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PRESERVATION UPDATE
Dear Friends of Claremont,
A recent article in the Los Angeles Times by Architecture Critic, Christopher Hawthorne, brought to light the lack of protection that exists for significant historic architecture, especially homes, that when purchased are either demolished or renovated beyond recognition. Interestingly enough, Claremont also has similar issues. We have been pretty lucky so far, but crucial to our community is the process of educating our residents on the history of our built environment and the value that preserving important architecture has on our property values and the economic benefits that result from Cultural Heritage Tourism. An architecture tour facilitated by Claremont Heritage earlier this month for the Society of Architectural Historians, gave credence to the fact that Claremont is home to an amazing collection of architectural styles and genres. Combine the architecture with our cultural and natural attributes and it is clear why Sunset Magazine named Claremont one of the Top Five Places to Live in the Southwest - the best Suburb in fact! See the article HERE.
The reason Claremont Heritage was formed 40 years ago is "To Keep Claremont's History Alive."
OUR MISSION is to advance, preserve and celebrate the historic, architectural, natural and cultural resources of our community through collaboration, education and advocacy. We have helped to save a number of the iconic structures that were once threatened with demolition such as the Packing House, Ice House Office (Back Abbey), Claremont Depot (now home to the Claremont Museum of Art) and the Padua Hills Theatre.
Our goal is to keep Claremont's history alive and to honor the past and our unique sense of place to inspire and inform future generations.
As Margaret Mead once said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Best regards,
David Shearer Executive Director
Urban Planning + Development
HELEN GOODWIN RENWICK HOUSE ADDED TO NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Claremont Heritage is pleased to announce that the Helen Goodwin Renwick house located on College Ave. has been submitted to the National Register of Historic Places by unanimous decision of the California State Office of Historic Preservation Historical Resources Commission.
Please see the Press Release HERE and read about the significant impact that Helen Goodwin Renwick had on our community. NEW POMONA MUSEUM OF ART LOCATION STILL NOT RESOLVEDIn a City Council meeting on April 12, 2016, Pomona College President David Oxtoby inferred that if Pomona is not allowed to build a new museum on the west side of College Avenue, they will have to scrap the museum project entirely, at least for now. This is also a major concern expressed by several members of the Claremont Art Community. And, yes, it would be unfortunate to lose the opportunity to have a new museum, although it is highly unlikely that Pomona will close the current Pomona College Museum of Art if the project is put on hold (even though it is currently slated to be torn down to make way for a new Thatcher Music Building if the Master Plan is approved). Claremont Heritage sent out an email survey a number of weeks ago to see what the community thought about this issue. To be fair we sent it to a broad range of community members, including Pomona College faculty and staff - the survey was anonymous so we are not sure who responded - but from some of the comments, it is clear that Pomona's viewpoint was represented. Our primary intent was to get a feeling from the community on two basic concepts that have been at the forefront of the museum location issue.
#1 regarding the zone change, do we value the residential character of our City, specifically of College Avenue, the most important Avenue to both the Colleges and the Community in terms of our heritage. And #2, would a new museum still benefit the community at large if it was located on the east side of College Ave. We had 216 respondents - Here are the results:
RESULTS -
#1. The majority of respondents are not in favor of making a zone change that would facilitate moving of Renwick House and affect the residential character of the west side of College Avenue.
#2 A majority of the respondents feel that the community benefits of a new museum would not be diminished if it was built on the east side of College Avenue.
Heritage Preservation
PRESERVATION = CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM
Living in a city that has taken care to preserve its architectural legacy is a wonderful gift until it is challenged. We have seen over the years the potential effect that development might bring to our town. If the old Santa Fe Depot or College Heights Packing House had been torn down as was once proposed, our city would lack some of the historic fabric that makes it so wonderful!
Join Claremont Heritage in celebrating our 2016 Theme - Claremont Matters! By preserving our historic structures and neighborhoods, we attract visitors who will positively impact our community economically through Cultural Heritage Tourism! Just ask any Village merchant. Watch the Video HERE
Natural Resources + Urban Landscape
TREES REMAIN A CONCERN - Watch the Video HERE
Last summer, Claremont Heritage and other community groups rallied to try and help save hundreds of mature trees that were suffering due to drought and the watering restrictions put in place last year. Forming a Tree Coalition, the group worked with City Staff to implement emergency measures to both educate the public and supply the tools needed to try and keep our signature Urban Forest healthy. Unfortunately, it may have been too little, too late.
In the next few months, residents of Claremont may unfortunately become accustomed to the sound of chainsaws and wood chippers.
Even our stately 100 year old Historic Elm Grove on Indian Hill Blvd will not be spared. In all, 43 of our Heritage Elm Trees will be trimmed to extend their lives and 8 will have to come down. The City will replace them with saplings - unfortunately, until they mature, the canopy of trees that we often take for granted will be significantly reduced.
Claremont Heritage is working with the City to document these Heritage Trees before they come down and also to add additional Heritage Trees and Groves to a local Historic Register in order to bring attention of their value to our community.
Photograph Steven Felschundneff - Courtesy Claremont Courier
Art + Culture
ANNUAL GALA | 40th Festivale | ANNUAL AWARDS PRESENTED
On Saturday, April 16th, Claremont Heritage celebrated our 40th year of Keeping Claremont's History Alive and honored our 2016 Awardees at the historic Padua Hills Theatre. It was a lovely evening and one to be remembered. The 2016 Bess Garner Preservation Award went to Pilgrim Place for their outstanding stewardship of their architecture, as well as honoring their Centennial and the impact on our community . The 2016 Cultural Heritage Award went to First Street Gallery and Art Center for their over 25 years serving as an exhibition resource and arts management center for adults with developmental disabilities. Through cultivation of artistic expression, people with significant challenges can develop creatively and make important contributions to the cultural and economic life of their communities.
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