Photo by J P Crumrine
The Idyllwild Historic Preservation District soon faces its first project to review. The renovation of the former Chinese restaurant Hidden Village falls under the auspices of the Local Review Board.
The site is within the Idyllwild Historic District and the building contributes to the district’s creation, Keith Herron, County Historic Preservation Officer, told both the board and representatives for the new restaurant owner.
Consequently, they will have to file an application with the LRB to review the work, according to Herron. The building was built in 1933 in the Craftsman style.
The board will focus on proposed changes to the building exterior, “It’s look and feel,” explained Board Chair Warren Monroe.
Board members agreed to work with the project designer, Robert Priefer, to expedite the review. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 22, but the Board will consider a special meeting if that is necessary.
The board will review project specifications, drawings and design in order to compare the proposed changes to the building’s key characteristics and defining historic features, Herron explained to Priefer and his clients, Frank and Lori Ferro.
“For example, they’ll look at the windows. There is flexibility built into the guidelines as far as material, but less on size and placement,” Herron explained. “But the overall goal is to maintain its character and historic feature.”
Herron also explained that the guidelines do not affect the building color.
“It’s our first review and we want to make it good,” stated board member Nancy Borchers.
She and colleague Barbara Jones are a board subcommittee planning the District’s Community Event on Sunday, June 1, at the Creekstone Inn.
This will be an opportunity for the community, especially property owners within the IHPD, to learn more about the district and its guidelines for modifying the exterior of buildings, which contribute to the district’s historic values.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors established the district in July 2011 based on Ordinance 578, which authorizes the designation of historic districts within the county.
