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SR-402-007 (8) --- ~111 09. 0A ATTACHMENT H Letters Received Regarding the Application Electronic version of attachment is not available for review. Document is available for review at the City Clerk's Office and the Libraries. .:.J ~] - 19-10-0~ lO:30A Bruce Becket &Assoc -.... ., ,'. ,~. ( ~, or -j 1-" t BaA . BAUCE BECKET AND ASSOCIlATE'S ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS 1516 PONTIUS AVE SECOND FLOOR LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 90025 (310) 478-0074 FAX (310) 473-8054 ~/( t:-"it1J August 9, 200 1 Margot Alofsin, Chairperso~ and Members., Landmarks Commission of Santa Monica City of Santa Monica 1685 Main City of Santa Monica. CA 90405 Re: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Designation of Historic Landmark Dear Chairperson Alofsin and Members, Speaking as the son of the architect Welton Becket I felt the need to write you about a significant need to preserve meaningful architecture in our society. A1thour,h Santa Monica has many important buildings 'of various periods, there are very few important buildings of the f'Mly modem period around 1955 through 1960. The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium received the 1960 Merit Award for Outstanding Desien and Plan by the Southern California Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The building exterior makes a simple yet bold statement as a civic landmark which provides jdentity and association to the commooity. . In addition. the interior of the building bas significant design elements worthy of preservation. The interior of the auditorium is superior in acoustics design. Soon after the Auditorium was completed in 1958 it was said that the interior acoustics were of the most perfect and deserVed a mting higher than that of the Royal Festival Hall in London. The multip~se building was one of the fmt ~o utilize a large bydraulic tilting platform that allows for complete flexibility of various types of functions. The interior design was a forerunner for the multi-purpose facilities. Its innovative flexible design provided for many different types of functions - an auditornwn, theater, dance, tennis, trade shows, and dining banquets., among other uses. Ff.om an afiil>irect.S pointofview, the building makes an oveJallsimpJe - yet stroDl! statement i the oommumty and should be preserved as an Identdiable landmark. My father VIlaS ery !lJ1foudl of tire building Md recogruZJed the starement the bWlding made 1:0 the comm . it)'. Ai!er many years of significant contribution to the lives IOf Santa Monica .. J1 _Jg-IO-01 10: Bruce Becket &AsSOC BRuce BECKET AND ASSOCIATES Landmarks Commission of Santa Monica August 9, 2~0l Page 2. I this building can be renovated yet preserving its important design features. This goal can be maintained with the addition of the building t9 Landmark Status and with proper design ~d maintenance can continue as a lasting 'and identifiable contribution to the people ofilie City. c;e Becket, AI.A., President BORab Cc: Alexandra Becket .. ..i. . {e LOS ANGELES CONSERVANCY - - , -""""'~"-- ,,,,,-.<-,-. - 523 W. Sixth Street. Suite 1216 . Los Angeles, California 90014 0213/623.2489 August 13, 2001 Margaret Alofsin Chairperson, Landmarks Commission City of Santa MoniCa 1685 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401-2200 August 13, 2001landrnark Commissioo Agenda Item #9B Civic Auditorium as Potential Landmark . Dear Ms. Alofsin: Thank you for the opportunity to address the Commission regqrcling the nomination of the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium as aeRy landmark. The Los AngeleS ConseMlncy, wprking to preserve the architectural resources of Los Angel~ County, is the largest local non-profit historic pres- ervation organization in tHe. nation with over 7200 members, many of whom reside in the City of Santa Monica. The Conservancy is pleased to support wholeheartedly any efllil to designate the Civic Auditorium as a landmark as we believe this building to be an important work of a master architect, a technologically innovative bl,Jilding design, and a cultural landmark. Welton Becket was one of. the foremost architects of his era and a pioneer in Modem design. His portfolio of commercial and civic architecture comprise such important local icons as the Capitol Records tower and Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, the Pan Pacific Auditorium, the Music Center, the LAX Theme Building, and the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, to name but a few. The Civic Auditorium stands as a tribute to the innovative design and technology of mid-century Modem architecture. Completed in 1958, the Civic Auditorium, with its dramatic parabolic colon- nade and distinctive screen fayade is an instantly recognizable icon of both the .city of Santa Monica and Southern California. Its uniquely tilting hydraulic floor, the nation's largest at the time, is a technological marvel, able to accommodate stage presentations, sporting events, and convention exhibitions like no structure before. This flexibility of design created a multi-purpose civic meeting place, the site-of everything from the Academy Awards to David Bowie's first North American concert. The Conservancy and its Modem Committee applaud the designation of the Civic Auditorium as a landmark in the City of Santa Monica. As the city rethinks its civic center, we urge you to protect and preserve this architectural treasure for generations to come. Sincerely, (' V~'Q~ Trudi Sandmeier Preservation Advocate Ene! Santa Monica Civic Auditorium Fact Sheet Profile of Architect Welton Becket " ('\; J..t.. S'ANTA MONICA CIVIC AUDITORIUM - Santa Monica, California SITE Santa Monica Civic Center, Santa Monica, California PROJECT Multi-purpose, 92,200~sq.-ft. civic auditorium with se~ting capacity for 2,75~ persons; hydraulica~ly-operated tilting platform permits complete flexibility ~f use for all ~types of events from concerts to basketball. COST: $2,449,000 (Original plans called for three architlacts to plan the auditorium; low bid was $3,217,000 or 38% over original estimates. Welton Becket and Associates then was engaged to completely replan auditorium. on a str'ict budget of $2,640,000. Pianning for the same facilities as th~ ori- ginal architects, the low h;d came in $191,000 under tHe budget.) .' EXTERIORS The dramatic facade of the auditorium highlights six 72-ft.- high sculptured, precast concrete pylons which rise in front of the building. The pylons are separated from the main front wall by a suspended canopy that fronts the structure. The front elevation features a glass wall and entrance doors below the canopy and a specially designed grillwork of ornamental precast concrete blocks above the canopy extending to the top of the high roof. INTERIORS The inside of the auditorium is planned around a "floating floor," two-thirds of which is hydraulically-operated; it lowers at the stage end and rises near the rear of the house to give an over-all difference in elevation of five feet. The entrance lobby contains 7;SOO-sq.-ft. with CWo circular concession stands at either end. A ticket booth, with eight outside and inside ticket windows and a ticket office, is located at the front of the building. There also are two lounge areas on the main lobby floor. An upper level concourse, containing 2,200- sq.-ft., provides access to upper level seating; the orchestra pit, 65 ft. long and 12 ft. wide (at the center of the house), is hydraulically oFerated and may be stopped at four positions; stage level, flush with the tilting floor when it is in position for stage presentations, orchestra pit elevation, and basement level. A commdttee room is located beside the auditorium in a wing extending east; it has a capacity of 700 persons with dining facilities for approximately 500. Auditorium offices are in the west wing. SPECIAL FEATURES To insure the optimum reverberation properties, the side and back walls of the auditorium consist of hollow-rib perforated panels and 2 in. glass fiber intulation. Splayed walls at the front of the house are of unperforated metal and serve as re- flection panels to project and reinforce sound t9 the rear. There are nq vertical surface~ facing the stage from any direction ,COUSTICAL CONSULTANT Dr Vern 0 !Knudsen lMPLETiON )ATE ,958 .hI ARD .ward Southern Califox:t1i~ Chapter l\lA (1960 A Young Man Fr~ Seattle An athlete, Mr. Beckef played baseball and fQCItbaU in Seat- tle, WashingtDn. He was Clctiye in service clubs and honarerries of the Univer- sity of Washington. Born Welton David Becket in Seattle, Wash- ington, August 8, 1902, young Welton was drawn to architecture early in life since both his father and his IS-year-older brother Evro were builders. Following graduation from Queene Anne High School in Seattle, he entered the University of Washington. emerging in 1927 with a degree in architecture. This was followed by graduate study in architecture and fine arts at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Fontainebleau, France. He entered the practice of architecture as chief designer for a Los Angeles firm in 1929, moved to Seattle two years later to practice on his own, and returned to Los Angeles in 1933 with classmate Walter Wurdeman, who passed away in 1949. Welton Becket and Associates was founded in 1949 as the succeeding firm to Wurdeman and Becket, and during the ensuing years, the firm grew from fewer than 50 employees to more than 500. :t and c1;<?111 I Glenn Wallichs, president Df Capitol RIle- ,eceived international acclciim for circular CapitDI RecDrds in tloll)'wood. Imaginative', design was created fer mCl'- {fide-ney of operation. With UCLA's fanner dean of medicine Dr. Stafford L. Warren lrightl and former assistant daan Dr. Norman Nelson, ....'Mr. Becket and his stoff "lanned ~a great medlcol center. With Conrad HiltDR al the Beverly Hillon Hate), the firm's first. . and the The firm's design for Colifomilil federal Saving. In Oo~town Los Angela. was Dne of the notion's first glcr.;s office towers, won numerous national awards. Practice He Built Lunch with Mr. Bec~el in the dining room, 0 tr..dition which neYllr ended, Is ;hown during the '.'ettrly cloys." Notabl!!';, c1ockv.'ise from M,. Becket, include 'clul SessinghClus, I se,cond from Mr. Becket I, Hcmy Widman (fifth I, Furman Myers (sixth J, RDbert I;Iclll"l' lsecond from Mr. Beckel's riqht) , cmd Mavnard Woodard. Mr. Beeket rel<u<as with farmer ~re$ident Dwight l;isenhower; aclor Freeman Gosden (fa, left I ; Dnd K. S. Adaln!!, former ,hairman of Phillips Petroleum. With Henry J. Kaiser ~ the HawClilcm W ~rm1;y sensitive, Mr. Becket loved ~.'lWork and the \fillage Hotel In Hanolul!!. man in1;i!nate friendships he formed with the world's . es who, Iik~.. his ~o~lltesat the elt." Ills travelstook~arouj.ld undertook notal?~e COl:Ill;qi!l~Qns in , .a, Honolulu, TokYp B()ston, l' Kansas City, Dearborn and Dallll$, and to the region~l offices in New York City, Houston 8Jld Francisco. While he involved himself deeply In the majority of the projects, many believe his deepest in- volvement came in his own city with the Los Angeles Music Center. hi;vrh~~:cf:t'ili~rt6r:biifaJh~o~~ =:~:sn-J~m~~ Los Angeles office; his golf; his cl(ll.;e.. fri~~ ~~ . the LPg Angeles Country Club and the El Dora. d.. oCoulltry Club, and his many friends among the n:lO~Clll pictul"f? stars. He loved work, he loved play, he loyed life. His was a rich life, a full life, a meanhtgfullife. WOI111, senliitive, l\:~five . an. international archi.t~ct with OJ deep love flOr life "I!.~"".I ita . - .Rt- (f:;""5f/;l{t?7V-( t 1/3(0/ As the ~ity of Santa Monica plans an exciting future for the Civic Center area,. it would be well advised to remember the architectural treasures <?f Its past The Santa Monica. Civic Auditorium by Welton Becket and Associates stands today, as it did in 1958, as a landmark achievement of one of the greatest A{nerican architects of the twentieth century. Welton Becket (1.902-1969) welS world and influential force in modern architecture. such buildings as th~ Capitol r:tecords Building and in Hollywood, The MuSlC Center to downtown LA, and moderne works such as the Pan Pacifie Auditorium and Pasadena; as well as many others, clearly rank him as a leading force in world architecture. His fututistic aesthetic synltiM>lized a new way of thinking, and promised a future as bold and exciting as his daring designs. The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium building, completed in 1958, marks a-highlight in Becket's use of exciting jet-age design and technological innovation to provide a thrilling and uniquely multi-use public space. Its dramatic parabolic colonnade and distinctive screen facade are instantly recognizable icons of both the mid-century era and Santa Monica itself. Its unique tilting hydraulic floor, the nation's largest at the time, is a landmark in adaptive technology, able to accommodate stage presentations, athletic events, and exhibitions like no structure before. This revolutionary use of hydraulic technology to reconfigure a large auditorium space is a direct forerunner to the retractible domes and flexibJe seating configurations of today's modem stadiums. For its architecture alone, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium deserves the highest possible local landmark status. But when one considers other cultural contributions of this building to the community and the nation, its importance becomes magnified. From hosting the Academy Awards in the 1960's to being the site of many important concerts and innumerable local functions, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, on architectural and cultural merit, deserves National Register consideration. Please officially recognize this landmark building for what it is, a civic treasure a source of both local and national pride, and protect it for future generatibns to enjoy. For the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium the future is now, but the past should never be forgotten. \. 1.... 'III .~~ . JL".. .~) ><1' , ~. - Dear Landmarks Commission, I'm writing this letter in opposition to land-marking the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, It is premature to look at the landmark status on this building when there has been no decisions or attempts to tear it down or remodel it. I urge you to take no action on this issue. By taking no action, this leaves the door open for you to look at the project in the near future in case something comes forward at a later date. The Civic Auditorium, ifland-marked, will shy away future possible businesses and upgrades that it sorely needs. ~~ /!/- g---O I 1. . Subr Date To: . ,_ FAX NO. : 310 394 6571 Civic Audtiorium landmark status. #8B, Meeting Sunday, October 7. 2001 2:30:54 PM k imqe rly-chris t ensen@ci.santa..monica.ca.us, rolka rt Idy Oct. 07 2001 03:00PM Pi of 11/8/0 Dear Kimblerly, Please forward this on to the landmark commissioners for their consideration for Monday night's meeting, Item 8B, as I will be unable to attend the meeting. oppose designation of the Welton Becket designed Santa Monica Civic Auditorium as a landmark. While, I would like to see a theater such as the Civic on the sight in our Civic Center, the present building is antiquated not very useful as a theater,;;;tor concerts, movie showings or other entertainments. The auditorium 'itself is very out of date and not very comfortable. The surrounding "meeting rooms" are also pedestrian and out of date. The only good space in the whole building is the stage and stage house. I would like fo see the whole fOlcility updated and upgraded. I have suggested t.hat this would be a much more appropriate venue for Santa Monica College's entertainment comple)( now proposed for the Madison Elementary School site at 11 th and Arizona. However, if the Civic AUditorium is landmarked, it will be much more difficult and maybe impossible to make the kind of improvements necessary to bring it up to current standards as an entertainment complex. Without enhancements and upgrades and substantial improvements, the structure will continue to be a "white elephant" and a financial drain on the City. The Civic is in the same situation as we had a couple of years ago with the Aero Theater on Montana Avenue. We could landmark and see it close and sit empty or withdraw landmark status and let Sundance go forward with their proposals to turn the theater into a viable property. We withdrew our reQuest to give Sundance and Robert Redford the "room" to weave their magic. Although Sundance has withdrawn from the project, the Aero still operates at the moment and the property owner is looking for another firm to replace Sundance. We will always have time to landmark the Civic Auditorium when and if it becomes more appropriate. SincereIY,(, Bil! Bauer e><. ~ November '12. ;;100<1 Designation AppHG..'3tlol1 1855 Main (CivlG you oppoft,lunlty address the AudttonlJim as a lalfldmarlc The Los Angeles Cons.ervancy is pleased nomination, only On of our many members who in the eJtyof behalf of our over 7400 Los Angefes region. to the City Landmarr, EvaluaUtll1 prepared by peR Services all of the crileria listed In the Landmarks structure Is an Impo.rl.aflt piece of tl1e built site of a great deal of Ilocal arid regional In Glv6n this as In 10 H1El In !.he s~ruGlL.lrB was Wellon Beel,st design the of building IS it an tll B bu ~lding h as sam El rn so ably noteworthy.. TillS space ha s em so Due 10 its 11ngh degree Intertor [bat sbou!d also be of lo the of H1e acousU(;al \"::lrligineer wa.llsa waU sconce lig'ht fixtures of some of tl1e bl~SI. of mid-century mosl allEued areas ltle the original ltlfl of [he BudiloriufTl em: some of UH:': tl18 as '!fve fGal ures tilt"