COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager’s Office

 

DATE:

January 25, 2010

BOARD MEETING DATE:

February 9, 2010

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Steve Alms, Manager, Real Property Division

SUBJECT:

Consent to nomination of the San Mateo County Courthouse, located at 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, for designation as a California Historical Landmark (COP No. 105).

   

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution:

    1. Consenting to and authorizing the nomination by the San Mateo County Historical Association of the San Mateo County Courthouse located at 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, for designation as a California Historical Landmark in the California Office of Historic Preservation, and

    2. Authorizing the County Manager or his designee to execute consents, notices, and documents associated with the nomination and designation.

 

BACKGROUND:

The San Mateo County Courthouse (the “Courthouse”) is the third courthouse to be located at 2200 Broadway in Redwood City. The 1.4 acre property was donated to the County by S.M. Mezes and the Arguello family in 1858. The first courthouse was built shortly afterward but was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1868. Additional buildings were added to the remaining facility but County needs quickly outgrew the space. The second courthouse was commissioned in 1903, but was destroyed shortly after completion by the 1906 earthquake. The County immediately began work on the third and current courthouse, which was completed in 1910. During the depression, two annexes were added to the building to accommodate the growing need for space. The San Mateo County History Museum (the “Museum”) took occupancy of the Courthouse in October 1998 and undertook renovations to improve ADA access, earthquake safety, and other museum improvements. In 2005, the County entered into an agreement with the City of Redwood City, which authorized the City to commence and complete a major restoration of the exterior of the Courthouse, which included removal of the western annex, reconstruction of the main facade, and improvements to the plaza in front of the main entrance.

The Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and the City designated it a landmark in 1981.

 

DISCUSSION:

The San Mateo County Historical Association (the “Association”), which operates the Museum, desires to submit an application nominating the Courthouse for designation as a California Historical Landmark. California Historical Landmarks are sites, buildings, features, or events that are of statewide significance and have cultural, political, architectural, or other value. Applications are submitted to the State of California Office of Historic Preservation, and consent of the property owner is required in order to receive the designation.

The effects of designation as a California Historical Landmark include:

    Environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) may be required regarding any proposed project;

    The Local building inspector must grant code alternatives provided under the State Historic Building Code;

    Recording of the registration by the County Recorder;

    Automatic listing in California Register of Historical Resources; and

    Placement of a bronze plaque at the site;

    Qualification to place highway directional signs through a process managed by the local Caltrans district office.

The Association believes that the designation and subsequent placement of highway directional signage will increase awareness of the historic nature of the Courthouse as well as generate interest in the structure and the Museum.

 

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form. The Director of Public Works concurs in this recommendation.

 

Granting of consent to seek this historic designation contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Collaborative Community by working with the San Mateo County Historical Association to obtain California Historical Landmark status for the Courthouse, which will enhance awareness of the landmark and contribute to the preservation of the facility for future generations.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with this resolution.