Memorandum - LAUSD

201 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 500, Santa Monica, CA 90401 INTERNET www.pcrnet.com TEL 310.451.4488 FAX 310.451.5279

Memorandum TO: Gwenn Godek, Contract Professional/CEQA Advisor, Los

Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) DATE: July 28, 2015

FROM: Margarita Jerabek, Ph.D., Director of Historic Resources, Amanda Kainer, M.S., Senior Architectural Historian, and Virginia Harness, M.A., Architectural Historian Technician

RE: CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURES MEMORANDUM (CDFM) FOR JOHN BURROUGHS MIDDLE

SCHOOL, 600 SOUTH MCCADDEN PLACE, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, 90005

INTRODUCTION

PCR Services Corporation (“PCR”) appreciates the opportunity to prepare Character-Defining Features Memorandum (“CDFM”) for John Burroughs Middle School (“Burroughs MS”) located at 600 South McCadden place, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California. The period of significance for Burroughs MS is between 1923 and 1935, the period when the school was designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style to the reconstruction of the main, auditorium and shop buildings following the earthquake; therefore meets the age threshold for consideration as a historical resource under CEQA. The first step in the project planning process involving a historically significant school is the identification of character-defining features that account for its eligibility as a historical resource. The baseline data presented in this CDFM is to be used in conjunction with the LAUSD Guidelines and Treatment Approaches for Historic Schools to ensure future modernization and upgrade projects will avoid significant adverse impacts to the historical significance of Burroughs MS.1 This CDFM includes a discussion of the methodology used, previous evaluations, a brief historic overview, and an analysis of the primary and contributing character-defining landscapes, buildings, and features of the subject school.

METHODOLOGY

The CDFM was conducted by Margarita Jerabek, Ph.D., Director of Historic Resources, Amanda Y. Kainer, M.S., Senior Architectural Historian, and Virginia E. Harness, M.A., Architectural Historian Technician, all of whom meet and exceed the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in history and architectural history.2

1 SWCA Environmental Consultants, Los Angeles Unified School District Guidelines and Treatment Approaches for

Historic Schools, prepared for Los Angeles Unified School District (January 2015). 2 The Professional Qualification Standards are requirements used by the National Park Service and have been

published in the Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”), 36 CFR Part 61.

Memorandum RE: CDFM FOR BURROUGHS MIDDLE SCHOOL

PCR Services Corporation Page 2 July 28, 2015

The following tasks were performed by PCR for the study:

Undertook an intensive pedestrian survey and digital photography in May 2015 to document the existing conditions of the subject property. PCR utilized the survey methodology of the State Office of Historic Preservation (“OHP”).

Conducted site‐specific research on the school sites utilizing Sanborn fire insurance maps, historical photographs and plans, historical plans provided by LAUSD, and other published sources.

Reviewed and applied methodology, eligibility standards and integrity considerations presented in the LAUSD Historic Context Statement.3 In addition, utilized the National Park Service’s (“NPS”) guidance provided in Preservation Brief 17, Architectural Character: Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic Buildings as an Aid to Their Preservation, to identify the visual character of the subject school.

PREVIOUS EVALUATIONS

During the Phase I Getty Survey conducted on March 15, 2002, Burroughs MS was assigned a California Historical Resource Status Codes of “3S” and “3CS,” which means the subject school appears eligible for National Register and California Register through survey evaluation.4 Burroughs MS was noted to be “one of the most intact campuses from the 1920s remaining in the District.”

HISTORIC OVERVIEW

The original plans for John Burroughs MS (formerly Wilshire Junior High School) were drawn up by architect E.H. Cline in 1923. The original school plant was constructed in the northwest corner of the school property, at the corner of Sixth Street and what is now South McCadden Place. The Administration and Auditorium Building (Building 1) fronts McCadden Place and the Shop and Cafeteria Building (demolished) behind to the east.5 By 1925 the school was officially John Burroughs Junior High School. That year architect Francis J. Catton designed a Classroom Building (Building 7), Boy’s Gymnasium (Building 2), and Shop Building (Building 9) for the campus.6 A Glass House (demolished) was erected in 1927.7

3 Sapphos Environmental, Inc., Los Angeles Unified School District: Historic Context Statement, 1870 to 1969 (March

2014). 4 Leslie J. Heumann, SAIC, DPR Primary Record Form for Burroughs Middle School (March 15, 2002). 5 8075.03.000 January 1, 1923, New Plant – Main/Auditorium Building & Cafeteria Building 6 8075.02.001 April 1, 1925 Classroom, Gymnasium & Shop Buildings



Figure 1. Historical Aerial of Burroughs MS, 1926 (LAPL)

Following the Long Beach Earthquake, reconstruction work was completed on the Main

Building & Auditorium (Building 1), as well as the Shop Building (Building 9).8 A Music Bungalow was constructed in 1939, followed by a new Lunch Pavilion (Building 20) in 1940.9 Alterations were made to the Cafeteria (demolished) and Home Economics Building (demolished) in 1949, with further alterations to the Cafeteria (demolished) occurring in 1950 as well.10 In 1952, the Main Building & Auditorium (Building 1) also underwent alterations for the creation of an Arts & Crafts Room.11 The arcade of the school campus connecting Buildings 1 and 7 was enclosed in 1956.12 The Multi-Purpose Building (Building 14) was erected in 1957, the same year that alterations were made to the Boys’ Gymnasium (Building 2).13 Alterations to the Shop Building 7 8075.02.002 March 1, 1927 Glass House 8 8075.07.000 March 1, 1935 Reconstruction of Main/Auditorium & Shop Buildings 9 8075.09.000 November 1, 1939 Music Bungalow (Building AA-84) 8075.02.011 July 1, 1940 Lunch Pavilion 10 8075.02.014 October 1, 1949 Alterations to Cafeteria and Home Economics Building 8075.02.017 July 1, 1950 Alterations to Cafeteria Building 11 8075.02.022 October 1, 1952 Alterations to Main/Auditorium Building for Artcraft Room 12 8075.02.023 September 1, 1956 Arcade Enclosure 13 8075.VG.422 August 1, 1957 All Purpose Building & Additions to Boys Gymnasium Building



(Building 9) occurred in 1960.14 The Classroom Building (Building 7) was structurally strengthened and modernized in 1964.15

Several buildings were demolished and replaced in the latter portion of the 20th century, while other existing buildings were altered to accommodate modern needs. The Girls’ Physical Education Building came down in 1971.16 The Cafeteria and Home Economics Buildings underwent corrective work to strengthen their wood frames in 1971, only to be torn down two years later.17 A new Cafeteria/Classroom Building (Building 20) was designed in 1976, as was a new Girls Locker/Shower Building (Building 17).18 Seismic upgrade of the Main and Auditorium Building (Building 1) was undertaken in 1987, also included as part of this project was a new elevator on the rear elevation and reconfiguration of classrooms.19

CHARACTER‐DEFINING FEATURES ANALYSIS

The character‐defining features analysis presented below is a detailed summary of the visual character of Burroughs MS, including the site plan, landscape, buildings, architectural details, materials, finishes and interior spaces, which contribute to the eligibility of Burroughs MS as a historical resource. According to the NPS, “character refers to all those visual aspects and physical features that comprise the appearance of every historic building. Character‐defining elements include the overall shape of the building, its materials, craftsmanship, decorative details, interior spaces and features, as well as the various aspects of its site and environment.”20 The NPS describes the visual characteristics that generally represent character-defining features: “the major contributors to a building’s overall character and embodied in the general aspects of its setting; the shape of the building; its roof and roof features, such as chimneys or cupolas; the various projections on the building, such as porches or bay windows; the recesses or voids in a building, such as open galleries, arcades, or recessed balconies; the openings for windows and doorways; and finally the various materials that contribute to a buildings character.”21 The approach to identifying visual character involved the examination of the subject school from afar to understand its overall setting and architectural context; then

14 8075.12.000 April 5, 1960 Alterations to Shop Building 15 8075.13.000 July 1, 1964 Structural Strengthening & Modernization of Classroom Building 16 8075.02.028 May 1, 1971 Demolition of Girl’s P.E. Building 17 8075.02.029 July 1, 1971 Corrective Work – Pre 1933 Wood Frame Building (Cafeteria & Home Economics) 8075.02.031 May 1, 1973 Demolition of Cafeteria, Home Economics Buildings & Ground Improvements 18 8075.15.000 October 13, 1976 Cafeteria/Classroom Building & Girls Locker/Shower Building 19 8075.16.000 February 1, 1987 Reconstruction of Main Building 20 Lee H. Nelson, Preservation Brief 17: Architectural Character—Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic Buildings as

an Aid to Preserving their Character, National Park Service, September 1988, http://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/17-architectural-character.htm, accessed June 4, 2015.

21 Lee H. Nelson, Preservation Brief 17: Architectural Character—Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic Buildings as an Aid to Preserving their Character, pps 1-2.



moving up closer to investigate its materials and the craftsmanship and surface finishes; and lastly, going into and through the buildings to perceive those spaces, rooms and details that comprise its interior visual character.

The character-defining landscapes and buildings on the Burroughs MS campus are analyzed and classified as significant, contributing, and non‐contributing. These terms are generally interchangeable with “primary” (significant), “secondary” (contributing), and “tertiary” (contributing) character-defining features, which are also commonly used descriptors. Significant character-defining buildings and landscapes determine the eligibility of a historical resource (Burroughs MS) and are the most important features to retain. Alterations to significant buildings and landscapes shall be avoided.22 Contributing character‐defining buildings and landscapes are secondary and tertiary features that taken together with the primary features convey a property’s significance as a historical resource. Compared to primary character-defining buildings and landscapes, these contributing buildings and landscapes are not as visually prominent or retain moderate integrity. Because contributing character-defining buildings and landscapes have a lower level of significance, they shall be preserved to the greatest extent feasible and rehabilitated as appropriate; however, more flexibility is given to these buildings and landscapes and alterations or removal of these contributing features may not adversely impact the subject school’s significance. The greatest flexibility is afforded to non-contributing buildings and landscapes; they do not contribute to the significance of the subject school, therefore, their complete removal does not adversely impact the significance or eligibility of the subject school.

Described below are the significant (primary) and contributing (secondary and tertiary) character-defining buildings and landscapes of Burroughs MS dating from the period of significance that account for its eligibility as a historical resource. The primary period of significance for Burroughs MS is between 1923 and 1935 when the campus was initially designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style to the reconstruction of several buildings following the Long Beach earthquake. Significant character-defining buildings and landscapes represent the original period of significance, are visually prominent, and retain high integrity. While contributing character-defining buildings and landscapes retain moderate integrity or may fall outside of the primary period of significance. Described underneath each significant or contributing building/landscape is a list of features that contribute to the visual character and architectural significance of the building/landscape from its period of significance. Non-contributing buildings, landscapes, and features were not identified; however, non-contributing alterations located on identified significant or contributing buildings/landscapes are italicized. If a building, landscape, or feature is not listed below as significant or contributing, it can be

22 Should a significant landscape or building require alteration further historic review will be required under CEQA

law.



assumed the building, landscape, or feature is non-contributing. The site plan presented as Figure 2, on the following page, visually depicts the character-defining buildings and landscapes of Burroughs MS.

Significant (Primary) Building

Significant (Primary) Landscape

Contributing (Secondary) Building

Non-Contributing Building and Landscape

FIGURECharacter-Defining Features Analysis

Burroughs Middle SchoolEast Village Mixed Use Project 2

Source: Los Angeles Unified School District, 2002; PCR Services Corpora on, 2015.P C R

0 80 Feet

N

1

2

9

7

1

717

14

7

20

14

1

Auditorium

Mc Cadden Place

6th Street

Wilshire B

oulevard


PCR Services Corporation Page 8 Error! Reference source not found.

Significant (Primary): Site Plan and Landscape

Building 1 and Building 7 are set-back from street (Mc Cadden Place and 6th Street) behind an open landscape and expanse of grass

Spatial relationship and siting of Building 1 and Building 7

Aerial Showing Set-back of Building 1 Building 1 (Bing Maps)

Open Landscape and Set-back to the west of Building 1, View Southeast

Open Landscape and Set-back to the north of Building 7, View South



Significant (Primary): Administration and Auditorium Building 1

Exterior Features

Two-stories

Irregular I-shaped plan

Red- tiled hipped and half-hipped roofs, flat roofs

Patterned brick exteriors and cast stone trim

Symmetrical massing

Arched openings

Original paneled and glazed doors

Six-over-six double-hung windows with transoms (Alterations, transoms on rear elevation infilled)

Alterations: windows on south elevation of auditorium wing infilled, second story opening on east elevation of administration wing that once connected to a courtyard building (removed) has been infilled, opening infilled on north elevation of auditorium

Interior Features

Circulation Plan

Administration Wing

o Wood doors some with glazing

o Wood door frames with entablature

o Wide interior corridors with transom windows (alteration: window panes painted over)

o Arches over corridors

o Wood counter desk and built-ins located in main office

o U-shape double staircase with intermediary landing, wood handrails and wood banisters

Auditorium Wing

o Wood paneled doors

o Original stage

o Wood auditorium seats



o Auditorium light fixtures

o Auditorium balcony

o Concrete stairs with wood banisters

o Decorative grilles

o Pendant lights

o Wood trusses

o Red-tile floor in foyer

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Primary

Entrance on West Elevation, View East

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, South of

Primary Entrance, West Elevation, View East

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, North

Elevation, View Southwest


Elevation, View South



Administration and Auditorium Building 1, West

Elevation of Auditorium, View Southeast

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, West

Elevation of Auditorium, View East

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, South

Elevation of Auditorium, View North

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, East

Elevation of Auditorium, View Northwest


Elevation, View Northwest


Elevation, View West



Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Rear

Entrance on East Elevation, View West


Elevation of Auditorium, View South

Administration and Auditorium Building 1,

Adminstration Office, View West

Administration and Auditorium Building 1,

Adminstration Office, View Southwest

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Main

Stairway, View East

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Main

Stairway, View East



Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Library,

View North

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Second-

Story Corridor, View North

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Second Story

Corridor, View South

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Second Story

Corridor, View East

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Auditorium

Foyer, View West

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Auditorium,

View East



Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Auditorium,

View West to Balcony

Administration and Auditorium Building 1, Auditorium

Balcony, View South



Significant (Primary): Classroom Building 7

Exterior Features

Two-stories

Rectangular plan

Three-over-three wood-framed windows and three-light wood-framed transoms (alteration, some transom windows replaced with out-take vents)

Elaborate Italianate brickwork

Arched openings with decorative cast concrete surrounds

Gable and hipped red tile roofs

Arcade topped by a glazed bridge linking buildings (alteration, bridge enclosed with awning windows, 1st floor arcade structurally retrofit with concrete)

Arched windows over entries

Alteration, entrance on north elevation infilled

Interior Features

Circulation Plan

Arched ceilings in corridors

Classroom Building 7, North Elevation, View South

Classroom Building 7, North Elevation, Former

Entrance Infilled, View South



Bridge Connecting Buildings 1 and 7, View south

Classroom Building 7, West Elevation, View Southeast

Classroom Building 7, West Elevation, View East

Classroom Building 7, South Elevation, View North

Classroom Building 7, East Elevation, View West

Arcade/Bridge Connecting Buildings 1 and 7,

View North, South Elevation



Classroom Building 7, 1st Floor of Arcade/Bridge

Connecting Buildings 1 and 7

Classroom Building 7, 2nd Floor of Arcade/Bridge

Connecting Buildings 1 and 7

Classroom Building 7, Corridor, View East

Classroom Building 7, Stairway



Contributing (Secondary): Building 9

One-story

Low, horizontal massing

Rectangular Plan

Italianate exterior brickwork

Arched openings with decorative cast concrete surrounds

Large, multi-pane windows and transoms (alterations: some windows infilled with AC equipment, some transoms removed, metal security screens)

Alteration: doors replaced

Building 9, West Elevation, View East


Building 9, South Elevation, View North

Building 9, North Elevation, View South



Building 9, Rear (East) Elevation, View Southwest

Building 9, South Elevation, View Northeast



Contributing (Secondary): Building 2

Exterior Features

I-Shape Plan (alterations: non-contributing addition on the east elevation added circa 1956 canopy and stairs added onto the north elevation)

Varied roof height, gymnasium taller than two flanking wings

Italianate exterior brickwork

Arched openings (alteration, doors replaced)

Large multi-pane windows (alteration, windows on rear altered with intake vents)

Flat roof

Interior Features

Exposed metal truss roof

Building 2, North Elevation, View Southeast

Building 2, South Elevation, View Northwest

Building 2, East Elevation, View West

Building 2, West Elevation, View Northeast



Building 2, Interior, View East


Documents

Memorandum - LAUSD