HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-08; Historic Preservation Commission; ; Properties of Concern
Meeting Date: July 8, 2019
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Suzanne Smithson, Deputy Library Director
Staff Contact: Dianna Galindo
Subject: Properties of Concern
Recommended Action:
Informational
Executive Summary:
Commissioners may share information about properties of concern in Carlsbad.
• Commissioners have witnessed improvements made on Magee House at 258 Beech Avenue
which was discussed at the April 2019 Special Meeting of the Commission.
• Commissioners would like to discuss the gazebo in Magee Park.
Exhibits:
North County Times article regarding gazebo, June 20, 2010
ITEM #6
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
CARLSBAD: Historic gazebo makes move to
Magee Park
By DAN BENNETT - FOR THE NORTH COUNTY TIMES
JUNE 20, 2010
4:04 PM
A picturesque wooden gazebo, or at least its roof, will soon get a new home in Carlsbad -
--- the third spot in the city that the structure has occupied in the last 100 years.
The octagonal gazebo, which originally sat behind the historic Twin Inns on Carlsbad
Boulevard, had languished in nearby Rotary Park since the 1980s, marred by
deterioration and graffiti. It was removed from the park in 2008 and placed in storage.
Now the little building’s shingled roof will be part of a new gazebo in Magee Park,
joining other Carlsbad icons such as the Magee House, Heritage Hall and the Carlsbad
Historical Society.
The city and the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club are working together on the gazebo
restoration, with the Rotary Club raising the funds to remove, store and rebuild the
gazebo roof, and the city taking on the refurbished gazebo’s ongoing care and
maintenance.
The 15-by-15-foot gazebo is familiar to long-time residents who remember the original
Twin Inns on Carlsbad Boulevard. That building, originally a home built in 1887, was
converted to a bed-and-breakfast when it opened as the Twin Inns in 1908.
The building has undergone numerous owners during the past century and is now the
Ocean House restaurant.
Rotary officials stepped in to help save the gazebo after the city had to remove it from
Rotary Park because its poor condition had become liability problem, said Jim
Brubaker, director of community services for the Carlsbad club.
“The Hi-Noon Rotary Club requested to restore and relocate the gazebo roof, as we
wanted to help preserve this part of the city’s heritage,” he said.
Even in its current state, the gazebo holds special memories for many long-time
residents, Brubaker said.
“The rest of the original structure is pretty much gone, but the roof itself has materials
from the original inn,” he said.
“So many people have expressed support for this project for nostalgic reasons, saying
they were married under the gazebo, or wanted to contribute on behalf of a loved one,”
he added.
Groundbreaking on a new foundation in Magee Park will begin in the next two weeks,
followed by the construction of the new gazebo with the restored original roof. The new
gazebo will open to the public around Labor Day or soon after.
Once completed, it will again host special events, weddings and birthday parties.
“The gazebo will have chairs nearby and some very nice landscaping,” Brubaker said.
The city is supplying the electrical wiring and lighting for the structure, and assisting in
converting the existing shuffleboard court to concrete walkways and turf, where
additional tables and chairs will be placed during events.
“The city has been tremendously supportive in making this project happen,” Brubaker
said.
Lee Lees, supervisor for the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau, said members of
groups taking tours of the city have often asked about the gazebo.
“It’s a great idea to put the gazebo in the park because of its historical significance,” Lees
said. “It’s a part of our history.”
Though the bulk of the work involves volunteers, the Hi-Noon Rotary Club continues
attempts to raise $50,000 to pay for the transport, storage, foundation and other project
elements.
Toyota Carlsbad committed $5,000 to the project, Brubaker said. The club is raising
money for the ongoing project by selling small bricks and granite pavers with personal
inscriptions. Those bricks and pavers will also be available for purchase following the
opening of the gazebo and will lead up to and inside the gazebo.
A small brick or granite paver sells for $100, while a larger sell for $150.