§ 16.52.790. The Masonic Hall Commercial 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 Masonic Hall Commercial Building.

A.

Location, Description and Reasons for Designation. Located at 5351-55 Long Beach Boulevard in the City of Long Beach, the former Masonic Hall Commercial Building is one of the oldest and most prominent commercial buildings in North Long Beach, distinguished by its architecture and by its use. Constructed in 1928 by architectural designer, F.D. Davis, it is a fine example of Renaissance Revival vernacular design. The exterior is clad in gold-hued brick with terra-cotta Renaissance-styled terra-cotta detailing around the windows, cornice, parapet and stringcourse between the floors. A round terra-cotta medallion with the Masonic logo accents the corner, and indicates the use of the upper floor for a Masonic Hall. The ground floor accommodates retail tenants. The building is typical of period revival commercial buildings of brick with lighter terra-cotta accents built in the 'twenties; this example stands out in isolation on the north portion of Long Beach Boulevard. Its presence indicates the first emergence of commercial development in that neighborhood. Its use as the meeting site of a fraternal order, the Masons, gives it additional social and cultural significance.

The building's architecture is a typical example of Renaissance Revival design in a small-scale vernacular commercial building. Clad in masonry materials, brick and terra-cotta, the construction detailing is finely done. The ornamental motifs of the parapets and window surrounds derive from the Renaissance style. The triple windows with transoms are typical configurations for commercial construction of that period. The ground floor storefronts have been altered, and signs hide the original transom zone.

Little is known about the original designer, F.D. Davis of Lynwood. However, following the '33 earthquake, the repair and restoration work was done by W. Horace Austin, noted Long Beach architect. The construction drawings specify that the building is to be repaired and restored to its original condition.

It is an established and familiar visual feature of north Long Beach Boulevard, and provides a visual link back in time to the first period that this neighborhood was developed. It is distinguished by its unusual shape, with a corner oriented on the diagonal, which is accented by a Masonic emblem medallion.

B.

The Secretary of the Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings" are incorporated by reference, and shall serve as standards and guidelines for future exterior changes to the building. All exterior changes, whether or not they require a building permit, shall require a certificate of appropriateness from the Cultural Heritage Commission. Any alterations, modifications or repair of the structure shall be consistent with the character-defining architectural features, and shall not adversely affect the historical materials, design or detailing.

(Ord. C-6988 § 2, 1992)