§ 16.52.720. The Meeker Building.

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 Meeker Building.

A.

Location, Description and Reasons for Designation. Located at 650 Pine Avenue/112 East 7th Street in the City, the Meeker Building was constructed in 1924 at the eastern end of the main commercial street of Long Beach. The two-story structure occupies a prominent corner of the business district, contributing to its character and continuity. The building was designed in the Renaissance Revival style and still exhibits elements of that style, primarily on the second story. Elements of the original style still extant include decorative brick and tile work, arched openings, medallions, and a frieze with medallions. Some alterations on the corner have damaged the integrity of the building, but the structure remains a representative example of commercial architecture in downtown Long Beach from the 1920's period of development.

The building entrance at 112 E. 7th Street retains its monumental architectural character in its original condition. It is a two-story Renaissance-styled doorway, flanked by paired columns. The two-story lobby contains an open staircase and original cage elevator. The lobby walls are decorated with cast plaster ornamental floral designs in a frieze.

The second story retains all its original interiors: mahogany woodwork, original glass and mahogany doors with transoms, original double-hung wood frame windows, high ceiling heights. The retention of all the original 1924 building fabric in the interiors is remarkable, and a special asset of the building.

The aluminum storefront sign which obscures the facade is removable; original building material exists underneath.

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 (Revised, 1983), as amended, are incorporated by reference, and they, along with the following additional guidelines and standards as recommended by the Cultural Heritage Commission shall apply to the landmark:

Original historic fabric shall be retained as much possible. Any alterations, repairs or modifications of the subject structure shall be done so in keeping with its historic character. No environmental change shall be allowed unless a certificate of appropriateness has been applied for and approved by the Cultural Heritage Commission upon appeal, authorizing such environmental change.

(Ord. C-6921 § 3, 1991)