Agenda packet, special meeting — South Pasadena City Council, March 15, 2023 (part 2 of 2)

Criteria B: That the landmark meets one or more of the [11] criteria for designation listed in subsection (b) of this section [2.63]; Finding: The property at 534 Arroyo Drive qualifies for designation under Criterion (4), “Its exemplification of a particular architectural style of an era of history of the City”; Criterion (5), “Its exemplification of the best remaining architectural type in the neighborhood”; Criterion (6), “Its identification as the work of a person or persons whose work has influenced the heritage of the City, the State or the United States”; Criterion (7), “Its embodiment of elements of outstanding attention to architectural design, engineering, detail design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship”. The property at 534 Arroyo Drive meets criteria (4) because it represents a significant period of residential growth in South Pasadena and is intact and an excellent local example of Mid-Century Modern, International Style architecture. The property meets criteria (5) because, as noted above, the Cox residence is not only the best remaining International-Style residence in the neighborhood, but also one of the very best in South Pasadena.

The property meets criteria (6) because of its identification with John F.

Galbraith, a renowned local architect. The property meets criteria (7) due to its design as exemplified by the fact that it was determined to be individually eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Criteria C: That the landmark or historic district possesses historic integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or association.

Finding: The proposed landmark designation possesses historic integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, and feeling. The materials and workmanship can be seen throughout the single story structure with alternating expanses of glass and stone exterior walls. Galbraith uses simple geometric forms to emphasize horizontality and transparency. One long, horizontal beam stretches across the entire front façade at the roofline and a giant conifer tree rises between the beams of its front entryway. The Mid-Century Modern residence embraces the natural environment—rooms are lined with floor-to-ceiling windows and stand adjacent to patios, blurring the relationship between indoor and outdoor space. Thus, the Cox residence is an excellent representative of Midcentury Modern, and an outstanding example of classic International Style architecture.

Environmental Analysis
The designation of landmarks qualifies for an exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15308, Class 8. Class 8 consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment.

This action will ensure the protection, maintenance, restoration, and enhancement of the architectural and cultural resources of the environment. 11 - 5
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Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to the City’s Operational and Capital budgets.

Commission Review and Recommendation
The Cultural Heritage Commission reviewed this matter on January 19, 2023, and recommended that the City Council designate the property located at 534 Arroyo Drive as Historic Landmark No. 59.

Public Noticing
A Public Hearing Notice was published on March 3, 2023 in the South Pasadena Review. Public Hearing Notices were mailed to all properties within a 300-foot radius on March 2, 2023.

Attachments:

1. City Council Resolution

2. Staff Report and Attachments from January 19, 2023 CHC Meeting 11 - 6
ATTACHMENT 1
City Council Resolution
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RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING 534

ARROYO DRIVE AS A HISTORIC LANDMARK
(LANDMARK NO. 59) PURSUANT TO SPMC 2.63(b)
WHEREAS, Section 2.58 of the South Pasadena Municipal Code, Ordinance No. 2315 (“Cultural Heritage Ordinance”) authorizes the Cultural Heritage Commission (“the Commission”) to recommend to the City Council the designation of appropriate properties as landmarks; and b
WHEREAS, on August 29, 2022, the Planning Division received a Landmark Nomination request from the property owners’ representative, for the house located at 534 Arroyo Drive (Assessor’s Parcel Number 5317-042-017); and WHEREAS, on October 26, 2022, at the regularly scheduled Commission meeting, the Commission reviewed the request for Landmark Designation and appointed the Landmark Subcommittee (“Subcommittee”) of two Commission members; and WHEREAS, on November 16, 2022, the Subcommittee conducted an on-site meeting with the homeowner to tour the property; and
WHEREAS, on January 12, 2023, the Subcommittee formalized their findings and notified staff of their request to carry the Landmark nomination to the full Commission for the Commission’s formal vote on the recommendation to City Council for designation; and WHEREAS, on January 19, 2023, the Commission held a duly noticed public hearing and formalized their recommendation to the City Council for designation of the house located at 534 Arroyo Drive as a Historic Landmark by a vote of 3-0; and WHEREAS, on March 15, 2023, the City Council of South Pasadena held a duly noticed regularly scheduled meeting to provide a public hearing and received public testimony on the proposed Landmark Designation of the house located at 534 Arroyo Drive.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FINDINGS
The City Council has determined that the proposed project is Categorically Exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), under Section 15308, Class 8, which consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of 11 - 9
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the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. It can be understood with certainty that there is no possibility that the designation of a historic landmark could have a significant effect on the environment, and therefore, is categorically exempt from CEQA.

SECTION 2. DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC LANDMARK FINDINGS
Based on the evidence presented at the public hearing, on the evidence contained in the City Council staff report, the Cultural Heritage Commission staff report and associated attachments, and other records of proceedings, the City Council considered the applicable designation criteria contained in the Cultural Heritage Ordinance and makes the following findings, pursuant to SPMC Section 2.63(a)(2) for designation of the house located at 534 Arroyo Drive:
“(A) That the designation of landmark or historic district is consistent with one or more of the purposes set forth in SPMC 2.58B—(a) Sense of Place, (b) Physical Setting, (c) Education, (d) Economic;
“(B) That the landmark meets one or more of the [11] criteria for designation listed in subsection (b) of this section [2.63];
“(C) That the landmark or historic district possesses historic integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or association.” Criteria A: Sense of Place.

That the designation of landmark or historic district is consistent with one or more of the purposes set forth in SPMC 2.58B—(a) Sense of Place, (b) Physical Setting, (c) Education, (d) Economic;
The designation of the Historic Landmark Designation for 534 Arroyo Drive is consistent with purpose (a) Sense of Place, of the Cultural Heritage Ordinance. “Sense of Place is defined at SPMC 2.58(a) as follows:
“(1) To preserve, maintain, and safeguard the city’s heritage and character as embodied and reflected in the sites, structures, and neighborhoods that serve as significant reminders of the city’s social, educational, cultural and architectural history;”
Finding: The Cox residence was built in 1959, during a time of significant growth within the city, when Ranch-Style homes dominated the architectural landscape.

According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR Primary Record, Form 523A), the subject property has “simple geometric forms and wide expanses of glass [which] reflect the influence of the Miesian Modernist tradition, 11 - 10
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while the use of natural materials represents Southern California Regional Modernism. It retains all seven aspects of integrity.” The National Register criteria recognizes seven aspects or qualities that, in various combinations, define integrity. The seven aspects of integrity are: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The subject property has been identified as meeting the seven aspects of integrity and is thus eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic places. As such, the designation will help promote the purpose of the Cultural Heritage Ordinance as it will preserve, maintain, and safeguard the City’s heritage and character.
“(2) To foster civic and neighborhood pride, as sense of identity based on the recognition and use of cultural resources, and continuity of the city’s historic character, scale, and small town atmosphere in all future construction; and”
Finding: Located within a neighborhood cluster of exemplary Ranch-style homes, the Cox residence is not only the best remaining International-Style residence in the neighborhood, but also one of the very best in South Pasadena. According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR Primary Record, Form 523A), the Cox residence “exhibits quality of design and distinctive features including the recessed entrance atrium, flat roof, stone veneer exterior wall cladding, and flush-mounted metal frame windows.” The designation will help retain and preserve the historic nature of the property, as such, the designation will foster civic and neighborhood pride, a sense of identity based on the recognition and use of the cultural resource.
“(3) To encourage maintenance and preservation of areas that are associated with a historic event, activity, or persons that contribute to the historic character of districts, neighborhoods, landmarks, historic structures, and artifacts”
Finding: The property on 534 Arroyo Drive has continuously been recognized as architect’s John F. Galbraith’s best works. Galbraith was a sought-after architect whose designs often blurred the relationship between indoor and outdoor space.

With his offices in Pasadena, Galbraith was commissioned to design 21 homes throughout Southern California, most of which are located in the San Gabriel Valley and seven of which were featured as “Home of the Week” by Pasadena’s Independent Star News. As such, the designation will encourage the maintenance and preservation of a property associated with a person that contributes to the historic character of the neighborhood.

Thus, the designation of the proposed Historic Landmark Designation will help promote the City’s sense of place as it will preserve, maintain, and safeguard the City’s heritage and character, will reflect the phases of the City’s history, and will foster pride in the ownership of the City’s historic resources. 11 - 11
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Criteria B: That the landmark meets one or more of the [11] criteria for designation listed in subsection (b) of this section [2.63];
Finding: The property at 534 Arroyo Drive qualifies for designation under Criterion (4), “Its exemplification of a particular architectural style of an era of history of the City”; Criterion (5), “Its exemplification of the best remaining architectural type in the neighborhood”; Criterion (6), “Its identification as the work of a person or persons whose work has influenced the heritage of the City, the State or the United States”; Criterion (7), “Its embodiment of elements of outstanding attention to architectural design, engineering, detail design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship”. The property at 534 Arroyo Drive meets criteria (4) because it represents a significant period of residential growth in South Pasadena and is intact and an excellent local example of Mid-Century Modern, International Style architecture. The property meets criteria (5) because, as noted above, the Cox residence is not only the best remaining International-Style residence in the neighborhood, but also one of the very best in South Pasadena. The property meets criteria (6) because of its identification with John F. Galbraith, a renowned local architect. The property meets criteria (7) due to its design as exemplified by the fact that it was determined to be individually eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Criteria C: That the landmark or historic district possesses historic integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or association.

Thus, the Cox residence is an excellent representative of Mid-century Modern, and an outstanding example of classic International Style architecture.

SECTION 3. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK
In addition to the findings in Section 2 above, the City Council also makes the findings as required for designation of historic landmark pursuant to SPMC Section 2.63(b), based upon the recommendation of the Cultural Heritage Commission that the proposed Historic Landmark qualifies for designation under criterion (4), (5), (6), and (7) of SPMC Section

2.63(b):
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(4) Its exemplification of a particular architectural style of an era of history of the city;
Finding: The property at 534 Arroyo Drive was constructed during the Mid-Century Modern era during a time when other architectural styles dominated (i.e., California Ranch-style homes). The Cox house was designed in the International style ideal with its flat roof, single story horizontality, formal rectilinearity, façade at 90-degree angles, absence of architectural adornment, and extensive plans of aluminum-framed floor-toceiling windows, alternating with wood-framed wall sections clad in off-white stucco. Its trademarks were prima facie—absence of architectural adornment, open floor plans, and extensive use windows, blending indoor living spaces with outdoor patios or swimming pools, accented by grass and foliage.
(5) Its exemplification of the best remaining architectural type in the neighborhood; Finding: The architectural style of the Cox residence embodies the distinctive characteristics of the type, possesses high artistic value and exemplifies tenets of the International Style. Located within a neighborhood cluster of exemplary Ranch-style homes, the Cox residence is not only the best remaining International Style residence in the neighborhood, but also one of the very best in South Pasadena. (6) Its identification as the work of a person or persons whose work has influenced the heritage of the City, the State, or the United States; Finding: John F. Galbraith traveled the world as fighter pilot during World War II, and fully understood that architecture should be enjoyed by its residents. Galbraith was clientfocused, asking clients to write essays describing their vision for their new home, and would begin drafting preliminary renderings based on the responses. With his offices in Pasadena, Galbraith was commissioned to design 21 homes throughout Southern California, seven of which were featured as “Home of the Week” by Pasadena’s Independent Star News. In addition to residential properties, Galbraith also designed eight commercial buildings, including the South Pasadena Christian Church at 1316 Lyndon Street (1967) and the Pasadena Water Treatment Plant (1969). (7) Its embodiment of elements of outstanding attention to architectural design, engineering, detail design, detail, materials or craftsmanship; Finding: John Galbraith’s design for the Cox residence gave outstanding attention to the overarching elements of the International Style: pure, unadorned, architecture and functionality. Particular attention was given to cubic, rectilinear design, unmarred by architectural ornamentation and to the welcoming transparency of floor-to-ceiling expanses of glass walls. Appreciating how meticulously Galbraith played with structure, space, and light to enhance life-quality throughout the property takes a keen eye. One might miss the unusually narrow, floor-to-ceiling glass wall section in the dining room wall adjacent the kitchen. With its wide doorways from foyer and living room, the dining room 11 - 13
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would already receive ample light and openness from the floor-to-ceiling glass wall on the opposite side of the room. This added touch clearly reflects outstanding attention to architectural design.

SECTION 4. RECORD OF PROCEEDING
The documents and other materials that constitute the record of the proceedings upon which the City Council’s decision is based, which include, but are not limited to, the staff reports, as well as all materials that support the staff reports for the proposed designation, are located in the Community Development Department of the City of South Pasadena at 1414 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030. The custodian of these documents is the City Clerk of the City of South Pasadena.

SECTION 5. DETERMINATION
Based on the evidence presented in the staff report, testimony received during the public hearing, other records of proceeding, and its findings herein, the City Council hereby approves the designation of 534 Arroyo Drive as official Historic Landmark Number 59.

SECTION 6. CERTIFICATION OF THE RESOLUTION
The City Clerk of the City of South Pasadena shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and its approval by the City Council and shall cause the same to be listed in the records of the City.

SECTION 7. FILING WITH THE COUNTY CLERK
The City Council directs the City Clerk to file the appropriate designation with the office of the Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON this 15th day of March 2023.

Jon Primuth, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Mark Perez Andrew L. Jared, City Attorney
Deputy City Clerk
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CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA
CITY CLERK’S DIVISION

CERTIFICATION
OF

RESOLUTION

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES) SS

CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA)
I, Mark Perez, Deputy City Clerk of the City of South Pasadena, do hereby certify that Resolution No. _______, was duly and regularly approved and adopted at a Regular meeting of the City Council on this 15th day of March 2023, by the following votes as the same appears on file and of record in the Office of the City Clerk.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

____________________________________
Mark Perez
Deputy City Clerk
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ATTACHMENT 2
Staff Report and Attachments from
January 19, 2023 CHC Meeting
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Cultural Heritage Commission
Agenda Report ITEM NO. ____
DATE: January 19, 2023
FROM: Angelica Frausto-Lupo, Community Development Director Matt Chang, Planning Manager
PREPARED BY: Sandra Robles, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Project No. 2524-LHD is a request for a Landmark Historic Designation for a single-family residence located at 534 Arroyo Drive (Assessor’s Parcel Number: 5317-042-017). The City Council is the reviewing authority that makes the final determination for the requested Landmark Historic
Designation. The Cultural Heritage Commission is to review and make a recommendation to the City Council.

Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Cultural Heritage Commission review and recommend Landmark Historic Designation for 534 Arroyo Drive to the City Council.

Background
On August 29, 2022, applicant representative, Glen Duncan, submitted an application for a Landmark Historic Designation for the single-family residence located at 534 Arroyo Drive. A Historic Landmark Nomination report with an accompanying appendix, documenting the history of the property, was prepared by Mr. Duncan and has been included as Attachment 1.

On October 26, 2022, the request was presented to the Cultural Heritage Commission and the Commission created a subcommittee, composed of Commissioner Cross and Vice-Chair Lopez as required by South Pasadena Municipal Code Section 2.63(c)(2).

On November 16, 2022, the subcommittee conducted an on-site meeting with the homeowner to inspect the property.

On January 12, 2023, the landmark subcommittee determined that the property merits consideration by the Commission.

Project Description & Analysis
Originally built in 1959 for Paul and Caryl Cox by architect John F. Galbraith, the subject property is not currently listed on the City of South Pasadena’s Inventory of Historic 5 11 - 19
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Resources, but Mr. Duncan describes the residence as one of South Pasadena’s most outstanding examples of International Style architecture. Identifying characteristics of International Style architecture are flat roofs without a ledge at the roofline; an asymmetrical façade; unified wall cladding; and smooth, unornamented wall surfaces with no decorative detailing at doors or windows.

Criteria for Historic Designation
As stated in the report, the South Pasadena Municipal Code (SPMC) 2.36 – Register of Landmarks and Historic Districts – the designation criteria for landmarks shall include any or all of the following:

1. Its character, interest or value as part of the heritage of the community;

2. Its location as a site of significant historic event;

3. Its identification (such as the residence, ownership, or place of occupation, etc.) with a person, persons or groups who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the city, state or United States;

4. Its exemplification of a particular architectural style of an era of history of the city;

5. Its exemplification of the best remaining architectural type in a neighborhood;

6. Its identification as the work of a person or persons whose work has influenced the heritage of the city, the state or the United States;

7. Its embodiment of elements of outstanding attention to architectural design, engineering, detail design, detail, materials or craftsmanship;

8. It is either a part of or related to a square, park or other distinctive area which should be developed or preserved according to a plan based on a historic cultural or architectural motif;

9. Its unique location or singular physical characteristic representing an established and familiar visual feature or a neighborhood;

10.Its potential for yielding information or archaeological interest; or

11.In designating a historic district, its significance as a distinguishable neighborhood or area whose components may lack individual distinction.

The Historic Landmark Nomination report (Attachment 1) provides justification for six criteria; numbers 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. To continue with the designation of a historic landmark, only one criteria need be established.

The Landmark Subcommittee report (Attachment 2) states that the proposed Historic Landmark Designation qualifies for the designation based on supportive evidence received from criteria 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Statement of Significance
In the Historic Landmark Nomination report (Attachment 1) drafted by Glen Duncan, and Marina Khrustelava, the Appendix provides documentation that John F. Galbraith was commissioned to design 21 residential properties—three of which have since been demolished—and eight commercial buildings, ranging from a medical building to the 11 - 20
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Pasadena Water Treatment Plant (1969). With his offices in Pasadena, Galbraith’s designs have a strong presence throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The Independent Star News, a Pasadena-based newspaper, featured a “Home of the Week” segment, which put a spotlight on the several homes designed by Galbraith, including:
 William J. Gosline House on 1600 Highland Oaks Drive in Arcadia (1954, demolished)
 P.M. Knoll House at 2105 Villa Heights Road, Pasadena (1956)  Rand Lewis House on 3170 Mesaloa Lane, Pasadena (before 1960)  C.A. Stanley House, Pasadena (before 1960)
 The Robert Culp House at 4025 Alta Vista Drive in La Canada Flintridge (1960)  Winston W. Galbraith on 463 N. Canyon Blvd in Monrovia (1961) Los Angeles Times featured, the Horizon Homes program, which was sponsored by a nationwide association of cement companies in the early 1960s. The program also offered architects the opportunity to express their creative talents in new design concepts, enabling them to gain national recognition. The Horizon House is located on 31911 National Park Drive in Laguna Niguel and was built in 1963.

Galbrith was a sought-after architect whose designs often blurred the relationship between indoor and outdoor space. According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR Primary Record – Form 523A), subject property at 534 Arroyo Drive “is significant as an excellent example of the Mid-century Modern residential architecture by noted architect John Galbrith. It is known as one of the architect’s best works. It exhibits qualify of design and distinctive features including the recessed entrance atrium, flat roof, stone veneer exterior wall cladding, and flush-mounted metal frame windows. The simple geometric forms and wide expanses of glass reflect the influence of the Miesian Modernist tradition, while the use of natural materials represents Southern California Regional Modernism. It retains all seven aspects of integrity.”
State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Primary Record Historic properties either retain integrity (that is, convey their significance) or they do not. Within the concept of integrity, the National Register criteria recognize seven aspects or qualities that, in various combinations, define integrity. The seven aspects of integrity are defined as follows:

1. Location: the place where the historic property was constructed or the place where the historic event occurred.

2. Design: the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property.

3. Setting: the physical environment of a historic property.

4. Materials: the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of time and in particular pattern or configuration to form a historic property.
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5. Workmanship: the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history or prehistory.

6. Feeling: the property’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time.

7. Association: the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property.

The subject property determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as:
3S – Appears eligible for NR as an individual property through survey evaluation. 3CS – Appear eligible for CR as an individual property through survey evaluation. 5S3 – Appears to be individually eligible for local listing or designation through survey evaluation.

The designation of the proposed property will help promote the purpose of the Cultural Heritage Ordinance as it will preserve, maintain, and safeguard the City’s heritage and character, will reflect the phases of the City’s history, and will foster pride in the ownership of the City’s historic resources.

Findings for Designation of a Landmark
The Landmark Subcommittee recommends that the Cultural Heritage Commission make a recommendation that the City Council make the following findings pursuant to SPMC Section 2.63(a)(2) for the Historic Landmark Designation of 534 Arroyo Drive:
(A) That the designation of landmark or historic district is consistent with one or more of the purposes set forth in SPMC 2.58B;
The designation of the Historic Landmark Designation for 534 Arroyo Drive is consistent with the purpose of the Cultural Heritage Ordinance for identification, protection, enhancement, and preservation of structures, sites, and areas that represent the City’s heritage and character. The Cox residence has continuously been recognized as architect’s John F. Galbraith’s best works. Located within a neighborhood cluster of exemplary Ranch-style homes, the Cox residence is not only the best remaining International Style residence in the neighborhood, but also one of the very best in South Pasadena. Thus, the designation of the proposed Historic Landmark Designation will help promote the City’s sense of place as it will preserve, maintain, and safeguard the City’s heritage and character, will reflect the phases of the City’s history, and will foster pride in the ownership of the City’s historic resources.
(B) That the landmark meets one or more of the criteria for designation listed in subsection (b) of this section;
The subject property was built in 1959 for Paul and Caryl Cox by architect John Franklin Galbraith. The proposed landmark designation qualifies for designation 11 - 22
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under Criteria 4, 5, 6, and 7, which are fully detailed in the Subcommittee Report (Attachment 2).
(C) That the landmark or historic district possesses historic integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or association.

The proposed landmark designation possesses historic integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, and feeling. The materials and workmanship can been seen throughout the single story structure with alternating expanses of glass and stone exterior walls. Galbraith uses simple geometric forms to emphasize horizontality and transparency. One long, horizontal beam stretches across the entire front façade at the roofline and a giant conifer tree rises between the beams of its front entryway. The Mid-Century Modern residence embraces the natural environment—rooms are lined with floor-to-ceiling windows and stand adjacent to patios, blurring the relationship between indoor and outdoor space. Thus, the Cox residence is an excellent representative of Midcentury Modern, and an outstanding example of classic International Style architecture.

Construction activities and relaxation of standards allowing environmental degradation are not included in this exemption.

Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Cultural Heritage Commission review and recommend Landmark Historic Designation for 534 Arroyo Drive to the City Council.

Public Noticing
The public was made aware that this item was to be considered at a public hearing by virtue of its inclusion on the legally publicly noticed agenda, posting of the same agenda and reports on the City’s website.

Next Steps
The recommendation of the Commission will be presented to the City Council. 11 - 23
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Fiscal Impact
If the property is designated as a landmark the applicant has the opportunity to apply for a Mills Act Contract. A Mills Act contract allows a tax reduction (between approximately 40 to 60 percent) for a property owner who agrees to perform certain restoration and maintenance tasks over a 10-year period. Although the City will see a reduction in property tax revenue, the benefits of the program include economic benefits of conserving resources and reinvestment as well as the important role historic preservation can play in revitalizing older areas, creating cultural tourism, building civic pride, and retaining the sense of place and continuity with the community’s past.

Attachments

1. Historic Landmark Nomination Report & Appendix

2. Subcommittee Report
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ATTACHMENT 1
Historic Landmark Nomination Report & Appendix
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South Pasadena
Historic Landmark Nomination
Paul and Caryn Cox Residence
534 Arroyo Drive
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2 Table of Contents
Precis
Introduction
Historic Context
Property Description
Relevant Criteria for Local Designation
Historic Integrity
Appendix
Cox from the Air
Aerial Photo
Sanborn Map
Parcel Map
Cox from the Drafting Table
Original Floor Plan
Original Elevations
Galbraith Bio and Body of Work
Galbraith’s Work in the News
Cox/Galbraith in the documents
Permit Records
DPR Form 523
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3 South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Commission
Landmark Nomination Precis
Paul and Caryl Cox Residence
534 Arroyo Drive, South Pasadena California
Joan Hillard, property owner and applicant
Date of construction 1959
Original owners Paul and Caryl Cox
Architect John Franklin Galbraith
Builder Paul Cox listed as contractor on the building permit Original use/current use Single family residence and attached garage Other significant ownership None applicable
Legal description APN # 5317–TRACT # 9657 LOT COM S 0⊄10’ W 78 FT FROM NE COR OF LOT 5 TH N 89⊄35’50” W TO E LINE OF ARROYO DR TH S THEREON 79.58 FT TH 87⊄26’41” E TO LINE OFLOT 6 THN
0⊄10’ E 63.5 FT TO BEG PART OF LOTS 5 AND LOT 6
Architectural style/period International Style, Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Construction materials Wood-frame construction sheathed in stucco, flagstone, and aluminum-framed ¼-inch thick plate glass.

Historic status/survey code Since 1991, several historic resource surveys have been conducted in South Pasadena. Because none had covered
the modern era, in their latest update, Historic Resources Group identified and documented 30 individual resources, including 534 Arroyo Drive as likely eligible for landmark designation: status code (C/3/D (Design)
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4 INTRODUCTION
The International Style, Mid-Century Modern, single-family residence, attached garage, and swimming pool at 534 Arroyo Drive were built in 1959 for Paul and Caryl Cox by architect John F. Galbraith.

Documentary evidence of its qualification for landmark designation included review of original drawings, building permits, survey data, previous evaluations, and other primary and secondary sources. The site was visited several times from February through May, 2022, to consult with the owner, photograph the site, exterior and interior features, and observe existing conditions. This report affirms that the property is eminently eligible for listing as a local South Pasadena Historic Landmark, due to its:

Character, interest or value as a part of the heritage of the community; Exemplification of a particular architectural style of an era of history of the city;
Exemplification of the best remaining architectural type in a neighborhood; Identification as the work of a person whose work has influenced the heritage of the city, state, or the United States;
Embodiment of elements of outstanding attention to architectural design, engineering, detail design, detail, materials or craftsmanship; Unique location or singular physical characteristic representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood; Note: six out of eleven possible Cultural Heritage Ordinance criteria apply to Cox designation. 11 - 29
5 HISTORIC CONTEXT1
1880 – 1945 CONTEXT
South Pasadena had generated a prevalent design culture well before the Second World War, and a tradition of first-rate architecture dating to the City’s earliest periods of development. South Pasadena visitors, pre-WWII, would have seen mostly Vernacular Victorian, Foursquare, Craftsman and Period Revival styles, with smatterings of Prairie and Neo-Classic styles, with very few empty parcels for infill construction, except for Raymond Hill and the Altos de Monterey, which were developed later.

MID-CENTURY CONTEXT
In the immediate post-World War II era, architects and city planners in California essentially faced a broad, and quite fluid, historic context. The state was experiencing a period of unprecedented growth as many who came west to participate in the war effort decided to settle permanently. For example, between 1940 and 1950 California’s population increased by 53 per cent, as 850,000 veterans took up residence here. Marriage rates also began to rise dramatically.

Within the first two years after the war more than 2.8 million new households were formed; this high rate of household formation would continue into the 1950s.

The resulting demand for housing created an unparalleled opportunity for architectural experimentation. Architects and builders were motivated to explore new philosophies of design and construction. Landscaping and site relationships, use of natural materials, and innovative building technologies were adaptively integrated on Southern California drawing boards. Discovering that outdoor living had become important to life quality and that a good house could be made of inexpensive materials, essentially fueled the boom in postwar, middle-class housing.

Early in mid-century, South Pasadena residents could enjoy, first-hand, residences by internationally renowned modernists, and also by dozens of others who were also shaping the architectural landscape. Popular interest and fascination with California modernism was enormously influenced the Case Study House Program of Art and Architecture Magazine and its many featured architectural students 1 Based on: City of South Pasadena. Citywide Historic Context Statement. Historic Resources Group. 2014, 2017. 11 - 30
6 from the University of Southern California. As a result, many works constructed during this period in South Pasadena were subsequently published in architectural journals and periodicals. Full page spreads in newspaper Sunday supplements and Sunset Magazine touted the innovative designs and the architects who created them, often from Southern California. South Pasadena was at the forefront. The smallish city (only 3.4 sq. mi.), known for its heritagemindedness, had spawned at least seven, world-class examples of International Style, and Mid-Century Modern architecture. In chronological order, they included…
• Irving J. Gill’s Miltimore Residence, built in 1911 at 1301 Chelten Way.

Built by the visionary architect often cited as the “father of architectural modernism,” this pioneering residence predated the American mid-century modern movement by almost two decades. In 1955, architectural historian Esther McCoy dubbed it “…one of the few wholly original styles of architecture in the United States.”
• Rudolph Schindlers’ Grokowski House, 1928-29, at 816 Bonita Drive.

Schindler had emigrated to the U.S. from Vienna in 1914, a student of Adolph Loos’ forceful arguments against ornament in architecture. After supervising construction of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, Schindler remained in Los Angeles to start his own practice. His de stihl phase design 11 - 31
7 for Grokowsky brought International Style rigor to a difficult, “postage stamp-sized” lot in South Pasadena.
• Henry Dreyfus and Edward Larrabee Barnes’ Fleet House, prefabricated in the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft factory in 1947, was assembled (1949) at 325 Monterey Road, by original owner, Reginald Fleet. Dreyfus, a noted industrial designer, South Pasadena resident, and founding South Pasadena Preservation Foundation board member, collaborated with architect Barnes on design and construction. The effort was funded by a federal program directed to applying wartime materials and technology to peacetime housing challenges.

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8 • Richard Neutra’s Wilkins House, built in 1949 at 528 Hermosa Street. This stunning residence was not recognized as a Neutra design until recently.

Architectural historian Barbara Lamprecht discovered that its working drawings are virtually identical to Neutra’s Case Study house #13 (with only a one-inch discrepancy on a wall approximately 23 feet long}.

The Whitney Smith Residence, 209 Beacon Street. The residence began, circa 1900, as a hipped-roof garage/guest house that architect Smith bought in 1940, and gradually shaped and expanded, from then to 1962, into a stunning threebedroom, Mid-Century Modern, indoor/outdoor home for his family. Its construction history was detailed in a 1954, multi-page article in Sunset Magazine entitled, “The Magic of Remodeling.”
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9 Garden Office complex for Community Facilities Planners, Inc. 1414 Fair Oaks Avenue. Designed by Whit Smith, Wayne Williams, Garret Eckbo, and John Kariotis, the facility was built, sequentially in 1949 and 1957. It was office, and conference center for a unique collaboration of major architects, engineers, landscape architects, city planners and designers who were responsible for over forty major projects. Important collaborators including Garrett Eckbo, Robert Meyerhof, Philip Patterson, Stuart Denker, Simon Eisner, A. Quincy Jones, Victor Gruen & Associates, and Kariotis & Kesler. Edgardo Contini and Joseph Amestoy also dropped in from time to time, to consult on specific projects.

Smith & Williams perhaps best demonstrated the philosophy behind regional modernism when they described their work not in stylistic terms, but instead as a means to produce the best possible living and working environment for their clients in a modern California context. The facility also served as virtual “school” for design and planning professionals who enriched South Pasadena and Southern California for many decades. Successful “graduates,” included Doug Ewing, Lee Hershberger, Bob Metcalf, Carey Jenkins, Mal Bert, Glen Small, Franklin Thornton, William Bigelow, Bill Rudolph, and dozens of others.

While embracing the burgeoning modern movement that played a significant role in shaping the character of Southern California after the war and into the 60s, 11 - 34
10 architects and builders were profoundly influenced by the University of Southern California (USC) School of Architecture and the Case Study program created by Arts & Architecture magazine. Educators and graduates from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Architecture, several of whom lived and worked in South Pasadena, were also were important. Two of the most influential were Whit Smith and Wayne Williams. Other USC architects who worked in South Pasadena during this period include Buff & Hensman (Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman), Miller Fong, Carl Maston, Bob Ray Offenhauser, Lee Hershberger, and Clinton Ternstrom.

Two additional architecturally significant residences deserve inclusion for contributing to the Cox residence’s Mid-Century Modern context.

The Jay Chiat House at 612 Camino Verde, designed by USC graduate Carl Maston in 1967. Gebhard and Winter (noted authors of An Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles), describe the Chiat House as a “vertically planked Miesian box [that] stands out as one of the best pieces of architecture in South Pasadena.” Maston was an influential mid-century modern architect based in Los Angeles. Known for his stark modern style and inventive use of concrete structural solutions, he designed over 100 projects in Southern California and served on the Los Angeles Planning Commission. He was the 1989 recipient of the USC Distinguished Alumni Award for excellence in design and innovative leadership in public service.

Photograph by Julius Shulman, 1968; source: Getty Research Institute, Digital Collection.

The John Andrews Residence, 1400 Via Del Rey in Altos de Monterey was designed by Buff, Straub and Hensman, along with Smith & William in 1964s. The 11 - 35
11 Buff & Hensman partnership became a mainstay in the talent assemblage that made Mid-Century Modern architecture almost synonymous with Southern California. Notably, the firm produced two residences for the Case Study program:

Case Study House 20 in Altadena, for designers Ruth and Saul Bass with landscape design by Eckbo, Modine & Williams; and Case Study House 28 in Thousand Oaks, sponsored by the Janss Corporation.

Other noteworthy examples of Mid-century Modern single- and multi-family residences are located in established neighborhoods throughout South Pasadena.

Clusters of modern houses can be found on Monterey Road and in hillside neighborhoods in the western part of the city. Hillside streets, between Kolle Avenue and Alpha Street and along St. Albans and Alta Vista Avenue, likely represent the highest concentration of Modern design in South Pasadena outside Raymond Hill and the Altos de Monterey. Some examples in the hillside neighborhoods are built on stilts to accommodate uneven terrain. Concentrations of modern multi-family residences from this period are found along Huntington Drive and Pasadena Avenue.
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12 Photographs 2014; source: Historic Resources Group.

Other than in the Altos de Monterey and Raymond Hill Developments, which have a separate hillside context, South Pasadena has two small groupings of Ranch Style residences. One is located along Grace Drive, and represents the City’s only cohesive subdivision of Ranch-style development. The subdivision originally comprised a single property that was demolished sometime after 1930. Following the demolition, the area was re-zoned to accommodate duplexes. In 1953, architect Bob Ray Offenhauser (USC graduate and South Pasadena resident) and his father bought two of the lots that had been re-zoned. The duplexes sold immediately “reaping handsome profits,” and Offenhauser was commissioned to design 12 more on the street. All of the duplexes were constructed between 1953 and 1958. The remainder of the parcels were developed with single-family residences.

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13 The second grouping of Ranch Style residences neither in the Altos or on Raymond Hill is non-contiguously strung along the 500 block of Arroyo Drive, south of Hermosa Street. Nestled among them, is one of the most significant residential designs in the city: the 1959 Cox House at 534 Arroyo Drive, designed by architect John F. Galbraith. Its simple geometric forms and wide expanses of glass reflect the influence of the Miesian Modernist tradition, while the use of natural materials represents Southern California Regional Modernism.

Cox Residence. Photograph credit: georgearchitecture.com 11 - 38
14 PROPERTY DESCSRIPTION

EXTERIOR
Street view, elevated behind retaining wall(P1)2 Driveway to front façade (P2) The Cox residence is one of South Pasadena’s most outstanding examples of classic International Style architecture in its purest original form. Mid-Century Modern designers gravitated to absence of ornament, open interiors, and blurred distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces, defining characteristics of the International Style, while many of their peers rejected its formal rectilinearity. Not so for John Galbraith’s design for Paul and Caryl Cox. Perhaps enamored with simple geometry of Irving Gill’s 1911 residence in South Pasadena for the Miltimores, the Coxes and Galbraith settled on plans that heartily celebrated formal International Style modernism.

They were able to take advantage of several inherent advantages of the site at 534 Arroyo Drive. It had an eminently desirable view across a deep Arroyo Seco recreation area and across northeast Los Angeles to the horizon; no houses or buildings on the opposite side of Arroyo Drive; a building site set-back and elevated well above street level, and situated behind a chest-high retaining wall. 2 See Annotated Floor Plan (Photo Key) on page 20.
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15 Sunset across Arroyo Drive and Los Angeles (P3)
(P4)
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16 (P5)
Drawing from Miesian rectilinear architecture to emphasize horizontality, Galbraith placed a heavy steel girder (a) across the front façade tracing the flat roofline. Underneath, a wide, warm-toned masonry wall (b) anchors the articulated front façade. The deepest recess of floor-to-ceiling glass are stepped back, (c) right and left of the masonry wall. The deepest recess on the left (c) forms an atrium that shelters a tall pine tree (d). A few steps to the right, a second plane, at the end of the front sidewalk features a wood-framed glass door and floor-to ceiling glass sidelight (e). To the right of the front door, along the same plane, behind and parallel to the aforementioned warm-toned masonry wall, a second masonry wall (f), forms a square courtyard atrium, along the front walkway.

This atrium, shown on a previous page, shelters a bonsai pine tree (g).

At the far right of this page, a shallower recessed glass wall (h), nicely balances the articulated frontal composition.

Other than the two masonry walls in the articulated front façade and a flat Sanafil* roof, all exterior expanses are either transparent plate glass, or unadorned stucco, painted a warm white.
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17 (P6) (P7) (P8)
To add interest and functionality to side and rear facades, Galbraith continued rhythmically articulating those materials, using floor-to-ceiling glass walls and sliding glass doors to provide transparency and add natural illumination to the daytime interior. The first indented feature on the north façade, along the driveway, is a rectangular bay, within the house footprint, enclosing a moderatesized patio.

The left end of this patio is a floor-to-ceiling glass wall of an office/spare guest bedroom. The long, rear patio wall, parallel to the driveway, features sliding glass doors that provide a glorious, but not character-defining transparent view, through the entire width of the residence, to the swimming pool patio. The right end of the bay is mostly clad in stucco, but features a narrow, floor-to-ceiling glass wall segment, through which one can look back through an interior dining room to the front yard.
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18 North (side) elevation(P9) Garden entrance(P10)
Further along the driveway from the front facade, a wide courtyard bay is recessed in steps. The shallowest recess, at far right of the north elevation, features a floor-to ceiling glass wall and a sliding glass door that send morning sunlight into a guest bedroom. Closer, and to the left, the north facade turns sharply leftward, past a half-level stucco enclosure that hides HVAC equipment. In the corner, is a gated pathway to the swimming pool courtyard. To the left, the facade has recessed further to form the large garage courtyard in the foreground, facing a stucco-clad, generous two-car garage with a roll-up aluminum and glass garage door. Beyond the garage, to the right, tucked between it and a stucco-clad wall is an easily accessible, but generally out-of-notice trash enclosure.

Past the discreet trash enclosure and beyond stucco-clad walls at the end of the driveway courtyard is a delightful rear sculpture garden and garden patio, designed and installed by the current owner over the last three years. The two massive California Oak trees are probably more than a hundred years old and are native to the property.

From left corner of the garden patio is a gated walkway behind the garage to the pool courtyard.
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19 Large Oak tree in garden patio behind garage (P11) Medium Oak tree, NW corner (P12)
The long floor-to-ceiling, mostly glass wall on the right extends along the bedroom wing to the corner, where a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass wall meets an entry to the kitchen. Turning left at the corner, the floor-to-ceiling glass living room wall is an invitingly transparent blending of outdoor and indoor activities.

Swimming pool courtyard.

The living room glass wall ahead extends across the living room patio to kitchen entrance in right corner(P13)
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20 `
Cox Annotated
Floor Plan
Garage
Pool
Courtyard
Master BR
Dressing
Rm
Guest BR
Tall
pine
tree
atrium

Dining
Rm
Bonsai
atrium
Living
rm
Front
walkway
Kitchen
Office
Sculpture Garden
Garden Patio
Gear
Rm
P1
P2
P9
P3
P4
P5
P6
P8
P10
P11
P12
P13
P14
P16&17 P18&19
P20
P21
P22
P23
P24
P25
P15
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21 INTERIOR
Front door to foyer (P14) Entrance and foyer from living room (P15) Entering the foyer through the front door, one is immediately struck by interior transparency. The open, unobstructed floor plan and expanses of floor-to-ceiling glass walls to the right, and almost everywhere you turn, brings in glorious daylight, swimming pool view, lush plantings, and an inviting patio becoming seamless parts of the interior. One really needs to pause a moment to organize in one’s mind what one’s eyes are seeing. All opaque, interior wall surfaces are white and without architectural ornamentation. No baseboards, no cornices, no moldings or framing around doors or windows, leaving all decoration and color to the owner’s taste in furnishings, art, and artifacts.
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22 Long shot, foyer to living rm (P16) Medium shot, living room from foyer (P17 Entering the living room, one’s eyes might be drawn to the black granite fireplace mounted horizontally on a black granite slab approximately 6 ft long, 20 in wide and 4 in thick. Its width is dramatically cantilevered a foot above the floor. Above the black granite hearth, the firebox is enclosed in a black granite surround. There is no mantle, fireplace wall is clad, to ceiling, by an expanse of sparkling, iridescent white, mosaic tile.

Living room with fireplace (P18) Cantilevered fireplace (P19) 11 - 47
23 Turning left from the fireplace, the pool courtyard
invites living room guests to an alfresco snack. (P20)
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24 Dining room (P21) Remodeled kitchen (P22)
From the fireplace, a white plaster wall extends westward to the corner. Ninety degrees to the right, a floor-to-ceiling glass wall looks out over the front yard. At another ninety-degree right turn, along the white plaster wall, another floor-toceiling glass panel looks out onto a small atrium with a bonsai red pine. A few paces around the corner to the left, beyond a coat closet, you are back in the foyer.

Passing the floor-to-ceiling glass sidelight and wood-framed glass front door, the foyer opens into a dining room. In the dining room to the left, another wide, floorto-ceiling glass wall directs dining room attention outside, through an atrium that shelters a tall pine tree, to the front yard. This glimpse outside is a reminder to take a few steps back, well into the foyer and face the front of the house. From this perspective, it is hard not to imagine glorious sunset views from all three rooms one has just visited.

Taking a few steps back into the dining room, a view to the far-right corner reveals a narrow, floor-to-ceiling glass wall panel. The exterior view is shown later, from the kitchen patio.
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25 Note that there is no door in the doorway to the right, to prevent easy access from dining room into the updated (2002) kitchen. Entering the kitchen from this doorway, to the left, is a new, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door unit, which accesses a kitchen patio and the driveway.

From the kitchen on, we have reached the imaginary dividing line that seamlessly segues into semi-private areas of the residence. Leaving the kitchen through the pantry and on through it, is a short perpendicular hallway. Immediately to the right, and on the right, is a guest lavatory/powder room, which gives quick access to living room, dining room, kitchen, and pool courtyard. To the left, is a long, glass-walled hallway, parallel to the swimming pool courtyard.

Bedroom wing hallway
Turning left from the powder room, this short hallway leads to an office that can also serve as a spare guest bedroom that shares a charming patio with the kitchen, P23. From it, through the Jack & Jill bathrooms and closets and turning left is the guest bedroom. both it and the office enjoy floor-to-ceiling glass exits and patios, one looking west along the driveway, the other facing east, to garage courtyard and sculpture garden.
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26 View from office (P23) View from master BR (P24) View from guest BR (P25) Turning right, through the guest lavatory, then left is the master suite. The master bedroom suite can be accessed through a folding door, closed when privacy is desired, but generally left open to enjoy the glass wall expanse overlooking the swimming pool P25. Through the master suite and dressing room, a master bathroom features a rear door that, to the right, leads to the swimming pool courtyard.

Proceeding along the garage wall to the
left, if one can forego a swim with the
ducks in the inviting pool to the right, one
can look across the pool to the floor-toceiling glass foyer and kitchen entry in the right corner, and left across the floor-to
ceiling glass living room wall, and tucked in,
along a locked pathway and chimney along
the south facade, completing your virtual
tour of the 1969 Cox Residence.
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27 RELEVANT CRITERIA FOR LOCAL DESIGNATION
Although the South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Ordinance specifies eleven potential criteria for landmark designation, a property need qualify for only one.

Should documentary evidence indicate that a property meets two or more criteria, evidence should be presented for all designation criteria that apply. The property at 534 Arroyo Drive appears to qualify for six of the eleven criteria:
numbers 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9.

Criterion 1 - Interest or value as a part of the heritage of the community. Formal rectilinearity of John Galbraith’s classic International Style residence for Paul and Caryl Cox typifies the transition from early cubist forms of architectural modernism to the futurist angularity and exuberance of full-flavored Mid-Century Modernism.

South Pasadena’s strong inventory of residential neighborhoods developed in early decades of the twentieth century, gave little expectation of what was to come in mid-century. Back in 1911, the radical modernism of Irving Gill’s design for the Miltimore residence had contrasted sharply with prevalent Craftsman and Period Revival styles in South Pasadena without noticeable change in local design standards. While the Miltimore’s reformist appearance may have instilled a modicum of familiarity with modern architecture in the community, but it caused no immediate shift in architectural preferences or heritage. The city’s comfortable, homespun, Craftsman heritage from the early 20th Century remained a warm and reassuring option, while Period Revival Styles that followed the First World War, imbued a sense of history, tradition, and added a layer of worldliness to South Pasadena’s heritage-related values. The post-war period, after the second World War, was a game-changer, ushering in a new and exciting era, with new priorities.

Not until the development boom following WWII, did the design context change.

Heritage and tradition were not thrown out the window, however, particularly in South Pasadena, but as lifestyles and popular tastes evolved, so did architecture.

The mid-century brought with it a virtual explosion of enthusiasm for casual, outdoor living, open floor plans, courtyards, and patios – sometimes from almost every room in the house.
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28 In his residential commissions, John Galbraith was especially attuned to the revolution in clients’ lifestyles, always asking both husband and wife to write their own personal essays, describing what each wanted to do in-and-around their new home. If they were interested, he also asked the children. Galbraith often said his job was to build lifestyles, not shelters. His residential architecture thus exemplified the California dream of transparency between indoor-outdoor living.

Criterion 2 - (Not applicable as location as a site of a significant historic event.) Criterion 3 – (Not applicable as being Identified with a person, persons or groups who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the city, state or United States.)
Criterion 4 – Exemplification of a particular architectural style of an era of history of the city. The Cox house was constructed in 1958, well into the MidCentury Modern era that began at the end of World War II and continued until about 1970.

Discovering that outdoor living was important to quality of life, it became the holy grail of postwar, middle-class housing, and was particularly suited to the exuberant, ultra-casual, California life-style. Although Mid-Century Modern architecture came to embrace almost everything from Bauhaus to Googie, with California Ranch-Style getting the popular vote, the Cox house stuck fairly close to the International Style ideal; Its flat roof, single story horizontality, formal rectilinearity, all façade angles at 90 degrees; absence of architectural adornment; and extensive planes of aluminum-framed, transparent, floor-to-ceiling plate glass walls, alternating with wood-framed wall sections clad in off-white stucco. Its trademarks were prima facie: absence of architectural adornment, open floor plans, and extensive use of floor-to ceiling plate glass, blending indoor living spaces with outdoor patios or swimming pools, accented by grass and foliage.

As a nod to his Mid-Century Modern colleagues, Galbraith integrated two of their significant design ideals into its front façade. First, by anchoring recessed glass wall expanses with regionally quarried stone masonry, and second, by seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces, demonstrated by (a) vast expanses floor-to-ceiling glass walls and doors between interior spaces and exterior patios, courtyards, and gardens; and (b) enclosing a tall pine tree in an atrium within the 11 - 53
29 residential footprint, surely, and adroitly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces-a holy canon of Mid-Century Modern architecture.

Criterion 5 – Exemplification of the best remaining architectural type in a neighborhood. Historic Resource Group’s 2015 “City-Wide Survey of South Pasadena Mid-Century Modern Resources” identifies the 500 block of Arroyo Drive as a “cluster of Ranch Style residences.” While the Ranch Style was, indeed, a popular Mid-Century Modern architectural choice, in no way, shape, or form, can John Galbraith’s Cox House at 534 Arroyo Drive be considered Ranch Style. It stands, however, as the best (and only) example of International Style, MidCentury Modern architecture in the neighborhood.

As discussed under Criterion 4 above, 534 Arroyo Drive represents an excellent local example of International Style architecture built in the mid-century. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of the type, possesses high artistic value, exemplifies tenets of the International Style, stressing simplicity of design, with asymmetric, horizontal, and strictly rectangular form, prominent use of local, natural material, and integration of the building with its surrounding landscape.

The Ranch Style cluster clearly exhibits some of these character-defining features, but their wide, sweeping, shallow-pitched, roofs contrasts sharply with the formal rectangularity and transparency of the residence at 534 Arroyo Drive. In Short, the Cox House is not only the best remaining International Style residence in the neighborhood, but also one of the very best in South Pasadena.

Criterion 6 – Identification as the work of a person whose work has influenced the heritage of the city, state, or the United States. Residential architecture in mid-century South Pasadena thrust forward optimistically on the cusp of a new era. Eager to respond to post-war life-style changes, newspaper, magazine, and television journalists clamored for simple, eye-catching designs, open floor plans, and transparency between indoor and outdoor activities. While dazzling photos and drawings touted designs of Neutra, Schindler, and USC Case Study Home Program finalists, architect John Galbraith met with Paul and Caryn Cox on a knoll above Arroyo Drive to probe their thoughts and preferences regarding their future home. More than likely, both had seen several of those captivating modern designs.

Galbraith was not a heralded USC Case Study modernist, nor was he boosted and blessed by Julius Schulman’s photography. Either one of these critical christenings 11 - 54
30 would give an architect a major leg up in getting media attention and public acceptance. Against all odds, with a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Washington, a couple of years as a draftsman/designer in the Pasadena office of well-known and respected architect, Harold J Bissner, and, having recently hung out his own John F. Galbraith & Associates shingle, Galbraith was ready for action on a new front. A decade after his USC peers had launched their careers, Galbraith’s would begin and proceed without fanfare. Although he scrupulously avoided self-promotion, the quality of John’s work and his innate competitiveness did not allow him to stay out of the limelight for long.

As a fighter-pilot for the United State Army Air Corps in World War II.

Galbraith had already proven his drive and tenacity. Reconnaissance would now be his first priority. Mature and world-wise, he fully understood that architecture would be essentially a quality-of-life issue for clients. In his initial interview with the Coxes, he asked Paul and Caryn to write essays, without consulting with each other, regarding their own visions and wishes for the home to be built on the knoll along Arroyo Drive. What would it look like? What would it feel like? Galbraith would then draft preliminary architectural renderings that would prioritize and translate their vision(s) into what he thought would represent good architecture and take full advantage of site character. They would meet again to make any desired or necessary changes before construction would begin.

This client-focused design paradigm would prevail and expand through the remainder of the 1950s, and into the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, during which time at least seven Galbraith residences were cited as “HOME OF THE WEEK” in Sunday pictorial features published by Pasadena’s Independent Star News. More recently, The Los Angeles Times cited a 2009 remodel of a Galbraith oceanside home on Dana Point as having “retained its high-tech feel.” (See Appendix for copies of representative media commentary.)
Perhaps, however, with his career spanning the entire Mid-Century Modern era, Galbraith’s influence and legacy can best be demonstrated by reviewing photos of a few of his creations that still sparkle, unchanged and unequaled, on well-chosen sites in the Pasadena area and southward.
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31 John Galbraith. 2105 Villa Heights Road, Pasadena
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32 John Galbraith. 2147 Villa Heights Road, Pasadena
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33 John Galbraith. 32631 Balearic Road, Dana Point
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34 John Galbraith. 1275 Old Mill Road, San Marino
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35 Summing up his career in a 1968 interview, Galbraith referred to his considerable body of work as being “… all different, and not instantly recognizable as mine…” This might be questionable. Reviewing his whole body of work, several lifetimes after it was created, might lead to a different conclusion. Galbraith’s legacy will have to speak for itself in the generations to come. At present, a discerning eye can look at these photos, along with images of the Cox residence (and perhaps several other Galbraith Mid-Century Modern homes in Pasadena, Hacienda Heights, and another here in South Pasadena), and draw your own conclusions.

Criterion 7 – Embodiment of elements of outstanding attention to architectural design. Galbraith’s design for the residence at 534 Arroyo Drive gave outstanding attention to the overarching elements of the International Style: pure, unadorned, architecture and functionality. Unstinting attention was given to cubic, rectilinear design, unmarred by architectural ornamentation and to the welcoming transparency of floor-to-ceiling expanses of glass walls.

Side and rear facades add drama and functionality as recessed patios and courtyards come into view from thoughtfully articulated indents that shelter floor-to-ceiling glass walls and bump-outs that transmit glorious daylight and outdoor perspectives into interior spaces.

Entry from the front façade reveals an open, minimally obstructed view of greeting, living and dining spaces and a view of the swimming pool courtyard, through transparent glass walls, altogether providing a breathtakingly seamless extension of indoor living, and entertaining activities that segue to al fresco wonders. Architecturally unadorned white walls, sans cornices, baseboards, or framing around windows, doors, and doorways, enhances texture and color of furnishings and cherished artifacts.

Appreciating how meticulously Galbraith played with structure, space, and light to enhance life-quality throughout the property takes a keen eye. One might miss the unusually narrow, floor-to-ceiling glass wall section in the dining room wall adjacent the kitchen. With its wide doorways from foyer and living room, the dining room would already receive ample light and openness from the floor-toceiling glass wall on the opposite side of the room. This added touch clearly reflects outstanding attention to architectural design. It provides surprise, 11 - 60
36 balance, and enhances whatever artwork an owner might choose for the north dining room wall.

Criterion 8 - (Not a part of, or related to a square, park, or other distinctive area, which should be developed or preserved according to a plan based on a historic cultural or architectural motif.)
Criterion 9 – Unique location or singular physical characteristic representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood. The Cox house sits on a high knoll, overlooking the Arroyo Seco. The site was appreciated and well used before South Pasadena was founded. Two hundred and fifty years ago, a cluster of native American Indians, the Hahamognas, established a village on this knoll.

They have long since departed, but the scenic vista along the 500 block of Arroyo Drive remains virtually unchanged and today, one of South Pasadena’s premier natural resources.

Implausibility of development on the opposite side of Arroyo Drive virtually assures that the panoramic viewshed across the wide arroyo recreation area, and across northeast Los Angeles to the horizon, will continue for many generations to come. Absence of structures on the opposite side of Arroyo Drive has not only created a premium path for pedestrian exercise: jogging, biking, and dog-walking.

As an added bonus, it often provides for spectacular sunset views from homes along the 500 block, particularly from the front yard, living room, and dining room of the Cox house at 534.

Criterion 10 Yielding info of archeological interest…
Criterion 11 (Exclusive to historic district nominations) 11 - 61
37 HISTORIC INTEGRITY
In addition to meeting one or more eligibility criteria, the South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Ordinance requires that a property must retain Historic Integrity, the ability of a property to convey its significance. Integrity is measured by the authenticity of a property’s historic identity, evidenced by survival of physical characteristics that existed during the property’s historic period. The National Register recognizes seven aspects or qualities that comprise integrity: integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. To retain historic integrity a property will always possess several, and usually, most of these qualities. The seven aspects of integrity are listed and defined as follows:

LOCATION is the place where the historic property was constructed or where an historic event took place. The Cox Residence was built a 534 Arroyo Drive in South Pasadena, the exact place where it is today.

DESIGN is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property. John Galbraith’s classic International Style residence with horizontal massing, with articulated planes of glass and stucco that make outside part of the interior and vice-versa is a beautiful blend of architecture and function in the Mies van der Rohe tradition: fantastic design, fantastic functionality.

That buildings age, is universal. Some age well, many, not so well. When a new owners acquire an abandoned property, which had not been well maintained, substantial repair and renovation would usually be expected. By the early 21st century, the house at 534 Arroyo Drive was not only abandoned, but, despite its traces of Mid-Century Modern design, the structure was considered a tear-down by most realtors and prospective buyers.

Fortunately, the dynamic duo of Joan Hillard and architect-partner, Duncan Todd, AIA, were up to the challenge. Duncan absolutely loved the house. He was in lockstep with Galbraith’s approach to form, plan, transparency, style, structure and sensitivity to spatial fluidity. With Joan at his side, totally absorbed in decisionmaking, Todd must have “channeled” or reincarnated Galbraith; the remodeled kitchen is a close cousin to a kitchen update Galbraith himself did for a 1955 house he built in Hacienda Heights.
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38 SETTING is the physical environment of a historic property. In a quiet, upscale neighborhood, the property at 534 Arroyo Drive looks out across and above the historic Arroyo Seco nature and recreation area, and across a goodly portion of northeast Los Angeles to the western horizon. Absence of structures on the opposite (west) side of Arroyo Drive, offers spectacular sunset views from the Cox front yard, living and dining rooms. The same environmental qualities also provide premium access to recreational jogging, hiking, cycling and dog-walking.

MATERIALS are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern or configuration to form a historic property. Articulated facades, juxtaposing broad expanses of aluminumframed plate glass wall sections with wood-framed wall segments clad in stucco have been expertly maintained. Minor alterations have been completed with identical materials and configurations throughout, with one noteworthy exception, the original, tar and gravel, flat roof, which had apparently been compromised by poor maintenance and boneheaded resurfacing measures in previous decades, resulting in numerous and persistent leaks. Duncan Todd to the rescue. To maintain integrity of interior spaces, Duncan supervised installation of a, flat Sanafil* roof, visible only from a bird’s-eye view.

WORKMANSHIP is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history or prehistory. With the substandard roofing maintenance problem resolved, and with Duncan Todd’s’ commitment to superior workmanship on all necessary repairs and maintenance, the Cox house is as pristine as it ever was, from mid-century to the present.

FEELING is a property’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time. The Cox house couldn’t be truer to John Galbraith’s aesthetic sense than if the house had been sealed in a time capsule on the day he put on his final finishing touch.

ASSOCIATION is the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property. Without doubt, the most important person directly linked to the historic property at 534 Arroyo Drive was and is architect John Galbraith.

Mature, married and world wise, Galbraith received his bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Washington in 1949, whereupon, John and Nettie Galbraith (nee McKenzie), his wife for only three years, moved to Southern 11 - 63
39 California. Galbraith’s first professional position in 1950 was as a designerdraftsman in the office of well-known local architect Harold J. Bissner, before he opened his own office, John Galbraith & Associates, in Pasadena in 1952. The Cox house, built in 1959, was the eighth project built by Galbraith & Associates, preceded only by his own house, in 1954, six more residences, and a commercial commission in 1955.

Therefore, the Cox residence retains integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
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South Pasadena
Historic Landmark Nomination
Paul and Caryn Cox Residence
534 Arroyo Drive
Appendix:

Cox from the Air
Aerial Photo
Sanborn Map
Parcel Map
Cox from the Drafting Table
Original Floor Plan
Original Elevations
Galbraith Bio and Body of Work
Galbraith’s Work in the News
Cox/Galbraith in the documents
Permit Records DPR
Form 523
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534 Arroyo Drive, South Pasadena
Aerial view, Google Maps, 2022
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Sanborn Map, Pasadena, 1930-1951, Vol. 6, Sheet 609
Subject site still belongs to a larger undivided lot
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Parcel Map, 1982, Los Angeles County Assessor’s Portal
Subject site after a subdivision
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John F. Galbraith. Cox Residence. Floor Plan. 1958
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John F. Galbraith. Cox Residence. Elevations. 1958
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John Franklin Galbraith’s bio
John Franklin Galbraith was born on February 11, 1923 in Washington, DC, to Winston W. and Lucille Galbraith. Before they married, Lucille worked in the Treasury Department’s Bureau of War Risk Insurance, but left in 1920 to work in the home, raising two sons, John and his younger brother, Robert. Winston Galbraith was an accountant with the Federal Government and prior to 1940, they moved to Albuquerque, NM, where Winston was assigned to the Bureau of Indian Affairs before the family returned to the Washington D.C. area, eventually settling in Glendale, California.

When war broke out, John volunteered for the Army Air Corps, just out of High School. He became an officer and trained as a fighter pilot. From 1942 to 1947, John Galbraith served as a Captain in the United States Army Air Corps. After World War II, John married Nettie McKenzie in 1946. In 1949, he earned his B.A.in architecture from the University of Washington. Upon graduation, John and Nettie moved south to the San Gabriel Valley and, between 1951 and 1953, they lived at 9506 East Bogue Street in Temple City. While there, John built his growing family a new home at 1262 Hartwood Point Drive, in Pasadena. In 1954, the Galbraiths moved in and were to stay there until the late 1990s.

Galbraith’s first professional position was as Designer-Draftsman (1950-1951) in the office of well-known Los Angeles architect Harold J. Bissner. In 1952, he opened his own office, John Galbraith Architect, AIA, at 2805 E. Foothill Boulevard, in Pasadena. He joined the Pasadena & Foothill Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 1959.

As John F. Galbraith and Company, Incorporated Architects, AIA, the new firm moved to 3468 E. Foothill Boulevard in 1963. By 1967, the need for added staff and space, brought in L. Culp and F. C. Reardon as vice-presidents and C. Lester as secretary, and Galbraith as president, whereupon they became John Galbraith and Associates, Incorporated. The new firm relocated to 181 South Los Robles Avenue. By 1969, John decided to downsize and looked forward to an early 11 - 71
retirement, and moved to 222 North Craig Avenue. At this point, although the family was well set, financially, John was commissioned by a-list entertainment executive to build a state-of-the arts mansion on his 13-acre estate in greater Pasadena (the Marcheschi House). It was to be large and lavish to entertain and impress his associates and friends. Construction began in 1972 and was about half-finished, and to-the-nines in accord with the client’s vision and pocketbook, when the pocketbook vanished. Construction ceased, but Galbraith agreed to stick with the project until funds were available. In 1980, John was able resume.

The basic structure remained, but appliances and appurtenances were greatly simplified, perhaps for the better. In 1991, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design organizing committee selected the property for its annual event, and it was a huge success.

John F. Galbraith was still maintaining his license in 1999, but by the early 2000s, he had moved to a retirement home, reportedly in Colorado. No obituary has been found, the date and place of his death remain unknown.

John Galbraith’s legacy, nevertheless lives on. Although he left behind a number of well-designed commercial and institutional structures, he is best-known for his residential designs. And, from 1960-1964, at least seven Galbraith residences in the Pasadena area were blessed with Sunday “Home of the Week” pictorial coverage in the Independent Star News. Also, just a few years ago, in 2000, the Los Angeles Times published a beautiful retrospective Sunday “Home of the Week” pictorial on Galbraith’s “Casa Pacifica” in Orange County at Dana Point (reprints of all Galbraith “Homes of the Week” are provided in the Appendix). 11 - 72
Selected residential projects:
- John and Nettie Galbraith House, 1262 Hartwood Point Dr, Pasadena, 1954 (demolished)
- William J. Gosline House, 1600 Highland Oaks Dr, Arcadia, 1954 (demolished)
- Ferdinand Jean Delzaert House, 606 S Euclid Ave, 1955 (demolished) - Carroll and Leonard Wendland House, 2689 Turnbull Canyon Rd, 1955 - Jessie Ivers House, 1313 Mountain View Ave, South Pasadena, 1956 - P. Melvin Knoll House I, 2105 Villa Heights Road, Pasadena, 1956 - W. Phil Sechler House, 2804 E California Blvd, Pasadena, 1958 - Paul and Caryn Cox House, 534 Arroyo Drive, South Pasadena, 1959 - Rand Lewis House, 3170 Mesaloa Lane, Pasadena, before 1960 - C.A. Stanley House, Pasadena (foothill property), before 1960 - Robert Culp House, 4025 Alta Vista Dr, La Canada Flintridge, 1960 - Leonard Weeks House, Carmel, 1961
- Winston W. Galbraith, 463 N Canyon Blvd, Monrovia, 1961 (altered) - S. Bartley Cannell House, La Canada Flintridge, before 1963 - P. Melvin Knoll House II, North Kinneloa Ranch, Pasadena, 1963 - “Olympia Pacifica”, 32621 Balearic Road, Dana Point, 1964 - The Horizon House, 31911 National Park Dr, Laguna Niguel, 1963 (often attributed to George A. Bissell)
- Brian Burton House, 1210 S Grand Ave, Pasadena, 1965
- Single-family House, 1275 Old Mill Rd, San Marino, 1967 (altered) - Whitmore Adams House, 900 Rosalind Road, San Marino, 1969 (altered)
- Marcheschi House, 1782 Sierra Madre Villa Ave, Pasadena, 1972-1981 (Pasadena Showcase House of Design), 1991
11 - 73
Selected commercial and institutional projects:
- Temple City Professional Pharmacy & Medical Building (owner P.K.

Knoll), 9678 E. Las Tunas Drive, Temple City, 1955
- Swimquip Inc., 3301 Gilman Rd, El Monte, 1959 (altered) - Unitek Corporation, 2724 Peck Rd, Monrovia/Irwindale, 1960 (altered?) - Fortifiber Corporation, 1870 Airways Blvd (?), Memphis, TN, 1960 - South Pasadena Christian Church 1316 Lyndon St, South Pasadena, 1961
- The First Central Christian Church (sanctuary addition), 789 N.

Altadena Drive, Pasadena, 1967
- Southern California Gas Company / George Ellery Hale Building, City of Pasadena Permit Center (addition), 175 N Garfield Ave, Pasadena, 1967-1968
- Pasadena Water Treatment Plant, Gabrieleno Trail, west end of Altadena Drive, 1969
Resources:

AIA Historical Directory of American Architects:
https://aiahistoricaldirectory.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/AHDAA/pages/35690 277/ahd1015169
Ancestry.com
Newspapers.com
Pacific Coast Architecture Database:
https://pcad.lib.washington.edu/person/4386/
Little Gem with History (Horizon Home)
https://www.eichlernetwork.com/article/little-gem-history?page=0,5 Pasadena Central Library, Centennial Room, Architectural Notebooks 11 - 74
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California) · Sun, Jul 3, 1955 · Page 58 https://www.newspapers.com/image/381109475 Printed on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.

Galbraith’s Work in the News
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Independent Star-News (Pasadena, California) · Sun, Oct 29, 1961 · Page 46 https://www.newspapers.com/image/31797116 Printed on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.
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Independent Star-News (Pasadena, California) · Sun, Oct 9, 1960 · Page 54 https://www.newspapers.com/image/31790404 Printed on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.
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Independent Star-News (Pasadena, California) · Sun, Dec 18, 1960 · Page 50 https://www.newspapers.com/image/31799876 Printed on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.
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Independent Star-News (Pasadena, California) · Sun, Apr 24, 1960 · Page 48 https://www.newspapers.com/image/31764309 Printed on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.
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Independent Star-News (Pasadena, California) · Sun, Jun 12, 1960 · Page 46 https://www.newspapers.com/image/31773556 Downloaded on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.
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South Pasadena Review (South Pasadena, California) · Wed, Nov 28, 1962 · Page 14 https://www.newspapers.com/image/607235063 Downloaded on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.
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Independent Star-News (Pasadena, California) · Sun, Dec 9, 1962 · Page 51 https://www.newspapers.com/image/31790836 Printed on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.
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The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California) · Sun, Jun 30, 1963 · Page 129 https://www.newspapers.com/image/381565516 Printed on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.
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Independent Star-News (Pasadena, California) · Sun, Nov 29, 1964 · Page 12 https://www.newspapers.com/image/31791578 Printed on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.
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The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California) · Sun, Apr 19, 2009 · Page 48 https://www.newspapers.com/image/193292400 Printed on Mar 8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.
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534 Arroyo Drive, South Pasadena
Selected Building Permits
11 - 92
11 - 93
11 - 94
C I T Y of S 0 U T H P A S A D E N A
Building Department
Certificate of Occupancy No._---! I
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the "
n916 C& M& 17 reeld- 21ce with
attached garage
Description of building or structure)
Por. s of Lots 5& 6
Erected on Lot -
aet 9657
Street and South Pasadena, California
Occupancy Group;& L_jype__ y-_ Use Zone__ R__._ Fire Zone No. 3--
Owner Paul Cox -- Illr,,,
1610 Begot MomAtain, Made a
Contractor Address
Architectlohn F. Gel] ra Address 3468 E. F98thill Bludifts ria Building Permit Lan
has been inspected and the following occupancy thereof is hereby authorized Signature
Date
The following is the applicable section of the Uniform Building Code which states the need for a Certificate of Occupancy:

Section 306( a), as amendedz " USE OR OCCUPANCY, No new building shall be used or occupied and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the Building Department has issued a Certificate of Occupancy therefor as provided herein.

In no event shall said Certificate of Occupancy be issued until a complete list of the names and addresses of all contractors and sub- contractors who have performed work on the structure or property has been filed with the Building Department. Furthermore, said Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued until all of said contractors and sub- contractors have paid all business licenses due by them to the City." I have read the above statement and understand that this form will become a Certificate of Occupancy when work authorized under Building Permit No. ILIC) 1'% is satisfactorily completed an - 1 is form is completed and signed by the Building Depart" nt.

S 1 g n a t U117 e
Date 195y
11 - 95
4 6fCity of South Pasadena
1414 Mission Street
South Pasadena, CA 91030
c Office Hrs: 7: 30 am to 5: 00 pm, M -Th
o • °
7: 30 am to 4: 00 Friday
Phone Number( 626) 403 -7220
Insp, Request( 626) 403 - 7226

SITE ADDRESS ,
4L1
ASSES> R ELNUMBF:
f
1 rnrtc l RooK { rncrJ' . S

ADDITIONAL INFORMA I ION / LEGAL E CRIPIION
ONT'ER' SN ME`•
C• i t 1I /';'(
4]

STREET AJRESS' K
Tgj E/ CIT /
y'
ti 5 ZIP COUE

PHONE N' N
S NAE +/`\ LICE NS[ E NO. PRINCIPAL N. -E/ R M
REETADERESS _
i '
ST TE zIP / CITt'
DEy
PHONE NUAI6ER/ n/
TT)
SON
AL 4410 CONTX1,

INITIALS
PHONE NUM1IBER
CONT CT S/ NnnAM /E
NTRE T IiE
C TE. 21 DE
SANITATION DINT PAID ' 17 I. NDUSTR1ALwASTFAPPROVAL

HEALTH DEPT APPROVAL OSHAPERNIITOBTAINFD

FIRE DLP L APPROVAL PUBLIC WORKS FEES PAID

LICENSE
Cr
5 LICF, NSF. NUMAFR EXI I' ON ATE
i'7
PHONE NUxtBER • PHONE
WORKER' S COMP NSATION INSURANCE 4OMPANY

WORKER' S CMN
2 U1; W NJ
ER E% C19. A ON ATE

BUILDING PERMIT- APPLICATION
OWNER - BUILDER DECLARA " IION
I hereby anon under penally of perjury that 1 am exempt from the Contractors License Law for the following reason ( Section 7031. 5 of the Business and Professions Code)',
I, as owner of be property, o my employees with wages as their sole compensation, will do the work, and the structure is not intended or offered for sale ( Section 7044 of the Business and Professions Code).

I, as owner of the property, am exclusively contracting with licensed coo2dors to construct the project ( Section 7044 of the Business and Prolessions Code).

I am exempl under Section , Business and Professions
Code for the following reason:

Signature: Date:

LICENSED CONTRACTOR' S DECLARATION
I hereby firm that licensed under p ovlsioas of Chapter 9 ( commencing with Seelmn 70 0) f D- isian 3 of the usiness and Profess ons C de, and my license is - f 1 f e and effect
Signature: - ate.

L' ( rIX
WORKERS' COMPENSAIION 1) ECLARA' ION
1 hereby aRrm under penally of perjury one of the following dmlarrions'. 1 have and will maintain a certificate of consent to self insure for wo kers' compensation, as provided for by Section 3700 of the Labor Code, for the perfO once of the work for which this permit is issued. 1 have and will maintain workers' compensation insurance, as required by Section 3700 of the Labor Code, for the performance of the work for which this permit is issued. My workers' compensation insurance carrier and policy number are listed in the IeN column oflhis application.

I certify that in the performance of the work for which this permit is sued, 1 shall not employ any person in any manner so as to become subject to the workers c p
on la C C, mut and I agree th t f I hould
become subje l to ' ocke Pe , lion provrsion, of S t 37W of the Labor Code I sh o thw' tlrc pl I those provisions
q
Signature: Dater

CONSTRUCTION LENDING AGENCY
See the back oflhis form for required - le— r l

AUTHORIZATION OF ENTRY
I certify Ibat I have read this appllcal on a Id state that the fo al' on given is correct. i agree t comply w th all federal and state laws and c ty d nance, relating to bull ng construction, and I authorize a represent t- f this City to emer upon he r perry fvr which I
i
pplied for this permit for the purpose
of makin
DEMON OF woRIL _

OCCUPANCY GROUP TYPO OF CONSTRUCTION AREA

TYPEOFCONSFRUCHON ARLA OCCUPANCYGROUP

FIRESPRINKLFRS NUMBER OF STORIES CODE IN EFFECT
YEs 1-- 1 NO
Sfn' IIS rICAL CLASNn ICAIION PLANNINGFILENO
NO uors
5 _ 5
FION VAI. UA I ITIAL VALUATION REVISFP
PLAN CHECK FEE S_ jL
ADDITIONAL PLAN CHECK FEE 5

PLAN CH CK NUMBLR ( INITIALS DATE
C; 0710 6
11 ADDITIONAL PLAN CHECK NUMBER INFI IALS -- FDAIL--
- 96

SCHOOL FEES PAID SCAQMD
SANITATION DINT PAID ' 17 I. NDUSTR1ALwASTFAPPROVAL

HEALTH DEPT APPROVAL OSHAPERNIITOBTAINFD

FIRE DLP L APPROVAL PUBLIC WORKS FEES PAID
Ii' k;Y ButLDINC PEM1IT FEE

ISSLANCE, FEL

SMIP FEE
PI. AN MAINTENANCE FEE
s

TOTAL S
PERMIT INITIALS un F

I NUMBER
In/ uo `
Name. t aI DATE AL FIN L
Date. ' Signature" l /__
y
City of South Pasadena
1414 Mission Street
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Office Hrs: 7: 30 am to 5: 00 pm, M -Th
Phone Number ( 626) 403 - 7220 +
6 SITE ADDRESS
n
ASSESSOR PARCEL NUNmER

BOOK PAGE PARCEL

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION I LEGAL DESCRIPTION

OWNER' S NAME
NJ00q^ J C.

STREET ADDRESS

CODE IN EFFECT
Zm L
CITY STA a ZIP CODE

DO NOT COVER THE ROOF UNTIL

APPROVAL FROM THE CITY BUILDING
PHONH NImmHa
PRINCIPALDP. SIGNP.R'S NAME LICENSE NO

STREET ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP LADE

PHONE NUMBER
CONTACT PERSON _
C
PHONENt1MBER
4q

CONTRACTOR' S NAME
STREET fDRESS
R

CITY STATE ZIP CODE
L o< < - C C

ICENSEC ASS LICENSE NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE
C 5q 33

PHONE NUNEBER
i- 023 - 5

WORKER' S COWENSATION INSURANCE COMPANY NAME
u
WORKER' S COMP. INSURANCE POLICY NUMB EXPllrAT[ ON DA H INUMMOMW 1 I sit - a4,
L W3

REROOF APPLICATION

OWNER- BUILDER DECLARATION
I hereby affirm under penalty of perjury that I am exempt from the Contractor' s License Law for the following reason ( Section 7031. 5 of the Business and Professions Code).
1, as owner of the property. or my empWyees with wages as their sole compensation, will do the work, and the structure is not intended or offered for sale ( Section 7044 of the Business and Professions Code).

I, as owner of the property, am exclusively contracting with licensed contractors to concoct the project ( Section 7044 of the Business and Professions Code).

I am exempt under Section Business and Professions
Code for the following reason:

Signature: Date:

LICENSED CONTRACTOR' S DECLARATION
I hereby affirm that 1 am licensed under provisions of Chapter 9 ( commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, and my license is in fulljqrce and effec
Signature: 117 Date.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION DECLARATION
I hereby affirm under penalty of perjury one of the following declamations_ I have and will maintain a certificate of consent to self -insure for workers' compensation, as provided fm by Section 3700 of the Labor Code, for the performance of the work for which this permit is issued.

YI have and will maintain workers' compensation insurance, as required by Section 3700 of the Labor Code, for the performance of the work for which this permit is issued. My workers' compensation insurance carrier and policy number are listed in the left column of this application.

I certify that in the performance of the work for which this permit is issued, I shall not employ any Person in any manner so as to become subject to the workers compensation laws of California, and I agree that if I should become subject to the workers compensation provisions of Section 3700 of the Labor Code, 1 shorthw Ih co ply with those

DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Reroof Over Existing
provisions,
T." Ignatme' [ -- [
1 CONSTRUCTION LENDING AGENCY
See the back of this f for required statement

AUTHORIZATION OF ENTRY
I certify that I have read this application and state that the information given rs correct. I agree to comply with all federal and state laws and city ordinances relating to building construction, and I authorize a representative of this City to enter upon the property for which I have applied for this permit for the purpose of making inspections.

Name:

Signature. . Date,
Tear -Off and Reraof
New Plywood Rod Roof Mehl Roof o /Existing
Other lh4afi S4iz P f P14_
AA., sAod pia p 3g 7 — (, () m I I

TYPE OF STRUCTURE

RESIDENTIAL NONRESIDENTIAL

CODE IN EFFECT AREA
S @MFrEB
f8o0 Zm L

REVISED VALUATION INITIAL VALUATION

PRE -ROOF INSPECTION IS REQUIRED

DO NOT COVER THE ROOF UNTIL

APPROVAL FROM THE CITY BUILDING

INSPECTOR HAS BEEN OBTAINED

ANY PORTION OF THE ROOF WHICH IS

COVERED WITHOUT INSPECTION SHALL
BE ENTIRELY UNCOVERED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE APPLICANT
s (' 5z BUILDING PERMIT FEE
Cs 1SSUe NCE FEE
p Eq
Y s
s
S —
l
TOTAL S L!I
Z'b r4_ I w' t' L'
IN ITIALS DATE. PERMIT NU"MBER T
TI t t 1 j
DATP. OP yrNAL - / FIN
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ATTACHMENT 2
Subcommittee Report
11 - 100
CHC Landmark Subcommittee Report
SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Conrado Lopez, Vice-Chair
William Cross, Commission Member
SUBJECT ADDRESS:
534 Arroyo Drive, South Pasadena, CA 91030
INTRODUCTION:

The City of South Pasadena received an application for a Landmark Designation for the home at 534 Arroyo Drive on August 29, 2022. At the meeting of the Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) on October 26, 2022, a Landmark Designation subcommittee consisting of William Cross, Commission Member and Conrado Lopez, Vice-Chair was appointed to review the application.

The Landmark Designation subcommittee reviewed the application materials and met with the property owner on site on November 16, 2022 and toured the property at that time. This report presents the Landmark Designation subcommittee’s recommendation on the ability of the proposed application to meet the designation criteria required for Register of a Landmark per South Pasadena Municipal Code (SPMC), Section 2.63(b)(1-11) explaining with brief facts the way in which the property was important to the local, state, or national history during the period significance. It would also include significant themes and historic contexts to which the property relates.

BACKGROUND:

As stated in the Historic Resource Application prepared by Glen Duncan and Marina Khrustaleva the subject property was built in 1959 for Paul and Caryl Cox by architect John Franklin Galbraith.

The residence is a single story structure with alternating expanses of glass and stone exterior walls. Galbraith uses simple geometric forms to emphasize horizontality and transparency. One long, horizontal beam stretches across the entire front façade at the roofline and a giant conifer tree rises between the beams of its front entryway. The Mid-Century Modern residence embraces the natural environment—rooms are lined with floor-to-ceiling windows and stand adjacent to patios, blurring the relationship between indoor and outdoor space. John Galbraith, was a Pasadena-based architect who designed a number of institutional, commercial and residential buildings. According to the Historic Landmark Nomination Report, the Cox residence at 534 Arroyo Drive, is one of South Pasadena’s most outstanding examples of classic International Style architecture in its purest original form.

CRITERIA AND STANDARDS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION:

Criteria and standards for the designation of a landmark shall include any or all of the following, as applicable; while several criterion apply, the subcommittee has focused on the documentation that reflects a strong correlation for criterion 4, 5 6, and 7:
(1) Its character, interest or value as part of the heritage of the community:

Applicable.
(2) Its location as a site of significant historic event:

Not applicable.
11 - 101
534 Arroyo Drive (2524-LHD)
Landmark Subcommittee Report

Page 2 of 3 ends

(3) Its identification (such as residence, ownership, or place of occupation, etc.) with a person, persons or groups who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the city, state or United States:

Not applicable.
(4) Its exemplification of a particular architectural style of an era of history of the city:

According to the Historic Landmark Nomination Report, the Cox residence was constructed during the Mid-Century Modern era during a time when other architectural styles dominated (i.e., California Ranch-style homes). The Cox house was designed in the International style ideal with its flat roof, single story horizontality, formal rectilinearity, façade at 90-degree angles, absence of architectural adornment, and extensive plans of aluminum-framed floor-to-ceiling windows, alternating with woodframed wall sections clad in off-white stucco. Its trademarks were prima facie—absence of architectural adornment, open floor plans, and extensive use windows, blending indoor living spaces with outdoor patios or swimming pools, accented by grass and foliage.
(5) Its exemplification of the best remaining architectural type in the neighborhood:

According to the Historic Landmark Nomination Report, the architectural style of the Cox residence embodies the distinctive characteristics of the type, possesses high artistic value, exemplifies tenets of the International Style. Located within a neighborhood cluster of exemplary Ranch-style homes, the Cox residence is not only the best remaining International Style residence in the neighborhood, but also one of the very best in South Pasadena.
(6) Its identification as the work of a person or persons whose work has influenced the heritage of the city, the state or the United States:

John F. Galbraith traveled the world as fighter pilot during World War II, and fully understood that architecture should be enjoyed by its residents. Galbraith was clientfocused, asking clients to write essays describing their vision for their new home, and would begin drafting preliminary renderings based on the responses. With his offices in Pasadena, Galbraith commissioned homes throughout Southern California, seven of which were cited as “Home of the Week” by Pasadena’s Independent Star News. (7) Its embodiment of elements of outstanding attention to architectural design, engineering, detail design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship:

According to the report, Galbraith’s design for the Cox residence gave outstanding attention to the overarching elements of the International Style: pure, unadorned, architecture and functionality. Particular attention was given to cubic, rectilinear design, unmarred by architectural ornamentation and to the welcoming transparency of floor-toceiling expanses of glass walls. Appreciating how meticulously Galbraith played with structure, space, and light to enhance life-quality throughout the property takes a keen eye. One might miss the unusually narrow, floor-to-ceiling glass wall section in the dining room wall adjacent the kitchen. With its wide doorways from foyer and living room, the dining room would already receive ample light and openness from the floor-to-ceiling glass wall on the opposite side of the room. This added touch clearly reflects outstanding attention to architectural design.
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534 Arroyo Drive (2524-LHD)
Landmark Subcommittee Report

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(8) It is either a part of or related to a square, park or other distinctive area which should be developed or preserved according to a plan based on a historic cultural or architectural motif:

Not applicable.
(9) Its unique location or singular physical characteristic representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood:

Applicable.
(10) Its potential for yielding information of archaeological interest:

Not applicable.
(11) In designing a historic district, its significance as a distinguishable neighborhood or area whose components may lack individual distinction:

Not applicable.

SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION ON LANDMARK DESIGNATION:

In conclusion, pursuant to SPMC, Section 2.63, the Landmark subcommittee recommend that 534 Arroyo Drive be granted Landmark designation based on its consistency with Criterion 4, 5, 6, and 7.
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South Pasadena City CouncilMarch 15, 2023

South Pasadena City Council
March 15, 2023