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Museum/Firehouse Info - 2010Campbell historical museum " & ainsley house foundation. RECEIVED au~ i o Zoo July 16, 2010 CITY OF CAMPBELL PLANNING DEPT. Hon. Members Historic Preservation Board City of Campbell Community Development Department 70 North First Street Campbell, CA 95008-1423 Subject: Firehouse Enhancement Proposal Dear Joelle Hernandez and members of the Historic Preservation Board: On behalf of Firehouse Enhancement Project Committee, the Campbell Historical Museum staff and the Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House Foundation, thank you for the time and effort each of you have given in reviewing and providing valuable insight with regard to our initial Firehouse Enhancement concept. Your input, concerns and reactions to our initial concept are helping us as we make changes and improvements to our new and developing next stage. Your thoughtful comments and criticism were carefully considered and clearly reflect the concern you have for Campbell's history and its heritage. We too feel it is important to protect and preserve Campbell's historic heritage. Our new concept will not only help us toward implementation of the museum's Strategic Plan, but will be done in a way to protect and preserve the firehouse. We share with the Historic Preservation Board these same objectives. Several concerns were expressed by the HPB members at the May 12, 2010 Special Meeting which we would like to re-visit, acknowledge and address in this letter. The following is a precis of the HPB's concerns taken from the minutes of the May 12 meeting. 1. There should be more community awareness and public participation. Indeed, we are in the process of organizing several fundraising events and we have setup a Facebook page "10,000 Strong" and a website linked to the Campbellmuseums.org website. We will be very visible on several fronts here in Campbell and in neighboring communities in the next few weeks. These outreach programs will greatly increase community awareness. P.O. Box 1066, Campbell, CA 95009 ~ (408) 866-2759 ~ www.campbellmuseums.org Campbell historical museum ~ ainsley house foundation. Firehouse Enhancement July 16, 2010 Page 2 of 3 2. The firehouse doors are the character-defining feature. We agree, our new concept fully acknowledges the firehouse doors and in fact we herald the doors as an architectural feature by restoring the east facade to its original glory (As was our intention in the original concept). The doors will be fully visible and any addition/changes will be on the sides and back of the firehouse. 3. Look at alternative locations for the addition, along Civic Center Drive or the rear. Yes, alternative locations for the new museum space and store are part of our new concept. The north, south and rear areas will work for us, just as you have suggested. 4. "Tt seems you are willing to sacrifice the integrity of the firehouse to save the museum." We would be remiss if in any way we were to sacrifice the historical integrity of the city's first firehouse, and this would be contrary to our intent. We recognize the cultural significance as well as the historical significance of the firehouse. The Campbell firehouse will be more visible, better appreciated, and have greater visitation after our enhancement is completed than it has ever been. Our architect is very aware of the contextual issues. He is aware of the importance of scale and the architectural and cultural heritage of the community and existing building patterns. 5. The HPB and some in the public expressed doubt about the store as a viable goal for making the museum financially independent. The goal of the Firehouse Enhancement Committee is to implement the Museum Strategic Plan and provide better facilities for the current children's programs. With this implementation there is also the opportunity to position the store for enhanced and improved retailing. This will increase the museums operating revenue, but this is secondary to our goals. We want the firehouse to continue to be a source of community pride, a focal point and acultural- architectural landmark for Campbell, that neighboring communities admire. P.O. Box 1066, Campbell, CA 95009 ~ (408) 866-2759 ~ www.campbellmuseums.org Campbell historical museum ~ ainsley house foundation. Firehouse Enhancement July 16, 2010 Page 3 of 3 We are grateful to you for your passion and dedication to the City of Campbell. Thanks to you, Campbell has the reputation of the destination place with friendly, historic charm. We look forward to showing you more developed images of the project, as we get further in our plans and our fundraising program. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns. Sincerely, -~ .ennedy, Board >`' siden Michael Symons, Ch ' - Ainsley House Foun 'on Firehouse Enhancement Committee cc: Steve Prosser, Associate Planner Linda Klemczak, Director of Recreation and Community Services Karen Lange, Museum Director P.O. Box 1066, Campbell, CA 95009 ~ (408) 866-2759 ~ www.campbellmuseums.org