12/22 Redman House up for consideration for National List of Historic Places
By BRIAN SEALS
SENTINEL STAFF WRITER
Backers of long-standing efforts to restore the grandeur of old to the Redman House are looking to get the Victorian structure on the National List of Historic Places.
A Feb. 6 hearing is set before the state Historical Resources Commission in Sacramento.
For years, the house that sits on Highway 1 and Riverside Drive has been eyed as a potential jewel for preservationists who have held fund-raisers, pumpkin pickings and vegetable sales to help make their goal a reality.
Landing a spot on the historical register would be a milestone in preservation efforts, helping leverage funds to refurbish the 1898 farmhouse.
"Being on the historical register just gives you a lot more options in getting money," said Geoff Scurfield, vice president of the Redman Foundation Board.
Since efforts to restore the house began, several visions have been set forth for its future use.
Scurfield said the foundation now envisions a wine-tasting room with meeting and office space, preferably agriculture related.
Also, the foundation sees the house as gateway to agriculture related attractions in the Pajaro Valley, like the Agricultural History Project and the Codiga Museum at the county fairgrounds.
But, preserving the decaying old house is the top priority.
"It has to be preserved as it was when it was fist built by William Weeks," Scurfield said.
Weeks left his architectural mark in Watsonville and Santa Cruz County. He designed the first renditions of the Christian Church at East Lake Avenue and Main Street and at least 56 schools, warehouses and commercial buildings, as well as 94 residences, according to the Redman House application for historical status, written by foundation member Suzi Aratin.
The two-story Queen Anne style Redman House was built for the family of farmer James Redman.
Green Farm LP now owns the house and the 14 acres on which it sits. The foundation leases the property and continues negotiations to buy it, Scurfield said.
The February hearing is the first step in getting the property listed on the historical register, said Cynthia Howse, state historian with the Office of Historic Preservation.
The state commission decides whether to forward the application to a similar federal commission. The final decision is made by the National Park Services, Howse said.
Getting on the register can provide flexibility of building codes when restoring a structure. Income-producing properties that are deemed historical can qualify for tax credits, she said.
SENTINEL STAFF WRITER
Backers of long-standing efforts to restore the grandeur of old to the Redman House are looking to get the Victorian structure on the National List of Historic Places.
A Feb. 6 hearing is set before the state Historical Resources Commission in Sacramento.
For years, the house that sits on Highway 1 and Riverside Drive has been eyed as a potential jewel for preservationists who have held fund-raisers, pumpkin pickings and vegetable sales to help make their goal a reality.
Landing a spot on the historical register would be a milestone in preservation efforts, helping leverage funds to refurbish the 1898 farmhouse.
"Being on the historical register just gives you a lot more options in getting money," said Geoff Scurfield, vice president of the Redman Foundation Board.
Since efforts to restore the house began, several visions have been set forth for its future use.
Scurfield said the foundation now envisions a wine-tasting room with meeting and office space, preferably agriculture related.
Also, the foundation sees the house as gateway to agriculture related attractions in the Pajaro Valley, like the Agricultural History Project and the Codiga Museum at the county fairgrounds.
But, preserving the decaying old house is the top priority.
"It has to be preserved as it was when it was fist built by William Weeks," Scurfield said.
Weeks left his architectural mark in Watsonville and Santa Cruz County. He designed the first renditions of the Christian Church at East Lake Avenue and Main Street and at least 56 schools, warehouses and commercial buildings, as well as 94 residences, according to the Redman House application for historical status, written by foundation member Suzi Aratin.
The two-story Queen Anne style Redman House was built for the family of farmer James Redman.
Green Farm LP now owns the house and the 14 acres on which it sits. The foundation leases the property and continues negotiations to buy it, Scurfield said.
The February hearing is the first step in getting the property listed on the historical register, said Cynthia Howse, state historian with the Office of Historic Preservation.
The state commission decides whether to forward the application to a similar federal commission. The final decision is made by the National Park Services, Howse said.
Getting on the register can provide flexibility of building codes when restoring a structure. Income-producing properties that are deemed historical can qualify for tax credits, she said.
posted by me | 11:15 AM
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