Cultural Heritage Board
Memorandum
Community & Economic Development Department Planning Division 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522 | Phone: (951) 826-5371 | RiversideCA.gov
DP-2022-01109
CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD MEETING DATE: JANUARY 18, 2023
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-2022-01109 (Historic Designation) for the designation of the Walter Verly House as a City Landmark is categorically exempt from the California 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-2022-01109 (Historic Designation), based on the facts of findings, and designate the Walter Verly House as a City Landmark.
Case Numbers DP-2022-01109 (Historic Designation)
Request To consider a Historic Designation request to designate the Walter Verly House as a City Landmark
Applicant Shaw Stevens
Project
Location
6268 Palm Avenue, on the
southeast corner of Palm
Avenue and Gardena Drive
APN 225-032-001
Ward 3
Neighborhood Magnolia Center
Historic District Not Applicable
Historic
Designation Not Applicable
Staff Planner
Scott Watson, Historic Preservation Officer
951-826-5507
[email protected]
DP-2022-01109
BACKGROUND
Walter Verly House
The Walter Verly House is located at 6268 Palm Avenue (Exhibit 1). The Airplane Bungalow-style residence was constructed in 1919. Records do not indicate that the residence is associated with any known design or builder. According to building permits and City Directory records, the original owner of the residence was Walter Verly, a mechanic at the Mission Garage. A detached garage was constructed at the residence in 1921. The garage was destroyed by an electrical fire in 2019 and replaced by a detached two-car garage in 2020. The residence has had no major alterations according to records.
Airplane Bungalow Style
Craftsman architecture, a style of architecture prominent during the Art & Crafts movement, stressed the importance of simplicity. The philo sophy was one of adapting form to function, celebrating the designer through meticulous atte ntion to craftsmanship, and reflecting nature through the use of careful siting, massing, and a ground-hugging design. The heyday of Craftsman design was the decade between 1906 and 1916; after that the Craftsman style was simplified, often reduced to signature elements such as an offset front gable roof, battered porch piers, and extended lintels over door and window openings. In many cases, the Craftsman style incorporated distinctive elements from other architectural styles, resulting in numerous variations.
Smaller homes, usually one- to one-and-one-half-sto ry houses that were spawned by this stylistic movement, became known as Craftsman Bungalows.
The Airplane Bungalow substyle is a variant of the Craftsman Bungalow and distinguished by a “pop-up” second story, usually one or two rooms in size, that “floats” over the larger first story. The second story often features bands of windows an d was designed as a sleeping room in summer w e a t h e r w i t h a l l - a r o u n d a c c e s s t o b r e e z e s . T h e p o p - u p s e c o n d s t o r y i s s a i d t o r e s e m b l e t h e cockpit of an airplane, lending to the name of architectural style.
Character-defining features of the Airplane Bungalow Style include:
A “pop-up” second story set back from the first story elevations. Low-pitched gable roof
Multiple roof planes
Wide eave overhangs
Roof-wall brackets
Exposed rafter tails
Square or rectangular form with emphasis on horizontal line Clapboard and/or shingle siding
Band of wood casement or double-hung windows
Open porch
Simple square columns and balustrades
Japanese architecture influences, creating an Asian-inspired aesthetic
DP-2022-01109
ANALYSIS
The applicant is requesting approval of a Histor ic Designation to designate the Verly House as a City Landmark.
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 (Exhibit 2).
Architectural Description
The Walter Verly House is situated on southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Gardena Drive in the Magnolia Center neighborhood of the City. The residence is set back from corner with a lawn. The two-story residence features an irregular shaped ground plan with a raised foundation and an asymmetrical facade. The second story is setback on all sides from the first floor. The residence is capped with an asphalt shingle-topped, low pitched crossed-gable roof with wide eaves, fascia boards, gable end outlookers. The residence is cl ad on the first floor with wood shingle and a stucco skirt separated by a horizontal board trim that extends beyond the elevation plane of each external to form a cross detail. A tapered, re ctangular, stucco-clad chimney rises along south elevation. An L-shaped, wraparound, projecting porch is covered by a gable roof, supported by square post atop stucco-clad battered piers. The residence features a variety of windows, including fixed, casement, and double-hung wood -framed windows with wood trim and sills.
Some windows are grouped or paired.
Statement of Significance
The Verly House is historically significant as an excellent and rare example of Airplane Bungalow style residential architecture in the City. The residence also 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, arch aeological, cultural, architectural, community, aesthetic or artistic heritage of the City, that reta ins a high degree of integrity.” Pursuant to the applicable Landmark criteria in Chapter 20.50, th e Walter Verly House is eligible for designation under Criterion 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 exampl e of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship.
FACTS: The Airplane Bungalow Style of architecture is fairly uncommon in Riverside, with only approximately seven known examples throughout the City. The Walter Verly House embodies the character-defining features of the style, including: a two-story structure with Asian architectural influences and an emphasis on horizontal lines; a “pop-up” second story set back from the first floor; low-pitched gable roofs with wide eaves and gable end outlookers; a combination of stucco and wood shingle exterior cladding; fixed, casement, and double-hung wood-framed windows with trim; and an open porch with square posts atop battered piers.
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
DP-2022-01109
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 in cludes 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
4. Presentation
Prepared by: Scott Watson, Historic Preservation Officer Reviewed by: Matthew Taylor, Principal Planner
N
0 180 36090
FeetDP-2022-01109 Exhibit 1 - Location Map
KEY
GARDENA DR
PALM AV
KEY
Buildings
Project Area
Parcels
6268 Palm Ave
Cultural Resources Nomination Application
City Landmark Structure of Merit
Please check the Designation for which you are applying
IDENTIFICATION
1. Common name:
2. Historic Name:
3. Street address:
City State Zip
4. Assessor Parcel number:
5. Present Legal Owner:
City State Zip
6. Present Use:
7. Original Use:
Date form prepared:
Preparer:
Sponsoring Organization (if any):
Address:
City, State and Zip:
Phone:
X
6268 Palm Avenue - Airplane Craftsman 1919
6268 Palm Avenue
Riverside CA 92506
Shawn T. Stevens
Riverside CA 92506
Residence
Residence
3/14/2022
Shawn Stevens
6268 Palm Ave.
Riverside, CA 92506
949-878-8550
& 6/25/2022
225-032-001
Revised 8/25/2022
DESCRIPTION
8. Legal property description:
Include approximate property size (in feet): Street Frontage Depth
9. Architectural Style:
10. Construction Date: Estimated Factual
Source of Information: Assessor's Records Building Permit Sanborn Map Publications Oral Interviews
11. Architect's Name: Builder's Name:
12. Condition: Excellent Good Fair Deteriorated No longer in existence
13. Alterations:
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?
Yes No Unknown
If moved, approximate year
17. Related features and/or out-buildings:
Airplane Craftsman
0.19 ACRES M/L IN SEC 34 T2S R5W
1919
X
Unknown
X
New detatched garage in 2019 when original burnt down.
X
X
X
Detached garage
70 140 approx
Unknown
SIGNIFICANCE
18. Historical Attributes:
Unknown Government Building Folk Art
Single Family Educational Building Street Furniture
Multiple Family Religious Building Landscape Architecture Ancillary Building Railroad Depot Trees/Vegetation
Hotel/Motel Train Urban Open Space
Bridge Rural Open Space Canal/Aqueduct
Farm/Ranch Industrial Building Dam
Military Property Public Utility Building Lake/River/Reservoir CCC/WPA Structure Theater Ethnic Minority Prop.
Engineering Structure Highway/Trail Civic Auditorium
Amusement Park Woman's Property Monument/Mural/Gravestone Cemetery Hospital Stadium
Mine Community Center/Social Hall
Commercial Building, 1-3 stories Commercial Building, over 3 stories Other:
19. Architectural Description
22. Photographs
23. Letter from property owner (if other than applicant) X
20. Statement of Significance
21. Bibliography
Attached.
I am the owner.
Attached.
Attached.
Attached.
19. Architectural Description:
Based on rev iew o f the City Historic Resources Database only six residences were identified as showcasing the Airplane Craftsman Style. Of these, the residence at 6268 Palm Ave, appears to be the only without exterior modifications.
The Palm Ave House is a one and a half-story single-family residence and detached garage located on the
corner of Palm Ave and Gardena. Built in 1919 , to the owner only known as Walter Verley, a mechanic at Mission Garage, with an unknown architect and construction company. The residence is an example of the Airplane Bungalow variation of the Craftsman architectural style. A detached garage, added in 1921. The single-family residence is of wood-frame construction with wood clapboard siding. It has a low-pitched, multi-gable roof with composition shingles and wide, open eaves featuring barge-boards, exposed rafter tails. The primary front doors feature a wraparound porch
sheltered by a gable roof supported by battered piers clad in wood clapboard. The front door is located facing Palm Ave., underneath the porch gable, and consists of an unpainted, partially glazed door. Windows mainly consists primarily of side by side casement wood windows, with other types including fixed, throughout the homes approx. 40 windows. The second story comprises a smaller volume floor that is set above. The interior features original hardwood floors, paneled doors, built-in furniture and cabinetry, and a brick fireplace.
According to building permit records, the residence has had no major alterations. The 1921 garage had an electrical fire and burned down in 2019, and a replacement two-car garage was constructed in early 2020.
Japanese influenced arch located inside the Palm Home, which is a large contribution to the airplane bungalow style.
E
xterior The Palm House is a two-story (with small basement), single-family dwelling constructed in 1919. It was designed in the Airplane variation of the Craftsman style. The second story comprises a “pop-up” above and set back from the north, south, and west façades of the first story. The wood- framed building has an irregular plan and sits on a raised foundation. It has a low-pitched, multi-gable roof with wide, open eaves featuring bargeboards, and exposed rafter tails. The roof is covered in composition shingles, and walls are clad in wood clapboard. Windows are primarily casement windows, with other types including fixed; all windows are wood with simple wood surrounds. The primary (west) entrance to the house comprises a projecting wrap around porch that spans nearly the length of the north/west façade. The porch is sheltered by a front-facing gable roof supported by massive battered piers clad in wood clapboard. The porch has a concrete floor and wood balustrade. The front door is located near the north end of the west façade, underneath the porch gable. The door is unpainted and partially glazed with an irregularly shaped light. To the north of the door are two wood tripartite windows composed of a fixed center window. There is a second door that is located on the back north/east section of the wrap around patio with two small French doors with original hardware. The interior of the main house is largely intact with original plaster ceilings and walls, original wood flooring, original paneled wood doors, and original wood details including built-ins, wainscot, ceiling coves, and baseboards. The front door leads to the living room, which contains a brick fireplace with built-in cabinetry on each side of it Leading from the living room to the dining room is a built in Asian inspired wood archway. Wood built-in cabinetry spans the north wall of the dining room, and a wood and plaster wainscot with a picture rail/shallow shelf lines the east and south walls. The kitchen (with a breakfast nook) laundry room that contains the back porch exit are located to the east of the dining room. The kitchen features have been replaced around 1960 and is currently being updated, this includes removal of flooring to reveal original wood flooring that is being refinished. To the north of the dining room contains bedroom with large closet that include a small door that has access to storage under the staircase. There is a second exiting door within this room that exits to the hallway and also to the staircase to the south. Under the staircase contains an original door to the south side that leads to the basement, there is a wood and concrete steps and contains original wall safe within the concrete.
Continuing down the hallway leads to the only bathroom. The primary bedroom sits on the north/east back portion of the house has original wood flooring, plaster walls and closet. The hallway with a wood staircase leading to bedrooms. The second story contains another two bedrooms separated with the staircase, and a closet in the hallway.
Th
e only know alterations onsite was in 1921, the garage was added to the east side of the property.
And was replaced with new after a fire in 2019. Based on its current appearance, it appears that the Palm House has experienced few alterations since its original construction in 1919.
20. Statement of Significance: Airplane bungalows are a sub-t ype of a craftsman home. My home is an excellent and rare example of this architectural style. The Japanese influenced can be felt in the interior with beautiful wood millwork feature that is between the living room and dining room. Photo is a
ttached.
The Palm Ave. House also “embodies the distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or method of construction” as an excellent and intact example of the Airplane Bungalow variation of the Craftsman architectural style. Hallmarks of the style, as exhibited by this property, include the “pop-up” second story, low-pitched gable roof with wide eaves and exposed rafter tails, wood clapboard siding, and prominent projecting front entrance porch with multiple windows surrounding all sides and stories of this home.
T
he Craftsman airplane bungalow sub-type dates from the early 1900s and reached a peak of popularity in the late 1910s. The Craftsman airplane bungalow is similar to the Craftsman bungalow in plan and is characterized by a “pop up” second floor or half floor, usually one or two rooms in size, that “floats” over the larger first story. Rooflines on both the first and second floors have low-pitched gabled roofs, oversized eaves with exposed rafter tails, and bands of windows.
C
haracter-Defining/Associative Features:
• R
etains most of the essential character-defining features of the style • O
ne or two stories in height • Building forms that respond to the site • Shingled exteriors, occasionally clapboard or stucco • Low-pitched gabled roofs • Broad, overhanging eaves with exposed structural members such as rafter tails, knee braces, and king posts • Broad front entry porches of half for full- width, with square or battered columns, sometimes second-story sleeping porches • Extensive use of natural materials for columns, chimneys, retailing walls, and landscape features • Casement windows situated in groups • Represents an early or rare example of the style in the community in which it is located • If Airplane, then has a “pop up” second story with one or two rooms • If Japanese-influenced, then may have multi-gabled roofs or gables that peak at the apex and flare at the ends • If Chalet- influenced, then may have single, rectangular building forms, front-facing gabled roofs, second story balconies, flat balusters with decorative cutouts or decorative brackets and bargeboards 21 . Bibliography:
Google research on description and characterizes of an airplane bungalow.
Ruth McCormick, Minor news articles found. Home has been owned by working class families in research with no significate residence.
Cit
y of Riverside permits online
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airplane_Bungalow
https://www.house-design-coffee.com
Planning.lacity.org
22 . Photographs
Residence from 1919 to 1968
1919 to 1926: Walter F. Verley – Mechanic at Mission Garage 1927 to 1930: Ernest and Teresa Johnson – Carpenter
1931 to 1932: Thos and Ethel Nolan – Salesman at Grain & Milling Co. 1933 to 1946: Knute and Edith Holte – Trucking
1947 to 1968: Arthur and Ruth Burnes – Forman at Hart & Burns Inc.
Exhibit 3 – Current Photos
Figure 1 - Front Facade (west elevation), looking east
Figure 2 - North Elevation, looking south
Exhibit 3 – Current Photos
Figure 3- Front Porch, looking south
Figure 4 - South Elevation, looking northeast
Exhibit 3 – Current Photos
Figure 5 - South Elevation, looking northwest
Exhibit 3 – Current Photos
Figure 6 - Interior, showcasing Asian influenced design