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SF architect hired as fight cools over changing Historic Folsom
By Walter Yost - wyost@sacbee.com
Published 2:00 pm PST Friday, February 8, 2008
The City of Folsom has hired a San Francisco architectural firm to evaluate historic resources and provide input on the final design of the city's Historic District Streetscape Project. The action comes on the heels of a public debate last fall on whether the city should favor preservation over renovation in dealing with its historic downtown.
Working in cooperation with the Folsom Cultural Resources Conservancy and the Heritage Preservation League, the city has signed a contract with Page & Turnbull Architects to identify specific historic buildings and features worthy of preservation or restoration along a four-block stretch of Sutter Street. The consulting firm will also participate in the design process to ensure historical integrity of the final streetscape plan.
"The Historic District is the city's crown jewel and preserving, or even enhancing, the unique character and historical nature of the area is a high priority for the City," Amy Feagans, Folsom's Redevelopment and Housing Director, said in a press release last week.
Loretta Hettinger, a longtime Folsom resident who worked 21 years for the city's planning department, said she had recommended the city hire Page & Turnbull.
"It is very important to inject historic expertise into the process so we don't inadvertently destroy something of value," said Hettinger, a member of the Cultural Resources Conservancy and Heritage Preservation League.
Courtney Puffer, another member of both groups and a Sutter Street merchant, credited city staff with listening to his concerns. "We haven't asked for anything that's unreasonable," he said.
Folsom's Historic District Commission and the City Council, sitting as the Redevelopment Agency, approved the Sutter Street Streetscape concept plan in October 2007 during heavily attended public meetings. Initial plans include removing the center median and shed roofs and widening sidewalks, proposed changes that drew criticism.
Currently, commission members, Sutter Street merchants and city staff are working to refine the designs as the project moves forward.
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