Agenda - 05-04-2004-5m - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~ HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Memorandum To: Barry Jacobs, Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners From: Betsy Underwood, Chair, Historic Preservation Commission Date: April 2, 2004 Subject: Laws House at Little River Park and Natural Area The Historic Preservation Commission, at it March 24, 2004 regular meeting, discussed the status of the Laws House, the vernacular farmhouse located near the entrance of the Little River Park and Natural Area. The Commission had hoped to visit the site prior to preparing a statement but inclement weather canceled several planned field trips. The HPC recognizes the role of the Commission to offer advice on preservation matters and thanks the Board for the opportunity to comment, Our discussion on the Laws house revolved around an evaluation of the architectural and social value of the house, Is a simple farmhouse worthy of county-funded preservation efforts, and if so, how much money should be funneled into the project? Can the house be integrated into the park design at some point? Are there monies available for restoration work and long-term building stewardship at the, now several, park properties purchased through the Lands Legacy Program? The Historic Preservation Commission agreed that the modest house is representative of the type of dwelling that many Iccal residents lived in during the turn of the century and that the County should make an attempt to preserve that heritage, Members would like to see the building stabilized and used in some capacity, in its current location, If there is only enough funding to stabilize the exterior of the house the building shell will provide a historic backdrop, a reminder of our rural heritage, for park visitors.. The HPC further recommends that a plaque or informational sign be placed in front of, ar to the side of, the building to the tell visitors about the house and its former use. In summary, the HPC felt that their discussion on the appropriate treatment for the Laws House brought to the forefront the larger stewardship issue for all of the historic buildings on county- owned property, and the allocation of funds for stabilization, renovation, and long-term maintenance, We would like to volunteer our expertise to assist in developing preservation plans for the buildings on these properties, and to offer recommendations for prioritizing needs.