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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 Disposition of Rasmussen House CITY OF DUBLIN 9f 0" L/0 AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: December 11 , 1939 SUBJECT Disposition of Rasmussen House - Report by Diane Lowart , Recreation Director EXHIBITS ATTACHED A . Correspondence from Steve Tangney , Public Storage B . Correspondence from Dan Downey , Dublin Historical Preservation Association C . Correspondence from Cynthia Rasmussen Rockwood D. Correspondence from Sam Rasmussen E. Memorandum from Victor L . Taugher , Building Official F. Memorandum from Victor L . Taugher , Building Official RECOMMENDATION Consider alternatives and provide staff with appropriate direction . FINANCIAL STATEMENT The cost of using the Rasmussen House as a public facility would exceed $75 ,000 . DESCRIPTION At the July 24 , 1989 meeting of the Dublin City Council , the Council authorized staff to initiate the Specific Plan Amendment process for the 1 . 45 acre Moret property on San Ramon Road North of Amador Valley Boulevard . Consequently the Planning Department is working with Public Storage , Inc . to develop a plan which would allow for the construction of a retail shopping facility on the front portion of the property facing San Ramon Road , and a self storage facility on the rear portion of the property . Presently this property is vacant with the exception of the Rasmussen House , an outbuilding and an old barn . The Rasmussen House was built in approximately 1913 and is one of the oldest structures in Dublin . Thus there are some who would like to see the structure preserved for historical purposes . The Planning Department is currently working with representatives from Public Storage , Inc . to determine alternatives to destroying this house . To date the following alternatives have been suggested : 1 . Incorporate the house into Public Storage development plans 2 . Move the house onto public property a) Mape Park b) Dougherty Hills Park 3 . Move the house to the Rasmussen property on Tassajara Road The position taken by Public Storage , Inc . , as outlined in the attached correspondence , is that they feel it would not be feasible to incorporate the house into the development . Aesthetically it would not blend with the characteristics of the proposed project , and the cost of renovating the house to commercial standards exceeds the cost of new construction . However they are willing to work with the City to see that the house is relocated to another site and are willing to donate $7 ,500 toward the relocation of the house . The City ' s Park and Recreation Commission discussed the disposition of the Rasmussen House at their meeting of October 10 , 1989 . The Commission was in favor of saving the house and moving it to public property , if possible . It was suggested that the house be moved to Mape Park to be utilized by the City for recreation programs , specifically the Afterschool and Summer Recreation Programs . Another alternative would be to move it to the 90 acre Dougherty Hills Park where it could be used as an interpretive center . --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ITEM NO .� COPIES TO : Park & Recreation Commission Dublin Historical Preservation Association Cynthia Rasmussen Rockwood Sam Rasmussen Steve Tangney AGENDA STATEMENT - Disposition of Rasmussen House December 11 , 1989 Page Two Additionally , staff contacted the Dublin Historical Preservation Association (DHPA) to solicit their input as to the disposition of the Rasmussen House . In the attached correspondence , DHPA states that they too would like to see the house preserved and would like to see it moved to City property . Staff has received additional correspondence from members of the Rasmussen family who have indicated a desire to see the house preserved (copies attached ) . One family member has volunteered his Tassajara Road property as a site for the house , provided proper clearances and permits could be easily obtained from the City of Dublin and Contra Costa County . In researching the historical significance of the house , staff obtained the Environmental Assessment that was done . for the San Ramon Road Phase II project . Excerpts from the Environmental Assessment with regards to the Rasmussen House are as follows : 1913 residence at 7436 San Ramon Road : An older , single-story , wood frame residence which can best be characterized as a "craftsman bungalow" and is typical of millions built in the United States before 1930 . Additions and remodeling have been built to the original structure . The house is covered with large asbestos shingles and has a gable roof with a dormer window on the east side of the roof . There are no unique design elements , construction methods or detail elements incorporated into the structure to warrant classification of any special architectural designation . The architect is unknown , and the original plans more than likely were a standard set of builders plans available by mail through publications . The house at 7436 San Ramon Road is older than 50 years and is in a good state of preservation . However , there are many examples of this style of architecture throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and the United States . The 1913 house is not associated with events or persons that have made a significant contribution to national , state or local history . It does not embody a distinctive or unique architectural style , nor does it represent the work of a .noted architect . The house does not appear to be eligible for any historic or architectural designations . The City ' s Building Official , Vic Taugher , has inspected the house and reports on his findings in the attached memorandums dated October 18 and November 15 , 1989 . If the house were to remain on the present site , staff recommends extensive structural rehabilitation , as it is supported on unbraced foundation studs and is located within 25 to 30 feet of the Calavaras Fault . If the house were to be moved and used for any purpose other than residential use , the following is required : 1 . Remove the existing shake roof and install a fire-retardant roof . 2 . Make the building accessible to the handicapped which includes : a) Each primary entrance and the path of travel thereto . This will require ramped entrances . b) Reconstruct the toilet facilities to meet the current accessibility standards . c) If a public telephone or a drinking fountain is provided , meet the accessibility standards . d) Revise all doors to rooms used by the public or employees to 36" width . AGENDA STATEMENT - Disposition of Rasmussen House December 11 , 1989 Page Three 3 . Locate the building 20 feet from any property line and 40 feet from any other building . 4 . The exit arrangements will need to be approved . This will depend upon what modifications will be made to the interior and how each room is to be used . 5 . If it is to be used for day care , a fire alarm system will be required . 6 . Provide a new heating system , rehabilitate plumbing and electrical system . 7 . Remove asbestos siding . 8 . Install new foundation . 9 . Provide utilities to new location . Although detailed cost estimates have not been developed , staff anticipates that the costs associated with the aforementioned work would be in excess of $50 ,000 . The preliminary estimate to move the house within one mile of the present site ranges from $20 , 000-$24 ,000 . It is the recommendation of staff that the City Council consider alternatives and provide staff with appropriate direction . PS Public Storage Inc. 11828 DUBLIN BOULEVARD, DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA 94568 (415) 828-4805 6 November 1989 Mr. John Donahoe CITY OF DUBLIN PLANNING DEPARTMENT 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, California 94568 Re: Dublin/San Ramon Valley Blvd . Public Storage Project Rassmussen-s House Dear John: As a follow-up to our last meeting on October 20 , 1989 and per your request , this letter shall set forth the current position Public Storage holds regarding the fate of the Rassmussen's house . Within this meeting, you listed a few options that the City of Dublin has been considering . We have given these ideas much consideration and I would like to discuss each of these with you . They are as follows : ( #I ) : Move house to Mape Park or (#2) : move to Dougherty Park: Public Storage will cooperate and donate $7 ,500 toward the relocation of the house once a suitable location has been chosen by the City of Dublin or other agencies . If Mape Park becomes the new location, Public Storage will create a clear path by removing one, possibly two, obtrusive large Bay trees and also fabricate a temporary earth bridge (at the rear of the project ) to cross the creek. In addition to Public Storage's planned contributions , we would like the City Council to consider the question of donating the money received by the sale of the San Ramon right-of-way toward the cost of relocating the house . ( #3) Solutions from the Historical Society: It is our understanding that the Historical Society has recommended that the house should be saved if possible . Their recommended location is Mape Park. Mr. John Donahoe 6 November 1989 Page —2— ( #4) Move the house to the Rassmussen's Property: I spoke with Mr. Rassmussen about his interest in the house . It is my understanding that Mr . Rassmussen will agree to move the house to his ranch property on Tassajara Road under the following conditions : a) All agencies who have expressed interest in the past conclude that they cannot take the house . b) Proper clearances and permits can be easily obtained by the City of Dublin and Contra Costa County since the new location would be under the jurisdiction ,of Contra Costa County . Mr. Rassmussen would like assistance from the City of Dublin on this issue . c) The house proves to be structurally sound enough to be movable and a haul route can be established which is acceptable to all authorities . (#5) Incorporate house into Public Storage plans : We have studied the options of incorporating the house into the project plans . Unfortunately , this proved unfeasible and does not aesthetically blend with the characteristics of the proposed project . Additionally , the cost of renovating the house to commercial standards exceeds the cost of new construction . ( #6) Demolition of the house: As stated above, we would like to work with the above options to avoid the destruction of the house . If , however, no viable option is available, this may be the only practical solution. In reviewing our construction schedule, any plans to relocate the house will have about a month window of opportunity . That window will be after we close on the property and prior to our grading work. Any delays beyond this window will disrupt our construction schedule and this would be very costly for Public Storage . Mr. John Donaho 6 November 1989 Page —3— Because time is of the essence in this development , we would like to see this issue brought before the City Council as soon as possible . If the Council concludes the house should be relocated, we would like a specific date no later than April 30 , 1989 for the relocation to occur. Furthermore , if the Council cannot determine the final status of the house at the next meeting, then we would like the self—storage project to be heard and voted upon . If necessary, the project could be conditionally approved pending a resolution of the fate of the house by a specific date . I do not feel that the lack of information or decisions regarding the relocation of the house should hold up the decision to approve or disapprove the proposed development . I thank you in advance for all your efforts on this issue . Kindly advise if you have or need further information. Sincerely , PUBLIC STORAGE, INC . e�— Steve Tangney Development Manager ST/lsj (stO1-030 ) PS# : 1174 Or Murray School 1860 �j Nov. 22, 1989 City Of Dublin P.O. Box 2340 Dublin,California 94568 Attn: Diane Lowart Director of Recreation Dear Ms. Lowart: At the October meeting of the Dublin Historical Preservation Association, the subject of the "Rasmussen House" was discussed and the board agreed that of the alternatives suggested, No. 3 "Move the house to City property such as a park site" was the most preferable. Regarding the historical potential or value of the Rasmussen House, the Board viewed this house as the oldest residence in Dublin - (built around 1914) and expressed an active interest in preserving the building. We thank you for considering our viewpoint and if we can be of further assistance,please contact me at 829-2021. Sincerely, C?§ident DD:ms ROCI:WOOD DESIGN ASSOCIAIES 20445 Williams Avenue Saratoga, California 95070 R E C E I V E D (408) 741-01£39 SEP 221989 September 19, 1989 CITY OF DUBLIN i Mayor Paul Moffett City Hall Dublin, California 94566 Dear Mayor Moffett: I am quite concerned with regard to the possible destruction of my grandparents home. I do not know the exact address of the house, but it is a redwood frame home, located on Dublin Avenue and belonged to Peter Rasmussen around the turn of the century. The Rasmussen family settled in the Dublin area from Denmark. Most of the family has remained in the area (there were originally 10 children so there are still quite a few of us around) . We get together once a year for a family picnic and last week discussed the possibility of moving the house to the Dublin Heritage Park. I know in the San Jose Area that has been done to a number of structures and here in Saratoga a home was recently moved which has now become a home for various local groups in which to hold meetings, etc. My husband is an Architect and we are always interested in - preserving the older structures, too many have already been destroyed and they are vital to save for future generations. Please do what you can to consider savings this old home. Our family,i as well as many other local citizens would be most grateful . Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Cynthia Rasmussen Rockwood RECEIYED SEP 221989 CITY OF DUBLIN 14C6 RZ CEIVED N.OV 15 1989 M E M O R A N D U M CITY OF DUBLIN TO: Richard Ambrose, City Manager FROM: Victor L. Taugher, Building Official RE: RASMUSSEN HOUSE DATE: November 15, 1989 This is a supplement to my memo of 11/18/89 regarding the possible use of the Rasmussen house for either recreational uses or day care. If the building is used for any other purpose other than residential the following is required: 1. Remove the existing shake roof and install a fire-retardant roof. 2 . Make the building accessible to the handicapped which includes: A. Each primary entrance and the path of travel thereto. This will require ramped entrances. B. Reconstruct the toilet facilities to meet the current accessibility standards. C. If a public telephone or a drinking fountain is provided, meet the accessibility standards. D. Revise all doors to rooms used by the public or employees to 36" width. 3 . Locate the building 20 feet from any property line and 40 ' from any other building. 4 . The exit arrangements will need to be approved. This will depend upon what modifications will be made to the interior and how each room is to be used. 5. If it is to be used for day care a fire alarm system will be required. cf M E M O R A N D U M TO: Richard Ambrose, City Manager FROM: Victor L. Taugher, Building Official1.�-� RE: RASMUSSEN HOUSE - SAN RAMON ROAD DATE: October 18 , 1989 On October 17 , 1989 the above building was inspected. Apparently it was built in 1914 . A two bedroom and bath addition was apparently made on the left rear side in 1940. There is also a small addition off the kitchen. The latter addition should be removed. The building is located within 25 to 30 feet of the Calavaras Fault. Therefore, if it is to remain on the site, I would recommend extensive structural rehabilitation. The building has a foundation but it is supported on unbraced foundation studs, thus it could easily be shifted off its foundation. In order to use the building at any location it would be necessary to provide a new heating system. The furnace and water heater are located in a small basement. The plumbing and electrical system would need a complete rehabilitation. One consideration in applying building code requirements is the proposed use of the building. If it is to be used as a single-family dwelling the requirements are relatively minor. Other uses may require more extensive work. For example the building will have to be accessible to the handicapped. Finally, in my judgement maintenance for uses other than a single-family dwelling would be relatively expensive. cf cc: Lee Thompson / Diane Lowart Planning Department