HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996/12/11 - Agenda PacketCITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
AGENDA
WEDNESDAY
DECEMBER 11, 1996
Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center
Council Chamber
10500 Civic Center Drive
Rancho Cucamonga, California
7:00 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Chairman Barker
Commissioner Bethel__
Vice Chairman McNiel
Commissioner Macias__ Commissioner Tolstoy
II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
III.
August 14, 1996
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
The following items are public hearings in which concerned individuals may voice
their opinion of the re/ated project. Please wait to be recognized by the Chairman
and address the Commission by stating your name and address. All such opinions
shall be limited to 5 minutes per individual for each project. Please sign in after
speaking.
HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION 96-03 - CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA - An application to designate the Logia Felipe Angeles,
Inc. Theater as a Local Landmark, located at 10071 Feron Boulevard,
or alternatively as a Point of Historic Interest, and update the Historic
Resource Inventory List appropriately - APN: 209-085-04.
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the time and place for the general public to address the Commission.
to be discussed here are those which do not a/ready appear on this agenda.
VI. COMMISSION BUSINESS
Items
VII. ADJOURNMENT
I, Gail Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary of the City of Rancho
Cucamonga, or my designee, hereby certify that a true, accurate copy of the
foregoing agenda was posted on December 5, 1996, at least 72 hours prior to
the meeting per Government Code Section 54964.2 at 10500 Civic Center Drive,
Rancho Cucamonga.
Page 2
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A.T.& S.F.
· ~. CITY HALL
CITY OF
RANCHO CUCAMONGA
CITY OF R_ANCHO CUCAMONGA
STAFF REPORT
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
BY:
SUBJECT:
December 11, 1996
Chairman and Members of Historic Preservation Commission
Brad Buller, City Planner
Larry Henderson, AICP, Principal Planner
HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION 96-03 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
- An application to designate the Logia Felipe Angeles, Inc. Theater as a Local
Landmark, located at 10071 Feron Boulevard, or alternatively as a Point of Historic
Interest, and update the Historic Resource Inventory List appropriately -
APN: 209-085-04.
BACKGROUND
Ao
General: This Application was initiated by the City in keeping with established policy of the
Historic Preservation Commission. Historic Preservation Commission policy requires a
historic cultural resource review by the Historic Preservation Commission before issuance of
a demolition permit for a potentially significant structure. As with most sites and structures
in the area known as Northtown, a historic cultural resource review has not previously been
conducted for the subject site. Recently, the Northtown Housing Development Corporation
(NHDC) acquired the property with the goal of reestablishing a Community Center. It was
NHDC's desire that with Redevelopment Agency Assistance such a goal could be reached
and a conceptual feasibility study was prepared. This study indicated that rehabilitation would
be significantly higher cost than new construction. Subsequently, it was determined that the
Redevelopment Agency would not be able to participate in such a project whether it was new
construction or rehabilitation.
Historical Significance: The subject building was constructed in 1948 as a local movie theater
in direct competition with the previously demolished Cucamonga Theater, which was located
approximately one block east on 25th Street. The Raoul Torrez theater was actually
constructed by three local gentlemen, which included Mr. Torrez, Mr. Valdez Ledesma, and
Mr. Mcintyre. The theater was used to show Spanish language films and showcased Hispanic
talents from the Los Angeles Theater as well. Patrons of the theater came from the entire
region and included the busing in of migrant zenarjo workers to enjoy the entertainment. The
declining of movie revenues in 1955 led to the purchase of the theater by a local social
service club called the Logia Felipe Angeles, Inc. The building was used by not only the local
group for meetings and events but also by other groups from as far away as San Jose.
ITEM A
HPC STAFF REPORT
LD 96°03 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
December 11, 1996
Page 2
These groups were affiliated clubs of a larger state organization called La Sociada Mexicano.
In 1966, the club raised the sloping theater floor and made the facility more useable for
community events; e.g., dances, parties, and wedding receptions. The club's activities
including raising and donating funds for medical research, school scholarships, and burial
expenses. Club members were barred from using the organization for political or religious
related activities or affiliations.
Information concerning the building and club activities was developed from interviews with
several local residents on November 20 and 21, 1996. A copy of the draft transcripts is
attached for reference. It is clear from the interviews that the building is an established
feature of the Community and was used for a cultural purpose that is well recalled and
associated with the Hispanic community of the area and the region.
Site Characteristics: The attached Site Plan (Exhibit "A") shows the location of the subject
structure. The subject site is immediately east of the Northtown Neighborhood Park. The
building has been unoccupied since 1988, when an ownership dispute arose. The dispute
was concluded in 1995 with the purchase by NHDC. NHDC's goal has been the ultimate
reuse of the site as a community center, similar to the uses previously available through Logia
Felipe Angeles, Inc. The site and building are in need of rehabilitation with some deterioration
visible; e.g., graffiti, weeds, boarded up doors and windows, and peeling paint. In addition,
the structure has recently had several holes made in the roof and walls to facilitate a
demolition investigation by NHDC.
ANALYSIS:
General: It appears that the strongest significant factor of historic value of the building is the
previous use as an established community center. The NHDC has not taken an official
position relative to the Landmark Designation and is currently reexamining the demolition
option. If the NHDC does determine the demolition is preferred and opposes landmark
designation the Historic Preservation Commission may want to alternatively consider
designation as a Historic Point of Interest and conditions for appropriate mitigation.
Landmark Designation: The structure is built with similar roof framing to other large buildings
in the area. The use of wood string bowed trusses in this structure is typical of other historic
buildings in the area; e.g., the Biane Winery Building on Eighth Street. In addition, the
Theater contributes historic contextual value to the neighborhood. The building does not
qualify as a significant architectural resource; however, the subject site and structures qualify
for landmark designation based upon much of the criteria from the City's Historic Preservation
Ordinance including such significant areas as; historical, cultural, and neighborhood, and
geographic setting. Details concerning these areas of significance are contained in the Facts
for Findings section.
Go
Environmental Assessment: The designation of site and building is Categorically Exempt
under Class 3.e of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act.
HPC STAFF REPORT
LD 96-03 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
December 11, 1996
Page 3
FACTS FOR FINDING:
A. Historical and Cultural Significance:
Finding 1:
The proposed landmark is particularly representative of an historic period, type,
style, region, or way of life.
Fact/s:
The property identifies an historic period of transition from the agrarian
community to a suburban/urban setting and the activities of the minority
community that thrived in the area known as Northtown.
Findinq 2:
The proposed landmark is an example of a type of building which was once
common but is now rare.
Fact/s:
As the one remaining theater from the two originally serving the community, it
is clearly a rare example.
Findinq 3:
The proposed landmark was connected with someone renowned or important
or a local personality.
Fact/s:
The use of the structure by Logia Felipe Angeles, Inc. for over 30 years
provided needed community resources and activities.
Findine 4:
The proposed landmark is connected with a business or use which was once
common but is now rare.
Fact/s:
The use of the structure by Logia Felipe Angeles, Inc. for 30 years provided
needed community resources and activities.
C. Neighborhood and Geographic Setting.
Findine 1:
The proposed landmark materially benefits the historic character of the
neighborhood.
Fact/s:
As the one remaining theater from the two originally serving the community, it
clearly contributes to the variety and historical continuity of the neighborhood.
Finding 2:
The proposed landmark, in its location, represents an established and familiar
visual feature of the neighborhood, community, or City.
Fact/s:
The Building at approximately 5,400 square feet represents one of the last
remaining larger community serving structures in the community.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Historic Landmark designation was advertised as a public hearing in
the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspaper, the property was posted, and notices were sent to all
property owners within an expanded mailing beyond the normal 300 feet of the project site.
HPC STAFF REPORT
LD 96-03 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
December 11, 1996
Page 4
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission approve the
attached Resolution recommending that the City Council approve Historic Landmark Designation
96-03 and direct staff to make applicable changes to the Historic Building/Site Inventory List.
Respectfully_submitted,
Br~d ' ulle~
City Planner
BB:LH/mlg
Attachments:
Exhibit"A" - Site Location Map
Exhibit "B" Photos
Exhibit "C' - Historic Resources Inventory Form
Exhibit "D" - Draft Local Residents' Interview Transcripts from November 20 and
21, 1996
Resolution of Approval for Landmark Designation 96-03
EXHIBIT B
LD 96-03
PHOTOS
Front (North) Elevation
Southwest Comer Elevation
Side (West) Elevation
Rear (South) Elevation
State of Calitk)mia - The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION
Historic Name: Logia Felipe Angeles Club (Lodge 19) Theater
Common or current Name: Northtown Housing Development Corporation Theater
Number & Street: 10071 Feron Blvd.
City: Rancho Cucamonga Vicinity: Zip: 91729 County (3-Letter Designator): SNB
Quad map No: UTM Z A: B: C: D:
Parcel No: Lots 7,8,9,10 of Block 5, Map of West Cucamonga, County of San Bernardino, per Book 13
of Maps, Pages 1 &2. Other:
DESCRIPTION
6. Property CategoD': Institutional If District, number of Documented Resources:
7. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the property, including condition, boundaries,
surroundings, and (if appropriate) architectural style:
The attached site plan (E,'chibit "A") shows the location of the subject structure. The subject site is immediately
east of the Northtown Neighborhood Park. The site and building are in need of rehabilitation with some
deterioration visible; e.g., graffiti, weeds, boarded up doors and windows, and peeling paint. In addition the
structure has recently had several holes made in the roof and walls to facilitate a demolition investigation by
NHDC.
8. Alterations & Date: Interrior Remodel & 39 sq.ft. Rest Rm. Expansion
9.
Related Features on Property: None
10.
11.
.... ~ 13.
14.
in 1966.
Planning Agency:
City of Rancho Cucamonga
O~,w~er & Address
Northtown Housing
Development Corporation
24th Street, Rancho Cucamonga,
Ca. 91729.
Type of Ownership:
Present Use: Vacant
Zoning: L (Low Density
Residential 2-4 du/ac.)
NORTHTOWN THEATER BUILDING 10071 FRON BLVD. PAGE 1
15.
Threats: Building has been vacant since 1987, complicated by a property ownership dispute until 1995
when NHDC secured the site. Altough strutrurally intact the building has detteriorated because of
defterred maintennnance. Current threat is a determination ofeconmic feasibility to undertake
rehabilitation.
HISTORICAL INF OP~\'L~XTI ON
16.
Construction Date(s): 1947-48
N/A
,Architect: Unknown
Historic Attributes (With number from List):
17.
18.
Original Location: Yes
Date Moved:
Builder: Raul Torrez
SIGNIFICANCE AND EVALUATION
Context for Evaluation: Theme: .'Area:
Period: Property Type:
Breifiy discuss the properry's importance xvithin the context. Use historical and architectural analysis as
appropriate. Compare w,ith similar properties.
The subject Building was constructed in 1948 as a local movie theater in direct competition with the previously
demolished Cucamonga Theater, which was located approximately one block east on 25 Th. Street. The Raoul
Totfez theater was actually constructed by three local gentlemen, which included Mr. Torrez, Mr. Valdez
Ledesma, and Mr. McIn~'re. The Theater was used to show Spanish language films and show cased Hispanic
talents from the Los ,Angeles Theater as well. Patrons of the Theater came from the entire region and include
the busing in of migrant zenarjo workers to enjoy the entertainment. The declining of movie revenues in 1955
lead to the purchase of the Theater by a local social se~.'ice club called the Logia Felipe ,Angeles Inc. The
Building was used by not only the local group for meetings and events but also by other groups from as far
away as San Jose by affiliated clubs of a larger state organization called La Sociada Mexicano. In 1966 the
Club raised the Sloping theater floor and made the facility more useable for community events; e.g., dances,
parties, and wedding receptions. The Clubs activities including raising and donating funds for medical research,
school scholarships, and burial expenses. Club members were barred from using the organization for political
or' religious related activities or affiliations.
21.
Sources: San Bemardino CounD~ Building Record, Building Remodel Plans dated May 19, 1965 and
June 14, 1966, and interviews with area residents on November 20, and 21, 1996.
22. Applicable National Register Criteria:
Other recognition:
State Landmark Number:
Evaluator: L. J. Henderson
Year of Evaluation: 1996
25. Survey Type: P/S (C=Comprehensive, P=Project Related, S=Single propert,')
NORTHTOWN THEATER BUILD~G 10071 FRON BLVD. PAGE 2
Su~'ey Name: LD 96-03
Year Form Prepared: 1996
By (Name): L.J. Henderson
Organization: City of Rancho Cuamonga
Address: 10500 Civic Center Drive 91729
CID', State, Zip. Rancho Cuamonga, Ca. 91729
Phone: (909)477 - 2750
Sketch map. Show location and boundaries of
property in relation to nearby streets,
railways, natural landmarks, etc. Name each
l~ature.
NORTHTOVv~ THEATER BUILDING 10071 FRON BLVD. PAGE 3
NORTHTOW%' THEATER BUILDING
LD 96-03
NOVEMBER 20, 1996 INTERVIEW - LOGIA FELIPE ANGELES CLUB-LODGE 19
MEMBERS
PAGE I
Interviewer - Larry Henderson, Principal Planner.
Interviewees-Nacho Gracia, NHDC. Vidal C. Rodriguez, Della Ramirez Orcino and
Celia R. Martinez, Logia Felipe Angeles Club Members.
(Larry) After4 or 5 years, what happened then7 (Unk.) What I heard they said it was
originally closed down because of the county, the fire department. Too many people
inside, no fire exits except for the front, no fire extinguishers, etc. Instead of putting
more money into it, wasn't that much business, he just closed it down. He told some
individuals if they wanted to buy it...got together and had some dances in Pomona to
raise money to buy it. Finally the bought it in 1955. The lodge boughtit...(Nacho7) I
thought it was a bunch of people from here (Unk) No, no, originally, it was members
of a lodge, and the lodge backed them up with a license to sell beer, stuff like that
over there. They used the funds to sponsor it and they were getting paid back from
what they made, and the rest was put into an account for them. (Larry) That was
another club or todge7 (Unk.) No, it was the original owners ...... (Nacho) The original
owners was not ..... the original owners were ........... then after that they sold it
to...(Unk.) They didn't sell it ......... (Nacho) Let's go back to when it was built, it was
built by whom ....... bought shares into it ..... (Unk) ..... loaned money for ..... pay the rest
of it, the balance .... $100 month...I have the receipts, I know...(Larry) Do they have
the names on them7 (Unk) The .... I have some of the canceled checks, not all of
them ...... (Larry) Pro ............ (unable to interpret spelling ) ....
(Larry) Raul Torres was the one who built the building and offered it as a movie
theater ...... private live theater as well .... process of buying it with backing of the
lodge .........................(Nacho) When they formed the non-profit, they called
themselves .......... Each city had its own lodge ....... (Larry) What was the purpose of
the statewide group? (Unk.) It was started to help Spanish speaking people .......... got
together for aide. Help finance their funerals .... (Nacho) Theyused to have dances to
raise money to carry on programs they had...it's confusing...when the P ...... Had the
branches .... this branch was ....... lodge 19, when they incorporated, they did not
use ..........in fact that set it apart from statewide ..........
(Larry) Were events just open to members, did they allow the public or non-members
to have a dance (Nacho) If somebody said a wedding was coming up, they would rent
the place for that event or whatever event it was .... (Unk.) The members would
oversee the behavior of everybody. (Larry) .... used to have a theater style
floor...raised up...do we know when they shutdown...the club...19677 1987 it
closed? (Nacho) A caretaker was left to watch over. His daughter was married to a
minister of the church, so he turned the whole thing over to the church without
NORTHTO~,~,'%? THEATER BUILDING
LD 96-03
DRAFT
For Di cu. ton Purpose On/y
NOVEMBER 20, 1996 INTERVIEW - LOGIA FELIPE ANGELES CLUB-LODGE 19
MEMBERS
PAGE 2
permission .... Peace of the Valley. So then it took about 4 years in litigation to get it
back. In the process of that happening, there was a deal made between the lawyers,
the only way the church would stop battling it in the court and give it back to the
lodge, if the lodge ever sold it, they would get half of the sales price .... these people
didn't have that kind of money. That's when we stepped in and we made the deal
with ........... and when the money came out of escrow, they got their half. (Larry)
How much did you get it for? (Nacho) $47,000? We have been paying $3.25 sq. ft.
for empty land and so we told them we couldn't use the building, so we would pay
for the land only, so that is where the price came from. It closed this year.
(Larry) Is the building an example of a past common use that is now rare or extinct...?
(Nacho) If you would ask me if the building was still open, would we be still using as
fund raisers, dances, yes we would. What happened, once the doors were locked, to
use it again, we have to go back to the City, they would not allow us to use
it ......(Larry) If it is an historical building, you can use .... so it's not quite as bad
as .....(Nacho) The only probtem...we had Dan Guerra and Pete Pitassi here to look at
it, it was going to cost about $1,200,000 to bring it back...a new building would cost
half as much. (Larry) Do you havea report or something? (Nacho) Yes, I should have
had that for you, I'll get that for you (Larry) I'll need that right away. (Unk.) The
building itself was built in 1949 (Unk) It says 1948 here. (Unk) ...they wanted to
make the building .... Iodge...gettogether...in 1965. That's when they made a flat
floor ..... 1958 ....... 1955 they tried to alter it .... 1965 they wanted To alter the buitding
intoa flat floor auditorium. (Unk) June 20, 1966remodeled .... 1965 when they were
working on it ..... (Larry) Did it carry the same name, or different name from Lodge
19 ........ (Nacho) Under Lodge t9, there is another name...the full name of the
statewide organization ..... when this non-profit was formed, it wouldn't be affiliated
with the state. The lodge has two hats, one affiliated with the state and one that is
not. The state lodge cannot engage in political stuff ..... social group .... the state lodge
would have no say so ...... difficult to understand .... (Larry) Do you know who the
architect was? No? Pictures over the years?... (Nacho) It was the only building large
enough to handle the parties, weddings, dances...(Larry) How big were the groups?
(Nacho) Mexican weddings are huge...200-300 people at least...(Larry) How frequent
were the functions? (Unk.) Dances...2-3 times a year ...... (Nacho) More frequent than
that...(Larry) Is the item a site of importance, international, national, state .... (Nacho)
State, because everybody as far as San Jose would come (Unk) San
Diego ..... (Larry) .... that's a possibility .... there's Community Development Block Grant
Program money .... (Unk) ...there is some there...80% redevelopment...(Larry) The
problem with the ¥MCA it has to benefit low to moderate income people .... you know
where they are building...in Victoria/Terra Vista. Those are not low income people
DRAFT
For Discussion Purposes Only
NORTHTOWN' THEATER BUILDING
LD 96-03
NOVEMBER 20, 1996 INTERVIEW - LOGIA FELIPE ANGELES CLUB-LODGE 19
MEMBERS
PAGE 3
anymore. I can't use block grant money for a facility that is not for low and moderate
income. I would have a hard time selling that to the Feds. I don't know where they
are getting the idea they can use the money for that. It has to benefit low and
moderate income people. I have to be careful, if I tear this building down, and then
ask for federal money for a new building, they get real like did you do the right
evaluation procedures...then .... you didn't follow regulations. We have to make sure
we do this right ......... I don't think it is architecturally significant.(Nacho) When they
did environmental inspections...tore (something) down ..... (Larry) Historic from a
social/cultural thing.
(Unk) The college used it for classes. The Boy's Club used it as well for about 3
years. The City leased it for a year...it was closed in 1987. (Larry) Do you have
copies...environmental? What kind...(Nacho) I'll get them for you...asbestos,
hazardous materials, looked at the ground for discoloration...I have that at the office
and I'll get that for you tomorrow. (Larry) Did they do any concept plans for a new
building (Nacho) We don't have plans, just information as far as cost, less square
footage that this...landscaping and underground utilities. (Larry) What are your
desires. (Nacho) The reason Northtown bought it, need a multipurpose facility for
functions. (Larry) Have you discussed using the parking at the park? (Nacho) Peter
had done a study on parking. (Larry) Maybe in exchange for having classes there
during the week, you could use of parking. (Nacho) I think there are 32 parking
spaces we could get .... alley .... Vacate .... nobody needs it so they would dedicate iT
back to us.
(Larry) Do you think people in the neighborhood will be upset if it is torn down
(Nacho) Yes, of course. It is one of the last original buildings. We brought that up
but without the money to do anything, there is no alternative but to knock it down
and start it over again. Most of them have come to realize we are right...(Larry) But
there is money for a new building? (Nacho) This is what the City proposed to us, that
the Redevelopment Agency would build it and lease it back to Northtown, and at a
certain point, it would be deeded back to Northtown, or we would buy it. We don't
want to lose control. If we lose control, we go back to the Neighborhood Center. We
were the ones who built it with block grant funds and then we started to have
meetings and gradually the City took over and started charging and now no one from
Northtown goes there, because it was turned into a Senior Citizens Center. This is
why if the City builds it and they put what they want there, if the council changes or
if the staff changes, then they say no, wait a minute, we built it and it belongs to
us .... then they dictate to us.
NORTHTO~,X,~' THEATER B UI L D ING
LD 96-03
DRAFT
For Discussion Purposes Only
NOVEMBER 20, 1996 INTERVIEW - LOGIA FELIPE ANGELES CLUB-LODGE 19
MEMBERS
PAGE 4
We have some money, but we don't have enough to build it. We have some money,
but not enough to build it, what we call unrestricted funds. We have $200,000 of
our own money to put in, a site that we've already acquired. But then, you have to
go some type of endowment to run the place. (Larry) You would charge rental fees
(Nacho) We could have fund raisers, that sort of thing...unless you have a history of
doing that...on the initial budget you have to say how much it takes to run it and fund
raisers may or may not happen, so we have a limited funding source
ourselves .... (Larry) Northtown vision .... they could have support services for the
community...after school programs...adult programs..education and cultural
programs...(Nacho) That's the only building large enough .... lot size 16,000 .....
(Larry) Any building plans .... (Nacho) I couldn't locate them .... (Larry) How do you feel
the condition of the building is, excellent-good-fair-deteriorated ..... (Unk) Fair...(Larry)
Is the roof leaking? (Nacho) It is now...(Larry) You had the inspection with the idea of
demolishing it all along. (Nacho) The board came to a decision that we did not have
the money to rehab it so we, it was a policy decision to tear it down and build a new
one. If there was money out there then the whole thing would change. (Larry) We
have some money, did you considera phased improvement program at all? (Nacho) 1
think at one time we talked about that. At what point would we be able to get in
there? (Larry) We have to have it inspected to find out. Did the Building Dept. Inspect
it? (Nacho) Carlos Silva went in there ...... the columns are not connected...what about
the block...how are they connected ..... the block itself?
(Larry) If it is determined that it is historically significant, that it is a resource, that
means to demolish it, it is an adverse environmental impact. If it is an adverse
impact, you have to do an environmental impact report. You can still demolish a
resource, but you have to go through a 30 day review period of the EIR, you have to
make a findings that there is an economic benefit to that. (Unk) Plus, if you demolish
it, then afterwards is the City going to allow you to build it .... (Larry) Well, like you
were saying...councils change. When you get ready to build, are you going to have
the same group there that told you you could build there. That's why I hate to tear
things down, because you lose ..... but you know, that's your decision. I'm just trying
to advise you what the law requires us to do, what some of the pluses and minuses
are. If we don't do it right, we could lose federal dollars in the future on a project. 1
don't want that to happen. I would rather follow procedures and get it done the right
way. I don't really care...for some reason, there are some people at the City who are
fixed on burning it down. I hate to hurry up and burn it down, and then someone will
say you should have followed this, you should have followed that. (Nacho) To save
some money, it was suggested they doa burn...atraining burn. (Larry) Did you get
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an estimate for demolition? (Nacho) Yes, $27,000 to demolish and remove it. This is
why the burn was suggested .....
There is still stuff to consider. Then if they do the burn, we need to get another bid.
Two bids came in, one at $27,000 and one at $37,000, so obviously we took the one
for $27,000. (Larry) The biggest cost of that is the dumping fee. I don't think you
are going to save much on the dumping fee because it's burned. Does he know how
significant this structure was, does he know the background? (Nacho) The whole City
Council has. The whole thing comes down to dollars, I guess. If there wasa way to
get it and for us to maintain control, then that's fine .... the other thing is, we need to
know, because we need to buy insurance...we don't have liability right now because
we thought we were going to knock it down. I'm going to call and get liability
now .... (Larry) insurance is so cheap. (Unk) It's a lot cheaper than a lawsuit. (Larry) I
am surprised you didn't have insurance while you were doing that. Someone could
have gotten hurt. I would go ahead and get it. This hearing won't take place until
December 11th. If the commission concurs it is historically significant, then it also
has to go to City Council, probably in January. Yeah, go ahead...at least two months.
(Nacho) Now I'm afraid there could be holes punched in it that it's going to start to
leak and damage more of the inside. (Unk) Those beams are expensive that are in
there .... (Nacho) It wasn't leaking before... (Unk) No, the only thing leaking was the
bathrooms and the kitchen. (Larry) Maybe we should go up there and put some
plastic down. Anything I haven't asked you that you think I should know? (Nacho)
No ..... (Larry) How are the apartments doing? (Nacho) We are having problems right
now with the Blacks and the Chicanos and we are working with the people who are
causing the problems .... (Unk)They're anti-social. Trying to get the people together to
be social. (Larry) Get people talking again.
h\LARRY\NTTHEAT2
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Interviewer:
Specialist
Interviewees:
Larry Henderson, Principal Planner and Carlos Silva, Rehabilitation
Nacho Gracia, Ramon Vasquez, and Enrique Vasquez.
From what he says, (Carlos) all of the sections have horizontal and vertical rebar
installed in the existing building. What they did was on the west side, they
knocked out one of the brick walls between the pilasters to have access with
trucks to backfill the floor which was on a slope because it used to be an old
theater ......... Convert ..... into .... wanted a level floor so they used that wall for
access in to the interior of the building. Then they reconstructed it over again.
They had permits, plans, the whole shot. (Larry) Great! Do you think that will
affect the ...... so far, as far as the estimates? That helps it a lot, doesn't it?
(Carlos) Sure ..... we had to read the existing report, because .... (Larry) They're
assuming it's unreinforced ..... (Carlos) They're assuming it's unreinforced...(Larry)
We're assuming worse case. If we're talking about athree inch cement reinforced
wall barrier membrane all around it... (Carlos)..gunite wall...(Larry) Right ........ So
they're assuming you are going to have to completely redo for seismic. That's why
it's so expensive .... $143,000for a new mechanical system. Ithinkthey are
really high on some of this stuff they are giving you, so we are going to look at
their study. (Lots of conversation in Spanish here I am unable to translate .... )
He's talking about .... beams on top. (Larry?) Both of you were saying that the same
person who did the plans on that ...... Oh! Same architect .... engineer...Do you know
what his name was? He doesn't know .... (sorry, loud voice, not clear, can't
interpret what they are saying)...more Spanish .... (Carlos) He said it was built
basically with L.A. Standards...and it was 50 years ahead of its time because they
used large size rebar in the pillars etc. (Larry) The report specifically says they are
assuming there in no reinforcement in those pillars and that the pillars are brittle.
(Carlos) That needs to be verified by x-rays. (Larry) Mr. Vasquez, how old are you?
.............. (95 years old?) How long have you lived here? ........ (since 19377). He
was living at Guasti before .......... More Spanish...If you could start with some of
the questions that you have..the information that you need...Did you know Raul
Torres...can't interpret...Mclntyre .... What happened with ..... owned that property at
one time?...Mr. Valdez/Ledesma lived in the house next to Villa del Norte, the
wooden house to the west...He owned all of that property...Torres,
Mcintyre .... they got together and Mr. Vatdez/Ledesma sold it to Mr. Torres .... Put
up the land, or donated the land...Mr. Torres and Mr. Mcintyre put in the funds to
build the building. Mcintyre is the one who was eventually the owner of the
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theater. Mr. Torres was related to Ledesma...(Nacho) Mr. Mcintyre set up an
account at the Bank of America and sold it for $8,500...
$500 down payment, $100 a month ..... sold it to them 1954 .... ownership
record .... Mr. Torres was the one running the movie theater .... up until they bought
it .... then they took it over and used it for dances.
Remodeling...1966...When they went in to do the remodeling it was 1965 or
1966 .... (Carlos) About three foot deep, six foot six foot squares, one at each end
of the building, one in the center, the inspector required them to do that because
they did not tear the concrete out of existing theater, so that was supposed to lock
the concretefloor...build it up with sand and gravel. They dug holes, 6' square, 3'
deep, and then they compacted around those areas, so when they poured concrete,
those areas were left open, so that it would lock the floor in all together. (Larry)
This was originally 19607 (Carlos) .... goes to 1965 ....
(Larry) Was Mr. Mcintyre from the area? Was he local? Who was he? Mr. Mcintyre
was a rancher, one of the financial backers. Was the theater well attended, were
they open every day? (Nacho) Twice a month they had something going on as far
as .... in between, if there was a wedding .... conferences .... in the meantime, they
would hold meetings there. It was a neighborhood center. (Larry) Back when it
was first opened as a movie and performance theater, was it well attended by the
community? Two movie theaters? What year was that built, does he remember?
(Nacho) When he came to California .... 1926 ...... it was every night. The
attendance started to drop due to the complications, so that is when the backers
decided to sell it ..... this one would remain open. Eventually there would be buses
that would be put in place here and in Guasti and we would go to the Granada, the
California, and the .... there were 3 theaters...there were four theaters...then we
started going over there .... (Larry) Now what was the name of this theater?
Mexico .... Mexico...okay. What year did the Mexico stop operating?
1960'S?...(Nacho) What happened was that pressure was put on the owner
because of the vandalism and it became a hazard and so pressure was put on the
owner, and we have records on when it was torn down. That was done in the
1980's. (Carlos) I was here when it was torn down. (Larry) Was it the same kind
of building? (Carlos) I believe it was poured in place, wasn't it? (Larry) We're a
little off the track. Does anyone have pictures of the building? (Nacho) The niece
of the man that owned the place lives here, she is the one who sold us the
property. (Larry) Do you think you could ask her, or give us her name and phone
number and t'11 ask her...It would be nice to start getting a record of everything that
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PAGE 3
had been here, and where it was and what it looked like so we can write the
history of the area. I want to start gathering information. When we talk to one
person , we hear all kinds of information, not just on one building. What did you do
for a living. Are you retired now? (Nacho) He used to work for L & L Nursery.
Before that, he used to work in the vineyards. He worked for Guasti, that is when
.... (something about the railroad)...came to Guasti in 1927, was there 10 years
...then worked in the vineyards. (Larry) Was he laying track? (Nacho) He came to
the United States in 1916. (Larry) He's seen a lot of things happen...(something
about what he knows about tearing it down...)
(Nacho) His feelings are that he would be satisfied if we had a new building, but he
would recommend you not do that. That building is astrong building...it would be
better to rehab it than knock it down. That building should not be wasted because
of the way it was built. It was built to last. It would be a great honor to keep
iT .... (Larry) That building was important to the Cucamonga community and the
whole region. (Nacho) He feels there is no place like this one anywhere around that
has a place for the community to have its functions. That's one of the things we
talked about is that it is statewide the organizations he belongs to and people as far
as from up north will come and have their functions there. (Unknown) What he
doesn't realize is that if we build a new one , it will be more .... (Nacho) He says as
long as it would be enough for the festivities .... that's one of the things he keeps
bringing up .... smaller place would not be sufficient .... all the local lodges would use
that building because of the size.
(Larry) In his words can he tell me what was the purpose of the group? (Nacho)
Basically it was a social group...they would help each other in times of trouble they
came up against. They had insurance so that when one of them would die, they
would have a $1,000 benefit. They would have fund raisers and they donated to
City of Hope and to other charities. They did what they could. They couldn't give
more, because they didn't have that much. It was not a business...justto help
each other when they needed it. They used to have fund raisers before they
rehabilitated the building. They used to have dances every weekend, and the
money that was raised was used to fix up the place and also to make the payments
on the building.
(Larry) So, basically the purpose of the group was to serve the community, promote
their culture...? (Nacho) When the community wanted to use the building for
weddings, etc. They were charged $250 and that was for upkeep, payment on the
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PAGE 4
property. They would cooperate .... if a person wanted to use it and could not
afford it, they would charge him what he could afford. (Larry) The memberships,
were they family memberships, individual memberships...? What was the
range .... did they have annual dues, monthly dues... (Nacho) They have monthly
dues. Basically it was from a certain age ..... from 16-55. You had to be of
Mexican descent tO belong. If there was someone in the community who needed
their help, it did not matter if they were a member or not, they would still help
them. Basically, anyone of Mexican descent .... usually what happened was that if
you lived in Cucamonga, you joined this lodge. If you were from Upland, you
would join that lodge. Someone had to sponsor you from the group. They would
go to your house and interview you, see how you lived, if you would be a good
member or not. Then they would have an initiation for you. (Larry) Can you tell me
what the initiation involved? (Nacho) Part of it...when they held their meetings, it
was for members only. Each member had a password and there would be someone
at the door. You would knock so many times and they would have to say this
password and they would let you in. As for the initiation ceremony, you had to
swear that you would not divulge what went on in the meetings. They you would
respect the bylaws of the organization. You would then be a member in good
standing, working for the community. It was not a religious organization. You
could not use religious or political things to accomplish your goals. It was that way
to keep strangers with a political or religious agenda would not go in and interrupt
the organization in any way.
(Larry) They obviously did a lot of community type events, other than just holding
functions. Did they do school scholarships, community improvement
projects .... (unknown person) As far as I know, they did. (Nacho) Give us an
example of what you mean by "projects" (Larry) Tree planting, parkways,
.... (Nacho) A lot of it had to be watched because it was politically motivated. We
had to watch .... did not want political involvement...certain members .... help people
cleaning their lots, streets .... (Nacho) There were two teachers who would give
classes in Mexican culture on 26th Street ..... Storytelling .... (Larry) I wonder who
has those tapes now .... it was Cucamonga Elementary School. Does he know what
happened to those tapes? No, perhaps the school district can tell us.
h\LARRY\NTTHEAT3
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING
APPROVAL OF HISTORIC LANDMARK 96-03 TO DESIGNATE THE LOGIA
FELIPE ANGELES, INC. THEATER, LOCATED AT 10071 FERON
BOULEVARD, AS A LANDMARK - APN: 209-085-04.
A. Recitals.
1. The City of Rancho Cucamonga has filed an application for a Landmark as described in
the title of this Resolution. Hereinafter in this Resolution, the subject Landmark is referred to as "the
application."
2. On December 11, 1996, the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Rancho
Cucamonga conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the application.
3. All legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.
B. Resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby found, determined and resolved by the Historic Preservation
Commission of the City of Rancho Cucamonga as follows:
1. This Commission hereby specifically finds that all of the facts set forth in the Recitals,
Part "A," of this Resolution are true and correct.
2. The application applies to approximately .36 acres of land, basically a rectangular
configuration, located on the south side of Feron Boulevard approximately 100 feet west of Hermosa
Avenue.
3. Based upon substantial evidence presented to this Commission during the above-
referenced public hearing on December 11, 1996, including written and oral staff reports, together
with public testimony, and pursuant to Section 2.24.090 of the Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Code,
this Commission hereby makes the following findings and facts:
A. Historical and Cultural Significance:
Findinq I: The proposed landmark is padicularly representative of an
historic period, type, style, region, or way of life.
Fact/s: The property identifies an historic period of transition from
the agrarian community to a suburban/urban setting and
the activities of the minority community that thrived in the
area known as Northtown.
Finding 2: The proposed landmark is an example of a type of building
which was once common but is now rare.
Fact/s: As the one remaining theater from the two originally
serving the community it is clearly a rare example.
HPC RESOLUTION NO.
LD 96-03- CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
December11,1996
Page 2
Finding 3:
Fact/s:
The proposed landmark was connected with someone
renowned or important or a local personality.
The use of the structure by Logia Felipe Angeles, Inc. for
over 30 years provided needed community resources and
activities.
Finding 4: The proposed landmark is connected with a business or
use which was once common but is now rare.
Fact/s:
The use of the structure by Logia Felipe Angeles, Inc. for
30 years provided needed community resources and
activities.
B. Neighborhood and Geographic Setting.
Finding 1: The proposed landmark materially benefits the historic
character of the neighborhood.
Fact/s:
As the one remaining theater from the two originally
serving the community it clearly contributes to the variety
and historical continuity of the neighborhood.
Finding 2:
The proposed landmark, in its location, represents an
established and famitiar visual feature of the neighborhood,
community, or City.
Fact/s:
The Building at approximately 5,400 square feet represents
one of the last remaining larger community serving
structures in the community.
4. This Commission hereby finds that the project has been reviewed and considered in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 as Landmark designations are
exempt under CEQA, per Article 19, Section 15308.
5. Based upon the findings and conclusions set forth in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, and 4 above,
this Commission hereby recommends approval of Historic Landmark designation for Landmark
Application 96-03.
6. The Chairman of this Commission shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 11TH DAY OF DECEMBER 1996.
BY:
E. David Barker, Chairman
ATTEST:
Brad Buller, Secretary
HPC RESOLUTION NO.
LD 96-03 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
December 11, 1996
Page 3
t, Brad Buller, Secretary of the Histodc Preservation Commission of the City of Rancho Cucamonga,
do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced, passed, and
adopted by the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, at a regular
meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission held on the 1 lth day of December 1996, by the
following vote-to-wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: