Cultural Heritage Board
Memorandum
Community & Economic Development Department Planning Division 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522 | Phone: (951) 826-5371 | RiversideCA.gov
DP-2022-00836
CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD MEETING DATE: JULY 20, 202 2
AGENDA ITEM NO.: 5
PROPOSED PROJECT
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the Cultural Heritage Board recommend that the City Council:
1. DETERMINE that Planning Case DP-2022-00836 (Historic Designation) for the designation of the Neblett Residence as a City Landmark , is categorically exempt from the Californ ia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Rule) and 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment), as the proposal will have no significant effect on the environment, identifies the structure as a cultural resource, and preserves the historic character of a cultural resource; and
2. APPROVE Planning Case DP-2022-00836 (Historic Designation), based on the facts of findings, and designate the Neblett Residence as a City Landmark.
Case Numbers DP-2022-00836 (Historic Designation)
Request To consider a Historic Designation request to designate the Neblett Residence as a City Landmark
Applicant Sallie Griffin and Nicholas
Jacobs
Project
Location
6744 Oleander Court, on the
west side of the Oleander
Court cul-de-sac
APN 241-190-014
Ward 3
Neighborhood Hawarden Hills
Historic District Not Applicable
Historic
Designation Not Applicable
Staff Planner
Scott Watson, Historic Preservation Officer
951-826-5507
[email protected]
DP-2022-00836
BACKGROUND
Neblett Residence
The Dr. Edward and Mrs. Neblett Residence is located at 6744 Oleander Court (Exhibit 1). The Mid- Century Modern residence was designed by local architect Clinton Marr and constructed in 1966.
No major exterior alterations have occurred since the residence was constructed.
Mid-Century Modern Style
Mid-century Modern is a term used to describe the postwar iteration of the International Style in both residential and commercial design. The International Style was characterized by geometric forms, smooth wall surfaces, and an absence of exterior decorat ion. Mid -century Modern represents the adaptation of these elements to the local climate and topography, as well as to the postwar need for efficiently built , moderately-priced homes. In Southern California, this often meant the use of wood post -and-beam c onstruction. Mid -century Modernism is often characterized by a clear expression of structure and materials, large expanses of glass, and open interior plan.
Character-defining Features of Mid-Century Modern:
• Simple geometric forms
• Post-and-beam construction
• Flat or low-pitched gabled roofs
• Flush mounted steel framed windows or large single-paned wood-framed windows • Exterior staircases, decks, patios, and balconies
• Brick or stone often used as primary or accent material Clinton Marr
Born in September of 1925 in Ontario, California, Clinton Marr grew up in Riverside. He joined the Navy Air Corps during World War II. He chose to go into architecture because of its freedom of expression. From 1947 to 1953, he attended University of Southern California School of Architecture on the G.I. Bill. A. Quincy Jones was one of his instructors and Pierre Koenig was a classmate. He was influenced most by the post-and-beam structural framing method, which he later used in the design of his own home (1954). While in schoo l, he worked part -time for Albert C. Martin and Associates in downtown Los Angeles. After graduation he worked for Clara Henry Day in Redlands and Herman Ruhnau in Riverside before opening his own office in Riverside in 1956. Marr designed an impressive number of commercial, industrial, institutional, educational, and residential buildings in Riverside. He was president of the Inland Chapter of the AIA in 1964. His building for the Lily Tulip Corporation (1958) at 800 Iowa Avenue established his reputation, because it was such a large and prestigious commission. Some highlights of his work are the Wesley United Methodist Church (1956) and Provident Federal Savings and Loan Building (1962).
The applicant is requesting approval of a Historic Designation to designate the Neblett Residence as a City Landmark.
ANALYSIS
The applicant has provided an architectural description, statement of significance, photographs documenting the architecture and building setting, and copies of primary and secondary sources as summarized below (Exhibits 2 and 3).
Architectural Description
The Neblett Resi dence is situated on west side of Oleander Court within the Hawarden Hills neighborhood of the city . The residence is below the street level at the end of a long driveway and is surrounded by mature trees. The single-story residence is post-and-beam, wood framed
DP-2022-00836
construction featuring a rectangular ground plan and exposed wood vertical full board and baton siding, with large expanse of glass walls and clerestory windows . The residence is capped with a n asphalt shingle topped low-pitched gable roof with wide open eaves and exposed beams with decorative ends . A rectangular rubble stoned chimney rises from the gable peak. A recessed patio is situated on northwest corner of the residence and is surround by floor to ceiling glass walls on two sides, leading into the main living space. Two other recessed patios with glass walls are located on the west elevation. The main entry within a recessed porch on the east elevation. The front door is a decorative solid wood multi-panel, double door. Windows and doors throughout the residence include wood framed fixed and sliding glass windows and wood framed sliding glass doors. A recessed two-car carport is located within the south east corner of the residence.
Statement of Significance
The Neblett Residence is historically significant because it is an excellent example of Mid-Century Modern style residential architecture in the CIty . The residence is also significant as it represents the work of a notable local architect, Clinton Marr.
The Neblett Residence retains a high degree of integrity required for Landmark designation.
TITLE 20 EVALUATION
Under Title 20 (Cultural Resources), “Landmark” means: “Any improvement or natural feature that is an exceptional example of a historical, archaeological, cultural, architectural, community, aesthetic or artistic heritage of the City, that retains a high degree of integrity ”. Pursuant to the applicable Landmark criteria in Chapter 20.50, the Neblett Residence is eligible for designation under Criterion 1 and 3 based on the following facts:
FINDING: Criterion 3: Embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship.
FACTS: The Neblett Residence embodies the character -defining features of the Mid- Century Modern Style of architecture, including: simple rectangular massing; post- and-beam construction; a low -pitched, asphalt shingle topped gabled roof with wide open eaves; floor to ceiling glass walls; wood framed sliding glass doors and wood framed fix and sliding glass windows; recessed patios surrounded by glass, providing a visual connection between interior and exterior; a rubble stone chimney as an accent.
FINDING: Criterion 4: Represents the work of a notable builder, designer, or architect, or important creative individual.
FACTS: The Neblett Residence was designed by prominent local architect Clinton Marr, who was identified in the 2009 Modernism Context Statement as being a significant architect in Riverside during the Modern Era. Marr’s work includes: Wesley United Methodist Church (1956), 5770 Arlington Avenue; Lily Tulip Cup Corporation Building (1958), 800 Iowa Avenue; Standard Insurance Company Building (1961), 3380 14th Street; Provident Federal Savings and Loan Building (1962), 3656 Central Avenue; Grace United Methodist Church (1966), 1085 Linden Street; and Riverside Municipal Airport Building (1968), 6951 Flight Road. The Clinton and Geraldine Marr Residence (1954) at 6816 Hawarden Drive, adjacent to the Neblett residence to the west, was designated as a City Landmark in 2013 . With no major exterior alterations since construction, t he Neblett residence serves as an excellent example of Marr’s residential work, exemplifying his post -and-beam construction and his design philosophy of the visual integration of the interior and exterior.
DP-2022-00836
STRATEGIC PLAN
This item contributes to the Envision Riverside 2025 City Council Strategic Priority 2 – Community Well Being (Goal 2.3 – Strengthen neighborhood identities and improve community health and the physical environment through amenities and programs that foster an increased sense of community and enhanced feelings of pride and belonging citywide).
This item aligns with the following Cross-Cutting Threads:
1. Community Trust: This Landmark Designation request is being reviewed during a Pub lic Hearing before the Cultural Heritage Board and the public is able to provide comments.
2. Equity: Landmark plaques are required to be placed so that they are visible from the public right-of-way, providing information about the historic property to all residents.
3. Fiscal Responsibility: No City General Funds are being allocated as part of this Landmark Designation.
4. Innovation: This Landmark Designation request includes a historic property from the recent past, which relates to new clarifications of historic properties.
5. Sustainability and Resiliency : This Landmark Designation will help to preserve the City’s collective history for future generations.
PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENTS
A public hearing notice was mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the site. As of the writing of this report, no responses have been received by Staff regarding this proposal.
APPEAL INFORMATION
Actions by the Cultural Heritage Board , including any environmental finding, may be appealed to the L and Use, Sustainability and Resilience Committee within ten calendar days after the decision. Appeal filing and processing information may be obtained from the Planning Division by calling 951-826-5371.
EXHIBITS LIST
1. Aerial/Location Map
2. Historic Designation Application
3. Historic Photos
4. Current Photos
Prepared by: Scott Watson, Historic Preservation Officer Reviewed by: David Murray, Principal Planner
Approved by: Mary Kopaskie-Brown, City Planner
N
Project Site
0 180 36090
FeetDP-2022-00836 Exhibit 1 - Location Map
KEY
OLEANDER CT
ROCKWELL RD
KEY
Buildings
Project Sites
Parcels
Cultural Resources Nomination Application
IDENTIFICATION
1. Common name:
Historic name: Dr. Edward and Mrs. Neblett Residence_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Street address: 6744 Oleander Court
City Riverside State CA Zip 92506
4. Assessor Parcel number: 241190014
5. Present Legal Owner: Sallie Griffin and Nicholas Jacobs City Riverside State CA Zip 92506
6. Present Use: Residential
7. Original Use: Residential
Date form prepared:
Preparer:
Sponsoring Organization (if any):
Address:
City, State and Zip:
Phone:
May 2022
Nicholas Jacobs
n/a
6744 Oleander Ct
Riverside, Ca 92506
X City Landmark Structure of Merit
Please check the Designation for which you are applying 2 DESCRIPTION
8. Legal property description:
POR LOT 3 AND LOT 4 MB 035/036 OLEANDER HILLS
Include approximate property size (in feet): Street Frontage 200 ft Depth 210 ft
9. Architectural Style: Mid Century Modern
10. Construction Date: Estimated Factual 1966
Source of Information: X Assessor's Records Building Permit Sanborn Map Publications Oral Interviews
11. Architect's Name:
Clinton Marr, A.I.A.
Builder's Name:
G. A. O'Rourke
12. Condition: X Excellent Good Fair Deteriorated
13. Alterations:
No longer in existence
n/a
14. Surroundings:
Open Land Scattered Buildings Densely Built-Up
15. Use type:
Residential Industrial Commercial Civic
Other
16. Is the structure on its original site?
X Yes No Unknown
If moved, approximate year
17. Related features and/or out-buildings: n/a
SIGNIFICANCE
18. Historical Attributes:
Unknown G overnment Building Folk Art
X Single Family Educational Building Street Furniture
Multiple F amily Religious Building Landscape Architecture Ancillary Building Railroad Depot Trees/Vegetation
Hotel/Motel T rain Urban Open Space
Bridge R ural Open Space Canal/Aqueduct
Farm/Ranch I ndustrial Building Dam
Military P roperty Public Utility Building Lake/River/Reservoir CCC/WPA S tructure Theater Ethnic Minority Prop.
Engineering S tructure Highway/Trail Civic Auditorium
Amusement P ark Woman's Property Monument/Mural/Gravestone Cemetery H ospital Stadium
Mine C ommunity Center/Social Hall
Commercial Building, 1-3 s tories Commercial Building, over 3 stories Other:
19. Architectural Description
20. Statement of Significance
21. Bi
bliography
22. Photographs
23. Let
ter from property owner (if other than applicant)
Statement of Significance
The residence at 6744 Oleander Ct. is an excellent example of Mid -Century Modern residential architecture in Riverside. It was designed by, revered local architect, Clinton Marr (b. 1925) in 1965, and designed for Dr. and Mrs. Edward Neblett, who lived there from its construction in 1966 until 2021. Mid- Century Modern is a term used to descri be the evolution of the International Style after World War II.
Mid-Century Modern architecture is more organic and less doctrinaire than the International Style, and it is characterized by more s olid wall sur faces. The Neblett Residence at 6744 Oleander Ct. exhibits significant features of the style, including simple geometric forms, post -and-beam construction, wide - overhanging eaves, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Clin
ton Marr was born in September 1925, in Ontario, California, but he grew up in Riverside. Marr joined the Navy Air Corps during World War II. From 1947 to 1953, he attended Universi ty of Southern California School of Architecture on the G. I. Bill. A. Quincy Jones was one of his instruct ors and Pierre Koenig was a classmate. He was influenced most by the post -and-beam structural framing method, which he later used in the design of his first home (1954) . While in schoo l, he worked part -time for Albert C. Martin and Associates in downtown Los Angeles. After graduation, Marr worked for Clara Henry Day in Redlands and Herman Ruhnau in Riverside before opening his own office in Riverside in 1956. Marr designed an impressive number of commercial, industrial, institutional, educational, and residential buildings in Riverside. His building for the Lily Tulip Corporation (1958) at 800 Iowa Avenue established his reputation, because it was such a large and prestigious commission. Other highlights of his work includ e the Wesley United Methodist Church (1956) and Provident Federal Savings and Loan Building (1962). Until 2012, Marr continued to live in Riverside in the second house he designed for his family (1960); the house is set on an acre and expresses his design philosophy that a building should fit its environment. Marr was president of the Inland Chapter of the AIA in 19641. 6744 Oleander Ct. is located in the Oleander District of Hawarden Hills, which was originally used as citrus groves as a portion of the Arlington Heights section of Riverside. The Oleander Hills tract (encompassing parts of Hawarden and all of Oleander) was subdivided in 1958 by Fred and Helen Clark.
What makes this district significant is its collection of unique Mid-Century Modern, Modern Ranch, and California Ranch homes. These homes are each individually designed and do not follow a standard design plan. The Mid-Century Modern, Modern Ranch, and California Ranch styles represent the distinct architectural trends of post-war Riverside, California, and, more broadly, the nation.2 The residence at 6744 Oleander Ct. was built by Dr. Edward Neblett and his wife Audrey. The Nebletts, who had a love of the outdoors, worked with Marr to envision a home that sought to converge the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. Marr skillfully united wood and glass to create a home that is hidden from the road on a hillside shelf, surrounded by large granite boulders and natural plants. “We’ve found that natural colors are restful to live with,” Mrs. Neblett once said3. The residence is a hallmark of the modernist principal of regionalism, in which “modern architects desired to develop an architecture that belonged to, and was suited for, the areas in which it was built4,” thus establishing the design and use of this home as uniquely Riverside.
1 The house Clinton Marr designed for his family is a good example of post -and beam construction as well as the warmer quality of post- war as opposed to pre-war modern architecture. It is located at 6816 Hawarden Drive. City of Riverside, Modernism Context Statement, 2009
2 City of Riverside, Modernism Context Statement, 2009
3 The Press, October 11, 1971
4 CLINTON MARR: BRINGING MODERNISM TO THE INLAND EMPIRE, Scott Watson, 2015 Based on this information, we believe that the building is eligible for City Landmark designation under the following criteria:
• 3. Embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; • 4. Represents the work of a notable builder, designer, or architect, or important creative individual;
This will be discussed in greater detail in the Architectural Description of Modern Architecture and Mid-Century Modern style.
Architectural Description
Modern Architecture
Modern architecture is a broad term given to a number of building styles with similar characteristics, primarily the simplification of form and the elimination of ornament. Most historians trace the roots to three interrelated phenomenon that developed in Europe after World War I: the availability of new building materials such as iron, steel, concrete, and glass that led to the development of new building techniques; a desire to apply these new techniques and materials to create functional buildings for the masses; and a reaction against the stylistic excesses of earlier eras5.
Mid-Century Modern
In response to criticisms that modern architecture was too sterile, architects began experimenting with shapes, materials, and color. In residential buildings, the post-and-beam became the preferred method of construction for Mid-Century Modern architects.5 In addition to post-and-beam, some defining features of Mid-Century Modern include: Simple geometric forms, flat or low-pitched gabled roofs, flush mounted steel framed windows or large single-paned wood-framed windows, and exterior staircases, decks, patios, and balconies.
6744 Oleander Ct.
The Dr. and Mrs. Edward Neblett Residence at 6744 Oleander Ct. is an excellent example of the Mid- Century Modern style. Clinton Marr was commissioned by the Nebletts to design the home and G. A.
O’Rourke the general contractor. The house was built on a hillside shelf, overlooking an arroyo, and sits slightly off a north-south axis [Figure 1]; the frontage is approximately 200ft wide and 210ft deep. The house is a wood post-and-beam single-level with a carport on the south side. The house is clad in original board and baton western red cedar siding, has a low-pitched roof, large overhanging eaves and a chimney clad in petrified driftwood.
5 City of Riverside, Modernism Context Statement, 2009
Figure 1 Aerial view of site from North looking directly South The main entrance, centered at the east elevation of the house, features an inset porch, with double hand-carved front doors from Toledo, Spain, an antique doorbell from England and aqua-hued slate tile [Figures 2], which continues into the home and back outside to the rear California patio – creating a seamless transition from outside to inside. Upon entering, one faces a massive double fireplace of petrified Mexican driftwood and a cantilevered slate base. On clear days, Mt. Baldy and Mt. Whitney can be viewed from the living room. “On summer evenings the sunset turns the driftwood stone fireplace to a spectacular pink6 [Figure 3].” Off the living room, at the north elevation, Marr extended the beams and lines of the house to create a side porch. 6 Riverside City Panhellenic, Twentieth Annual Home Tour, 1971 Figure 2 Entry, facing West
Figure 3 Living room, facing North
Opposite the living room is the formal dining room where floor to ceiling windows frame views of massive granite boulders, bougainvillea, juniper, and pine. No draperies are needed in this completely private hideaway [Figure 4]. The vaulted tongue-in-groove wood ceilings and walls of glass stretch out to unite the indoors and outdoors in a panoramic view in both directions.
Figure 4 Formal Dining Room, facing East
The slate-covered California patio overlooks the preserved sanctuary-like garden path to a personal citrus grove and a small meandering stream that runs below. [Figure 5] Figure 5 California Patio, facing East through formal dining room and master suite to the right.
Selection(s)
Parcels
s/11/2022 A
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demonstration purposes only
Thomson Reuter s assumes no liability
whatsoev er assoc iated with the use or misuse
of such data, and discla ims any representatio n
or war ranty regard ing the completeness or
accuracy of the data. Note: Acreage and Square
Footage data shown are approximate and
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maintained for appraisalpurposes
©2020 Aum en tum Technologies
Data sour ces: Thom son Rell1ersCu s1omers,Kansas
Geo spa ti al Commons (DASC) , U.S. Census, esri
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Figure 6 Original site drawing, 1965
Figure 7 Loan Docs, 1965
Figure 8 Buyout, 1965
Figure 9 Budget, 1966
Figure 10 The Press, 1971
Figure 11 From Riverside City Panhellenic 20th Century Home Tour
Polaroid 1 (front/back) “Just above the large tree in the foreground and below the row of pink flowering bushes – oleanders – you can see a flattened area where our house will be built. Mount Rubidoux shows in the distance. Below the green tree we have a spring.
Polaroid 2 (front/back) “View from the street; large concrete slab is the garage – You can see some of our planting” Polaroids
Polaroid 3 (front/back) To give you an idea of the post and beam construction. Beams are 4 inches by 14 inches and 16 feet long to 20 feet long.
Polaroid 4-5 Dr. Edward and Mrs. Audrey Neblett in front of the driftwood stone fireplace.
Polaroid 6-11 Various angles of the home as well as Mrs. Neblett in her garden, which, by all accounts, she adored.
Exhibit 1 - Current Photos
Figure 1 - View from driveway, view facing west
Figure 2 - North & East Elevations, view facing southwest
Exhibit 1 - Current Photos
Figure 3 - North Elevation, view facing south
Figure 4 - North & West Elevations, view facing southeast
Exhibit 1 - Current Photos
Figure 5 - West Elevation Patio, view facing southeast
Figure 6 - West Elevation Patio, view facing northeast
Exhibit 1 - Current Photos
Figure 7 - South & East Elevations (Carport), view facing northwest
Figure 8 - South Elevation (Carport), view facing north
Exhibit 1 - Current Photos
Figure 9 - Main Entry, view facing west
Figure 10 - Original Doorbell
Exhibit 1 - Current Photos
Figure 11 - Formal Living Room, view facing northwest
Figure 12 - Family Room, view facing north
Exhibit 1 - Current Photos
Figure 13 - Family Room & Fireplace, view facing east
Figure 14 - Formal Dining Room, view facing east