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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 6082RESOLUTION NO. 6082 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATING 510 BELLE AVENUE AS AN HISTORICAL LANDMARK WHEREAS, the Cultural Affairs Commission and the City Council have found, after conducting a public hearing, that the 510 Belle Avenue site has signifi- cant 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 510 Belle Avenue site which justifies this designation and description of those particular features that should be preserved are attached hereto as Exhibit A and are incorporated herein by reference, and WHEREAS, the location and boundaries of the 510 Belle Avenue site are those contained in Exhibit B attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, a primary reason for designation is its visual significance to the neighborhood that the structure and landscaping be maintained in a manner appropriate to the style of the house; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Rafael, California, that the 510 Belle Avenue site hereinabove mentioned and described be and the same 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 RESOLVED that the City Clerk of the City of San 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, City 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 Council of the City of San Rafael held on Monday , the sixth by the following vote, to -wit: day of Apri 1 1981 AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Jensen, Nixon & Mayor Mulryan NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miskimen J NE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk 23 A/1 TD V r 71- -I\ � OnIl EXHIBIT "A" Historical/Architectural Report Residence at 510 Belle Avenue HISTORY: See attached. ARCHITECTURE: Date of Construction: C1895 Building e: 2 story wood frame Sty e: S ingle style Significant Architectural/Environmental Features: Multiple gable roof . L-shaped porch on ground floor. Stained glass in easement windows above porch. Prominent location highly visible from south. Evaluation: Architectural significance: Excellent Environmental significance: Major Desecration of original design: Little Historical/Cultural significance: Major Physical Condition: Building ood Grounds Good Re: Marshall Keyser Holt (Mrs. Leland Wallace Holt) Holtwood, San Rafael, CA (Who's Who 1918-1919 and Who Was Who In America, Volume V 1969-1973 with Index to All Volumes) To All Interested Parties: Marshall Keyser Holt (Mrs. Leland Wallace Holt) named after John Marshall, was a lineal descendant of the first Chief Justice of the United States. Holtwood was her home in San Rafael, California. Some research is necessary to affirm the original owner, but as far back as I can remember, Mrs. IIolt owned it. I do not know whether she had it constructed. Here resided a very courageous and remarkable lady. A woman of superior intelligence and excellent memory. For a resume of her outstanding career and successful accomplishments, see Who's Who 1918-1919, and Who Was Who In America, Volume V 1969-1973 with Index to All Volumes ----------attached. Mrs. Holt lost her eyesight sometime after she made Holtwood her permanent home. After she became blind, we had a special signal between us of four sharp turns on her front doorbell which alerted her that I was there to visit. I watched her through the glass in her front door as this spirited, stately lady approach- ed to admit me. Those visits were so inspirational and educational! She related how she became a member of the Yacqui Indian Tribe of Mexico, how she finished building a railroad in New Mexico when her husband died suddenly after less than five years of marriage, of her achievements in the field of chemistry, etc., etc. After her blindness, she continued to play the piano, cook and care for herself. How she looked forward each year to the World Series on her radio! She could tell you to the day when migratory birds would arrive at Holtwood. Quail responded to her whistle, and a special shelf outside the window of her dining room on the east side of the first floor was used to feed "her" birds. The living room facing south contained many wall shelves filled with volumes of leather bound books and interesting artifacts. There were comfortable chairs, and a fire in the fireplace in winter. Her study and office was facing west across the hall from the dining room. Here were more books and historical documents, and a very large desk. Throughout the home, the wood paneling and hardwood floors were beautiful with a fireplace even in the entrance hall. H The first floor consisted of a spacious entrance with a staircase to the second floor. Off the entrance hallway, were the living room, kitchen and pantry. Behind the kitchen was a narrow stairway for household help to get to the second floor. The second floor provided sleeping quarters. The third floor was used as a chemical laboratory at one time. Before her blindness, Mrs. Holt hiked for miles around the hills and neighborhood to the west of Holtwood. She lived alone much of the time until one of her six adopted children, Walter Lindman, made his home permanently with her. At the time of her demise, Mr. Lindman was a member of the San Rafael Police Department. Mrs. Holt died in her bedroom on the southeast side of the second floor. Mr. Lindman, who inherited her estate, sold one half of the land, keeping the portion as it stands today. Marshall Holt loved "Holtwood" with its spacious garden and unobstructed view of Mt. Tamalpais and the City of San Rafael. Those treasures and the doors of her home were opened to many dis- tinguished guests from all parts of the globe. If the wide front steps and sweeping front porch could only talk!!!! Hopefully, my few brief memories have contributed in some way to the history of Holtwood. Sincerely, Edna L. Slavich 505 4th Street San Rafael, California 94901 February 27, 1981 FROM - "WHO'S WHO 1918 - 1919" 110LT, Marah all KeyaerP 01rn, Lela m d Wallftee Bull); b. Alexandria, Ky., Il'elx 24, 1879; student State Univ, of Ky.; Ohio -Me- chnales' In -4t., Cincinnati; Inst, of Technology Alunirh, BHvuriu; tn. Leland Wallace Holt, 61 NorthYarinuitth, Me., Briar. 18, IM3 (filled Nov. 10, 19W). Teticher cbembitry and German, 18- 1900; chcullst Nest Java Sugar ExpL Sta., .Is- land of .lava W2; pres. and mgr. Holt Ldbd and CAttle & 19., Colo.and N.M., 1908-12; tt��rr•S. New Mexico iron and C08l Mining Co., 1, -12; owrior And pub. Orcharf] and Farm, San Fran - ('13M), 1910-13, i-Altor, 1913-14• actively engaged In, farmluo, rnlning and land dereloprpent. M4 M. exec. coin. Parmp s' Nat.TbngreAH; exec. counell Interant. Dry i arming Coagrems; only 'Woman mem. Cal. Country Lire Commn. Con- thr. 61 agrl., chem. and minin� jours, �bvie: "lloltwoud"' !San Rafael, C&L Add to the foregoing from "Who Was Who In America, Vol Lime V 1969-1973 with Index to All Volumes" 1) ..... Member Yezcqui Indian Tribe, Mexico. 2) ..... Adopted, reared and educated 6 orphan children. EXHIBIT "B" LEGAL DESCRIPTION All that certain real property situated in the City of San Rafael, County of Marin, State of California, described as follows: Lot 1 as shown on that certain map entitled "Lands of S. and N. Associates"recorded January 29, 1981, in Book 18 of Maps at page 90, Marin County Records, being a resubdivision of Lots 46, 47, 48, 83, 84 and 85 as shown on the Map entitled "Map of Marinita Park, Tract in the Coleman Tract,"Town of San Rafael, recorded September 10, 1887, in Book 1 of Maps at page 6, Marin County Records.