Hart Park House Hits Speed Bump on Road to Renovation
By Morgan Carpenter
Published: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
The Hart Park House, which houses the Sierra Madre Senior Center, has suffered a setback in its quest for renovation. At Tuesday night’s meeting, the City Council decided not to approve the design plan prepared by Onyx Architects.
The Hart Park House dates back to 1884 when it was originally built as part of the 40-acre Hart Winery. It was of adobe construction. However, renovations since then have left the house with few of its original qualities. Despite this, the house still remains on Sierra Madre’s Historic Landmark List.
Tuesday night, the City Council did not approve the design plan prepared by Onyx Architects. The major proposed change involves switching the locations of the kitchen and office. This will give the kitchen more space and better accessibility while giving the office a better view of the main room.
Council members noted that the reason for not approving the project was notthat they did not wish to see the senior center be constructed, but rather because they wished to see it completed in the “fastest possible manner.”
It was disputed between council members the best way to ask for bids on the project, whether “cafeteria-style” or as a whole project.
The current estimated cost for the renovations is $420,778.65. The plan divided into four phases, with the highest priority items to be completed in the earlier phases.
Funding for the project comes from money allocated by the City Council in 2006 ($227,216), funds raised by the Senior Community Commission ($30,000), and other grant funds ($15,000). City Staff are looking for other grant opportunities to fund this project, but still lack close to $140,000 of the total necessary amount.
The largest single item cost-wise is an automatic fire sprinkler system, which is required by the City for any project that renovates 50% or more of a building.
The Hart Park House is located within the Sierra Madre Memorial Park at 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
By Morgan Carpenter
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