Address:

Assessor Parcel #

Owner Name(sJ:

Address:

Phone Number:

Date Purchased:

Historic Name

Original Use

Present Use

Architectural Style

Architect

Builder

CllY OF MONROVIA HISTORIC PRESERVATION

APPLICATION FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK STATUS

141 N Magnolia Ave Monrovia, CA 91016

8504-003-026

. Brian L Dorsey and Heather S. Huggins

141 N Magnolia Ave Monrovia, CA 91016

626-205-4596

3-16-18

Single Family Home

Single Family Home

Craftsman

If the structure has been moved, provide date moved and original location. Possibly from Pasadena in 1912 but not confirmed

The application should include a detailed, descriptive narrative addressing each of the following items:

□ Property/Structure DescriptionProvide a detailed description of the main structure (including architectural style}. Describe all exterior features in detail (siding, type and style of windows, decorative elements, stonework, etc} and the property.

□ Related FeaturesList other important features on the property (e.g. carriage house, garage, out buildings, masonry hardscape,prominentjspecimen trees}

□ SignificanceUsing the City Directories, submit a list ( by year} of all the occupants that lived in the home. Using the additionalreferences available, determine if any of the occupants were significant in local, regional or state history. Provide a write-up of persons with civic, local, state or national significance.

□ Construction HistoryResearch all building permits and list by date, the construction date of alterations made to the structure/property which substantially affects its architectural integrity. Include dates and sources if known (Possible source: building permit records}

□ ReferencesList any documents or persons used to obtain information about the property. Include page numbers and date ofpublication.

In addition, provide any supplemental information, photographs, or documentation that may be relevant to the historic character of the property. The Monrovia Public Library has many resources available for researching your home. The Planning Division has a list of references available at the Library to help in the research of your property.

CITY OF MONROVIA HISTORIC PRESERVATION

MILLS ACT CONTRACT APPLICATION

This form is required to be filled out when applying for a Mills Act Contract. If you need help filling out the forms, please contact a member of the Community Development Department/Planning Division for assistance at (626} 932-5565.

Property Address:

Assessor Parcel #

Owner Name(sJ:

Address:

Phone Number.

Building size (sq. J

Assessed Value

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE

141 N Magnolia Ave Monrovia, CA 91016

8504-003-026

Brian L. Dorsey and Heather S. Huggins

141 N Magnolia Ave Monrovia, CA 91016

626-205-4596

1624

$900,000.00

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Has the building been seismically retrofitted (e.g. bolted to the foundation)? Yes SIf so, provide written documentation such as a building permit or contractor/inspector certification.

Note: Seismic retrofitting is a standard condition for all historic landmarks with a Mills Act Contract. This requirement must be completed within 1 O years of approval of the Contract.

Additional Information

The following documentation is required to be submitted as a part of this application.

IZJ Copy of the current Grant Deed with the property's legal description.

IZJ Copy of the most recent tax bill.

121 Ten-year Rehabilitation Plan for exterior changes (window replacement, wood trim work, etc.).

121 Photographs of Exterior of the Property ( interior photographs are required if there is a Batchelder Tile fireplace that will be preserved as part of the contract.}

M:\Historic\Forms\Mills Act Application.doc 1/2007

The House at 141 N Magnolia Ave. Current Owners: Heather Huggins, Brian Dorsey, Rowan, and Iris

The neighborhood of North Magnolia is a collection of multiple architectural styles and exemplifies the various stages of development and tastes throughout the history of Monrovia. The house at 141 N Magnolia Ave is a very well preserved and maintained example of Craftsman design and construction with several notable features, detailed below, and an interesting history that make it distinctive. The history and character of the house and its place in the neighborhood should qualify it for historical landmark designation under the fourth criterion and potentially the third and fifth criteria for landmark designation.

County Assessor records indicate that the house was constructed in 1912, although Guarantee of Title records indicate several changes of ownership of the property between 1907 and 1912. According to Charles and Angie·Nickoley (previous owners), the house was moved from Pasadena around 1912 but unfortunately the original location was not known to them. If this is true, the construction date would have to be somewhat earlier than recorded. Originally a one story bungalow, a second story consisting of two bedrooms and one bathroom was added sometime before 1920, reportedly to accommodate the owners' (Reuben and Mary Parsons) daughter and niece. A photograph of the house with the second story and with an inscription on the back suggests that their niece arrived in November of 1920 (see accompanying documents). The property originally included the lot to the west, which opens onto Melrose Ave and has four bungalows on it. According to notes accompanying the house from one Lillias Eubanks, her father, Herbert Dowding, inherited the property from the Parsons in 1952 and kept all five dwellings as rentals. The Kopecky family purchased the property from Mr. Dowding and subsequently subdivided it in 1978, creating the current configuration of two separate lots.

One Forty-one North Magnolia is distinct Craftsman style house that complements the other Craftsman homes in the neighborhood and adds to the tapestry of architectural styles found there. Important features of the home include deep overhanging eaves, full-width covered porch, and exposed exterior beams. The guide for the Monrovia Old House Tour on May 7, 1988 described it as a "classic airplane bungalow." This guide also noted the use of fieldstones as a prominent design feature of the house entryway. The porch is framed by two piers and a front wall constructed of fieldstones, the latter designed to be used as a planter box. The chimney is also constructed of fieldstones, as is a separate pier to the left of the porch. Originally, this pier supported an extended beam from the porch that was part of an arbor above the driveway. The wide, oak front door has a beveled glass window and is complemented by French doors also leading onto the porch from a sitting room to the north. The exterior walls are covered in the original shingles with board and batten siding on the porch gable. Large, original fixed windows border the front door. Original casement windows frame the chimney in the front room and open out of bays in the dining and living rooms on the south and north sides of the house, respectively. Both of the upstairs bedrooms have pocket windows on the north and south walls that slide down into the wall when opened creating an open-air feel in the upper story. All window glass is original or replaced with appropriate antique panes, although

several panes currently need replacing due to cracks. The front yard is shaded by a beautiful mature camphor tree and retains a small lawn in front of the porch and a flower garden along the driveway, as was there in the early 1900's, according to photographs.

The front room and dining room have deep stained original wood on the walls, boxed ceiling beams, plate rail crown molding, and the decorative fireplace mantle. Built-in half-wall cabinets with leaded glass doors and tapered piers supporting a prominent boxed beam separate the front room from the dining room. The dining room has wood paneled walls and an elaborate built-in buffet also with leaded cut class doors. There are hardwood floors throughout the home.

Among the documents that are preserved with the house are the original Guarantee of Title requested by R. Parsons showing ownership from 1907 through 1918, the deed of sale between the Sauers and the Parsons (1918), and a number of photographs showing the house before and after the addition of the upper story, one of which had an inscription apparently by the Parsons' niece stating that this is her new home as of November 1920. A copy of Monrovia's Heritage vol. II by T.H. Hotchkiss (1982) features the house and a pamphlet from the Monrovia Old House Tour on May 7, 1988 compliments its "classic Craftsman interior/' 141 N Magnolia Ave is also on the Potential Landmarks list of the Monrovia Historical Preservation Group.

The previous owners of the property and corresponding dates are listed below, according to the Guarantee of Title documents, personal notes accompanying house documents, and public records. We were unable to find any significant historical connection to any of the previous owners.

Jan. 25 1907: L. M. Miller Feb 23 1911: H. G. Udell Dec. 18, 1912: Francis Kemper May 15, 1913: Mary Garrison Unknown: William and Minnie Sauer Dec. 3, 1918: Ruben and Mary Parsons 1952: Herbert Dowding· Sep. 22, 1978: The Kopeckys May 9, 1984: Donald and Linda Yost April 1, 1985: Angie and Charles Nickoley

These previous owners have clearly valued and maintained the character and quality of the home as it is in excellent shape currently. As mentioned above, photographs document the addition of the second story prior to 1920. According to building permit records and discussions with previous owners, the following major additions or repairs have also been completed:

• The Parsons had a screen room added in 1922 and part of the roof repaired in 1944.• . The Nickoleys added a deck to the back of the house in 1989. • After the Sierra Madre earthquake of 1991, the stone piers and chimney were repaired

and the individual pier was moved south several feet. It was necessary to replace/repair

much of the kitchen interior as well, including the removal of a brick kitchen stove chimney. A carport at the back of the property was enclosed to make a workshop at the same time. Neither the deck nor the outbuilding is visible from the street.

References: Guarantee of Title #326973, Title Guarantee and Trust Co. Los Angeles, CA Deed Bargain and Sale between William J. Sauer and Reuben Parsons, November 14, 1918 Monrovia's Heritage, Vol. II, pg. 16, T.M. Hotchkiss 1982

. Monrovia News-Post May 4, 1988 pg. C-1 City of Monrovia Building Permit Book 1911-1947: https://www.cityofmonrovia,m:g/horne/showdocums:nt':) id=8967 Accessed 4/14/2019. Monrovia Library Street Address Index: bttp;d iwww .ciJ ofmonrny1a .q_r:gl_tmrneJ?howdocurnent?iq::::1}2JJ Accessed 4/14/19.Monrovia Library Homes and Home Tours file index: httpsj/wyvw.dtys,fmomovi<LorpJ_home/Jtmyvdorument?jd: :1732 Accessed 4/14/19.

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Ten Year Rehabilitation Plan for 141 N. Magnolia The house is in excellent condition but there are several items that will likely need attention in the next ten years to maintain this level of preservation. We have already done the following:

1. Replaced two cracked window panes with antique glass ($500). 2. Removed 2100 sq. feet of cement and asphalt from the back yard ($5000). 3. Landscaped back yard ($2000) 4. Replaced main sewer pipe under house ($1250). 5. Began landscaping along driveway and in the back yard ($1500). 6. Installed fence at end of driveway ($1000). 7. Installed new architectural shingles on roof ($19,000). 8. Removed unsightly covering over rear deck.

Below is an estimated schedule and cost projection for items that still need to be addressed.

Item Cost Estimate Timeframe Hardscape middle of ribbon driveway $1000 2 years Complete garden along driveway $500 2 years Replace three cracked window panes with antique glass

$700 5 years

Replace antique glass in French doors and make operable

$2000 10 years