§ 16.52.220. The Masonic Temple.

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 historical landmark in the City: The Masonic Temple.

A.

Location, Description and Reasons for Designation. Located at 228-234 Pine Avenue, the Masonic Temple is a three-story, rectangular brick building that occupies its entire lot. At the top of the roof line, it is decorated by three (3) gables. These give the building its Romanesque look with Gothic influences. Behind the gables is a mansard roof. Also on the front of the building is a block with "Masonic Temple" written in it.

The ground floor of the building is used for retail stores and various tenants have redecorated the facade. The top two (2) stories in the front were constructed to house offices. The back of the top two (2) stories is the location of the lodge hall.

The Masonic Temple is among the oldest buildings remaining unchanged in downtown. It may be the only remaining building in Long Beach designed by Henry F. Starbuck who designed many other early resort, commercial and residential buildings in downtown Long Beach. He also designed buildings in other cities throughout California. This building is Long Beach's oldest building constructed especially for Masonic lodge activities and it was the home of its oldest Masonic lodge. Among its members were many local citizens who made important contributions to the development of Long Beach.

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 (February 1978), as amended, are incorporated by reference, and the following additional guidelines and standards as recommended by the Cultural Heritage Committee are adopted:

Any alterations, modifications, or repair of the Masonic Temple shall be done so in keeping with its historic character. The restoration/rehabilitation of the Masonic Temple shall conform to the plan approved and on file with the office of Historic Preservation, Parks Services Division, Department of the Interior. If such plans fail to meet the approval of the State agency, then any subsequent rehabilitation plans formulated for the structure shall be subject to review and approval by the Cultural Heritage Committee.

No environmental changes that deviate from the approved rehabilitation plan shall be allowed unless a certificate of appropriateness has been applied for and approved by the Cultural Heritage Committee or by the City Planning Commission upon appeal, authorizing such environmental changes.

(Ord. C-6193 § 1, 1985)