December 16, 2019
FROM: DANIEL ZACK, AICP
Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: LAURA GROVES van ONNA
Historic Preservation Specialist
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT:
Title
REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED RELOCATION PLAN FOR THE VAN NESS ENTRANCE GATE (CR; FCL; HP #082) LOCATED AT 2208 S VAN NESS AVENUE FROM THE CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO FMC 12-1606(b)(6).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Commission review and comment on the proposed relocation plan for the Van Ness Entrance Gate (CR; FCL; HP #082) located at 2208 S Van Ness Avenue from the California High-Speed Rail Authority (“Authority”) pursuant to FMC 12-1606(b)(6). The purpose of this review and comment is to continue discussion and to provide advisement before the Authority moves forward in preparation for a proposed project.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has requested that their proposed relocation plan for the Van Ness Entrance Gate (CR; FCL; HP #082) located at 2208 S Van Ness Avenue to the new site at Mariposa and H Streets be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
Pursuant to FMC 12-1606(b)(6), Staff requests that the Commission review and comment on the proposed relocation of the Van Ness Entrance Gate (CR; FCL; HP #082) located at 2208 S Van Ness Avenue for the purposes of continuing discussion and providing advisement before the Authority moves forward in preparation for the proposed project.
Primary concerns for Staff are the method of relocation and the repair or replacement of features as needed. Staff encourages discussion in pursuit of optimal methodology and treatment that enhances, and minimizes any potential adverse effects to, the historic character of the property.
BACKGROUND
The Authority proposes to construct, operate, and maintain an electric-powered high-speed train (HST) system in California. Two of the nine sections of the 800-mile route meet here in Fresno; a Merced to Fresno HST Project would connect a Merced station and a Fresno station. A Fresno to Bakersfield HST Project would connect Fresno with Bakersfield to the south. Due to federal funding, the project meets the definition of a “federal undertaking,” pursuant to 36 CFR Part 800.16(y). As a consequence the Project must comply with both federal and California environmental laws and protocols. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is the lead agency for compliance with both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as other federal laws. The Authority is serving as a joint-lead agency under NEPA and is the lead agency for compliance under the California Environmental Quality Act.
In August 2011 an EIS/EIR was released for two sections, Merced to Fresno and Fresno to Bakersfield. As part of the technical studies for these environmental reports, historic surveys were prepared that identified and evaluated the cultural resources within the Project’s Area of Potential Effect (APE), with “cultural resources” defined as including “prehistoric archaeological site, historic-era sites, traditional cultural properties as well as historic buildings, structures, landscapes, districts and linear features.” Pursuant to FMC 12-1606(b)(5) and (6) the Historic Preservation Commission has the authority to participate in environmental reviews and to comment on land use and planning as they may affect designated Historic Resources, Historic Districts, and Heritage Properties as the Commission deems appropriate. In addition, both federal and State statutes ensure public participation. In December 2011 Mayor Ashley Swearengin signed an Agreement with the California High-Speed Rail Authority accepting Consulting Party status for the City of Fresno pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act.
The Van Ness Entrance Gate is located at the southern terminus of Van Ness Avenue and historically served as the formal entrance to the City of Fresno. The sign is an iconic symbol of the City, often quoted by local artists and used in marketing. In 1917, local merchants funded an impressive welcome sign designed by architects Edward Glass and Charles Butner at the intersection of Van Ness Avenue and Highway 99. The existing arched gateway at this location was constructed in 1925 and restored with additional architectural embellishments in 1979-1980 by Frank Caglia, who added “The Best Little City in the U.S.A.” This object is a designated historic resource, listed in the Local Register of Historic Resources (HP #082) and as a Fresno County Landmark (No. 136). Additionally, as part of the historic surveys conducted for the HST Project, consultants from JRP Historical Consulting found the “South Van Ness Entrance Gate” eligible under Criteria A/1 and C/3 for both the National Register of Historic Places as well as the California Register of Historical Resources. It is anticipated that the proposed HST Project will have an indirect adverse impact on the Van Ness Entrance Gate, not through demolition, but due to the fact that the rail line will create a cul-de-sac and thus restrict access to the sign. The Authority has indicated its willingness to fund the sign’s relocation as a mitigation measure for this indirect adverse impact.
The Commission discussed, at two prior meetings, the proposed relocation of the Van Ness Entrance Gate form the California High-Speed Rail Authority - on October 28, 2013 and on December 21, 2015. Potential sites for the relocation of the arch were discussed on October 28, 2013. At that time, Staff preferred placing the arch at the north end of the Fulton Mall. The Commission suggested an alternate location, the intersection of Mariposa and H streets, as a gateway into downtown from the proposed High-Speed Rail Station. Staff found that the suggested relocation site would meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties because the Van Ness Entrance Gate was compatible with the scale and period of the location and setting. This historic resource would also continue to serve as a place-maker, welcoming travelers into the city from the proposed High-Speed Rail Station as it once did from Highway 99. In order to avoid confusion in wayfinding, the words “Van Ness Avenue” would be removed from the sign once it is was relocated. On December 21, 2015, the Commission approved the intersection of Mariposa and H streets as the relocation site for the Van Ness Entrance Gate.
A Treatment Plan for the Van Ness Entrance Gate was previously prepared by the Authority staff in consultation with the City of Fresno. The Plan states in part, “the relocation would require evaluation under the criteria of adverse effect and the property may still be adversely affected by the project. A relocation plan will include input from concurring parties regarding relocation of the Van Ness Gate structure to provide a comprehensive and thorough approach that will best meet the needs of the parties and the property. The relocation plans for the historic property will take into account its historic site and layout, i.e., relationship to the roadway. The plan will also provide for the stabilization of the structure before, during, and after the move, as well as repair of inadvertent damage caused by the relocation in accordance with the requirements outlined in Section 7.3.1.”
A conditions assessment conducted on October 28, 2019 by a sign moving contractor is attached as Exhibit C. The contractor’s assessment indicated that the columns supporting the arched gateway consist of a hollow metal post sitting atop a poured concrete base. Each column is likely supported by steel beams buried in the ground. Because the inspection revealed that the columns lack structural integrity and cannot be reused, the columns must be replaced and would be constructed at the new site. This would require excavation for footings and installation of electrical conduit prior to the relocation of remaining features for the arched gateway. It is expected that the light fixtures and caps that top the columns can be salvaged and reused at the new site; however, assessment of their condition during removal could indicate otherwise. The contractor determined that the metal archway can be reused at the new site. It would be cut from the columns it is currently attached to and transported on a flatbed truck to the relocation site. The “FRESNO” signage would be removed from the metal archway and transported separately. It is anticipated that the relocation could be accomplished in four business days in addition to obtaining all necessary permits and ensuring the structure passes inspection.
The Authority will consult with the City of Fresno regarding the design of the replacement columns prior to construction. Unanticipated structural integrity issues may present themselves during the relocation process. Alterations to existing signage on the arched gateway is not assumed for this work. Painting or other restoration work is not assumed for this work. Long-term maintenance of the structure would be the responsibility of the City of Fresno. Additional work may require temporary storage of the structure.
Staff encourages discussion in pursuit of optimal methodology and treatment that enhances, and minimizes any potential adverse effects to, the historic character of the property.
Attachment
Exhibit A: Van Ness Gate Relocation, California High-Speed Rail Authority, December 2019.
Exhibit B: California High-Speed Train Project EIR/EIS, Fresno to Bakersfield Section, Built Environment Treatment Plan, California High-Speed Rail Authority, September 2014.
Exhibit C: Memorandum regarding “CNI Pre-Relocation Assessment for the Relocation of the Van Ness Gate Sign,” ESA, November 14, 2019.