Last Friday, 30 July, the State Historic Resources Commission (SHRC) unanimously voted Berkeley Iceland eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  It cannot be listed on the National Register without the consent of the owners, who have not given it at this time.  This is another confirmation that Berkeley Iceland is a special, historic place - something that most folks who have experienced the ice rink know. 

We would like to thank the Berkeley Architecural Heritage Association (BAHA), which nominated Berkeley Iceland for the National Register, and John English, who prepared the application and worked so hard to make sure the nomination would get the best possible reception at the SHRC.  BAHA and John have well earned reputations for their advocacy in preserving the architectural history, which is rich in Berkeley.  We should all be proud of their efforts which confirmed Berkeley Iceland as a part of this fabric.

Quick news from Sacramento, Berkeley Iceland was found eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  Details when we have them.  This makes official something that most of us already know, Berkeley Iceland is an historic place that deserves to be preserved.  Everyone, owners, community, city leaders, need to figure out how to make this happen - SBI remains committed to working with all parties on what should be a winning project for everyone!

This Friday, 30 July, a hearing for the nomination for the eligibility of Berkeley Iceland to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places will take place before the State Historic Resources Commission in Sacramento [details available here].  The current owners have made it clear that they object to the nomination, so it cannot be listed on the National Register but can be declared eligible.  The owners will also be arguing at the hearing that Berkeley Iceland is not eligible, complete with Mayor Tom Bates scheduled to speak for their cause.  Members of the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA), which made the application, will be speaking in support for eligibility.  The staff report from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recommends the commission find Berkeley Iceland eligible for listing. 

On the last Berkeley City Council meeting before the Summer break (13 July, 2010), the Council voted 7-2 to adapt the City Manager's recommendation to withhold comment on the application for Berkeley Iceland to be listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  The alternative option, approval of a letter of support prepared by the Berkeley Landmark Preservation Commission, was not accepted.  The reason sited for not commenting was the status of the Berkeley landmark designation which is subject to a new review by the City Council as part of a settlement of a lawsuit brought by the current owners.  To quote the manager's recommendation:

"The City Council agreed to reconsider its previous approval of Berkeley Iceland as a
local historic landmark. Therefore, it would be premature to comment on the proposed
National Register listing."

The action by the City Council does not affect the process for National Register listing.  The hearing at the State Historic Resources Commission (SHRC) is scheduled for 30 July at the Sacramento City Council Chambers in Sacramento.

As reported in an earlier blog entry, the Berkeley Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) voted to send a letter in support of the application by the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA) nominating Berkeley Iceland to the National Register of HIstoric Places if a review by the CIty Attorney finds it appropriate.  The City Attorney review concluded that the CIty Council was the appropriate body to provide comments as the Certified Local Government representative so that the  LPC report must be passed by the Council.  The item has been placed on the agenda for the July 13, 2010, City Council Meeting (item 59 in the Action Calendar - New Business section).  The City Manager is recommending that a letter stating that the City Council has no comment on the nomination "...because the local historic designation of the property is being reconsidered."