930
Proposed by Historical Resources Group, Landmarks Task Force, and Planning Commission but NOT YET APPROVED by City Council as Landmarks as of October 2, 2007:
1. 1700 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente Theater, 1937 – Miramar Theater.
2. 529-533 Avenida Victoria , Beachcomber Motel, 1947
3. 402-404 Pasadena Court , Sea Cliff Villas (Robison House), 1927
All photos are the Copyright © 2008 San Clemente Historical Society, All rights reserved.
To order photos, visit San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, or contact the
Historical Society at (949) 492-9684
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