Postwar architecture study receives California Governor’s Award

November 5, 2018

Posted in: Cultural Resources

Sacramento’s study of historic mid-century modern architecture is in the news again – this time as a recipient of a California Governor’s Historic Preservation Award for 2018. Our project was one of six projects to receive this award on November 1.

In a letter, California State Historic Preservation Officer Julianne Polanco states, “This award is the only official preservation award presented by the State of California to worthy recipients in recognition of exceptional achievements in the field of historic preservation.”

The project highlights the collaboration between the City of Sacramento, Sacramento Modern and a team of architectural historians, which included Mead & Hunt. Our work on the historic context aided in this effort.

Sacramento’s Mid-Century Modern Survey and Context Statement addresses a wide range of post-World War II (postwar) resources including residential, commercial, public, religious, and industrial properties.

I’m really proud that this project resulted in four outstanding postwar examples of modernism recently approved by the Sacramento Preservation Commission for listing in the Sacramento Register of Historic and Cultural Resources as Landmarks:

• Iva Gard Shepard Garden and Arts Center (a public community building in McKinley Park)
• Gunther’s Ice Cream
• Sacramento County Courthouse
• Chase Bank

These are examples of the vast number of modernist architecture constructed during the postwar period. Public agencies and preservation commissions are increasingly making National Register of Historic Places, State Register, and local eligibility determinations for postwar properties, and projects like this offer the needed historic contextual background and guidance to make informed decisions.

This project continues our work to provide guidance on a range of postwar properties and modernist architecture. This award and the resulting landmark properties are especially important because it highlights the range of resources from this period.

About the Author

Chad Moffett enjoys different types of historic preservation projects and helping our clients. “Every place has a unique and interesting history. Discovering and understanding these stories and how history affected the built environment is an exciting challenge,” he says. Chad specializes in developing balanced solutions that meet client needs while respecting historic resources for future generations.

Read more posts by Chad Moffett