Sacramento Preservation Commission Meeting – March 16, 2016

The Sacramento Preservation Commission convened on March 16, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. in the New City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent calendar, extensive public testimony regarding proposed changes to the Historic City Cemetery rose garden, and a public hearing on the 629 J Food Hall tenant improvement project. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (February 17, 2016): Approved 6–0–1 (Moffett absent? Commissioner Fuller absent? Actually minutes show 6:0:1 with Fuller absent). Motion by Huck, seconded by Marshack.
• Director Report: Received and filed.

Public Comments & Testimony

Thirteen members of the public spoke during the “Matters Not on the Agenda” period, all on the subject of proposed changes to the Historic City Cemetery rose garden. Key points included:

• Sean Manwaring (central city resident, Southside Park Neighborhood Association member) requested the commission consider alternatives to removing climbing roses and trellises, noting their aesthetic and historic value.
• Charlotte Owendyk (local rose society member) corrected misconceptions that the roses are modern, stating they are clones of period plants and that the garden is a living memorial. She urged cooperation among groups.
• Delphine Cathcart (co-founder of Sacramento Old City Association) asked for preservation of the rose collection, climbing roses, and trellises, inviting commissioners to a garden event on April 9.
• Anita Clevenger (current curator of the historic rose garden) stated the collection is a late 20th-century interpretation of historic plantings, that climbing roses are 25+ years old and difficult to relocate, and that the December deadline was only communicated on February 19, which she called unfair.
• Diane Woodruff (rose lover) noted the garden’s worldwide reputation, including induction into the World Federation’s Award of Garden Excellence, and pleaded for more time and public input.
• Anne Geraghty (resident, volunteer) claimed guidelines were developed without gardener or community input and urged commissioners to visit the garden.
• Werner Schink (nearby resident) argued that removing roses would diminish the experiential quality and could lead to increased vandalism.
• Garret Root (President, Preservation Sacramento) explained that National Register listing does not impose rules, that the 2007 cemetery general plan should be updated, and that the proposed work may qualify as a development project subject to commission review. He suggested applying for a CLG grant for a cultural landscape treatment plan.
• William Burg (historian, California Office of Historic Preservation) clarified that the National Register listing does not affect the cemetery’s eligibility; trellises are not historic features and meet Secretary of Interior Standards; he said the commission has purview over city-owned resources.
• Rick Roberts (longtime volunteer, oversees three cemetery areas) stated that volunteers have complied with city guidelines and that there is a need for balanced consideration.
• Jennifer Holden (volunteer, apprentice blacksmith) emphasized the dedication and specialized skills of volunteers and the importance of including them in decision-making.
• Randee Tavarez (community member) argued that simply because roses were planted in the 1990s does not justify removal, and that weather and age, not roses, damage markers.
• Martin Hopper (volunteer from Plymouth Pioneer Historic Cemetery) noted that roses are living history, that mature roses do not transplant well, and that the city should work with volunteers and experts to revisit guidelines.

Discussion Items

PB16-016 – 629 J Food Hall (629 J Street)

• The project is a tenant improvement of the historic Dio Mills Bank building (listed on Sacramento, California, and National Registers, designed by Willis Polk in 1912 with a 1926–27 addition by Leonard Starks). The scope includes a retractable stair opening into the 7th Street sidewalk (hollow sidewalk), a new mezzanine, and modifications to the historic central stair.
• Staff recommended a north-end mezzanine (matching historic location) and asked for commission feedback on stair treatment (raising railing vs. adding glass rail), mezzanine location and design, and the retractable stair.
• Commissioners provided the following guidance:
  • Mezzanine: Strong preference for the north end (near vault) to preserve the open volume; should be held off walls with a clear glass railing to allow views; size should be minimal and justified by business need.
  • Central stair: Prefer detaching original railings and adding a base panel to meet safety code, preserving the historic fabric.
  • Retractable stair: Commissioners requested more detailed drawings and explanation of operation; expressed concern about sidewalk dining structures blocking views but noted retractable design mitigates that.
  • Revolving door: Should be retained and rehabilitated.
  • Teller cages: Reuse encouraged, but with careful differentiation to avoid false historicism; may be used to repair damaged marble.
  • Signage: Minimal signage only, possibly on non-historic west entrance; consider projected light signs.
  • Lighting: Interior lighting should be discreet; no exterior lighting on building; ground-floor windows can provide street activation.
  • Flooring: Marble floor in banking hall should be preserved; new flooring in carpeted areas should complement.
  • Character-defining features: Commissioners added the 1927 staircase, cheek walls/raised floors, and the sense of volume to the preliminary list; requested a full inventory with disposition.
• The project is expected to return to the commission in April for final design review and approval.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved (6–0–1).
• Commissioners Whitelam and Piner requested that the Historic City Cemetery guidelines be agendized for the April 13, 2016 meeting to allow proper discussion of the public comments heard.
• Commissioner Huck announced the 40th anniversary of preservation in Sacramento: banners in downtown in May, an exhibit at New City Hall (May–August) and McClatchy Library (November–December), a reception on May 21 at Railbridge and Company, and a drawing contest for students.
• No formal action was taken on Public Comments as the item was not on the agenda.
• No vote on the 629 J Food Hall item; it was a review and comment session.