Rose Park Restoration Tradefair » featured

What does it mean to be historic? District, that is!

nimda2 — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:02:50 +0000

Rose Park Neighborhood Assn. is working to develop a step-by-step tool to help owners of property within historic districts navigate the certificate of appropriateness (COA) permit process. The COA is distinct from a building permit. COA's for minor upkeep and modifications such as fencing, house paint, and roofing are streamlined and all are encouraged to call the city's preservation desk for guidance 562) 570-6194 and to go to the city's historic presevation web site for the appropriate form.
If you are considering a renovation of your home's footprint, re-design of your garage or driveway or alteration of the home's structure please call the city's preservation desk at the start - you'll save lots of time.

In the meantime, once we have published our Historic District guidebook we will make it accessible both on-line and in print for easy use. Please contact us at info@rpna.org if you'd like to receive this.

Making Historically Appropriate Restoration Decisions

gretchen — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:39:41 +0000

This Powerpoint presentation was originally a part of our 2008 Restoration Tradefair. We've made it available here as a PDF for viewing online or downloading to your computer. We hope that it helps your in your decision-making process when restoring your historical home in Long Beach and beyond.

Click the image below to open the PDF presentation in a new window.

Point of View: Historically Appropriate

gretchen — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:14:35 +0000

Karen Highberger, owner of Karen Highberger Interior Designs and appointed member Long Beach city's Cultural Heritage Commission shares her thoughts in advance of this year's Restoration Trade Fair on the value of 'historically appropriate' design.

After several years of living in the OC, Karen moved to California Heights which had just been designated an historic district. "What a difference", Karen remarked. In Corona del Mar she had to co-exist with the unbridled undoing of quaint neighborhoods. She saw other coasts communities undergoing the same reformation, such as Manhattan Beach. To her, "Long Beach represented a collection of neighborhoods and wonderful architecture, worth preserving and restoring."

Once in Cal Heights she became active in its Neighborhood Association. "I bought my first home in Cal Heights, a historic district, because I wanted the protections the designation afforded". Now, Karen knew Long Beach from childhood. She'd been born here, raised in a 1920's Spanish style home and grew up appreciating the local architecture. This led to a career in design, "I love the challenge of finding the correct materials and products for period homes while incorporating modern conveniences. In a way we can blend our current lifestyle with the best of the good ole days".

Highberger's vision is that in 2060, just 50 years from now, Long Beach will have raced ahead of other Southern California communities by maintaining its link to history, managing its historic assets and wisely adapting to the changing needs of its residents. She believes the mind set in Long Beach is capable of navigating the historic-development obstacle course. She sees a new appreciation for our existing historic buildings and districts.

Visit Karen at her booth at the upcoming Restoration Trade Fair, Sept. 19, 2010 at The Luther Burbank School (4th & Junipero).