DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
*P3a. Description (continued):
There is an alley named 6th Court that runs north to south along the west side of the subject property. A driveway from 6th Court provides access to the subject property at its north corner. Building B is located adjacent to the driveway on the south. The subject property is enclosed by a metal security fence with concrete pylons that runs along Colorado Avenue between Building A and Building B. To the north side of Building B, an automated gate allows access to the site off 6th Court. There is additional access to the site through a pedestrian gate immediately to the west of Building A facing Colorado Avenue. Originally, site access was directly off Colorado Avenue and not off of 6th Court. There is mature landscaping including bushes and trees within the property line at the parking lot, with bushes lining Colorado Avenue, and palm trees lining 7th Street.
Building A, 631 Colorado Avenue
Building A is a brick one-story Commercial/Industrial Vernacular style building that was constructed in 1937 with later additions including a second-story addition at its rear north end and a one-story addition that projects westward at its north corner. Located on the western corner of Colorado Avenue and 7th Street, Building A is oriented facing Colorado Avenue and extends northward along 7th Street. Building A is largely rectangular in plan and includes a second-story addition at its north end and a small one-story projection at the north corner elevation. Building A is constructed of brick with a reinforced concrete frame and sits on a concrete slab foundation. Building permits and physical evidence indicate that the original brick finish has been removed by two sandblasting campaigns that have damaged the original brick and mortar joints and pointing. The original one-story rectangular portion of the building has an arched wood truss roof and a horizontal brick parapet. There are skylights and mechanical equipment on the roof.
Originally constructed as a one-story building, a second-story addition at the north end, and a ground floor wing addition at the north corner were completed between 1998 and 2002. The second-story addition has a flat roof and is accessed via an interior staircase from the main ground floor space. The second-story addition has an exterior door opening at its west end that opens onto a rooftop patio above the ground floor one-story wing addition. All windows in the original section of Building A have been replaced with new metal industrial-style multi-lite windows (fixed and hopper assemblies), and there is evidence of brick infill at the location of former window and door openings that have been closed.
Building A’s south elevation facing Colorado Avenue is comprised of three structural bays (original) which are divided by vertical fluted concrete pylons incised with vertical groove lines. The pylons each terminate in a stepped pyramidal capital that rises just above the fascia and parapet. There is an attached sign on the center bay of the parapet comprised of individual metal channel letters that reads “Bay Films”. Three large non-original multi-lite industrial type metal window assemblies sit within each bay, atop a brick bulkhead. Concrete fascia and a parapet span between the three structural bays and includes horizontal score lines above and below which correspond with the vertically fluted pylons.
Originally, Building A’s primary facade was located along Colorado Avenue at the south elevation and included two storefronts within the two outer structural bays that each had a single-leaf wood and glass State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
entrance door and paired fixed wood windows adjacent to the door. There was a row of four rectangular transom windows above the doors and windows. The transoms over the doors were openable hopper windows. There were similar paired fixed wood windows surmounted by four transoms within the center structural bay. Originally, attached wall signs were located on the parapet that read from left-to-right, “ABC”, “ABC Distributing Co.” and “Wine Beer Liquors”. The bulkhead walls below the windows appear to have been stuccoed. A comparison of a historic photo of the building from 1945 with existing conditions indicates that the original storefronts have been removed and openings altered. The current windows along Colorado Avenue sit within original storefront openings, and the lower portion of the two door openings have been filled in. There is evidence of water damage and graffiti removal on the bulkhead walls on this elevation.
The eastern elevation along 7th Street extends the depth of the lot and includes a non-original metalframe 5:4 multi-lite industrial-type window assembly at the south corner of the elevation. This elevation is comprised of six regularly spaced structural bays delineated by its reinforced concrete frame, with brick walls (sandblast damage evident) and a brick parapet (sandblasted) at the roofline. There is evidence of parapet repair at this elevation, along with seismic structural reinforcement. Evidence of graffiti removal is apparent. All of the original windows have been replaced with metal industrial type multi-lite new windows within the original window openings. A contemporary second-floor addition rises from the final bay at the northern extent of the elevation, which was constructed with similar red brick and reinforced concrete framing and has similar multi-lite industrial type metal windows. The northernmost portion (rear wall) of Building A’s addition consists of a horizontally scored concrete wall at the second floor, which surmounts a blank brick wall with concrete framing.
Accessible through a pedestrian gate in the metal fence along Colorado Avenue, or through a vehicular gate along 6th Court, the asphalt surface parking area for the subject property occupies the majority of the lot. There is a paved walkway from the pedestrian gate on the south side of the lot to the current building entrance on the west elevation of Building A. Building A’s west elevation faces the parking lot and has a similar in organization to the east elevation along 7th Street. The west elevation includes six regularly spaced structural bays delineated by a reinforced-concrete frame, with brick walls and a horizontal brick parapet. The entire west elevation has been sandblasted as has the exterior and interior of the whole building. Smaller 4:2 and 3:2 multi-lite metal frame industrial type windows punctuate three of the bays, while a contemporary recessed entrance sits roughly centered in the elevation. The main entrance includes a contemporary glass door with sidelites and transom windows.
Comparison of existing conditions with Sanborn maps and aerial photos indicates that the existing building entrance is in the location of a former garage bay, and that the large fixed multi-lite industrial window to the north is situated within a second former garage bay. There is also evidence of an enclosed (bricked) former single door opening that has been converted to a 3:2 window, at the south end of this elevation. Projecting from the final northern bay along the west elevation sits a new “sunroom” addition constructed of reinforced concrete that features large multi-lite floor-to-ceiling window assemblies at its visible south and west elevations. Atop this “sunroom” addition sits a rooftop patio. This addition forms an State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
L-shape at the rear north corner of the building. The area along the addition and west side of the building is planted with grass and other decorative landscaping.
The interior includes main floor area with an arched wood ceiling with exposed wood trusses and rafters.
Original brickwork and concrete framing (sandblasted) are exposed throughout the interior. Some damage/deterioration is evident on the interior including water intrusion/leaks, efflorescence, sandblasting, and disintegration of the brick and mortar, and spalling of the concrete. Incompatible mortar patching is also visible at areas with later brick infill/alteration. The interior includes concrete slab flooring, contemporary partitions, and a contemporary second story mezzanine addition at the northern part of the building. The addition includes a metal staircase that leads from the main floor to a second story mezzanine and offices. The mezzanine level opens to a rooftop patio above the concrete ground-floor addition. Contemporary drywall and wood framing s abuts the historic brick and concrete walls, and metal seismic armature tying the structural system can be seen at the interior.
Building B, 621 Colorado Avenue
Building B is a brick one-story Commercial/Industrial Vernacular style building clad in smoothly finished stucco that was originally constructed in 1941. Located on the western extent of the subject property, the building extends along 6th Court south to the property line at Colorado Avenue. A driveway from 6th Court runs along the north end of Building B to the parking area on the subject property. Building B faces east toward the parking area. The brick masonry building has a rectangular footprint and a flat roof with a built up exposed brick parapet. The building’s southern elevation is comprised of a single bay with a concrete horizontal beam, flanked by concrete pylons with stepped pyramidal capitals.
Building B was originally used for truck storage and loading, and its north elevation formerly included open bays for truck parking; the openings have been filled in and new windows installed for offices. A present-day comparison with a historic photo from 1945 indicates that the east elevation along Colorado Avenue originally included painted advertisements on the east brick wall for “A. B. C. Beer” and “Budweiser”, and a painted sign on the parapet for “A. B. C. Distributing Co.”, showing that this south elevation never included openings; it is still a blank brick wall today and has been sandblasted.
The building’s west elevation abuts 6th Court, an alley way that runs between Colorado Avenue and Broadway. This elevation has been covered with smooth stucco and has a single scored line toward the parapet, and no fenestration. A metal automated vehicular gate abuts the building’s north corner and extents north to the north property line. The north elevation similarly has no fenestration and is covered with smooth stucco with a single scored line at the parapet. Metal signage toward the parapet reads:
“BAY FILMS PLATINUM DUNES,” which sits to the right of a short metal ladder that provides access to the roof.
The eastern elevation facing the parking area, which formerly included multiple open bays for trucks, was enclosed in the late 1990s or early 2000s. The elevation is clad in smooth stucco and includes a score line toward the parapet. A centralized contemporary recessed entrance includes a single lite door with State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
sidelites and transom windows.This configuration mirrors the contemporary entrance at Building A. A series of three 4:3 multi-lite steel window assemblies flank either side of the recessed entrance.
A metal security fence extends from the eastern corner of Building B and continues along Colorado Avenue to the western corner of Building A. The metal security fence is attached to the pylon and sits above a new concrete wall. New matching pylons similar to the pylons on Buildings A and B serve as fence posts for the security fence.
At the interior of Building B, original brickwork is visible in several of the studio offices located in the southern extent and along the western wall of the building. The brick appears to have once been painted, and has since been sandblasted. The original brick building received an addition to its north end in 1958, and the original exterior brick wall at the former north elevation is still present within the building near the building entrance lobby. The brick here appears to be deteriorating due to water damage. The entire interior has been remodeled with contemporary materials including drywall at the walls and ceilings (except at the areas with exposed original brick), cement and rolled carpet flooring, and contemporary doors.
P5a. Photographs (continued):
Building A south facade, view north
State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
Building A east elevation along 7th Street, view west
Building A east elevation with second‐story addition, view north State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
Building A west elevation with contemporary building entrance at center and ground‐floor projecting wing addition at left, view east
Building A interior with contemporary second story staircase State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
Building B south facade along Colorado Avenue, view north Building B, perspective view of west and north elevations with corner pylon, smooth stucco cladding, and mechanized gate, view south
State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
Building B contemporary recessed entrance along eastern elevation, facing west View of Building B interior brickwork of original wall that was formerly at the exterior northern extent of the building, prior to new north addition, view to east State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
*B6. Construction History (continued):
Building A
According to Los Angeles County Assessor’s records and the original City of Santa Monica building permit, the existing Building A was constructed in 1937. The original building permit was issued to A. B. C. Distributing Company for a single-story brick building for office and warehouse purposes. The address on this permit was listed as 625 Colorado for Block 193 and Lots K and L. The building was to measure 50’ x 100’ and was constructed on a 100’ x 150’ lot which indicates that Building A was constructed to the extent of the lot line along 7th Street. The property then included a garage or cottage according to the building permit, which was demolished for redevelopment of the lot. According to the building permit, the specified building material to be used was “groutlock brick” and the structure would be finished with a composition roof. The building would be a single story and reach a maximum height of 20 feet. There was no architect or contractor listed on the permit. One year after construction, an aerial photograph taken in 1938 depicts Building A on the subject parcel. The lot at the time appeared to include several auxiliary buildings and a fence surrounding the perimeter. A photograph taken in 1945 illustrates Building A roughly 8 years after construction. Originally, there were two storefront entrances to Building A along the Colorado Avenue elevation. The south elevation included three bays delineated by fluted concrete pylons. Each bay included wood frame fixed windows with transom windows above, and bulkheads below. Two single lite doors sat recessed within the first and third structural bays. The horizontal parapet between the structural bays was scored along the lower and upper fascia and the rectangular panels on the parapet spanning the structural bays had painted signage on each of the three panels that read, right to left, “A. B.
C.;” “A. B. C. DISTRIBUTING CO.;” AND “WINE BEER LIQUORS.” The east elevation, which fronts 7th Street included one wood fixed window with transom window assembly, and at least two other windows that are difficult to discern due to the low quality of the image. The east elevation appeared to have exposed brick, with adjacent mature palm trees lining the sidewalk.
A Sanborn map created in 1950 depicts the building’s continued use for wholesale liquor and beer, shows that the building construction included reinforced concrete pylons, concrete floors and beams and a wood truss roof. There were two adjacent 1-story canopy structures located along the western elevation of Building A by 1950. By this time, Building B was constructed and was used for truck storage for the A. B. C. Distributing Company. An aerial photograph taken in 1952 depicts these 1-story canopy structures, which included parked trucks adjacent to Building A.
At some point the building must have been painted. Roughly 18 years after original construction, in 1955, a building permit was issued to sandblast the brick building when Aerophysics Development Corporation occupied the building. Additional electrical and gas improvements were made in 1955 according to building permits.
State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
Building A appeared to have been used as a body shop from about 1957 to about 1994. In 1957, a permit for electrical work was issued to new building owner Jack Hammer when the property was converted into an auto body shop. It does not appear that any structural changes were made at this time. A subsequent 1958 building permit indicates that a large, projecting metal sign reading “Keystone Auto Body” was installed to advertise the business to passers-by along Colorado Avenue. The sign permit indicates that Building B was then used as a paint shop for the auto body business. Subsequent building permits show electrical and plumbing improvements were completed for the property between 1958 and 1993. A 1964 aerial indicates that the adjacent 1-story canopy structures along the northern property extent had been demolished. The 1965 Sanborn map indicates Building A’s continued usage as an auto body repair shop, which is also illustrated in the 1986 Sanborn map. The Northridge earthquake in 1994 caused damage to the building, as indicated by the building safety assessment which indicated “fallen bricks and a rear wall down,” yet no structural damage was sustained.1 This indicates some unspecified loss of brick from the building.
With a change in ownership the in following year, 1995, a permit was issued to include 17 parking stalls on the site at the central parking lot between Buildings A and B. Subsequent permits issued between 1995 and 1996 included extensive tenant improvements to both buildings and the site. Modifications to Building A indicated a new office use, which was illustrated in a sketch plan accompanying a 1995 building permit. The plan included new interior walls throughout, delineating office spaces, conference areas, storage, and restrooms, in addition to a new main entrance along the west elevation, where there were formerly 1-story canopies. In addition, the plan detailed landscaping along the west elevation and the parking lot.
Extensive permits were issued in 1997, including: electrical work; sandblasting at both the exterior and interior; the raising of a section of 33’ x 50’ of floor; and the reconstruction of 49 linear feet of parapet wall, which may have been to repair damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
In 1998, a new building permit application was submitted for a second-floor addition and renovation work, with total valuation of improvements estimated at $100,000. A subsequent 1998 permit was issued to construct a metal fence with concrete pylons. In 2002, an application to reinstate the previous expired permit to complete the second-floor addition was submitted.
The permit was for a second story addition (50’ x 100’, located at the north extent of the building) and a one-story addition at the ground floor (25’ x 42’, located to the south of the second story addition) for office production use. By the 2005 aerial photograph, it appears that both the one- and two-story additions had been constructed.
Building B
In 1941, four years after the construction of Building A, a building permit was issued for the construction of a loading canopy at the western extent of the subject property at 621 Colorado 1 Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessment, Keystone Body Shop, January 17, 1994 [Handwritten ref, no.: DA0239].
State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
Avenue. The loading canopy was constructed for use by the A. B. C. Distributing Company, and it likely served as a shelter when loading trucks with product prior to regional distribution. The canopy was rectangular measuring 16’ x 38’ in plan, 16’ tall, and included a composition roof.
Noted Santa Monica architect Frederic C. Barienbrock, AIA, was listed as the architect for the canopy. Barienbrock had achieved notoriety by the 1940s period and his knowledge of reinforced groutlock brick masonry, which was used in Building A, is documented in a Los Angeles Times article from 1934. A photograph taken in 1945 illustrates Building B’s configuration four years after construction, and likely reflects its original configuration. The structure was oriented east toward the central parking lot that was shared with Building A and included five bays for cars or trucks. It appears that the south elevation, west wall, and the bulkhead at the north elevation were comprised of brick. A metal chain-link fence once lined Colorado Avenue between Buildings A and B.
In 1947, a building permit was issued to A. B. C. Distributing Company owner, Glen Moyer, to enclose the canopy with five pairs of sliding doors, which were to be installed within the five bays at the eastern elevation. This modification transformed the canopy into a storage building, and also included the installation of a 3’ platform at the interior for a total valuation of $800. The sketch accompanying the building permit illustrated the existing brick canopy walls, the new sliding doors, and then new platform. A Sanborn map issued in 1950 indicates several additional auxiliary storage buildings abutting Building B to the north and continuing along the northern extent of the property line leading to Building A. These structures were likely similarly canopies in-type, as indicated by the dashed line on the Sanborn map, yet they were not comprised of brick, as Building B was, as indicated by the structural symbols on the map. These auxiliary storage structures are also visible in a 1952 aerial photograph. Building B was sandblasted in 1955, according to a building permit.
Several building permits were issued in 1958 which included: the enlargement of Building B to be used to polish cars; a large sign for “Keystone Auto Body;” plumbing; and for cinder block walls, which were either part of Building B or retaining walls at the site. A sketch accompanying the permit to enlarge the Building illustrated a “proposed shelter” as a standalone structure measuring 24’ x 30’ in plan, in the area that is presently used as the property’s driveway along 6th Court. This canopy is no longer extant today. By the time of a 1964 aerial photograph, some of the auxiliary storage along the northern property line had been demolished. A 1965 Sanborn map notes Building B’s use as an auto painting building, with the newly erected canopy addition serving as a metal spray booth.
After the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the property’s ownership changed, and many building permits were issued between 1994 and 1995 for neighboring Building A. Some of these permits illustrate work done to Building B as well. A sketch plan accompanying a 1995 building permit illustrates a new entrance to Building B located at the east elevation, and a new restroom in the southern portion of the building (previously referenced Building B was transformed from a paint shop into a storage building for office use. The adjacent spray booth was removed during this State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
time, and a concrete wall extension along 6th Court was illustrated on the site plan. In 1997, Building B’s exterior and interior were sandblasted. It is likely around this time that Building B was encased in a smooth concrete stucco finish. Evidence of Building B’s original brick walls remain today, visible at the interior of the building, at the location of the original structure. The canopy addition has since been enclosed, unifying the disparate structures. *B6. Significance (continued):
Person(s) of Historical Importance
The original building permit for Building A, 631 Colorado Avenue indicated A. B. C.
Distributing Co. as the original owner, while the original permit for Building B, 621 Colorado Avenue indicate that Glen Moyer was the original owner, and was constructed to designs by architect Frederic C. Barienbrock.
Glen Moyer was listed as the owner of the subject property on a 1947 building permit.
While an announcement for his funeral service in 2951 indicated that he was a “founder of a wholesale beverage distributing company,” there was no evidence identified to suggest that Moyer’s involvement with the distribution industry influenced the economic development of Santa Monica, nor that he was a person of historical importance.2 Frederic C. Barienbrock’s design for Building B, a loading canopy which was later modified into a garage for truck storage, does not appear to be a significant project in the larger body of his work. Building B was later modified to include doors in the 1950s, and later, completely enclosed and reconfigured at the end of the 20th century. Barientbrock was known for his residential architecture, and large-scale civic and education buildings, however, Building B is not a significant work within architect Barienbrock’s portfolio in Santa Monica.
Statement of other significance
Groutlock brick was a construction method that included reinforced metal rebar within specially designed interlocking masonry bricks, which promised to be earthquake proof due to increased strength provided by internal reinforcement. The groutlock brick method of construction was developed prior to the 1933 earthquake, after which Building A was constructed. As such, Building A was not a novel building for the incorporation of the groutlock reinforced brick construction method.
No other evidence was discovered in current research of the property to indicate other significance.
Is the structure representative of a style in the City that is no longer prevalent? The subject property is an example of the Commercial/Industrial Vernacular architectural style, although it is not a rare example. The Commercial Vernacular style is no longer prevalent in the City, although several good examples remain. Based upon a review of the City’s Historic Resources Inventory and a windshield survey of the main corridors of Santa Monica, it appears that there are still several good examples of the Commercial Vernacular architectural style within the City of Santa Monica, as shown by Table 4. 2 “Funeral Services Held for Glen A. Moyer,” Mirror News, January 17, 1951.
State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
Most examples of this style in Santa Monica are in the main commercial district of the city, of which the subject property is not a part. There is even a potential Main Street Commercial District of which there are many better examples of the architectural style.
Further, in comparison, the subject property appears to be a modest and altered example of the Commercial Vernacular style within the city in comparison with the many other buildings of the style previously identified by the city, as seen in the Santa Monica Historic resources Inventory and excerpted in Table 4. 174 Kinney St, commonly known as the former Famous Enterprise Fish Company, is a designated City Landmark that was originally owned by the Pacific Electric Railway who constructed a reinforced brick garage, stores and offices in 1926, which has a similar 3-bay storefront divided by four vertical pylons.3
Does the structure contribute to a potential historic district? The structures do not contribute to a potential historic district.
Landmark Criteria
9.56.100(a) (1) It exemplifies, symbolizes, or manifests elements of the cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history of the City.
The subject property, a Commercial/Industrial Vernacular building, does not manifest the cultural and economic history of Santa Monica in its historical type and architecture. The subject property was not the first commercial or industrial building built along Colorado Avenue within the Town of Santa Monica Tract, as the original downtown commercial core was established in the late 1800s, with Colorado Avenue serving as the southern boundary. By the 1895 Sanborn map, commercial/industrial development was wellestablished along Colorado Avenue due to its close proximity to the railroad line. Most of the commercial development in downtown Santa Monica occurred during the 1920s, when the small seaside resort transformed into a metropolitan shopping district.
Development in the industrialized area where the subject property lies then included large-scale lumber, oil and power companies, in addition to smaller commercial/industrial businesses and aviation-related manufacturing which continued up through the 1940s. In the post-war period, later development along Colorado Avenue included prominent businesses associated with aerospace, aviation, and other industries such as Alpha Engineering Corporation’s electronics division, and Tavco Inc. that contributed to the atmospheric system on the Mercury capsule.
Building A was built in 1937, and Building B was built in 1941, after the commercial construction boom of the 1920s, yet prior to the post-war period of commercial/industrial development in the City. Its construction coincided with the Federal repeal of prohibition in the United States and the burgeoning beer and alcohol sales that ensued throughout Southern California and the nation. Its construction was not associated with the local patterns of commercial or industrial development in Santa Monica. The subject property has been used as a commercial alcohol beverage wholesale and distribution business, as an defense research office for Aerophysics, as an automobile body shop by Keystone Body Shop, and most recently as a film production office for Bay Films Platinum Dunes.
The subject property is a small, commercial improvement that is not representative of a 3 Architectural Resources Group, 174 Kinney Street, Santa Monica, Landmark Assessment Report, March 31, 2015, page 6.
State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
significant pattern of commercial or industrial development in the City. It does not exemplify the cultural and economic history of the City of Santa Monica. Therefore, the subject property does not appear to satisfy this criterion.
While the subject property is tangentially associated with Santa Monica as a leisure/recreation destination, since the subject property distributed alcoholic beverages to local and regional restaurants and to individual buyers for consumption, those businesses/enterprises did not exist or develop further because of the distribution of alcoholic beverages from the subject property. Therefore, the subject property did not have a significant influence on economic or recreational patterns of development in Santa Monica. Furthermore, with regard to the aftermath of prohibition, the subject property was developed in response to local, regional and national legal changes, and the subject property did not bring these changes about. The headquarters of the company was in San Diego and the subject property was one of several/many distributing warehouses in the southern California/Los Angeles region and did not in and of itself have any individual significance in the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages. Therefore, the subject property does not appear to satisfy this criterion.
9.56.100(a) (2) It has aesthetic or artistic interest or value, or other noteworthy interest or value.
Buildings A and B do not appear to meet this criterion. As examples of Commercial/Industrial Vernacular architecture, the buildings are considered modest in comparison to other buildings in the style. They have limited decorative features except for the concrete scored pylons, parapet, and brickwork. Specifically, the property’s spatial arrangements, massing, fenestration, materials, and overall form, while functionally successful, do not reflect the deft aesthetic hand of a master designer.
Furthermore, the subject property has been substantially altered from its original appearance. The subject property lacks sufficient aesthetic or architectural value and historic integrity necessary for designation.
9.56.100(a) (3) It is identified with historic personages or with important events in local, state or national history.
The resource does not appear to meet this criterion. Etta Moxley was an early property owner and occupied the property when there were previous buildings on the parcel, which were demolished prior to the construction of the existing improvements. While it was unusual for African American women to own property in the early 20th century, the extant buildings are not associated with Moxley and the existing improvements do not have any material association with her life. Current research does not indicate that this resource is identified with historic personages or with important events in local, state or national history in local, state, or national history.
9.56.100(a) (4) It embodies distinguishing architectural characteristics valuable to a study of a period, style, method of construction, or the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship, or is State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
a unique or rare example of an architectural design, detail or historical type valuable to such a study.
The property does not appear to satisfy this criterion. Both Buildings A and B are simple examples of buildings designed in the Commercial/Industrial Vernacular style. Building B was originally constructed as a loading canopy which was later used as a garage for truck storage, and was later infilled to its current appearance. The buildings incorporate architectural features such as minimal decorative detailing, largely simple rectangular forms, horizontal parapets and concrete pylons. Modifications to both of the buildings have altered their original design, workmanship, and materials, as well as their function.
All of the original doors and windows have been removed, and contemporary metal industrial type windows have either been installed, many in the original openings, and one large new window in a former garage door opening on the west facade. Additionally, brick infill of door openings has occurred, at an original garage door opening (now the main entrance) at the two original door openings of the storefronts, and at a man door on the west elevation of Building A; and the original open bays of Building B have been entirely infilled. Furthermore, repairs were made to the brick parapet that are clearly visible on the west facade. These areas of Building A were repaired/infilled with salvaged brick to match, but exhibit differences in brick color, mortar application, and brickwork with lower quality craftsmanship than that of the original construction.
Furthermore, the brick infill and repairs were also sandblasted, so they must have been completed before the last sandblasting campaign in 1997. The building’s original brick masonry has been painted at least once and sandblasted at least twice according to building permits. This has destroyed all of the brick’s original hard-fired finish and mortar pointing which has resulted in brick-and-mortar deterioration. At least one pulverized brick was observed in the interior east corner office of the building. Later modifications include a second-story addition at the northern extent of Building A that has altered the scale and massing of Building A when viewed from the public right of way along 7th Street, and a one-story concrete wing on the west elevation at the north corner of Building A that has altered the original appearance of the west elevation of Building A when viewed from the public right of way on Colorado Avenue or 6th Court. Two of the four elevations of Building B have been altered from their original appearance by an addition to the north end of the building, and by alteration and infill of the east façade to adapt the building’s use for offices. Furthermore, the two buildings are not rare examples of the commercial vernacular building type, as shown in Table 4 above. There are many such examples in the City of Santa Monica that have more architectural merit and retain higher integrity, such as 174 Kinney Street, a similar reinforced brick warehouse built in 1926. There are two examples of utilitarian industrial buildings in the Santa Monica inventory, 2920 and 2944 Nebraska Avenue; 2920 Nebraska Avenue appears to be a similar example to the subject property that was constructed in 1946. Therefore, the subject building does not appear to satisfy this criterion as a rare, extant example of a Commercial/Industrial Vernacular historical property type.
Buildings A and B do not appear to be eligible as examples of a method of construction.
Building A was constructed with groutlock brick, as indicated on the original building permit. It is possible that Building B, which was originally constructed as a canopy and was later used as a garage for truck storage, was also constructed with groutlock brick based upon physical observation of the brickwork by ESA, and documentary evidence State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
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as the architect of record, Frederic C. Barienbrock was evidently familiar with the building system as evidenced by his participation in a groutlock brick competition as included in a 1934 newspaper article. Groutlock brick was a construction method that included reinforced metal rebar within specially designed interlocking masonry bricks, which promised to be earthquake proof due to increased strength provided by internal reinforcement.4 Simons Brick Company, the company that produced groutlock brick operated from 1906 to about 1952. While Building A of the subject property was documented on the original building permit as constructed of groutlock brick and concrete framing, our research does not indicate groutlock brick became a highly utilized, important construction material in Santa Monica as a result of its application at this building. Further, the use of reinforced brick masonry has been recorded internationally for over 175 years, and has been adapted to a wide variety of applications throughout its history, and as such groutlock brick was just one reinforced brick masonry system of many that have been implemented over time.5 The project was not published in any architectural or engineering journals, nor was its construction method mentioned in any local or regional newspapers.6 Although other examples of reinforced brick masonry walls with concrete framing are found in Santa Monica, this was a ubiquitous construction method in southern California and in the United States and the use of reinforced brick and concrete framing at the subject property did not have a significant influence on the local, regional or national building industry. Therefore, the subject property does not appear to satisfy this criterion.
9.56.100(a) (5) It is a significant or a representative example of the work or product of a notable builder, designer or architect.
The resource does not appear to meet this criterion. Building A is not a significant or representative example of the work or product of a notable builder, designer or architect, as there was no one listed for the design of the building on the original building permit.
Santa Monica architect Frederic C. Barienbrock was listed as the architect on the original 1941 building permit for Building B, which was originally permitted and constructed as a canopy structure, which was later converted into a garage for truck storage. While Barienbrock was an established architect by the 1940s, he was best known for his civic and institutional work, some of which still remains today including the Modern style Santa Monica County Courthouse, and the vernacular Modern apartment building at 827-829 6th Street. As originally constructed, Building B included three brick exterior walls, with a fourth elevation comprised of open bay for truck parking. The 4 “Awards Made in Residential Design Contest,” Los Angeles Times, November 25, 1934. 5 Brick Industry Association, Technical Notes 17 – Reinforced Brick Masonry – Introduction Reissued Oct. 1996 (https://www.gobrick.com/docs/default-source/read-research-documents/technicalnotes/17-reinforced-brick-masonry--- introduction.pdf?sfvrsn=0, accessed 10/15/2021).
6 A search of the Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals for articles or publications about groutlock brick and 631 Colorado Avenue yielded no results. A search for “reinforced brick” more generally yielded two articles: “Products and Practice: R-BM Reinforced Brick Masonry,” Architectural Forum, January 1939, 367–70 and “Reinforced Brick Walls for Surface Shelters: Home Security Bulletin,” Builder, January 1941, 243–45. Several other articles on the work of Modern architect Eladio Dieste in Uruguay also appeared in this search. None of these articles appear to be directly relevant to groutlock brick or the property at 631 Colorado Avenue.
State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
building has been highly modified over time and is not a significant or representative example of the work of Frederic C. Barienbrock. Therefore, the subject property does not appear to satisfy this criterion.
9.56.100(a) (6) It has a unique location, a singular physical characteristic, or is an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the City.
The resource does not appear to meet this criterion. At the time of construction, the subject property was built as a distribution center for alcoholic beverages, in the industrial part of the City, among several large plants and other commercial businesses and the building fell into a common pattern of early 20th century industrial development.
The brick structures are located on a corner of a commercial-industrial area, abut a busy thoroughfare and are both largely obscured by bushes. It is a simple, utilitarian property with few distinguishing features other than its concrete pylons. As such, the subject property does not appear to have a unique location, singular physical characteristic, nor is an established visual feature of a neighborhood or of the City.
Structure of Merit
9.56.080 (a) The structure has been identified in the City’s Historic Resources Inventory The resource meets this criterion as it is identified in the City’s Historic Resources Inventory.
9.56.080 (b) The Structure is a minimum of 50- years of age and meets one of the following criteria.
The resource meets this criterion as Building A was constructed in 1937 making it 84 years of age, and Building B was constructed in 1941, making it 80 years of age.
9.56.080 (b)(1) The structure is a unique or rare example of an architectural design, detail or historic type.
The resource does not appear to meet this criterion. The structure is not a unique or rare example of an architectural design, detail or historic type. The resource does not have any distinctive design details and ornamental details are limited to concrete scoring at Building A, and concrete stepped pyramidal capitals at both buildings. Furthermore, it is a common form for Commercial/Industrial Vernacular buildings built in the early 20th century, and is not a unique design or type, nor does it have any distinctive details.
There are also many examples of Commercial Vernacular buildings in Santa Monica that are better-designed, as previously discussed above and included in Table 4 above.
9.56.080 (b)(2) The Structure is representative of a style in the City that is no longer prevalent.
The resource does not meet this criterion. As stated previously, the structure is not a rare example of the building type, as discussed above and illustrated in Table 4 above.
There are many such examples in the City of Santa Monica, specifically in the Main State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
Street Commercial District as well as 174 Kinney Street (1926), and 2920 Nebraska Avenue (1946).
9.56.080 (b)(3) The structure contributes to a potential Historic District.
The resource does not appear to meet this criterion as it is not a contributor to a potential historic district.
Historic Integrity
As Buildings A and B have consistently been owned by the same owners, and both buildings have similarly undergone modifications at the same time. Alterations most notably occurred upon ownership changes when the buildings were modified to suit new uses. As originally constructed, Building A included two storefronts within three bays along Colorado Avenue, while Building B included multiple open bays in order to serve as a truck garage.
The subject property retains integrity of location, as the buildings have not moved over time.
The historic setting has been altered as the original entrance to the subject property was formerly along Colorado Avenue; and as the early auxiliary buildings that were once a part of the A. B. C. Distributing Company have since been demolished; and as a new entrance was created in the western portion of the site, that also includes a new metal automated gate, whereas the original entrance to the subject property was off Colorado Avenue. An additional metal gate with new concrete pylons and a lower concrete wall stretches across the south side of the property from Building A to Building B, and mature plants cover the formerly exposed Colorado Avenue elevations of both buildings. Further, the surrounding setting has been altered with the demolition of smaller buildings, and the construction of large multi-family apartment buildings. The subject property is presently bordered by mixed development: multi-family housing to the north and east, and both large- and small-scale commercial developments and some multi-family housing to the south, and west. A low-rise brick commercial building is located on the lot immediately to the east of the subject property on the east corner of Colorado Avenue and 7th Street. To the west of the subject property, across the alley, is a block of lowrise commercial buildings on Colorado Avenue that extends to the corner of Colorado Avenue and 6th Street. As such, the subject property lacks integrity of property setting.
The original design of both buildings has been substantially altered as all of the fenestration has been either replaced or altered, the entrances have been reconfigured, and the exterior and interior surfaces sandblasted twice. All that remains intact is the brick, parapet (repaired), and arched wood truss roof. The original wood and glass storefronts on the south facade located along Colorado Avenue have been removed and infilled with industrial type metal windows that substantially detract from the original design intent of Building A, and a new recessed entrance in a former garage opening was constructed toward the center of Building A’s west elevation. A contemporary addition at the ground-floor and at the second floor has altered the foot print and massing of Building A’s design.
State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
Building B was originally designed as an open-bay garage structure, and underwent later changes to include sliding doors, and later, to include an addition at the north end, expanding the building’s footprint. The east façade was reconfigured to adapt the building for office use, and a new entrance and windows were installed, and the entire building covered in smooth concrete stucco to create a uniform modern industrial look.
As a result of substantial alterations, the subject property lacks integrity of design from its original construction.
Furthermore, as originally constructed, Building A was built utilizing –the groutlock reinforced brick system. It is also possible that groutlock brick was also used at Building B. However, heavy sandblasting of the original bricks and mortar pointing (exterior and interior), infill former door and garage openings, and parapet repairs, have substantially detracted from the integrity of materials and workmanship of the subject property. Additionally, nearly the entire exterior of Building B has been covered in smooth stucco leaving only a portion of the brick surface visible at the south elevation. On the interior, the wood trusses and open-beam ceilings have also been sandblasted and no longer have their original sawn wood finish. Therefore, the subject property lacks integrity of materials and workmanship.
However, the subject property still retains its overall historic feeling and association with the 1930s commercial/industrial development along Colorado Avenue from the post-Depression, pre-World War II years, although as noted, the property is not a unique example of such development.
Overall, the subject property lacks historic integrity.
Further, there is no remaining historic significance for the former structures that were once occupied and owned by previous owner, Etta Moxley, as all previous improvements associated with her life and ownership of the subject property were demolished prior to the construction of the existing improvements.
*B12. References (continued):
“A. B. C. Day Oct. 6th,” Newspaper advertisement, The Napa Valley Register, October 5, 1933. “A Modular House by Frederic Barienbrock, Architect and Eugene Memmier, Designer.” Arts & Architecture, April 1952, Vol. 69, No. 4, 30-31.
“Aerophysics Development Corporation. A Studebaker-Packard Subsidiary: Santa Monica, Calif.” Jet Propulsion Archive, Volume 26, Number 5, May 1956.
American Institute of Architects, Application for Membership, “Frederic Charles Barienbrock,” Application No. 4070, 1926. [AIA Historical Directory: https://aiahistoricaldirectory.atlassian.net/]. “Awards Made in Residential Design Contest,” Los Angeles Times, November 25, 1934.
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Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
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Basten, Fred E. Santa Monica Bay: Paradise by the Sea: A Pictorial History of Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Ocean Park, Pacific Palisades, Topanga. Santa Monica, California:
Hennessey + Ingalls, 2001.
“Beach City Growing at Rapid Rate,” Los Angeles Times, January 21, 1923. “Beautiful Bay District Grows,” Los Angeles Times, August 16, 1925.
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Charleston, James H. “Looff’s Hippodrome,” National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form, November 1984.
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Encyclopedia Britannica. Online Version. https://www.britannica.com “Funeral Services Held for Glen A. Moyer,” Mirror News, January 17, 1951. “$520,000 High School Building Completed,” Los Angeles Times, June 17, 1956. “Glen Alvin Moyer.” U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards.” 1917-1918, Ancestry.com. “Glen Alvin Moyer,” U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942, Ancestry.com. “Glenn A (Zora) mgr A B C Distributing Co.” Bay Cities Directory, Published by Los Angeles Directory Co. 1938.
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Gottfried, Herbert and Jan Jennings. American Vernacular Buildings and Interiors, 1870-1960.
New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2009.
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Historic Resources Group and Architectural Resources Group. “City of Santa Monica: Historic Resources Inventory Update, Historic Context Statement.” Prepared for City of Santa Monica Planning & Community Development Department, 2018.
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https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000881/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm, accessed 10-13-21. “John A. Moyer.” U. S. Federal Census, 1940.
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Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
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Kaplan, Sheldon. “A Look Back: San Diego Beer History from 1868 to 1953,” West Coaster, September 13, 2018.
Liwag, Ernie and Matthew Schiff. “San Diego’s Craft Brew Culture.” The Journal of San Diego History, 59, nos. 1 and 2, Winter/Spring 2013.
López López, Margarita. “Restoring History, Brick By Brick,” Latinx Talk, 2020.
Moore, Mark A. The Jan & Dean Record: A Chronology of Studio Sessions, Live Performances and Chart Positions, 2016.
“More New Industries,” Los Angeles Times, December 9, 1904. “Nation Consumes Floods of Beer on ‘Opening Day,” Daily News, April 8, 1933.
Nelson White Architectural History + Preservation. “Villa Ruchello: A History, 609 E. Channel Road, Santa Monica, CA.” Prepared for the Agency, n.d.
“News Behind the News,” The Pasadena Post, March 22, 1934.
Newspaper Advertisement, Los Angeles Times, December 20, 1925.
Newspaper Advertisement, Los Angeles Times, March 19, 1933.
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Parrish, John, “The 1933 Long Beach Earthquake and The Field Act, Improving the Design and Building Standards for California Schools.” California Department of Conservation, n.d.
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Pitt, Leonard and Dale Pitt. Los Angeles A to Z: An Encyclopedia of the City and County.
Berkeley, California: University of California Press, 1997. “Prohibition, United States History [1920-1933]: Repeal,” Encyclopedia Britannica website, https://www.britannica.com/event/Prohibition-United-States-history-1920-1933/Repeal. “Santa Monica Bay New Scene of Great Activity,” Los Angeles Times, July 16, 1911. “Santa Monica Dedicates New County Building,” Los Angeles Times, July 28, 1951.
Scott, Paul A. Santa Monica: A History on the Edge (San Francisco: Arcadia Publishing, 2004). "The Pasadena News: Proceedings of the Council in Regular Session," Los Angeles Evening Express, February 22, 1892.
State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
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Property Name: 621-631 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013)
Turner, Fred. “Revisiting Earthquake Lessons –Unreinforced Masonry Buildings.” Structural Engineers Association of California, 2020.
Turner, Fred. “Seventy Years of the Riley Act and its effect on California’s Building Stock.” 13th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering. Vancouver, B.C., Canada, 2004. “Unique Brick Stirs Interest: Inventor Explains New Masonry Style,” Los Angeles Times, June 18, 1933.