Historic Benicia lIndustrial andmark reprieved from demolition

Historic Benicia landmark reprieved from demolition

By Sarah Rohrs/Times-Herald, Vallejo
TheReporter.Com

Article Launched:12/24/2006 07:25:38 AM PST

What is left of a historic Benicia industrial complex has been saved from the wrecking ball for now, but some say time and weather could destroy the old building in the end.

Remains of the Pacific Mail Steamship Co. fell into serious disrepair following an April arson fire. Only three brick walls remain of the original foundry which dates back to the 1850s.

The Historic Preservation Review Commission on Thursday unanimously rejected an application to demolish the structure, a city-designated historic landmark at 702 East H St.

Community Development Director Charlie Knox said Friday the commission found the buildings too significant to be demolished.

"The commission considered the dilapidated state of the building. They took it very seriously, but they also felt this is a major landmark," Knox said. What does remain conveys the former grandeur of the site, he added.

The Pacific Mail Steamship Company is one of the first industrial complexes in California, Benicia historian Bev Phelan said.

Benicia attorney Dana Dean, representing property owner Amports, said the firm is evaluating its options, and has not yet decided to appeal to the Planning Commission.

Amports has already demolished many non-historic buildings inside the former Yuba Manufacturing complex where the foundry is located. Yuba ran a manufacturing complex from 1914 to the 1970s when artists set up studios in vacant buildings.

Rejection of the demolition permit is surprising, Dean said. The city advised Amports to seek permits to demolish Yuba buildings following the April fire.

"We don't question the historic value of the property, but we do question the quality of the property," Dean said, stressing the building's condition could pose serious safety risks.

Ten residents and neighbors appealed to the commission to save the historic structure, despite its dilapidated state, Knox said.

Former Mayor Jerry Hayes, a member of the Benicia Historical Society, said he was grateful commissioners rejected the demolition permit.

"(The buildings) are as significant as the State Capitol building. They were built at the same time the city was trying to bring industry to California. They are significant to the history of Benicia," Hayes said.

Phelan said she favors saving the foundry, but only if it can be saved. "Right now it's dangerous if people sneak in there. It's wide open," she said.

Ideally, a developer would step in with resources necessary to restore the building, Knox said. If nothing is done the foundry would probably deteriorate so much that it could not be saved, he added.

Dean said Amports has no plans for the site, and added no developer is "waiting in the wings" to come in to save the old building.

BENICIA - What is left of a historic industrial complex has been saved from the wrecking ball for now, but some say time and weather could destroy the old building in the end.

Remains of the Pacific Mail Steamship Co. fell into serious disrepair following an April arson-fire. Only three brick walls remain of the original foundry which dates back to the 1850s.

The Historic Preservation Review Commission on Thursday unanimously rejected an application to demolish the structure, a city-designated historic landmark at 702 East H St.

Community Development Director Charlie Knox said Friday the commission found the buildings too significant to be demolished.

"The commission considered the dilapidated state of the building. They took it very seriously, but they also felt this is a major landmark," Knox said. What does remain conveys the former grandeur of the site, he added.

The Pacific Mail Steamship Company is one of the first industrial complexes in California, Benicia historian Bev Phelan said.

Benicia attorney Dana Dean, representing property owner Amports, said the firm is evaluating its options, and has not yet decided to appeal to the Planning Commission.

Amports has already demolished many non-historic buildings inside the former Yuba Manufacturing complex where the foundry is located. Yuba ran a manufacturing complex from 1914 to the 1970s when artists set up studios in vacant buildings.

Rejection of the demolition permit is surprising, Dean said. The city advised Amports to seek permits to demolish Yuba buildings following the April fire.

"We don't question the historic value of the property, but we do question the quality of the property," Dean said, stressing the building's condition could pose serious safety risks.

Ten residents and neighbors appealed to the commission to save the historic structure, despite its dilapidated state, Knox said.

Former Mayor Jerry Hayes, a member of the Benicia Historical Society, said he was grateful commissioners rejected the demolition permit.

"(The buildings) are as significant as the State Capital building. They were built at the same time the city was trying to bring industry to California. They are significant to the history of Benicia," Hayes said.

Phelan said she favors saving the foundry, but only if it can be saved. "Right now it's dangerous if people sneak in there. It's wide open," she said.

Ideally, a developer would step in with resources necessary to restore the building, Knox said. If nothing is done the foundry would probably deteriorate so much that it could not be saved, he added.

Dean said Amports has no plans for the site, and added no developer is "waiting in the wings" to come in to save the old building.