Preservation Action Needed!
Designate Mid-Century Icon at 550 Washington Street
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Greetings!
This Thursday, February 25, the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board will discuss the historical designation of an iconic Modern masterpiece, 550 Washington Street. Designed by Master Architect William Lewis, Jr., with its aluminum sun-catching tracery-covered tower entirely intact, this c. 1964 post-WWII Modern style building is one of the most significant within San Diego and needs your support for designation!
Action Requested
Please support the historical designation of 550 Washington Street by either:
1) Speaking at the Historical Resources Board meeting on Thursday, February 25, beginning at 1pm. Click HERE to see the agenda; the Zoom link is on page 1, see item 6 on page 4, and suggested talking points below; OR
2) Submit written comments or upload a comment letter using the Historical Resources Board webform HERE and suggested talking points below. For Comment Type, click “Agenda” and for Position, click “In Opposition to Item.” |
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550 Washington Street, Julius Shulman Photography. Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10) |
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Sample talking points for testimony or comment letter
- This c. 1964 Modern style medical office building, designed by Master Architect William Lewis for Deems Martin and Associates, is as an architecturally iconic San Diego resource, a sophisticated and well-designed example of the style, and the notable and nationally recognized work of a recognized master architect.
- Significant under Criterion A for architectural development, this Modern style commercial building is a crucially important local example that expresses the values of San Diego’s influence on the Modern design movement. The intact Modern style tower dominates views of the area and is impossible to ignore making it an icon from miles away.
- Significant under Criterion C, this is an excellent and rare Modern style architecture with New Formalist stylistic influences. The aluminum “tracery” panels are innovative and multi-functional in addition to being significant to this Modern design period and the firm, Deems Martin and Associates.
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Significant under Criterion D, as the notable work of Master Architect Lewis, this building was described in 1964 as the new Bill Lewis “landmark” and named “Building of the Year” by San Diego Magazine. The scale of national interest, multiple awards, and media attention of this resource illustrate the notable quality, sophistication, and success of this masterful work.
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This building is within the top ten most important post-WWII commercial modern buildings in San Diego, represents a most significant chapter of San Diego’s Architectural history, and must be historically designated.
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Through education, advocacy, and stewardship SOHO's mission is to preserve, promote,
and support preservation of the architectural, cultural, and historical links and landmarks
that contribute to the community identity, depth, and character of our region.
Save Our Heritage Organisation • 3525 Seventh Avenue • San Diego, California 92103
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