§ 16.52.070. Recreation Park golf course clubhouse.

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2.63, and with the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the City Council designates the following building as an historic landmark in the City:

Recreation Park Golf Course Clubhouse.

A.

Location. Description and Reasons for Designation. Located at 5000 East Anaheim Street, the Recreation Park golf course clubhouse is one of the few civic buildings remaining and represents the only recreation building constructed prior to 1933. The total area, including golf courses and Recreation Park, was purchased from the Alamitos Land Company (two hundred sixty (260) acres) and the San Gabriel River Improvement Company (one hundred forty (140) acres) with a bond issue of nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000.00) in 1923. Earlier a golf course existed on the site, and that club became the Virgina Country Club with the termination of the lease. A clubhouse was constructed in 1925 which was moved across Seventh Street to become the clubhouse for the new nine-hole course constructed in 1929. The present Recreation Park golf course clubhouse was constructed in 1929 for a cost of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00).

In 1925 the course held an annual open which continued until suspended during the Depression (and also in World War II). Winners of the Long Beach Open included: Bill Mellhorn, Lee Diegel, Tommy Armour, James Kirkwood, Walter Hagen and Olin Dutra. Associated with the clubhouse are many festivities related to the course and to civic events. A large room was used for dances and social events which is currently in excellent condition, except that the gas jets have been removed from the fireplace.

The golf course was reconstructed in 1935, dedicated in May, which conforms roughly to its present configuration. It became a longer course (six thousand five hundred (6,500) yards, par seventy-two (72)) and more fitting for PGA play.

The club was under the Long Beach Recreation Commission from the formation of this body in 1929 until after World War II when there was a reorganization. The chairman of this Commission for many years was an outstanding civic leader, Clyde Doyle; and prominent individuals have been members of the Commission during the years. Clyde Doyle was a Long Beach Attorney with considerable influence in civic affairs and development.

B.

General Guidelines and Standards for any Changes. The "Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings" prepared by the Secretary of the Interior (Feb. 1978) are incorporated by reference as guidelines.

The following guidelines and standards recommended by the Cultural Heritage Committee are adopted as guidelines:

The clubhouse's exterior should be preserved as present which conforms to the original design of 1929. Particular emphasis is placed on the preservation of the veranda and its colonial style decor and the present color. The adjoining starter's building may be changed without affecting the main structure since it was an addition. Other buildings, if necessary, can be constructed, but if attached or closely proximate, should conform to the original design.

The interior portions of the clubhouse may be modified to suit lessors or the Park Department with the exception of the main dining/social room where the beam ceilings and the fireplace must be preserved and restored to their original purpose and redesigned and enlarged. Both the men's and women's locker rooms and showers can be redesigned and refurbished to provide more suitable service; this work can be done without disturbing the original design.

Other portions of the interior can be modified: restaurant, pro shop and the second floor facilities.

In addition to those items mentioned above, colonnades, beams, decoration on the exterior, brick porch, cables with decoration, and window appearance should be preserved.

(Ord. C-5652 § 1, 1980)