P1. Other Identifier: Hercules Village Historic District Building No. 54 *P2. Location: Not for Publication Unrestricted *a. County: Contra Costa County and (P2b and P2c or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.) *b. USGS 7.5' Quad: Date: T ; R ; ¼ of ¼ of Sec ; M.D. B.M. c. Address: City of Hercules Corporate Yard City: Hercules Zip: 94547 d. UTM: Zone: 10 ; mE/ mN (G.P.S.)
e. Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate) Elevation:
*P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries) The Queen Anne House, presently located in the city’s corporate yard was built circa 1905. It is(was) a one-story over raised basement, single family residence, designed in the Queen Anne cottage style. The building is rectangular in plan, clad with channel wood siding, and capped with a cross gabled, asphalt shingle roof. The former foundation appears to have been a brick foundation; although the residence has since been removed from its foundation. The primary entry features a partial, recessed porch supported by turned posts and was originally accessed by wood stairs, which are no longer intact. The entrance is centered and to the left of it is an angled bay window with gabled roof. The house is punctuated with simple double hung wood windows.
Detailing on the house is relatively muted with the only embellishments being the fish scale shingles adorning the gable front of the cutaway bay and spindle work on the porch supports.
Character Defining Features: One- story height,Cross gable roof, Partial porch, Angled and square bay windows,Double hung windows, Variation in siding materials, Spindle work.
*P3b. Resource Attributes:
(List attributes and codes) HP2 ( Single Family Home)
*P4. Resources Present: Building Structure Object Site District Element of District Other (Isolates, etc.)
P5b. Façade, November 30,2017
*P6. Date Constructed/Age and
Sources:
Historic
Prehistoric Both
1905, estimate based on available
records at Hercules Historical Society.
*P7. Owner and Address:
City of Hercules
111 Civic Drive,
Hercules California 94547
*P8. Recorded by
Lilly Bianco
M-Group
1303 Jefferson St. Suite 100-B
Napa, CA 94558
*P9. Date Recorded: 11.30.17
*P10. Survey Type:
Intensive
*P11. Report Citation: The Queen
Anne House, Historic Resource
Evaluation, City of Hercules CA, January 19, 2018 Prepared by M- Group.
*Attachments: NONE Location Map Sketch Map Continuation Sheet Building, Structure, and Object Record Archaeological Record District Record Linear Feature Record Milling Station Record Rock Art Record Artifact Record Photograph Record Other (List):
DPR 523A (1/95) *Required information
DPR 523L (1/95) *Required information
P5a. Photo or Drawing (Photo required for buildings, structures, and objects.)
199
B1. Historic Name: Hercules Village Building no.34
B2. Common Name: Hercules Queen Anne
B3. Original Use: Single Family Residence B4. Present Use: None *B5. Architectural Style: Queen Anne Cottage
*B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations) 1905- Constructed
2002- Home removed from foundation and relocated approximately 100 feet west of original location
2010 – Cut in half, and relocated to City of Hercules Corporate Yard near Willet and Sycamore Streets and approximately ½ mile from its original location
*B7. Moved? No X Yes Unknown Date: 2002, 2010 Original Location: 2 Kings Avenue *B8. Related Features: None
B9a. Architect: N/A b. Builder:
*B10. Significance: Theme Industry; City planning Area Hercules
Period of Significance 1905-1972; 1962-1975 Property Type Residential Applicable Criteria 1,2 (Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity.)
The Queen Anne House is significant under Citerion 1, in that it served as one of the first worker homes constructed to house employees of the California Powder Works and what would later become the Hercules Powder Company. The company village, that included homes and supporting uses including the clubhouse, etc, were an integral component of the plant operation. Continued on Page 3.
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes)
*B12. References:
B13. Remarks:
*B14. Evaluator: Lilly Bianco, M-Group
*Date of Evaluation: 01.11.2018
N
200
Continued from Page 2, B10, Significance:
The Queen Anne House is significant under CRHR Criterion 1 given that it served as one of the first worker homes constructed to house employees of the California Powder Works and what would later become the Hercules Powder Company. The company village, that included homes and supporting uses including the clubhouse, etc, were an integral component of the plant operation. The Hercules Powder Company became one of the largest explosives plants in the United States. While the plant itself has since been dismantled the remaining buildings and residential structures and their spatial organization serve as valuable reminders of this important time in not only California history, but also national history and trends. Taken together with the other remaining buildings and residences, the Queen Anne House is an important remnant of that historical period and is significant under Criterion 1/A as a contributor the Hercules Village National Register District. The homes and remnants are only significant under this criterion as a collective whole given that on an individual basis they are unab le to communicate the significance or associations of the worker village, but as a collective whole, they can be understood and interpreted.
The Queen Anne House is further significant under CRHR Criterion 2 , based on its association with plant engineer and former Hercules Mayor, Eugene (Gene) Woodfield. According to available records, Eugene Woodfield served as mayor from 1962 to 1975 and resided at the subject house during that time.
Eugene (Gene) Woodfield was instrumental in crafting the City’s first General Plan and creating a blueprint for how the City would evolve following the closure of the Hercules Plant ( by then operated by Valley Nitrogen Producers) and into the next era. After his death in 1978, the City honored him by dedicating the City’s first park and a street in his name. The subject residence exhibits local significance based on its association with Eugene Woodfield who was demonstrably important in terms of local history and given that the the Queen Anne House serves as the best represen tation of his productive life.
Continued from Page 2, B12, References:
Online Resources
Jennifer Posedel. “The Company Town of Hercules, Sept. 5, 2011.” http://herculeshistory.org/tag/hercules-powder-co/, Accessed Dec 8, 2017 Published Work,
201
Hittell, John Shertzer. The Commerce and Industries of the Pacific Coast of North America: Comprising the Rise, Progress, Products, Present Condition, and Prospects of the Useful Arts on the Western Side of Our Continent, and Some Account of Its Resources, with Elaborate Treatment of Manufactures; Briefer Consideration of Commerce, Transportation, Agriculture, and Mining; and Mention of Leading Establishments and Prominent Men in Various Departments of Business. A.L Bancroft Company, 1882.
Morton, W. Brown Ill; Hume, Gary L; Weeks, Kay D; Jandl, H. Ward, Revised by Anne E Grimer. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior. 2017.
Ojala, Cori and Kevin McGrath. Remembering Days Past, Hercules, CA 1879- 1987.
Posedel, Jennifer and Stephen Lauton with the Hercules Historical Society. Images of America: Hercules.
Arcadia Publishing: Charleston, SC. 2011
Public Records
West County Times: Oct 25, 1987; Oct 9, 1989; Feb 27, 1988; Feb 10, 1990;Dec 7, 1993.
Hercules Village National Register Nomination, NO. 80000799, 1980.
Contra Costa History Center Archives
Hercules Historical Society archives
Personal Correspondence
Victor Carniglia, in person meeting, November 30, 2017
Stephen Lawton, Hercules Historical Society, Email Correspondence, December 5,11,12,13,14,15 2017.
202
203
204
205
ABOUT HERCULES POWDER WORKS BUILDING 54
Built in about 1905, Building 54 is a two-story, wood frame residential building, originally with a brick foundation and basement. Its architecture is in the Queen Anne style. Building 54 was used as housing, probably for a company official, and later for office functions.
Its original address was 2 Kings Street, a site just northwest of Building 8103, the “Clubhouse”. It was part of the complex of administrative, technical and social buildings known as “The Hill”.
Building 54 is one of the thirty-six buildings identified as comprising the plant village of the Hercules Powder Company. This and the other remaining listed buildings are historically significant because they comprise the only remaining example of a company town of an explosives plant in the United States.
The City of Hercules, the State of California and the Department of Interior of the United States recognize the building as a historic resource. These buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 22, 1980. This decision, taken by the Secretary of the Interior of the United States, required a finding and nomination by the California State Historic Preservation Officer. In addition, the City of Hercules took subsequent official actions to recognize and protect the historic resources, such as this building, within its adopted General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
In 2002, to accommodate site grading, the Bixby Company removed Building 54 from its foundation and relocated it about one hundred feet west of its original site. In 2010, the City of Hercules acquired Building 54 from Oso Trabuco, its owner, and moved it about a half mile south to City property.
This relocation required cutting the building in two.
206
[Jii~ [!~!!~E!~oi!~!
HERCULES, CALIFORNIA 94547
PHONE: 758-4880
FEBRUARY, 1978
HERCULES POLICE UNIT FORMS
Steps have been taken to organize a full-time, full-service police unit'for the City of Hercules beginning with the appoint ment of Russell S. Quinn as Director of Public Safety Services.
Quinn, 36, is a veteran police careerist having served the Ventura, California Department, Naval Intelligence and other police related organizations. He teache$ police science in Alameda.
His duties will include responsibility for all city programs re lated to public safety such as burglary protection, fire safety, medical alert, etc. With his wife, Marion, and three boys, he hopes to make Hercules his home in July .
Recruitment procedures have been completed for five police officers; three of whom will be entering the Police Academy at Los Medanos Community College. They are Arthur Shields, 30; Tom Muehleisen, 27; and Alona Payne, 28. After complet ing the Academy, they will be on temporary assignment with ~-- ~-rrrePi:ITOle- rotiavepartn'Ie11lfot furthertTainin-g-!JefoTea:ssum" ing duties in Hercules. A fourth officer is Jeff Lastusky, who just finished in the upper quartile of the Academy and is now undergoing training with the Pinole Department. The fifth mem ber of the team is Lester Wasco, 37, who is currently a San Francisco police officer and will be joining the unit as supervisor on June 1. The Department is expected to be fully operational by July 1. r
Shields and Wasco are residents of Hercules.
More than 400 applications were received-a measure of
the desirability of Hercules.
The underlying concept of the Hercules Police Unit will be to bring the police back to the people. More time will be spent on the sidewalks, in the schools and parks, meeting with the citizens groups and, by invitation, in the homes meeting resi dents, getting to know the kids and trying to solve inter-personal problems before they become crisis. The officers will be fully equipped to handle emergencies and will be distinctively uni formed , but the more threatening appearance and attitude of "cop" will be moderated.
A Police Reserve unit is also being organized which will be trained, equipped and uniformed to ride with regular officers as back-up, cover special events, etc., on a part-time basis. If you are interested call Director Quinn at 7584881.
FLOWER POWER SEWAGE PLANT (cont'd)
digester to generate methane gas wl).ich can generate electricity to operate the plant. Ozone will be used as a sterilizing agent as the sewage is introduced into the plant. Ozone leaves no residual and is completely neutral.
The techniques employed have been known for thousands of years but only recently understood . Much of the technology is a result of studies and demonstrations performed by EPA and NASA, but it is believed that the Hercules plant will be the first "City-size" installation of its kind, anywhere.
Designs are underway and it is hoped to begin construction in late June with the plant on-line in December or January.
If you are interested in reading more about this unusual and pioneering project, loan copies of studies and reports are available at City Hall, 758-4880.
-eOME-'ftT THE "H(){)Pl:;X--'1 ~ - -------
The Hercules City Council and staff has challenged the Pinole City Council and staff to a basketball game dubbed the "Hoopla".
The respective Councils have often been at odds over service con tracts, truck routes, zoning and other matters but personal rela tionships have always been congenial. To demonstrate their spirit of friendly antagonism, they face off on the court at the Pinole Valley High School on Saturday, February 18 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are only $1 .00 for adults and 50 cents for kids under twelve.
All proceeds go to the Carquinez Coalition, an area organization performing some badly needed social services for the aged and disadvantaged.
Both sides are secretly planning antics on and off the court and it all shapes up to be a real fun evening. Why not show up with all the family to see your Council people and staff make fools of themselves other than in the City Hall? There will be a drawing, too! Tickets are available at either City Hall or by calling 758-4880.
SOLAR COMMUNITY CENTER?
An application is being prepared to the Department of Energy for a grant to discover the feasibility of using solar energy to heat and cool a Community Center in Hercules. The designs are being prepared by the architectural firm of Hardison and Komatsu HOW TO PROTECT PERSON AND PROPERTY which has had extensive experience in solar use in buildings.
Enclosed with this issue oL Newsletter is a copy of the The complex, in addition to containing city offices, will also Contra Costa County "Crime Prevention Manual" . Compiled by include a Youth Center, meeting rooms , day-care classrooms and the Crime Prevention Committee of the County , an organiza- an amphitheater. A swimming pool is an essential part of the solar system and will be designed as a "heat sink" , warming the tion of private citizens inte rested in reducing the incidence of water for year-round swimming. Excess heat will be drawn off burglary and other criminal acts, the City Council believed you by fountains or roof cascades as a decorative as well as a func-would be interes ted in having a copy for study and applicl!tion .
In the near future members of the Hercules Police Unit will be tion~~elerent.. t t . It " contacting you and your neighbors for discussion of ways you . e pans are. st~ll very en ahve and . a~p e oppor umty will can help controlCflIIie and protect your propmty-arrtt-yuursetf- _~_ kgtv:en~bhCJn ~uJ befo ~de..QSlOnS a.r~ ml!de ,:- ___ _____ ._ f 0 tt k DIscussIOns are bemg held WIth Hercules, Inc. to dedIcate a r ~~u ~~e'strongly urged to read the manual carefully and to , IS-acre site for ~he. Commll:nity ~enter on the no~ theast side of put its recommendations into effect at earliest possible moment. Sycamore near Its mtersectlOn WIth Redwood Dove.
Only an alert and aware community can be a totally safe com munity for all its residents.
If you are interested in joining the Crime Prevention Com mittee, call Barbara Parker or Don Burke at 798-2572, They'll welcome your support.
FLOWER POWER SEWAGE PLANT
The City Council has authorized the construction of a unique ecology-oriented sewage treatment plant on property recently purchased from Valley Nitrogen Producers, Inc. The 350 ,000 gallon-per-day plant utilizes nature's methods of cleaning water solar heat, plants , organisms and acquatic life. The end product is a recyclable water which can be used by industry and/or for irrigation, or returned to streams with no harmful affects upon the environment.
Wastewater will be introduced into tanks for up to six days . retention time during which it is subjected to sunlight under a greenhouse-type roof , heating the sewage to over 750 , thereby stimulating the growth of healthfu l bacteria which consume coliforms and other pathogens present in the sewage. These, in turn, are fed upon by invertebrates such as snails and shrimp and fmally, by fish. Water hyacinths will be grown on the surfacp. of the ponds, which will absorb heavy metals and nutrients :
from the sewage. The water hyacinths can be easily harvested and converted to fertilizer and cattle feed, or fed to an anerobic
V ALLEY OF THE GIANTS
Planning is underway to design and develop the extensive open space in Refugio Valley into a linear park and recreational area. The firm of Susaki, Walker and Associates have been en gaged to do the preliminary planning. Play and exercise areas, along with bike, hike and horse trails, scenic turnouts, picnic spots and just plain unspoiled open spaces are being talked about.
Again, there will be public meetings before plans become hard and fast.
The preservation of the gigantic eucalyptus groves in the val ley is a primary objective.
FIRST PARK TO BE DEDICATED TO EX-MAYOR
Many residents were saddened to learn of the death of Gene L. Woodfield who was Mayor of Hercules during its formative period. "Woody" was instrumental in the development of the 1972 General Plan which is the blueprint for the current design of the City. He was a devotee of the out-of-doors and insisted that there be as much open areas as possible accommodated in the anitcipat ed development. He was on hand to greet the first new family in Hercules, Mr. & Mrs. Tim Blotzer, 100 Azalea Court, and took time from his job as Maintenance Superintendent of the then Hercules Plant to present them with champagne and roses as they moved in. (over)
207
FIRST PARK (cont'd)
Retired in 1976 because of disabling heart problems, he built a woodsy retreat l}ear' Nevada City where he lived with his wife, Barbara, until his death on January 17. .
.The City Council 'felt that it was fitting to name the first city park after Mayor Woodfield and it was so done by official resolution.
The PlIrk is located next to the Hercules School on Lupine.
Presently under construction, it is planned for completion in June with the official opening 'and dedication to follow soon after.
HERCULES NEEDS YOU!
Hercules is unique in that it is a new community in every sense of the word. New development, new people, new ideas and concepts that have not or connot be applied in other cities, open opportunities and challenges that few have experienced. If you have read this far in Newsletter you can readily see that some dif fere-nt approaches to urban lifestyle are on the horizon.
The Council and staff have long felt that there are talents and skills among our new residents that should be utilized to help build the future for all of us and those who will be coming along later. '.
A questionnaire has been drafted to elicit from you: 1) what you think Hercules should be like and look like; 2) our needs, and; 3) ho,*, you can contribute to the process. It will be mailed soon.
We need to know what you can contribute in time and talent to the betterment of your community. Won't you respond? HEY MAN, YOU'RE BLOCKING MY VIEW!
At its inception, Hercules was designed as a "no clutter" community. This meant requiring ample off-street parking, under grounding all utilities, prohibiting RVs and boats in sideyards, keeping massive fencing to a reasonable height and, generally, attempting to maintain an open feeling in the neighborhood.
Accordingly, both the City Ordinances and the CC & Rs
(Covenants, Conditions and Agreements) act to these ends.
Ordinances are laws: they can be enforced in a court of law and you may be fined- even jailed for serious violations. The CC & Rs are contractual agreements that you have made with your neighbors and any or all of them may bring a civil suit to enjoin you from detracting from the enjoyment of their property . In some cases, they can collect damages from you if they can make a case.
The most prevalent problems in Hercules are: 1) fences
over six feet in sideyards and backyards (the sideyard is that portion of your lot behind the main front building line ), "privacy fences", usually installed with swimming pools, mounted on top of the normal six foot backyard fence ~ not allowed; 2) RV s and boats stored or parked in front ~ (trucks and cars, too); 3) roof-top antennas. The CC & Rs limit the height of roof- top aritennas and prohibit them entirely when cable television is available.
The City is inderstanding about TV antennas and will not take, action against those residents who enjoy reception from their installations. CB and ham radio fans, though, should take stock of their situations and make application for special permits (to be considered by the Council) if they are to operate without in convenience to their neighbors. TV antennas must be removed when Cable is in.
Please take a look at your property and evaluate whether or not you are violating your neighbor's property rights. Let's try to keep"1:his -a -"h:rsste-:free-'-'-CUmrhunlty.- -- ----.. ~. ~- ---
COUNCIL MEETS IN NEW LOCATION
In an effort to make themselves available and accessable, the City Council now me'ets in the Hercules Elementary School multi purpose room on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m .
The City Hall is still located in the Old Village at 555 Railroad Avenue. Day-to-day business is conducted there, but the Council sessions will now be at the Hercules School.
The Council sincerely welcomes the input of any citizen to their discussions.
COMMUNITY GET-TOGETHE R
A Hercules resident , Edwardo Manuel has submitted a compre hensive plan to the City Council for a community "hoe down" to bring together all of the neighborhoods and residents to meet each other and their official representatives. An event is proposed for early Spring which would feature entertainment, food and drinks and a "Getting to Know You" theme .
Manuel also proposed the organization of a Hercules mixed choir which, if it comes off, will be one of the first in this area.
He suggests that the community should capitalize on its rich cultural resources and develop a series of ethnic festivals wherein all residents could flavor the traditions, food, dance, and music of the heterogeneous popUlation which marks Hercules.
COUNCIL ELECTI ONS MARCH'S. 7
All registered voters are urged to vote for Council candidates on March It? At this writing there are fwo persons running for ___ .~ two seats on the City Council. Fred Wachowicz, an incumbent ; - is running as is Lynn Judnich. Former Mayor Ernest Fawcett fIled for candidacy but resigned following a job offer that required his transfer from this area. Unfortunately, the legal requirements will keep his name on the ballot but it should be known that he is not a viable candidate. It is understood that there are petitions circulating for write-in candidates which is a sign of the political health of our City.
Councilman Ron Ardissone has taken over as Mayor and
Fred Wachowicz is Vice-Mayor.
Lynn Judnich, if elected, will be the first woman Council person in Hercules since its inception in 1900.
208
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210
Form No. 10-300 REV. (9/77)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM
SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS
TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS
(NAME
HISTORIC Hercules Village
AND/OR COMMON same
LOCATION
STREET &JSIUMBER
Hercules Avam*c% Tallev Way, Say and Pinole Streets
1<ings Avenue, Railroad /Vvenue, Santa Fe
—NOT FOR PUBLICATION
CITY. TOWN
Hercules VICINITY OF
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
#7
STATE CODE
California
COUNTY
Centra Costa 013
CODE
CLASSIFICATION
CATEGORY
_XDISTRICT
_BUILDING(S)
—STRUCTURE
—SITE
—OBJECT
OWNERSHIP
—PUBLIC
_PRIVATE
_XBOTH
PUBLIC ACQUISITION
—IN PROCESS
—XBEING CONSIDERED
STATUS
^.OCCUPIED
^.UNOCCUPIED
—WORK IN PROGRESS
ACCESSIBLE
,X_YES: RESTRICTED
—X.YES: UNRESTRICTED
—NO
PRESENT USE
_AGRICULTURE —MUSEUM
—COMMERCIAL —PARK
—EDUCATIONAL .^PRIVATE RESIDENCE
—ENTERTAINMENT —RELIGIOUS
—XCQVERNMENT —SCIENTIFIC
—XlNDUSTRIAL —TRANSPORTATION
—MILITARY —OTHER:
OWNER OF PROPERTY
NAME
multiple ownership
STREET & NUMBER
CITY, TOWN
(See Continuation Sheet)
_ VICINITY OF
STATE
i LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION
Courthouse of Contra Costa County
COURTHOUSE,
REGISTRY OF DEEDS.ETC.
STREET& NUMBER
843 Cour
CITY. TOWN STATE
California
REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS
TiTLE
DATE
—FEDERAL —STATE —COUNTY —LOCAL
DEPOSITORY FOR
SURVEY RECORDS
CITY. TOWN STATE
211
DESCRIPTION
CONDITION
X-EXCELLENT
—GOOD
X-FAIR
^DETERIORATED
_RUINS
_UNEX POSED
CHECK ONE
XUNALTERED
—ALTERED
CHECK ONE
XORIGINALSITE
—MOVED DATE-
DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE The Hercules, California plant village being nominated is comprised of thirty-six buildings remaining from the original plant village in the geographical area included in this nomination. This represents the majority of the total buildings in this area that was the company town operated by the explosive manufacturing companies in Hercules in the 1890ls-1940's. Originally, the village had a population of several hundred, but now the majority of the residential buildings are vacant, subjected to vandalism and abuse both unauthorized and authorized, and are scheduled for possible demolition.
The remaining plant village buildings represent the cohesiveness of the original village fabric, with the company buildings on the hill being all intact and used; the social and utilitarian buildings being intact, vacant, and available for re-use; superintendent's hill having sufficient remnants of the area to note its former presence; and the remaining residential buildings. • ;
Buildings; and Sites Contributing to the Character of th4 District (Note: The numbering system used here utilizes the original plant village structure numbering system.)
Building No.
8100
Location
Kings Avenue
8101
8103
Kings Avenue
Kings Avenue
8111
8118
9302
9701
Kings Avenue
Kings Avenue
Description
Main Office Building: Three-story, masonry,
Classic Revival, symmetrical patterns of
functional windows characteristic of turn-
of-the-century industrial/office buildings.
laboratory: Two~story, masonry, utilitarian,
Classic Revival.\ ....-.,
Hercules Club House: Massive, two-story,
wood frame built in 1897. Included large
auditorium, bar, barber shop, shower-bath,
billiard room, library, bowling alley.
Guard House: Now housing Hercules Post
Office, a small, utilitarian, wood frame,
shingled hip roof building.
Office Annex: Now housing Hercules City Hall,
a mildly sprawling, one-story, wood frame,
bungalow style.
Low Level Plant Road Store/shed; large storage sheds, wood frame, sheet metal siding and roof.
Low Level Plant Road Store/shed, large storage sheds, wood frame, sheet metal siding and roof.
Pinole Street Queen Anne cottage, two-story with basement Qlevated (same as No. 10).
212
0] SIGNIFICANCE
PERIOD
—PREHISTORIC
—1400-1499
_1500-1599
_1600-1699
—1700-1799
Xl 800-1899
X.1900-
AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW
_ARCHEOLOGY-PREHISTORIC
_ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC
_AGRICULTURE
_ARCHITECTURE
_ART
.^COMMERCE
—COMMUNICATIONS
_COMMUNITY PLANNING
,\ CONSERVATION
—ECONOMICS
—EDUCATION
—ENGINEERING
—EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT
^.INDUSTRY
—INVENTION
—LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
—LAW
—LITERATURE
—MILITARY
—MUSIC
_PHILOSOPHY
—POLITICS/GOVERNMENT
—RELIGION
—SCIENCE
_SCULPTURE
_SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAivT
—THEATER
—TRANSPORTATION
—OTHER (SPECIFY)
SPECIFIC DATES BUILDER/ARCHITECT
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The proposed historic district represents one of the last remaining company towns in California. Its existence cannot be separated from the explosive indistry in America.
The parent of Hercules was the California Powder Works which was incorporated on De cember 28, 1861, and operated in Santa Cruz, California. It was the first incorpora ted powder company in the far west and was established to afford explosives for gold miners and for the building of the western end of the transcontinental railroad. The prime mover and first president of the California Powder Works was Captain John H.
Baird (1822-1880), a "forty-niner" who was elected to the State Senate for 1852-1854.
By 1869, the California Powder Works began manufacturing dynamite in San Francisco.
The explosive was called "Black Hercules Powder" which eventually became its major product. The plant was called Hercules Powder Works. Because of explosions and an encroaching population, the California Powder Works, along with other powder companies, was forced to move to a less inhabited area. The site chosen to construct the new Hercules Powder Works was the present day Hercules, California. It was ideally situ ated on the bay with a railroad running through the property.
On October 27, 1879, a 44.94 parcel of land was purchased from the heirs of Don Ignacio Martinez, the grantee of Rancho El Pinole, a Mexican land grant of 1824. In 1888, a second parcel of land was purchased. It included a marshland/floodplain. The deed also included a covenant that prohibited the California Powder Works from ever manufacturing any explosives on a section of land that presently comprises the old village of Hercules. This section, shielded from the explosive plant by a hill, is the site of the residences of the workers employed by California Powder Works and later by Hercules Powder Company.
Dynamite was not manufactured at Hercules until 1881, but over the ensuing two decades Hercules became the largest producer of dynamite in the world. Eventually, during World War I, it also became the largest producer of TNT in America. The plant supplied explosives to both sides until America entered the war. The first plant explosion occurred on January 11, 1882, and was felt nerly 35 miles away. At least six other explosions had occurred before the turn of the century, two in 1892 and one each in 1895, 1896, 1898, and 1899. The most disastrous explosion occurred on February 20, 1908. Subsequent explosions had been few and confined to small sections of the plant.
By the end of the 19th century, a strong need for government was felt, so that on December 15, 1900, the City of Hercules was incorporated by a vote of 103-3. It was the third incorporated town in Contra Costa County. With one exception, the council- men were and always have been, until very recently, employees of the industry. Simul taneously with organization of a city, the homes and structures were built to accomo- date the plant employees and their families.
213
JJMAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
A. History of the Explosive Industry in America by Von Gelder/Schatter B. History of Contra Costa County by Slocum
C. History of Contra Costa County (1917) by Hulaniski
D. Contra Costa County—Historical and Biographical Illustrated (1926) E. Newspapers: San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner, Pinole-Hercules News F. Library of Pinole Historical Society
G. Archeological Site Record/ Sonoma State College , CA-CCQ-370 r»T?r\r>'o AnuTr« AT T^ATA LiIiLHjKArrllL.AJLi U/\l/\
ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY 34 . 4±
Follow-up Archeological Report, June 7, 1978
_IffM NOT VERIFIED
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LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES >>"v.' STATE
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PA
STATE
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER CERTIFICATION
THE EVALUATED SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PROPERTY WITHIN THE STATE IS:
NATIONAL__ STATE X LOCAL___
As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665), I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service.
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER SIGNATURE
TITLE
A//.
DATE
214
Form No 10-300a
(Hev 10-74)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM
JUN 1 7 I960
DATE ENTERED Al ft ? ? IQRD
CONTI NUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE
Citation Buildings
2777 Alvardo Street
P.O. Box 2359
San Leandro, CA 94557
Valley Nitrogen Products, Inc.
P.O. Box 1752
Fresno, CA 94717
Hercules, Inc.
910 Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19899
State of California
State Lands Commission
1807-13th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
East Bay Regional Park District
11500 Skyline Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94619
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
San Francisco District
211 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
215
Form No 10-300a
(Hev. 10-74)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM
CONTI NUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE 2
Building No.
7 10
12 16
17 18
19 20
21 23
24 Location
Bay Street
Pinole Street
Pinole Street
Pinole Street
Pinole Street
Pinole Street
Santa Fe Avenue
Santa Fe Avenue
Santa Fe Avenue
Santa Fe Avenue
Santa Fe Avenue
Description
Two-story, "pattern book," wood frame house, -t
hip roofed, now covered with synthetic siding
material.
Queen Anne cottage, two-story with basement
(elevated), having tall, narrow bay windows,
columns supporting entryway, high front steps.
Structure is generally intact with no major
alterations.
Queen Anne cottage, two-story with basement
elevated (same as No. 10).
Two-story, "pattern book," wood frame house,
hip shingled roof, presently covered with
a synthetic siding material.
Two-story, "pattern book," wood frame house
identical to the majority of the buildings
in the village.
Two-story, "pattern book," same as No. 17.
Two-story, "pattern book," wood frame house,
hip roof, brick fireplace/chimney, brick
foundation presently covered with a synthetic
siding material.
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19.
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19.
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19.
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19.
216
Form No 10-300a
(Hev 10-74)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OE THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM DATE ENTERED
CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 7 PAGE 3
Building No.
27 30
34 37
38 39
47 48
54 56
62 69
102
Location
Santa Fe Avenue
Park Street
Park Street
Park Street
Park Street
Park Street
Park Street
Kings Avenue
Kings Avenue
Santa Fe Avenue
Railroad Avenue
Railroad Avenue
Description
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19.
Three-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19 at an elevated level with the
addition of a basement level.
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19.
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19 except with porch railing removed.
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19 except with porch railing removed.
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19.
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19.
Two-story, "pattern book" house, identical
to No. 19.
Two-story with basement, wood frame bungalow,
excellent condition.
/
Two-story with basement, wood frame bungalow,
good condition.
One-story, flat duplex bungalow, built during
World War I, generally flat roof, with each
unit having a studio unit layout.
One-story flat.
Masonic Lodge: Originally a bachelor's
quarters and supplemental clubhouse, one
story with basement, bungalow styling, wood
frame.
217
Form No 10-300a
(Hev 10-74)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OE THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM
FOR NFS USE ONUT
RECEIVED JUN 1.7 1980
CONTI NUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE
Building No.
129
132
Location
Railroad Avenue
133 Railroad Avenue
135
160
200
Kings Avenue
Kings Avenue
Waterfront
Description
One-story duplex, elevated bungalow style,
wood frame with a synthetic siding material
on the exterior.
Two-story with basement, elevated bungalow,
brick fireplace/chimney, brick foundation,
large porches and roof eaves, excellent
condition.
One-story with basement, elevated bungalow,
brick fireplace/chimney, brick foundation,
large porches and roof eaves, excellent
condition.
One-story with basement, wood frame bungalow,
good condition.
One story with basement, wood frame bungalow,
excellent condition.
Wharf: Constructed in 1902 pursuant to the
franchise granted by the City's Board of
Trustees. Includes a pump house at its
terminus which pumps cooling water to the
plant; narrow gauge tracks, previously used
to haul raw materials to and finished
explosives from the plant. The superstructure,
including the bridge over the railroad right'
of way, is deteriorated with age and neglect
but is essentially as it was during the high
production time of the plant and plant village.
218
Form No. 10-300a
(Hev. 10-74)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM
CONTINUATION SHEET SIGNIFICANCE_____ITEM NUMBER 8 PAGE 2 Because of the necessity of locating explosive manufacturing plants in remote areas, housing for key employees in close proximity to the plant was usually a necessity.
Numerous explosives manufacturing companies erected plant villages such as Hercules.
In addition, to satisfy the housing demand, the plant village provided for a strong social atmosphere and other needed community services. One of the important features of the plant was the Hercules Club, founded in 1896 by a few employees. The project received the enthusiastic support of the Company, the Plant Superintendent and the Board of Trustees of the City who appropriated $5,000 for it. The socializing at the Club, which still stands today, proved to be very popular with the workmen and re sulted in stab!izing the work force. From time to time, the Company enlarged and improved the building and equipment, but its management has been entirely carried on by the workmen. The Hercules Hospital was established by the California Powder Works as the first hospital and resident physicians service in the American explosive trade.
The building still stands today.
Basically, there were two groups of homes. One group was situated in an area commonly called "The Hill" which accommodated the administrative personnel and families. It was less crowded and demonstrated greater variation of style. The other group, which was built on the side of the sloping hills, was somewhat separated and accommodated the working class and their families. The town also included a clubhouse and a resident physician staffed hospital. The town had abundant recreational facilities including lighted tennis courts and a baseball field which had been in near constant use for greater than three-quarters of a century.
Hercules was the area*s most desirable community in which to live, with its untarnished and desirable social atmosphere, and its cleanly polished and well kept homes with the neatly trimmed yards. All of the residents of Hercules were company employees. Al though the number of residences and residents increased precipitously during World War I and World War II, the number averaged approximately 100 and 300 respectively. The following were the population totals of the plant village: 1910 - 274; 1920 - 373; 1930 - 389; 1940 - 343.
Consistent with the attitude of the times, however, no residences were afforded the hundreds of Chinese workers. In 1903, the plant and the homes were absorbed by the DuPont company. In 1912, the DuPont holdings were dissolved by decree (Sherman antitrust) and assigned to the new Hercules Powder Company. Eventually, Hercules Powder Company became Hercules, Incorporated, and the plant began manufacturing agricultural chemicals.
219
Form No. 10-300a
(Hev. 10-74)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM
CONTINUATION SHEET SIGNIFICANCE ITEM NUMBER 8 PAGE 3____________________ In spite of the changes within the industry, the town of Hercules has remained essentially unchanged for three-quarters of a century. At the turn of the century, the region in which Hercules is located, was the center of explosive manufacturing in the west. Of the six (or more) other previous explosive manufacturers, only the town of Hercules re mains as remnants of this era. Only recently has the community atmos phere dissolved and a portion of the homes destroyed in preparation for total redevelopment.
The village area includes a referenced archeological site (CA-CCO-370) and a "possible site" as indicated on the enclosed map. There is con fusion as to the existence of any moderate or substantial archeological material. The exact location of the listed site is not pin-pointed.
As referenced in the listed reports, ".....it appears that we will have to wait a bit to find the site if it extends into the project area.
George Gales says that it's under the Lions Club or Masons Hall or whatever is just across the street outside of the project area". The possible site is even more nebulous. "The site I located inside the project area has not been recorded as a site because I feel that it was dumped there along with a whole lot of other fill material." 220
uim No 10 3OOa
new 1O Ml
I M 11 USiAll S hi PAR 1 Mi M 01 111! IN It KIOR
NATIONAL PAHK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER Or HISTORIC PLACES
INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM
FOR NFS USE ONLY
REC£IV£D JUN 1 7 1980
DATE ENTERED ™& <'- - IO
CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 10 PAGE 1
Beginning at a point of intersection of the continuation of the center!ine of Santa Fe Avenue and the easterly right of way line of the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks; thence northerly along said right of way line to the intersection of the continuation of the westerly edge of the wharf/bridge; thence over the tracks and continuing out to the end of the wharf, continuing along the easterly edge of the wharf the bridge ovejC. the tracks; thence continuing this line to a point approximately 50' east of the Laboratory Building (Bldg. No. 8101); thence along the existing fence line in a southerly direction to a point approximately 50' south of the security gate at King Avenue; thence westerly 100' at a right angle; thence continuing in a generally southerly direction 450'; thence continuing at a 45 angle in a southwesterly direction 250'; thence continuing at a right angle in a southeasterly direction 3001; thence at a right angle in a southeasterly direction 650'; thence at a right angle in a southwesterly direction 200' to a point of intersection with the center line of Santa Fe Avenue; thence along the center-line 250'; thence at a right angle continuing in a southwesterly direction to the centerline Hercules Avenue; thence at an approximate 55° angle continuous 285'; thence at a right angle, continuing 200* in a northerly direction; thence at a right angle continuing 100' in an easterly direction; thence at a right angle continuing 150' in a northerly direction; thence at a 45° angle continuing in a northeasterly direction 125' to the intersection of the centerline of Santa Fe Avenue; thence continuing in a northwesterly direction 1125' to the point of beginning.
The boundaries proposed for the Hercules Village include all of the remaining viable areas which represent the earlier plant village. There are four activity zones of the earlier village, all with key existing structures.
No, Activity Zone
Activity
Institutional Headquarters
Office
Existing Buildings
Main office building, laboratory, hospital
(police headquarters), office annex (City
Hall)
Hercules Clubhouse, Lodge
Two large residences, street pattern, park,
etc. of the location of the large, prestigious
residential building.
Two basic clusters of workmen's houses
separated only by topography and the open
area, which was the acid flow area, from
the olant complex and now a park-like
setting.
Omitted from this Hercules Plant Village District nomination were any of the industrial buildings of the plant complex for the following reasons:
2 3
4. Social
Superintendent's Hill
Workmen's Houses
221
Form No 1O-300a
(Hev 10-74)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM
CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 10 PAGE 2
1. Questionable as to the extent of the age, alteration, etc. of any building going back to the ore-1928 era of the plant village.
2. District separation from the four above activity zones by topography and distance.
3. Obvious nonhistoric intrusion by additions of industrial pines, valves, sheds, etc. adjacent to all industrial buildinos.
Also omitted from the nomination was the area south of the triangle residential complex which originally included twenty-seven (27) residential buildings (24 singles, 3 duplexes) on the streets of Durham, Skelly, Bacchus, and Hercules This area was omitted for the following reasons:
1. Of the original 27 residences, only five (5) remain today, which represents only 18% of the original, far below the accepted benchmark of 50% remaining structures.
2. There is a separation of approximately 1050' between Buildina No. 3^ and the closest of the five remaining residential buildings, a separation which is unable to be justified either by landscaping, archeological, topography, etc. Only the street pattern remains. 222
FHR-8-300A
(11/78)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM
CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 10 PAGE
Hercules Village Historic District
Hercules, Contra Costa County, California
A. 10/5624 00/4207150
B. 10/562390/4207380
C. 10/562230/4207560
D. 10/562490/4208000
E. 10/562360/4208210
F. 10/562100/4208350
G. 10/562140/4208470
H. 10/562450/4208300
I. 10/562590/4208050
J. 10/562620/4207720
K. 10/562540/4207530
L. 10/562620/4207430
M. 10/562540/^207370
N. 10/562630/4207260
223
HER C UL F,
200'
PLANT VILLAGE
HERCULES VILLAGE
Hercules, Centra Costa Co., California
Plant Village Activity Zones
\W- \\\\v^\\\\v
Plant Village Activity Zones
Institutional Headquanters/Office
Social
3) Superintendents Hill
Mr > Workmen's Houses
224
30. House #20
SITE AREA C: HOUSES C WITH VIEWS OF THE APPROACH TO THE PARK
ON HERCULES AVENUE AND ACROSS THE PARK TOWARD SANTA FE AVENUE (Photos 31-34)
31. House C, Hercules Avenue,
others of this type are discussed
on page 19.
32. View across the
triangular park to
Santa Fe Avenue.
33. View northwest on Hercules
Avenue showing mature landscaping
and approach to the park._______
34. View from Hercules Avenue
to the intersection with Santa
Fe Avenue showing Houses #8-#10.
Figure No. 6
225
HER C UL £~,
200
PLANT V/LLAGL
Possible Archeological Site
Archeological Site
CA-CCO-370
HERCULES VILLAGE
Hercules, Contra Costa Co., California
Location of archaeological sites
226
APPENDIX II
Planning Commission Meeting Staff Report, dated May 7, 2018 Provided in the following page.
The rest of this page is left blank intentionally.
227
Ro
Planning Department
TO: Chairperson and Members of the Planning Commission
FROM: Holly Smyth, AICP, Planning Director
Victor Carniglia, Municipal Resources Group
DATE: May 7, 2018 Regular Planning Commission Meeting
SUBJECT: Categorical Exemption Determination under CEQA for Relocation and Rehabilitation of the “Queen Anne House” (aka building #54) by Adopting Resolution #18-11 from its Current Temporary Location at 1000 Sycamore Avenue at the City’s Corporation Yard to site Either Inside or Outside the City Limits of Hercules
APPLICANT: The City of Hercules, Planning Division, City Hall
LOCATION: 1000 Sycamore Avenue, within the City’s Corporation Yard located near Willet Street, Hercules, CA
1. RECOMMENDATION
Receive s taff report , discuss potential changes, and consider approving Resolution #18 -11 (Attachment 1) finding that a Categorical Exemption is adequate to address the Environmental Consequences of moving the Historic Queen Anne Structure (Historic Building 54).
2. PROJECT OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND:
The action before the Planning Commission is to determine whether a CEQA finding of “Categorical E xemption: Existing Facilities ” is the appropriate determination to address the environmental consequences of moving a historic structure, commonly referred to as the “Queen Anne House” (Historic Structure #54), from its current location at the City’s Corporation Yard, to an undetermined location either inside or outside the City of Hercules.
This need for an environmental determination for moving the Queen Anne House originated as a result of direction from the City Council in September 2016 to market the “Queen Anne” house to interested buyers that intend to rehabilitate and use the structure either in the City or in another community. While the City had at one point considered moving the house onto City park land at Duck Pond Park to serve as a public structure, it was determined that doing so was no longer financially viable given the condition of the “Queen Anne “ house. The City subsequently issued RFP’s to determine the level of public interest in purchasing, moving, and rehabilitating the Queen Anne house. At the November 9, 2016 City Council meeting, Rockhead and Quarry, LLC were 228
selected to purchase the home for $1 with the intent to relocate outside of the City and rehabilitate the structure to serve as affordable housing.
In December 2017 , City Council directed staff to staff to retain a consultant to prepare the environmental documentation needed to address the environmental consequences under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of moving the Queen Anne house, with the intent of facilitating the future sale, relocation, and renovation by a third party of the Queen Anne house.
The consulting firm the “M Group” was retained by the City to prepare the necessary CEQA report, as the structure is on the National Historic Register as a contributor to the “Hercules “Village” Historic District (which was a worker village associated with the Hercules Powder Company) , which they subsequently completed in March 2018. Attachment 2 contains the report prepared by “M Group” that provides the environmental and related historic documentation needed for moving the subject “Queen Anne” house.
The following is a summary of the information contained in this attached report . The report concludes that a CEQA finding of Categorical Exemption is appropriate for “relocating and rehabilitation” of the subject Queen Anne house “in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards”. According to the report the only historic significance retained by the structure once moved and renovated is that the structure was once occupied by Eugene (Gene) Woodfield….who served as mayor from 1962-1975 and was “instrumental in crafting the City’s first General Plan and creating a blueprint for how the City would evolve following the closure of the Hercules Plant”, and whom the first City park was named after.
Key contents of M-Group report:
• Summary of Findings and Methodology used (pages 3 to 4, Attachment 2) • Information about the historic context background of the house , including when it was built and moved (pages 4 to 8, Attachment 2).
• The historical significance of the house in relation to the State and Federal criteria used to judge significance (pages 8 to 10 Attachment 2).
• The historic integrity of the house (pages 9 to 10, Attachment 2). • The CEQA determination of Categorical Exempti on is discussed on pages 11 to 12 of Attachment B.
A “Notice of Exemption, Categorical Exemption: Existing Facilities Form” has been completed by staff and would be filed with the County once it is acted on by the Planning Commission.
On a side note, in speaking with Dmitri Belser, co-owner of Rockhead and Quarry, LLC, on May 3, 2018 his company is in process of placing a bid on a vacant lot in El Sobrante to relocate the building and his company is still ready to take on the project.
Attachments:
1. Resolution approving Categorical Exemption
2. M Group “Queen Anne House Historic Evaluation” report
3. Categorical Exemption form
229
APPENDIX III
Categorical Exemption Resolution, dated May 7, 2018
Provided in the following page.
The rest of this page is left blank intentionally.
230
231
232
APPENDIX IV
Notice of Exemption, dated May 8, 2018
Provided in the following page.
The rest of this page is left blank intentionally.
233
234
235
236
237
238
APPENDIX V
Relocation Advertisement, dated 2016
Provided in the following page.
The rest of this page is left blank intentionally.
239
2016 Back Entry
WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN INTERESTED PARTY TO REMOVE
HISTORIC HOME AT NO COSTS TO THE CITY
(AND POTENTIALLY INCORPORATE OTHER ALTERNATIVES)
Parties
Interested in
Removing the
“Queen Anne”
building at no
cost to the
City need to
contact
Planning
Director Holly
Smyth by
Wednesday,
October 26th at
510-245-6531
Years ago the City purchased Historic
Home #54 building (referred to as the
“Queen Anne”) that was located on a
hill behind the Hercules Powder Works
Club House Building for a dollar. The
City had a moving company cut the
building in half in order to transport
the building to its current location on
the City’s Corporation yard (near
Willett Street / Sycamore Avenue)
anticipating that it would be
incorporated into Duck Pond Park 1
block away. Duck Pond Park currently
contains a compacted pad with utilities
stubbed out next to the park’s parking
lot.
The City has not had the capacity to
carry out any project with the building
and wants to remove the structure. The
City is inviting interested parties to
submit proposals by November 1 that
would remove the building at no costs
to the City (potentially incorporating
other alternatives). Interested parties
will be able to tour the building on
October 27th and are asked to RSVP in
advance to Shiva Matinpour at 510-
799-8244.
Proposals will be evaluated looking at
the greatest public benefit with the
least costs to the City with low risk
.level
2016 Front Entry
2016 Side View
240
All proposals need to outline the following:
1) Name and Contact information
2) What is being proposed to be done and how with timeline 3) Cost implications if any for the City
4) Provide a listing of any potential team members
5) Past relevant experience and capacity to carry out proposed task 6) Any relevant licenses, credentials, etc.
Note: The four steel girders under the house, fencing, and cribbing are not part of the removal as they belong to other parties and satisfactory insurance will need to be provided in the future.
2005 – Queen Anne Building
before relocation
Interpolated raised entry level
and 2nd floor plan layout
241
APPENDIX VI
Building Survey, dated 1984
Provided in the following page.
The rest of this page is left blank intentionally.
242
243
244
APPENDIX VII
Archived Photographs, Dates Unknown
Original location of subject structure. Date Unknown.
245
Subject structure at former temporary location with roof. Prior to 2018.
Subject structure at current temporary location (City’s Corporation Yard) with roof removed and with temporary tarp. Prior to August 2024.
246
Partial roof with wood shingles detached. Prior to August 2024.
Door and siding detached and outside of the subject structure. Prior to August 2024.
247
APPENDIX VIII
Site Photographs – Site visit completed on August 7, 2024
Overal length of subject structure with temporary tarp.
Side of subject structure with removed doors on the ground. 248
Corner of subject structure supported above steel I-beams.
Side of subject structure with one window partially exposed. 249
Side of subject structure with three windows partially exposed.
Side of subject structure with three windows partially exposed and flooring exposed.
250
Angled bay window partially exposed from the temporary tarp.
Interior or porch floor exposed and partial roof with shingles on the ground.
251
DIS
CUSSION AND/OR ACTION
AGENDA ITEM
5. 22-997
252
STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of October 22, 2024
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBMITTED BY: Christopher Roke, Parks and Recreation Director SUBJECT: Youth in Government Day
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the Hercules City Council receive a report about Youth In Government Day, which will take place on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Hercules Parks and Recreation Department is once again collaborating with Hercules High School to bring Youth In Government Day to the City of Hercules . The event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Youth In Government Day is an opportunity for local high school students to learn about city government, the various departments and projects they work on, an d many of the careers associated with local government.
BACKGROUND:
In 2023, the City Council requested that staff organize and host a Youth in Government Day. The event's objective was to bring students from the local high school to City Hall to learn how local government operates.
Last year’s program opened with a short meet-and-greet with some of the elected officials, the City Manager, and some of the Executive Team. After hearing from city staff, the students were divided into smaller work groups and given the task of working on a budgeting exercise.
22-997
253
The exercise divided the City into several traditional services provided to the community.
The students were given a bag of Titan Treasures (money) and instructions to fund every identified city service. Each group was then given an opportunity to explain how they funded each program and why they divided the budget the way they did.
After each group presented, a news bulletin arrived, and the students were forced to cut 20% of the budget while still funding every program and using all available money.
The exercise was a hit, as it allowed the students to discuss what they cut and the reasons for their decisions. It also led to a bigger discussion about making difficult decisions. The event also included a tour of various City Departments including Police and Fire. Students got to hear about projects in the City, including some that are in the works, some that have been completed, and others on the horizon.
Staff is currently working on the details f or this year’s event but plans to follow a similar outline. Students participating in the Youth In Government Day will again be invited back to the City to join in on the City Council meeting at the end of the day and allowed to report on what they learned.
ANALYSIS:
The City of Hercules Parks and Recreation Department will host the second annual Youth In Government Day on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in collaboration with Hercules High School. The goal i s to share staff’s passion for local government with students and showcase the many career opportunities associated with working in City Government.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact on the City of Hercules.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
254