Modern Architecture in Historical Context

Development of the San Francisco Modern Architecture and Landscape Design 1935 1970 Historic Context Statement (Modern context statement) was funded, in part, by a $25,000 grant from the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP). The San Francisco Planning Department (Department) provided the 40% match as required by the OHP. The grant period ran from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. A draft of the Modern context statement, submitted to the OHP on September, 30 2010, was approved.

The Department developed the Modern context statement in order to provide the framework for consistent, informed evaluations of San Francisco’s Modern buildings and landscapes. The Modern context statement links specific property types to identified themes, geographic patterns, and time periods. It identifies character‐defining features of Modern architectural and landscape design and documents significance, criteria considerations and integrity thresholds. This detailed information specific to property types will provide future surveyors with a consistent framework within which to contextually identify, interpret and evaluate individual properties and historic districts.

Modern Architecture in Historical Context

The Modern context statement is intended to be used, along with past surveys such as the 1976 Department of City Planning Architectural Survey, to inform historic and cultural resource surveys and to ensure that property evaluations are consistent with local, state, and federal standards.

Modern Architecture in Historical Context BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION

The Department recommends adoption of this project for the following reasons:

• That the San Francisco Modern Architecture and Landscape Design 1935 – 1970 Historic Context Statement was prepared by a qualified historian in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and State Office of Historic Preservation Recordation Manual as outlined in Resolution No. 527 of June 7, 2000, adopted by the previous San Francisco Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board.
• That the San Francisco Modern Architecture and Landscape Design 1935 – 1970 Historic Context Statement was reviewed by Planning Department staff for accuracy and adequacy as an evaluative framework for historic and cultural resource surveys and individual property evaluations.

San Francisco Modern Architecture and Landscape Design 1935‐1970 Historic Context Statement PDF Full