January 16, 2020 - At the OUSD board meeting, the sale of Killefer School to Chapman University was approved. The draft Agreement, as posted on OUSD's website (click here for a copy of the draft Agreement) calls for a 90-Day due diligence period. See the video below for comments at the meeting by Jack Rauboldt, Chapman's Vice-President of Community Relations.
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Video provided courtesy of Jerome Ryan - Admin/Creator of "Preserve the First Desegregated School" FaceBook Page, and Killefer School Advocate
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July 25, 2019 - Several OTPA representatives met with the President of the OUSD Board of Directors in late July, 2019 to discuss their plans for the Killefer School. In OUSD's regular board meeting shortly thereafter, Killefer School (and a few other surplus properties) were discussed by the Board in closed session. OTPA addressed the meeting during the public comments section of the meeting for non-agendized items. OTPA's comments were as follows:
"For more than 33 years, OTPA has been a successful advocate in our community for the preservation, protection and enhancement of the more than 1,400 homes and buildings built prior to 1940 within Old Towne Orange
We just wanted to take a moment to voice OTPA’s support for the expeditious transfer of the Killefer School site to an entity that has the means and vision to restore and rehabilitate the school such that it can reclaim it’s place as an asset to the community -- preferably in an education-supporting role.
As you know, OTPA was instrumental in having the property placed on the National Register of Historic Places, due to the diligent efforts of Jeff Frankel, OTPA’s Preservation Chair and the consultants that OTPA engaged for that purpose. Were it not for those efforts, the school would likely be gone now, replaced with contemporary condominiums proposed by the first developer with whom OUSD went into escrow.
After several years and multiple iterations, the next developer in queue produced a plan that preserved the structure and that the City approved -- OTPA supported the plan with reservations. For OTPA, it was still too large, but did accomplish the goal of preserving the structure.
OTPA’s primary interest is in preserving the structure for future generations. As our consultant noted:
“…is an excellent example of a Spanish Colonial Revival schoolhouse in Southern California, and a rare remaining example of a schoolhouse pre-dating the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake. It retains significant character defining features of the style, and exhibits quality of design and workmanship."
And it is not lost on OTPA or the community that the school has an important place in the history of Civil Rights within California and the U.S. As our consultant continued:
“The Killefer School completed desegregation in 1944, becoming the only elementary school in the Cypress Street Barrio. The desegregation of Killefer stimulated the desegregation process in the community at large, ultimately leading to the end of segregation throughout the Orange Unified School District. The Killefer School desegregated before the landmark Méndez v. Westminster trial began, making it a pioneer of desegregation…” and of course this predated the Supreme Court case of Brown vs Board of Education, which ended school segregation on a National level.
Your community and constituents urge you as the decision-making board of our School District — and owner of the Killefer School — to move quickly, and preferably, tonight. Set up the most expeditious process for selling the Killefer School property, so you can use the funds for current needs.
Killefer is currently surplus District property, and this historic icon and symbol of desegregation is deteriorating shamelessly everyday. I trust you have all seen the photographs, or have toured the building and have seen how the once great property is deteriorating, a gallery of senseless graffiti in the hallways and classrooms, littered with the mattresses, trash, and liquor bottles of transients.
It’s time to turn it over to a qualified buyer and save Killefer School.
The Old Towne Preservation Association respectfully urges you to take action tonight, and decide the best way to get it in private, responsible hands as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your time."
Killefer School - Falls out of Escrow
October 30, 2018 - Per a recent OC Register Article, the long escrow, with plans approved by City Council, has fallen out of escrow. To OTPA's knowledge, the 3 remaining bidders, in order, are:
• City Ventures, $4.1 million
• Sheldon Development, $3.75 million
• Chapman University, $3.7 million
Click Here for the Article
• City Ventures, $4.1 million
• Sheldon Development, $3.75 million
• Chapman University, $3.7 million
Click Here for the Article
Click to Enlarge
On March 21, 2018 The DRC approved (with a number of conditions) a scaled down Killefer School infill project.
While the infill building is still larger than OTPA and the DRC would like to see, it is a much smaller project than originally proposed and allows the Lemon St side of the historic building to be clearly seen. Approval will accelerate to the process to preserve the historic Killefer School building, which is rapidly deteriorating due to the current owner's unwillingness to properly secure and maintain the historic site to protect from vandalism and the elements. Ultimately, it appears that OTPA's efforts (and funds spent) to have the building added to the National Register of Historic Places, to prevent the building from demolition, will be successful in preserving this important part of architectural and cultural history - Click here to view/download a copy of the National Register document, inclusive of a narrative of a history of the building. An excerpt is below:
While the infill building is still larger than OTPA and the DRC would like to see, it is a much smaller project than originally proposed and allows the Lemon St side of the historic building to be clearly seen. Approval will accelerate to the process to preserve the historic Killefer School building, which is rapidly deteriorating due to the current owner's unwillingness to properly secure and maintain the historic site to protect from vandalism and the elements. Ultimately, it appears that OTPA's efforts (and funds spent) to have the building added to the National Register of Historic Places, to prevent the building from demolition, will be successful in preserving this important part of architectural and cultural history - Click here to view/download a copy of the National Register document, inclusive of a narrative of a history of the building. An excerpt is below:
"The Lydia D. Killefer School, built in 1931, represents early institutional development in the Cypress Street Barrio and reflects a significant period of growth in the area in the early twentieth century. The school was originally constructed to serve the Anglo population, with the nearby Cypress Street School designated as the Mexican school. The Killefer School meets the eligibility standards identified in the “Making a Democracy: Latino Struggles for Inclusion” context of the Latinos in Twentieth Century California Multiple Property Submission. The Killefer School completed desegregation in 1944, becoming the only elementary school in the Cypress Street Barrio. The desegregation of Killefer stimulated the desegregation process in the community at large, ultimately leading to the end of segregation throughout the Orange Unified School District. The Killefer School desegregated before the landmark Méndez v. Westminster trial began, making it a pioneer of desegregation before California became a national leader in fostering this nascent civil rights movement. The Killefer School’s voluntary desegregation in the early 1940s is particularly noteworthy given the reticence of other school boards in the state to desegregate their schools even after the Méndez v. Westminster ruling. It is an excellent example of a Spanish Colonial Revival schoolhouse in Southern California, and a rare remaining example of a schoolhouse pre-dating the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake. It retains significant character defining features of the style, and exhibits quality of design and workmanship."
Click to Enlarge
Killefer Site Plan - White "U" shaped space at the top is the existing historic Killefer School building, the long rectangular white space on the left is the new proposed infill building. White space at the bottom/center is parking.
Killefer school news:
4th design review committee meeting for the proposed project scheduled for November 11th at orange city hall -- see/click below for details:
November 2, 2016 - DRC Meeting
At the most recent DRC meeting on November 2, 2016, the developer brought in an updated plan to attempt to satisfy the requirements and comments from DRC and staff at the prior DRC meeting.
The new plan included an increased setback distance along Lemon Street, and the reduction of the 6-story building to approximately 5 1/2 stories. The roofline was also setback to decrease the appearance of height from the street, resulting in a loss of approximately 9 beds, per the developer. The developer also provided a detailed scale model of the development and surrounding areas to provide a sense of context.
One solution suggested by the developer was the use of tall trees (conifer types) to soften/mask the impact of the large structure -- similar to the trees in place at the North Lemon St parking lot. While a possible solution, DRC committee members were not entirely enthusiastic about the approach, as it did not solve the issue of mass and scale, but simply obscured it, and was not complementary to the historic, single story homes to the West. There was also discussion regarding whether or not the fire department would allow large trees, as the ability to get ladders to the residents in the event of a fire or emergency has become more prominent in the fire department's approval process. One DRC member also expressed concern for the privacy of residents in adjacent houses whose back yards would be overshadowed and visible from the upper floors of the taller buildings.
As in the last meeting, both OTPA and DRC members were appreciative of the developer's efforts, and plans to retain and restore the historic Killefer School. They were perhaps most pleased by the retention of the larger view corridor from Lemon Street, but still felt that the project was still too overwhelming for the site.
At the most recent DRC meeting on November 2, 2016, the developer brought in an updated plan to attempt to satisfy the requirements and comments from DRC and staff at the prior DRC meeting.
The new plan included an increased setback distance along Lemon Street, and the reduction of the 6-story building to approximately 5 1/2 stories. The roofline was also setback to decrease the appearance of height from the street, resulting in a loss of approximately 9 beds, per the developer. The developer also provided a detailed scale model of the development and surrounding areas to provide a sense of context.
One solution suggested by the developer was the use of tall trees (conifer types) to soften/mask the impact of the large structure -- similar to the trees in place at the North Lemon St parking lot. While a possible solution, DRC committee members were not entirely enthusiastic about the approach, as it did not solve the issue of mass and scale, but simply obscured it, and was not complementary to the historic, single story homes to the West. There was also discussion regarding whether or not the fire department would allow large trees, as the ability to get ladders to the residents in the event of a fire or emergency has become more prominent in the fire department's approval process. One DRC member also expressed concern for the privacy of residents in adjacent houses whose back yards would be overshadowed and visible from the upper floors of the taller buildings.
As in the last meeting, both OTPA and DRC members were appreciative of the developer's efforts, and plans to retain and restore the historic Killefer School. They were perhaps most pleased by the retention of the larger view corridor from Lemon Street, but still felt that the project was still too overwhelming for the site.
- Agenda for DRC Meeting (Click for Agenda) - November 2, 2016
- Killefer School (Click for Staff Report) - A proposal to reuse a historic school building, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and construct new buildings with 81 units of apartment-style student housing with a total of 354 beds. The applicant is requesting a fourth preliminary review by the DRC to receive feedback on the revised project, including rehabilitation of the historic building and the mass, scale and design of the new construction.
- Killefer School - Oct 21, 2016 - Memo from consultant (LSA) regarding proposed changes to development
- Killefer School - Sept 7, 2016 - Memo from consultant (LSA) regarding proposed changes to development
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October 5, 2016 - DRC Meeting
At the prior DRC meeting, the developer was asked to come back with additional modifications to make the overall design more palatable. The revised configuration included a 6-story (54' tall) tower in the NW corner of the property. DRC members were unanimous in their comments regarding the inappropriate height and mass of the proposed building directly across from historic single family homes. They were equally surprised that the tower did not have a larger setback than the proposed 8' (small homes in Old Towne generally have a 15'-20' setback and they are nowhere near as tall or massive as this proposed structure).
DRC members were pleased with the re-orientation of buildings to an East/West configuration which opened up a much larger view corridor to the West elevation of the historic site (from Lemon St.). They stopped short of proposing a solution in terms of how many stories should be eliminated from the tower, or if that was even the solution, leaving the changes in the design to the developer.
The developer appeared to absorb that the buildings needed to be less massive, have a larger setback, and be as complementary to the site as possible, without parroting the design of the historic building.
OTPA had two board members speak in opposition to the project in it's current form, and a representative from the Orange Barrio Historic Society also spoke to oppose the project, which would have profound impact on their historic neighborhood. One North Cypress St resident, along with his teenage son, also spoke at the meeting to voice their opposition to the project.
OTPA is not convinced that the project meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, even if the 6-story building were lowered to a more reasonable height, as the infill still overwhelms the historic resource.
At the prior DRC meeting, the developer was asked to come back with additional modifications to make the overall design more palatable. The revised configuration included a 6-story (54' tall) tower in the NW corner of the property. DRC members were unanimous in their comments regarding the inappropriate height and mass of the proposed building directly across from historic single family homes. They were equally surprised that the tower did not have a larger setback than the proposed 8' (small homes in Old Towne generally have a 15'-20' setback and they are nowhere near as tall or massive as this proposed structure).
DRC members were pleased with the re-orientation of buildings to an East/West configuration which opened up a much larger view corridor to the West elevation of the historic site (from Lemon St.). They stopped short of proposing a solution in terms of how many stories should be eliminated from the tower, or if that was even the solution, leaving the changes in the design to the developer.
The developer appeared to absorb that the buildings needed to be less massive, have a larger setback, and be as complementary to the site as possible, without parroting the design of the historic building.
OTPA had two board members speak in opposition to the project in it's current form, and a representative from the Orange Barrio Historic Society also spoke to oppose the project, which would have profound impact on their historic neighborhood. One North Cypress St resident, along with his teenage son, also spoke at the meeting to voice their opposition to the project.
OTPA is not convinced that the project meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, even if the 6-story building were lowered to a more reasonable height, as the infill still overwhelms the historic resource.
August 17, 2016 - DRC Meeting
As OTPA was instrumental in having the Killefer School placed on the National Register of Historic Places, we are following the proposed development of the site very closely. The applicant met with the DRC for a 2nd preliminary hearing on the project, to impress upon DRC members and the public that various modifications have been made.
While there were some small improvements, the overall mass, scale, and density of the building could not be altered significantly due to the economics of the project, and the proposed new construction is anything but subordinate to the existing historical structure, which is a requirement under The Secretary of The Interior's Standards. The developer's own historic site assessment, developed by a respected consulting group, found that:
"...the proposed project is not in compliance with the SOIS [Secretary Of the Interior Standards] and will result in substantial adverse changes to the significance of the School. As previously noted, the building derives its significance from its use as a school. Although the project would preserve/restore most of the School’s exterior features, the proposed alterations to the interior of the school and surrounding grounds would considerably diminish its ability to convey its history as a school and would, therefore, impair its historic significance.
In addition, the project is incompatible in scale and massing with the one-story residences across North Lemon Street in the Old Towne Historic District"
Click Here for a Copy of the Full Report
DRC members seemed to concur that if the the new buildings could be re-oriented in an East-West configuration (vs. the North-South configuration proposed) that several view corridors could be opened up, exposing the West elevation of the school. In the current proposed configuration, there is an 8' high wall, adjacent to the sidewalk (no setback) that would run the entire West elevation of the project, almost completely blocking the view of the historic building from Lemon Street (there was a very small view corridor in the latest design -- the driveway entrance for the subterranean parking -- as one DRC member noted, it appeared to be a "token" nod to providing a view corridor). But even if the buildings are re-oriented as noted above, it is likely that the number of proposed units will still overwhelm the historic site, and would satisfy neither SOIS nor CEQA.
And while OTPA, like the rest of the community, understands the need for additional Chapman University student housing, the standards should not be relaxed simply to accommodate a developer proposing to build additional off-campus, high-density housing. This proposed development should be treated no differently than a large apartment complex being shoe-horned onto an historic site within a traditional single family neighborhood, which does not appear to be the highest and best use of this irreplaceable historic resource.
As OTPA was instrumental in having the Killefer School placed on the National Register of Historic Places, we are following the proposed development of the site very closely. The applicant met with the DRC for a 2nd preliminary hearing on the project, to impress upon DRC members and the public that various modifications have been made.
While there were some small improvements, the overall mass, scale, and density of the building could not be altered significantly due to the economics of the project, and the proposed new construction is anything but subordinate to the existing historical structure, which is a requirement under The Secretary of The Interior's Standards. The developer's own historic site assessment, developed by a respected consulting group, found that:
"...the proposed project is not in compliance with the SOIS [Secretary Of the Interior Standards] and will result in substantial adverse changes to the significance of the School. As previously noted, the building derives its significance from its use as a school. Although the project would preserve/restore most of the School’s exterior features, the proposed alterations to the interior of the school and surrounding grounds would considerably diminish its ability to convey its history as a school and would, therefore, impair its historic significance.
In addition, the project is incompatible in scale and massing with the one-story residences across North Lemon Street in the Old Towne Historic District"
Click Here for a Copy of the Full Report
DRC members seemed to concur that if the the new buildings could be re-oriented in an East-West configuration (vs. the North-South configuration proposed) that several view corridors could be opened up, exposing the West elevation of the school. In the current proposed configuration, there is an 8' high wall, adjacent to the sidewalk (no setback) that would run the entire West elevation of the project, almost completely blocking the view of the historic building from Lemon Street (there was a very small view corridor in the latest design -- the driveway entrance for the subterranean parking -- as one DRC member noted, it appeared to be a "token" nod to providing a view corridor). But even if the buildings are re-oriented as noted above, it is likely that the number of proposed units will still overwhelm the historic site, and would satisfy neither SOIS nor CEQA.
And while OTPA, like the rest of the community, understands the need for additional Chapman University student housing, the standards should not be relaxed simply to accommodate a developer proposing to build additional off-campus, high-density housing. This proposed development should be treated no differently than a large apartment complex being shoe-horned onto an historic site within a traditional single family neighborhood, which does not appear to be the highest and best use of this irreplaceable historic resource.
Revised Model
June 21, 2016
Representatives of OTPA were invited to attend and present to the Orange Barrio Historical Society our thoughts and positions on the current proposed development at the Killefer School site. In addition to the OBHS Board and OBHS members present, there were also interested parties from the neighborhood, and representatives from the developer's group, too. Representatives from the developer's group were asked to present to the audience as well.
As expected, OTPA's stance on the proposed development starkly contrasted the developer's vision for the site.
Among topics discussed were:
- Scale and massing of the project
- Perceived impacts on the immediate surrounding neighborhood
- Obscuring of the historic resource (school building) from the Lemon Street elevation
- Security elements
- Parking and traffic
- Discussion regarding long term ownership of the project
OTPA recognizes the developer's need to maximize their return on investment from the site, and we are cognizant (and appreciative) of the developer's efforts to restore and preserve the Killefer School. OTPA also recognizes the need for additional student housing, but would prefer to see it "on campus". However, OTPA is also of the opinion that given the change in the scope of the project (i.e. the need to work around and preserve an historic structure vs. demolishing the building -- which would have been allowed under the original bid process) that the developer should approach OUSD to determine if the purchase price can be reduced to reflect the current set of facts. A reduction in purchase price would allow the developer to scale back the project, making it more palatable from a preservation perspective, and potentially from a good neighbor perspective as well.
OTPA encourages community members and neighbors of the proposed project to make your voices heard. Contact City Hall to register your concerns and/or support for the project. OTPA will post Design Review Committee (DRC) meeting agendas and/or Planning Commission and City Council Meeting agendas that deal with this project, on this website. All of the meetings noted above are open to the public and allow for public input.
Representatives of OTPA were invited to attend and present to the Orange Barrio Historical Society our thoughts and positions on the current proposed development at the Killefer School site. In addition to the OBHS Board and OBHS members present, there were also interested parties from the neighborhood, and representatives from the developer's group, too. Representatives from the developer's group were asked to present to the audience as well.
As expected, OTPA's stance on the proposed development starkly contrasted the developer's vision for the site.
Among topics discussed were:
- Scale and massing of the project
- Perceived impacts on the immediate surrounding neighborhood
- Obscuring of the historic resource (school building) from the Lemon Street elevation
- Security elements
- Parking and traffic
- Discussion regarding long term ownership of the project
OTPA recognizes the developer's need to maximize their return on investment from the site, and we are cognizant (and appreciative) of the developer's efforts to restore and preserve the Killefer School. OTPA also recognizes the need for additional student housing, but would prefer to see it "on campus". However, OTPA is also of the opinion that given the change in the scope of the project (i.e. the need to work around and preserve an historic structure vs. demolishing the building -- which would have been allowed under the original bid process) that the developer should approach OUSD to determine if the purchase price can be reduced to reflect the current set of facts. A reduction in purchase price would allow the developer to scale back the project, making it more palatable from a preservation perspective, and potentially from a good neighbor perspective as well.
OTPA encourages community members and neighbors of the proposed project to make your voices heard. Contact City Hall to register your concerns and/or support for the project. OTPA will post Design Review Committee (DRC) meeting agendas and/or Planning Commission and City Council Meeting agendas that deal with this project, on this website. All of the meetings noted above are open to the public and allow for public input.
OTPA shares many of the concerns voiced by various neighborhood groups with regard to issues within Old Towne Orange, however, OTPA feels the need to clarify our opposition to the proposed development of the Killefer School historic school building and site. As many readers are aware, OTPA was instrumental in recently having the Killefer School placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
While OTPA recognizes the need for additional Chapman University student housing, and is receptive to the restoration of the Killefer School building, OTPA opposes the current project as it completely overwhelms the historic site and almost completely obscures the West elevation of the property (and its numerous character-defining features). Lack of student housing is an issue Chapman created for themselves, and Old Towne Orange's historic resources should not be forfeited to accommodate Chapman's rapid expansion.
OTPA's concern are as follows:
- The scale of the current project is excessive, dwarfing the current historic site as noted prior
- The impact on the surrounding community -- which is adjacent to Old Towne Orange and the Orange Barrio district -- would be considerable, with up to 358 students (and parking for 180-200 cars) descending upon the neighborhood - vehicular traffic, commercial traffic (food service delivery and trash removal, for example), foot traffic, noise, street parking, etc. And this doesn't include the construction phase of the project, which will have its own significant impact.
- Privatized housing would not be subject to the same oversight as Chapman-owned on campus housing (Campus Security, and Resident Assistants, for example).
- Once operational, there is no guarantee that the project wouldn't be sold to another private entity, which may choose to operate the facility as a traditional apartment complex (i.e. even less oversight over tenants, which would likely still be primarily Chapman students), unless expressly prohibited by the localized specific plan and/or deed restriction -- OTPA will update this page as details become available.
- If the Villa Park Orchards packing house project is approved (housing for approximately 400 students) there will be approximately 758 students living in high-density housing off of the main Chapman campus, within approximately 3 blocks of one another, with all of the elements one associates with too many people within too small of a space.
We all agree that Chapman needs substantially more on-campus housing -- but shifting students from one off-campus neighborhood to another doesn't solve the issue.
While OTPA recognizes the need for additional Chapman University student housing, and is receptive to the restoration of the Killefer School building, OTPA opposes the current project as it completely overwhelms the historic site and almost completely obscures the West elevation of the property (and its numerous character-defining features). Lack of student housing is an issue Chapman created for themselves, and Old Towne Orange's historic resources should not be forfeited to accommodate Chapman's rapid expansion.
OTPA's concern are as follows:
- The scale of the current project is excessive, dwarfing the current historic site as noted prior
- The impact on the surrounding community -- which is adjacent to Old Towne Orange and the Orange Barrio district -- would be considerable, with up to 358 students (and parking for 180-200 cars) descending upon the neighborhood - vehicular traffic, commercial traffic (food service delivery and trash removal, for example), foot traffic, noise, street parking, etc. And this doesn't include the construction phase of the project, which will have its own significant impact.
- Privatized housing would not be subject to the same oversight as Chapman-owned on campus housing (Campus Security, and Resident Assistants, for example).
- Once operational, there is no guarantee that the project wouldn't be sold to another private entity, which may choose to operate the facility as a traditional apartment complex (i.e. even less oversight over tenants, which would likely still be primarily Chapman students), unless expressly prohibited by the localized specific plan and/or deed restriction -- OTPA will update this page as details become available.
- If the Villa Park Orchards packing house project is approved (housing for approximately 400 students) there will be approximately 758 students living in high-density housing off of the main Chapman campus, within approximately 3 blocks of one another, with all of the elements one associates with too many people within too small of a space.
We all agree that Chapman needs substantially more on-campus housing -- but shifting students from one off-campus neighborhood to another doesn't solve the issue.
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May 17, 2016
Killefer School - Proposed Annexation of Surplus Property
Representatives from OTPA attended the "7-11" committee meeting regarding the request for annexation of surplus property adjacent to the Killefer School and Richland School properties, and in the time allocated voiced our opposition to the project in its current proposed state, due to the volume and massing of the project, the fact that it almost totally obscures the Lemon St. elevation and its character-defining features, and will significantly impact the surrounding neighborhoods during both the construction and operational phases. The committee voted to recommend to the school board that the adjacent parcel in question be declared surplus and be made available to the developer for sale. OTPA objects on the grounds that this parcel was not made available to other bidders on the property, (the developer requested that the property be designated "surplus") and that its "highest and best use" is likely to the benefit of the Richland School for parking or outdoor recreational space for their high school students, versus to create additional parking capability for a for-profit developer. At the May 3, 2016 meeting, a recommendation was made that "...the Southern Parcel be sold utilizing a waiver process to allow direct negotiations, if possible" which appears to favor the current developer (see meeting minutes, below).
While OTPA supports the addition of incremental student housing, we are also concerned that as this is a private housing development, it will not be subject to the same oversight provided for Chapman-owned on-campus housing (Resident Assistants, Campus Security, etc.). Make your voice heard at the next Orange Unified School District Board meeting, Thursday, May 26th at 7:00PM the District Office Board Room - Building "H"; 1401 North Handy Street • Orange, CA 92867
Killefer School - Proposed Annexation of Surplus Property
Representatives from OTPA attended the "7-11" committee meeting regarding the request for annexation of surplus property adjacent to the Killefer School and Richland School properties, and in the time allocated voiced our opposition to the project in its current proposed state, due to the volume and massing of the project, the fact that it almost totally obscures the Lemon St. elevation and its character-defining features, and will significantly impact the surrounding neighborhoods during both the construction and operational phases. The committee voted to recommend to the school board that the adjacent parcel in question be declared surplus and be made available to the developer for sale. OTPA objects on the grounds that this parcel was not made available to other bidders on the property, (the developer requested that the property be designated "surplus") and that its "highest and best use" is likely to the benefit of the Richland School for parking or outdoor recreational space for their high school students, versus to create additional parking capability for a for-profit developer. At the May 3, 2016 meeting, a recommendation was made that "...the Southern Parcel be sold utilizing a waiver process to allow direct negotiations, if possible" which appears to favor the current developer (see meeting minutes, below).
While OTPA supports the addition of incremental student housing, we are also concerned that as this is a private housing development, it will not be subject to the same oversight provided for Chapman-owned on-campus housing (Resident Assistants, Campus Security, etc.). Make your voice heard at the next Orange Unified School District Board meeting, Thursday, May 26th at 7:00PM the District Office Board Room - Building "H"; 1401 North Handy Street • Orange, CA 92867
SEPTEMBER 2, 2015 - KILLEFER SCHOOL SITE - PROJECT PROPOSED BEFORE DRC
The photos below illustrate a recent proposal by the development group currently in escrow on the historic Killefer School site. The project includes approximately 285 beds of private housing (and underground parking for approximately 160 cars), intended for use/rent by Chapman University students. OTPA's concern with the project is the scale and massing of the new construction, coupled with the fact that it completely masks the historic character-defining features of the West elevation of the historic building. In addition, the infill project as proposed will also create impacts to the surrounding historic neighborhood. While OTPA is sensitive to the issue that any rehabilitation and/ or restoration of this National Register site must be financially viable, it must also be sympathetic to the historic structure, site, and surrounding neighborhood.
The photos below illustrate a recent proposal by the development group currently in escrow on the historic Killefer School site. The project includes approximately 285 beds of private housing (and underground parking for approximately 160 cars), intended for use/rent by Chapman University students. OTPA's concern with the project is the scale and massing of the new construction, coupled with the fact that it completely masks the historic character-defining features of the West elevation of the historic building. In addition, the infill project as proposed will also create impacts to the surrounding historic neighborhood. While OTPA is sensitive to the issue that any rehabilitation and/ or restoration of this National Register site must be financially viable, it must also be sympathetic to the historic structure, site, and surrounding neighborhood.
Click on photos above to enlarge
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JULY 2015 KILLEFER SCHOOL UPDATE:
In mid-July, representatives of OTPA met with the developers currently in escrow on the Killefer school site to take a preliminary look at the project, prior to it being submitted to the DRC (watch this space under "Public Meetings - Speak Up!" -- we'll publish the date and any pertinent documents for you to review prior to the meeting, should you wish to attend to either support or oppose the project). Additional details of the project can be found in a recent (April 2015) OC Register article - click to view the article.
In mid-July, representatives of OTPA met with the developers currently in escrow on the Killefer school site to take a preliminary look at the project, prior to it being submitted to the DRC (watch this space under "Public Meetings - Speak Up!" -- we'll publish the date and any pertinent documents for you to review prior to the meeting, should you wish to attend to either support or oppose the project). Additional details of the project can be found in a recent (April 2015) OC Register article - click to view the article.
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HISTORIC KILLEFER SCHOOL SAVED!
In a victory for the Old Towne Preservation Association’s efforts to save the historic Killefer School, the California State Historic Resources Commission agreed with OTPA and voted unanimously that the school should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and protected from demolition by developers. “The preservation association is proud of its success in assuring that Orange will continue to enjoy this landmark educational structure, which played an important part in our community history,” said Jeff Frankel, OTPA’s preservation chair. “This is a huge victory for OTPA and our mission of protecting, preserving and enhancing our unique character.”
The 74-year-old elementary school at 541 N. Lemon Street is more than historic and significant in time and architecture: It enjoys a dramatic place in California cultural history. Killefer is believed to be the first school in California to voluntarily integrate students before a group of Mexican American parents challenged segregation and won their case in the Mendez vs Westminster court ruling of 1944. Such cases were instrumental in the Brown vs Board of Education decision three years later.
The 1.7 acre school and surrounding property is still owned by the Orange Unified School District, which put it up for sale last year. Several developers — and Chapman University — made bids. The first bidder, the Olson Company, proposed to demolish the school and build townhouses. Olson pulled out when the Old Towne Preservation Association objected and retained preservation consultants to coordinate the process for achieving national registration as a permanent historic building.
The only opposition came from the Orange Unified School District, which voted in a closed session not to support the school’s listing as a historic landmark. The District had a representative in attendance at the State Historic Resources Commission hearing on Jan. 28, 2015 in Sacramento as did OTPA. The commission is a nine-member review board appointed by the governor for identification, registration, and preservation of California’s cultural heritage. Its recommendations are reviewed and approved by the National Park Service for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, which is the next step for the Killefer School.
The listing will ensure that the school building cannot be demolished, but the structure can be adaptively reused by the property owner.
Other bidders are now exploring possibilities.
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