CHC Resolution-03-04-22-01CHC RESOLUTION NO. 034-22-1
HISTORIC DEPICTION PROGRAM (HDP) MODIFICATION
ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL MOD. (AC) 86-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN
JUAN CAPISTRANO APPROVING A MODIFICATION TO THE APPROVED HISTORIC
DEPICTION PROGRAM PLANS FOR THE FRANCISCAN PLAZA LOCATED AT 31831
CAMINO CAPISTRANO (FRANCISCAN PLAZA)
Whereas, Dave Busk, owner of Franciscan Plaza, has submitted a
modification to the Historic Depiction Plan for the project located at 31831 Camino
Capistrano. The approved Historic Depiction Plan consists of an archeological viewing well
displaying artifacts that were uncovered during the grading and excavation of the original
project construction in 1989-1 990, and is situated on the north elevation of the southerly
building fronting Camino Capistrano. The proposed HDP plan would consist of a bronze
plaque with text describing the historic use of the property and located on a wall of the
existing pedestrian plaza; and,
Whereas, the proposed project has been processed pursuant to Section 9-
2.301 , Development Review of the Land Use Code; and,
-- Whereas, the Environmental Review Board previously reviewed the overall
project pursuant to Section 15061 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and
issued a mitigated negative declaration, which was subsequently certified by the City
Council, and has otherwise complied with all applicable provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and,
Whereas, the Cultural Heritage Commission conducted a public meeting on
February 25, 2003 to consider the proposed revisions to the Historic Depiction Program
(HDP).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cultural Heritage
Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano does hereby make the following findings:
1. The proposed project is consistent with the policies and objectives of the San Juan
Capistrano General Plan, specifically, the Historical & Archeological Element
because the proposed Historic Depiction Plan project will commemorate an
important aspect of the City’s cultural and historical heritage; and,
2. The proposed project is consistent with City Council Policy 606, Historic Depiction
Program because the proposed media is consistent with that recommended by the
Policy and the depiction is historically appropriate to the project site; and,
CHC Resolution 034-22-1 -2- April 22,2003
Y 3. The proposed project complies with all applicable provisions of the Land Use Code
subject to the conditions of approval contained in this resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cultural
Heritage Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano approves the project subject to
the following conditions of approval:
1. Prior to building permit issuance, the Planning Director or his designee shall
determine that the building permit plans for the Historic Depiction Program plan are
in substantial compliance with the Cultural Heritage Commission-approved
preliminary design plans.
2. The proposed Historic Depiction Plan plaque shall be entirely cast bronze
construction.
3. The plaque shall include a historic photograph or map which provides a visual
graphic to enhance and complement the plaque narrative.
4. The final plaque language shall be subject to review and approval by
Commissioners Tryon, Forster, and Belardes (see Exhibit A attached hereto and
incorporated he rein).
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 22"d day of April, 2003, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: Chairman Jess Ann Andrews, and Commissioners Tony Forster,
Janet Siegel, and Don Tryon.
NOES: none
ABSTAIN: none
vJess Ann Andrews, Chairman
william A. Ramsey, AI
(P:\Planning\Archive~Ac8603FranascanPlaza\ac8603-HDP-CHC-res03-4-22-1 wpd) \
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO HISTORIC DEPICTION PROGRAM
Franciscan Plaza
Franciscan Plaza, built in 1990, occupies a 1.7 acre site between Camino Capistrano and the old AT&SF
railroad line. This site dates back to 1776 following the founding of the Mission. At that time, adobes were
constructed around a large, public plaza extending from Ortega Highway south to Forster Street. The Avila
Adobe, a part of which stands today on Camino Capistrano, extended north to Verdugo Street. Juan “El
Rico’’ Avila, a rancher who once owned “Rancho Niguel”, purchased the adobe in 1840. In the late 1800s,
portions of the Avila Adobe were purchased by the Valenzuela, Pryor, and Forster families. That portion of
the original Avila Adobe, rebuilt on this site following a 1879 fire, became known as the Valenzuela Adobe.
The “Woodmen Hall,’’ built in the late 1800s, served the town’s social needs. In 1922, it was moved onto
this site to allow construction of the Provincial Building, and served as the town’s first movie house. Around
this time, the Oyharzabal family constructed a “rebote” (handball) court on this property which hosted local
handball tournaments.
From the late 1800s to the early 19OOs, the Franciscan Plaza site was a commercial center and hosted
several technological “firsts” in the City. The 1929 Sanborn Insurance map indicates a general store, a shoe
shop, laundry, a pool hall, and a blacksmith shop occupied this site. A large granary building was
constructed around 191 0 where the present-day parking structure is located. By 191 2, the first telephone
switchboard, a manual crank system serving three phones, had been installed in what remained of the Avila
Adobe. The Franciscan Plaza site also provided the first electricity in town in 1913 when a gasoline-
powered generator was installed. In 1932, the granary was converted to a packing house by the American
Fruit Growers to serve the local orange growing industry.
Franciscan Plaza reflects the town’s Mission period heritage, and the preservation of the Valenzuela Adobe
serves as a continual reminder of the site’s long and interesting history.