AgdaPkt 2005-04-25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ðð-9 determine that implementation of the Project as specifically provided in the Project documents would result in the substantial public benefits set forth below. This Council has weighed the benefits of the proposed Project against its unavoidable environmental risks and adverse environmental effects identified in the FEIR and hereby determines that those benefits, as outlined below, outweigh the risks and adverse environmental effects and, therefore, further determines that these risks and adverse environmental effects are acceptable. i) Restoration of Historic Buildinq: . A county courthouse has stood at this site since the California gold rush period when the first township was settled and the seat of the County of San Mateo was established in Redwood City. The front entrances to the different courthouse buildings which have stood on this ground have always faced Broadway. Since 1856, these successive courthouse facades have served as well recognized symbols of government and portals to the laws regulating the entire region. Approximately ninety percent (90%) of the original classical Courthouse façade remains intact behind the Oepression-era South Annex façade. Currently one enters the Courthouse from the side of the building on Hamilton Street. Removal of the South Annex and reconstruction of the building's missing entrance will restore the community's most significant architectural building to its former splendor as a rare and beloved Beaux- Arts landmark and an important historical governmental center of the region. The project also includes the faithful restoration of missing features which were taken down from the Courthouse building or demolished as a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in conformance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Reconstruction of Historic Buildings (§ 15064.5 (b) (3)), (the "Standards"). ii) Creation of a Central Public Gatherinq Place: Downtown Redwood City has a need for, yet currently lacks, a central open space area for large community events. Significant public benefits can be achieved with this Project, including the creation of a central public gathering place ideally positioned between the restored Courthouse and the "New Sequoia-Fox Theater" (the "Theater"), also a historic landmark listed on the National Register. This condition is considered highly desirable because this specific design represents a rare opportunity to restore a historically accurate relationship between both the original Courthouse and the Theater during their most historically desirable "Period of Significance" (1910-1938), which was identified in the EIR. iii) Catalyst for the Economic Development of the Downtown: The development of the anticipated Project will result in "Courthouse Plaza", a high quality urban gathering space located between two culturally significant buildings, the Theater/"Little Fox" and the Courthouse which contains the County Historical Museum. The development of Courthouse Plaza will leverage and complement the significant investments being made by Redwood City to rebuild and provide a focus to the downtown area. Over time this and other projects, such as a new parking garage and enhanced streetscapes, can act as a catalyst for private investment. The design of the Courthouse Plaza is already generating Atty/Reso/Reso.1530 042005 3 ..._._~_.. -,."-",.,,.'.'--'--'--."'-" --_..--"- '--,---'-"-'-"'.-- .