601 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EXHIBIT A FINDINGS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION WESTWIND COMMUNITY BARN — 27210 ALTOMONT ROAD FILE #SP22-0001 1. That the proposed landmark has significant historical, architectural, cultural or aesthetics interest or value. The History Committee voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council that the Westwind Community Barn be designated as a historic landmark. The Barn dates back to 1947-48, when Frank Ellithorpe built a six -stall barn for Arabian and Morgan horses. In 1965 Lila Lee Ellithorpe sold the Barn and 23 acres to Robert D. Clement. Robert Clement then added a back wing to the Barn with 17 additional stalls, a tack room, and a riding arena. Subsequent to this, in 1971, the Countess Margit Bessenyey purchased the property to serve as a breeding facility and training center for her Hungarian horses. Finally, in 1975 the Town of Los Altos Hills acquired a portion of the property for $25,000 and Countess Bessenyey made a gift to the Town of the remaining 13 and one-half acres and the 24,000 square foot "U" shaped barn. The Town of Los Altos Hills has been operating the Barn for a long time. The original six -stall barn resembled the gambrel -roofed barns found in New England. to allow for more hay storage area under the roof. Another feature of the original barn was the "cupola" which added beauty to the barn's roof. The cupola on the original 6 -stall barn has louvers for ventilation for the storage area below 2. That the proposed landmark may be designated without imposing undue hardship on the property owner. The property is owned by the Town and the historic designation will help preserve the history and architectural charm of the property and will not affect the use of the property. Pursuant to LAHMC Section 11-1.09, a landmark alteration permit would be required to be approved by the City Council for any alteration, construction, relocation, exterior painting or demolition that would result in a material change in the exterior appearance of the landmark. 3. That approval or modified approval of the application is consistent with the purposes and criteria of this chapter. The approval of the request would designate the Westwind Community Barn as having special architectural, historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance as a landmark pursuant to Section 11-1.05 of the Municipal Code. Ordinance 601 Page 3