HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 10314 (Historical Landmark; Lichfield Sign)RESOLUTION NO. 10314
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATING THE
"LITCHFIELD'S" ROOF -MOUNTED SIGN AT 737 FRANCISCO BLVD. EAST
AS AN HISTORICAL LANDMARK
AP 14-204-11
WHEREAS, the Cultural Affairs Commission and the City Council have found, after
conducting public hearings, that the "Litchfield's" roof -mounted sign located at the
former Bermuda Palms Motel site at 737 Francisco Blvd. East has significant value as
part of the cultural characteristics of the City, exemplifies the cultural, social and
historic heritage of the community, portrays the environment in the era of history
characterized by a distinctive architectural style, and embodies those distinguishing
characteristics of an architectural type; and
WHEREAS, a description of the characteristics of the "Litchfield's" sign which justifies
this designation and a description of those particular features that should be preserved
is attached hereto as Exhibit A and is incorporated herein by reference; and
WHEREAS, the Criteria for Landmark Designation, as set forth and recommended by the
Cultural Affairs Commission and adopted by the City Council in designating the sign
for Historic Landmark status is attached as Exhibit B; and
WHEREAS, location and boundaries of the 737 Francisco Blvd. East site are those
contained in Exhibit C attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Rafael,
California, that the sign at 737 Francisco Blvd. East site herein above mentioned and
described be the same sign that is hereby is designated as a historical landmark, and
shall be preserved and maintained pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2.18 of the San
Rafael Municipal Code;
BE IT FURTHER RESOL . ED that the City Clerk of the City L man Rafael is hereby
directed to cause a copy of this resolution, or notice thereof, to be recorded in the office
of the County Recorder.
I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the
foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of said City held on Monday the 21st day of September,
1998, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Phillips
i
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
2
EXHIBIT A
DESCRIPTION OF HISTORIC SIGN LOCATED AT 737 FRANCISCO BLVD. EAST
One roof mounted "Litchfield's" sign approximately four (4) feet by thirty-two (32) feet,
spelling the name "Litchfield's" and illuminated with multi -color neon bulbs and
flashing incandescent bulbs.
EXHIBIT B
CRITERIA FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION
The City's Historic Preservation Ordinance, contained in Municipal Code Section 2.18.048, Criteria for
designation as landmark, set forth standards that shall be applied by the Cultural Affairs Commission and
the City Council in designating buildings, places and areas as historic landmarks. According to this
Section, the proposal shall have (a) Historical, cultural importance, (b) Architectural, Engineering
Importance, or (c) Geographic Importance. The complete text of this ordinance is attached and only the
relevant sections are detailed below, based on the application materials submitted by the property owner.
(A) Historical, Cultural Importance
(1) Has significant character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural
characteristics of the city, state or nation.
The "Litchfield's" sign represents a part of the cultural history of a growing San Rafael,
where Litchfield's became an important part of Marin County's social and
entertainment scene.
(3) Exemplifies the cultural, political, economic, social or historic heritage of the community.
The "Litchfield's" sign is a representation of the cultural and social heritage of San
Rafael in the 1950's.
(B) Architectural, Engineering Importance
(1) Portrays the environment in the era of history characterized by a distinctive architectural
style.
The "Litchfield's" roof sign is a very good example of exterior advertising that was
popular in the 40's and 50's when sign makers were using neon lights and other types
of bright lighting. Because the cost of doing this type of signage has increased as well
as more rigorous regulations and sign ordinances, not many signs of this type are
being produced today.
(2) Embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or engineering
specimen.
See #1, above.
(C) Geographic Importance
(2) Owing to its unique location or singular physical characteristic, represents an established
and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community or city.
The signage is part of the original 1949 construction of the Bermuda Palms. In its day,
the Bermuda Palms represented the vibrancy and enthusiasm of the post-war San
Rafael community. The sign has served through the years as a gateway to San
Rafael, and a landmark to many people.
EXHIBIT C
. a. O ZA 0 W W K�i
ALL THAT CERTAIN real property situate in the City of San Rafael, County of Marin,
State of California, described below as follows:
Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22, in Block 9, as shown upon
that certain Map entitled "Map of East San Rafael, Marin County, Calif.", filed for
- record -January 21, 1908 in Volume 2 of Maps, at Page 109, Marin County Records.
EXCEPTING MMU ROM IR'I'S 4 thru 10, inclusive, those portions conveyed to the State
of California by the following deeds:
A) Recorded January 8, 1931 in Book 205 of Official Records at Page 456, Marin
County Records
B) Recorded May 31, 1950 in Book 646 of Official Records at Page 402, Marin
County Records
C) Recorded November 9, 1951 in Book 761 of Official Records at Page 371, Marin
County Records
D) Recorded February 20, 1952 in Book 730 of Official Records at Page 306, Marin
County Records
SAID property also being described as all the lands shown upon that certain Parcel
Map entitled, "Parcel Map Litchfield Parcel Consolidation", filed for record
January 27, 1983 in Volume 21 of Parcel Maps at Page 3, Marin County Records.