Cultural Heritage Board
Memorandum
Community & Economic Development Department Planning Division 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522 | Phone: (951) 826-5371 | RiversideCA.gov
DP-2022-00870
CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD MEETING DATE: JULY 20, 202 2
AGENDA ITEM NO.: 6
PROPOSED PROJECT
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the Cultural Heritage Board recommend that the City Council:
1. DETERMINE that Planning Case DP-2022-00870 (Historic Designation) for the designation of the Woolley 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-2022-00870 (Historic Designation), based on the facts of findings, and designate the Woolley Residence as a City Landmark.
Case Numbers DP-2022-00870 (Historic Designation)
Request To consider a Historic Designation request to designate the Woolley Residence as a City Landmark
Applicant Jarod and Stephanie DeAnda
Project
Location
5050 Myrtle Avenue, on the
east side of Myrtle Avenue
between Victoria Avenue and
Ivy Street
APN 223-102-019
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-2022-00870
BACKGROUND
Woolley Residence
The Woolley Residence is located at 5050 Myrtle Avenue (Exhibit 1) . The Mid -Century Modern residence was designed by regional architect Knowlton Fernald Jr. and constructed 1955-1956. A 368 square foot family room addition was completed in 2004. The addition is located on the north side of the residence, is generally in keeping with the style of the residence, and has limited visibility from the public right-of-way.
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 Knowlton Fernald Jr.
Knowlton Fernald Jr., was born February 7, 1929, in Pasadena, CA. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Stanford University and completed some graduate work at the University of Southern California between 1954-1955. He a was a partner in several architectural firms between 1955-1960, and served as Vice President-Planning, Architecture & Engineering of Laguna Niguel Corporation between 1959-1970. During this tenure, Fernald received numerous design awards, including 14 national awards for architectural design, interior design, landscape design, and graphic design . In 1966, Fernald along with two partners received an Award of Merit from the American Institute of Architects for an 11 acre, 44 home subdivision constructed southeast of Monarch Bay between 1962- 1965. Many of his works were featured in national publications, included the Hortense Miller residence. The Miller residence was completed in 1959 and was feature on the cover of Sunset Magazine for the integration the architecture by Fernald and the landscaping designed by Miller. The Monarch Beck House, constructed in 1963, was featured in the Los Angeles Times Home Magazine and the Ladies Home Journal.
The applicant is requesting approval of a Historic Designation to designate the Woolley 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).
DP-2022-00870
Architectural Description
The Woolley Residence is situated on east side of Myrtle Avenue on Victoria Hill. The residence is above the street level at the end of a long driveway and is surrounded by mature trees and landscaping. The three-story residence is post-and-beam, wood framed construction featuring an irregular plan and supported by stilts to accommodate the steep hillside terrain. The design makes use of solid walls and floor to ceiling glass windows and sliding glass to create a tubular box massing. The residence is capped with a rolled asphalt topped flat roof with wide open overhangs and exposed beams The solid exterior walls are clad in corrugated metal siding and voids are created with large expanse of glass walls and clerestory windows. The north elevations feature two balconies spanning the full width of the elevation. The balconies are covered by the primary roof and enclosed be a simple wood and metal balustrade The primary entry to the residence located within a deeply recessed balcony at top a long staircase. The rear of the residence features large wrapping patios that look onto the pool inground pool and are separated from the residence with sliding glass doors. The residence is accented with a painted brick chimney, a rubble stone walls, and select columns with rubble stone veneer.
Statement of Significance
The Woolley 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 regionally recognized local architect, Knowlton Fernald Jr.
Despite a small side addition, the Woolley 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 Woolley Residence is eligible for designation under Criterion 1 and 3 based on the following facts:
FINDING:
FACTS:
FINDING:
FACTS:
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.
The Woolley Residence embodies the character-d efining features of the Mid- Century Modern Style of architecture, including: simple rectangular massing; post-and-beam construction; a rolled asphalt topped flat roof with wide open overhangs; exterior patios and balconies, along the front (north) and rear (south) elevations, covered by the primary roof; floor to ce iling glass walls; steel framed sliding glass doors and windows; clerestory windows; and a rubble stone wall and brick chimney a s an accent.
Criterion 4: Represents t he w ork o f a n otable bu ilder, d esigner, o r a rchitect, o r important creative individual.
The Woolley Residence was designed by prominent regional architect Knowlton Fernald Jr, who was well recognized in Orange County. Fernald received numerous national awards for his work. His work was featured in local and national newspapers and magazines. The Woolley residence was featured in a Press Enterprise article in 1957, which called it “one of the most interesting in Riverside, a glass house on stilts.” Despite being a prominent architect in Orange County, the
DP-2022-00870
Woolley Residence is the only known example of his work in Riverside and serves as an excellent local example of his work.
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 Public 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 Land 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. 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-2022-00870 Exhibit 1 - Location Map
KEY
KEY
Buildings
Project Sites
Parcels
The Ted Woolley Home
The house on 5050 Myrtle Ave sits between Rockledge and Victoria Woods on a hill now known as Victoria Hill with a northwest facing, unobstructed view of Mt. Rubidoux and the San Gabriel Mountains.
This midcentury modern post and beam construction sits back off the street, privately hidden behind a lush landscape, almost unseen when passing down the one-way street of Myrtle Ave. It stands 3 stories, with the 3rd story appearing hidden when viewed from the front as it is built into the hillside. The front of the home stands tall, mounted on posts.
In 1957, the Press Enterprise called this home “one of the most interesting in Riverside, a glass house on stilts.” The exterior of the home features a flat roofline and the original 2x3 wood slat walls that border the east and west sides of the home, adding architectural beauty unique to this era and this community.
It also boasts a beautiful balcony that spans the front of the home. The balustrade was originally constructed of glass panels but was updated to rods at some point.
The first story is dedicated to the car port/ garage and utility room. Palos Verde fieldstone is a prevalent part of the exterior and interior entry to the home and has been well preserved. The fieldstone feature is continued from the first story through the 2nd story fireplace and to the roof top with exposed stone all the way up. There are two entrances into the home from the first story, the main staircase that leads to the front door and the side staircase that leads to a kitchen entrance.
The front stairs lead up to a 2nd story entrance that has an open skylight and when the front door opens, greets guests with large plate glass windows and a view of the original rectangular pool that has been well maintained. Upon entering the home, you will find that the architect carried the slat wall element to the interior as well. To the right of the entrance is a guest room and bath, where the slat wall is prominently featured.
To the left of the entrance is a 16 x 24 grand room with the original Palos Verde fieldstone surrounding the off-center fireplace. The focal point for this room is the 24’ wall of windows that look at the unobstructed view of Mt. Rubidoux and the historic Rock Ledge Neighborhood.
As you move through the house you come to an unusually large 17x17 kitchen with L-shaped counters and a center island that houses the refrigerator and original pantry and storage closets. The family room is separated from the kitchen by the counter on one side and the original bookshelves on the other. The original stereo surround sound speakers are still in-tact throughout the entire house and in mostly working order.
At the back of the 2nd story is the original main floor full bath with an exterior door, making it a functional pool bath as well. The bathroom has some original cabinetry but was updated in the 90’s. On the opposite side is a long, narrow utility and storage room. The two are split by the staircase that leads to the 3rd floor bedrooms and transports you to what feels like a totally different place with views of the lush backyard landscape, citrus trees, avocado trees and an upward slope covered in ivy. No other homes are visible from this view; it is a private oasis.
To the left of the top of the stairs are two large bedrooms and an adjoining bathroom with original countertops, vanity and sinks. The larger room is accented with a 2x3 wood slat wall that moves elegantly from the exterior to the interior of the room. This room also has the original built-in dresser and desk with laminate gold fleck countertops. The two bedrooms in this part of the home originally had a single door leading to the balcony. That was removed with the addition in the 90’s, when the doors were replaced with a half wall and window.
At the other end of the hall is the master bedroom, with two window walls framing the lush garden and providing an unobstructed view of the mountains. The master bathroom still has the original sunken roman tub, although the tile has been painted. The original terrazzo flooring has been covered by ceramic tile, and the black and pink color scheme was replaced with white and blue. We intend to restore this room by bringing in period-appropriate colors and features.
The dressing room adjacent to the bathroom is in original condition with laminate countertops. The closet has original light boxes that provide soft indirect lighting. The sliding glass door that used to lead to the balcony now opens up to the expansive flat roof of the entire 2nd story, allowing for outdoor entertaining and spectacular sunset viewing.
Most of the home’s original windows and sliding glass doors are intact, except in areas for the addition.
The front and kitchen entrance doors are not original. The home has much of the original ceiling mounted lighting.
Off the backyard is a staircase around the side of the master bedroom leading down to the pool deck.
The pool is significantly large at over 30’ long and 15’ wide. This original pool is surrounded by an entertainment area, exterior bathroom and pool equipment room. There is a beautiful planter for lush vegetation around the pool deck.
The home is in good condition overall. The wood posts and beams have suffered termite and water damage we are working to repair. The wood slat walls also need some repair and paint. The flooring on the main floor has been updated and we are working to remove the ceramic tile and return it to vinyl and carpet. There is a mixture of old cast iron pipes and new copper plumbing. The area under the kitchen and the 3
rd story is open and exposed, allowing for easy access for plumbing repairs. It also doubles as extra storage for this large home.
5050 Myrtle Ave is 3,700 sq feet and sits on a .5-acre lot with limited homes surrounding it. To our knowledge, this is the only home of its kind. The property is well maintained with mature landscaping that includes towering palm trees in front and back, as well as large citrus and fruit trees. Newer landscaping includes yellow bells and ivy in the front. After the termite removal we lost some original landscaping under the guest room that will be replaced with the same plants.
Statement of Significance
The Ted Woolley Home
The house at 5050 Myrtle Ave is of historic significance because of its unique Post and Beam Mid Century Modern construction and the notable architect Knowlton Fernald Jr. According to the City of Riverside Modernism Context Statement, “post-and-beam became the preferred method of construction for Mid-Century Modern architects.”
The Context Statement also refers to Character-defining Features of Mid-Century Modern homes • 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
These features are also utilized in the architecture of 5050 Myrtle.
This residence is eligible for City Landmark designation based on these 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; About the home:
In 1955, Ted Woolley and his wife hired a young architect, Knowlton Fernald Jr., to design their home that was on a .5 acre built into the side of a hill with an unobstructed view of Mt. Rubidoux and the San Bernardino Mountain Range. Knowlton Fernald Jr. was making a name for himself in the coastal region from Laguna to Newport Beach after he built a dream post and beam vacation home for his parents that was featured in LA Times Home Magazine. He was particularly fond of post and beam construction and how landscape was an integral part of the home. 5050 Myrtle is a 3,000 sq ft 4 bedroom, post and beam 3 story home cascading up the side of what is now called Victoria Hill. It was once called the most interesting home in Riverside by the Press Enterprise.
Knowlton Fernald Jr. designed a home at 5050 Myrtle Ave that embodied all the key features that the most important Mid Century Modern homes possess. First and most notably the post and beam construction leaving the exposed vegetation under the home and the grand staircase leading up to the front door. The wall of single-paned wood framed windows span the entire North, West and South facing parts of the home with the exposed cantilever beams. The sprawling balcony extends the front of the home. An Ariel view of the home is the best way to understand the unique simplicity of this homes clean geometric lines, the use of unique wood slat features in the exterior walls, the Palos Verde fieldstone and the mass of a home under a flat roof all reflective of mid-century design. Finally, one of the most desirable aspects of Mid Century homes was the flow from inside to outside living. Every room within this home offers a door leading out to a patio or balcony bringing the outside in at every opportunity. This home is the epitome of mid-century architecture we are trying to preserve in Riverside.
About the Architect’s Notable Career and Education:
As written by Mr. Fernald himself in 2000 in a resume about his career as he branched out and started his own private practice.
“Mr. Fernald has more than forty years of experience in architectural design, land planning, and project management. He has been responsible for the master planning and management of major land development and mixed us building projects, as well as a variety of smaller architectural projects. Mr.
Fernald is perhaps best known for his design of custom homes and housing communities. His work has been published many times and has received numerous design awards.
As Vice President-Planning, Architecture & Engineering of Laguna Niguel Corporation (1959-1970), Mr.
Fernald supervised the planning and engineering for the 8,000-acre New Town development and was responsible for the architectural design for the company’s projects. These projects were honored with a total of 14 national awards for architectural design, interior design, landscape design, and graphic design and were published frequently in national publications. (Samples of those publications are included in this application)
As Vice President of Cabot, Cabot & Forbes, Inc. (1970-1974), Mr. Fernald supervised the planning and architectural design of several high rise commercial projects, including Crossroads Galleria, a 1.4 million sq ft. mixed use project, and the five story Anaheim Medical Arts office building in Anaheim.
Mr. Fernald served as Community Development Director for the City of Anaheim (1974-1976) with responsibility for the management of the City’s redevelopment and housing programs. He was appointed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors, in 1971, to participate on a task force to study low and moderate income housing in the county, and served as Chairman. He was appointed to serve on the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and served as Chairman in 1974.
Over the last twenty years (1977-1999) Mr. Fernald returned to private practice and has served as consulting Architect for several private development companies and individuals. His work has included single and multifamily housing developments, commercial and industrial centers, and several public projects. His projects include wood frame, concrete tilt-up, structural steel and light steel and masonry construction.
Mr. Fernald received a BA in Architecture from Stanford University and completed a year of graduate work at the U.S.SC School of Architecture. He has been active for many years in the American Institute of Architects. He served as a Director for the California Council, AIA, and as President of the Orange County Chapter AIA.”
Notable homes and developments:
In 1957 just after building 5050 Myrtle Ave, Knowlton Fernald Jr. was hired by Hortense Miller and her Husband to design a striking Mid-Century Modern home in Laguna Beach. Hortense Miller was a lifelong gardener used the architecture and landscape to create the perfect garden. In 1969 the home was on the cover of Sunset Magazine. In 1973 Hortense donated her home to the city of Laguna Beach while still living in it. Today the Hortense Miller Garden & House can be toured on Thursdays and Saturdays, and remains a major piece of historical significance in Laguna Beach.
In 1963 Knowlton Fernald Jr, was the architect for Monarch Bay Beck House. This house was a 4,400 sq ft home that was featured in local and national newspapers, the Los Angeles Times Home Magazine called it the “California” house, Ladies Home Journal called it one of the “key houses in Laguna Niguel”.
In 1962-1965 Knowlton was 1 of 3 Architects responsible for the 11 Acre Development of 44 houses southeast of Monarch Bay called the Monarch Bay Mall Houses. The project was to make sure each home had a dramatic view of the ocean, and boasted beautiful landscape, and had privacy without closing the drapes. The project was a huge success and the 3 architects received the 1966 Award of Merit from the American Institute of Architects.
Knowlton Fernald Jr. would go on to design countless homes during his career.
Knowlton Fernald Jr. Passed in 2005 at the age of 76.
In 2013 the Historical Society of Dana Point opened an exhibit of the Knowlton Fernald Collection.
To our knowledge there are no other Knowlton Fernald Jr homes in Riverside. This home offers local and historical significance both to the area and to southern California Mid-Century Architecture.
See Selective Project list attached for additional information on his participation in Architecture, Construction, and Project Management.
Exhibit 3 - Current Photos
Figure 1 – Bird’s eye, view looking east
Figure 2 - South & West Elevation, view looking north
Exhibit 3 - Current Photos
Figure 3 - Main Entry, view looking east
Figure 4 - West Elevation (Garage & Balcony), view looking east
Exhibit 3 - Current Photos
Figure 5 - West Elevation Balconies, view looking south
Figure 6 - Third Level & Book Deck, view looking east
Exhibit 3 - Current Photos
Figure 7 - Bird's Eye, view looking northwest
Figure 8 - Living Room, view looking northwest
Exhibit 3 - Current Photos
Figure 9 - Bedroom, view looking west
Figure 10 - Rear Patio, view looking west