---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 04 Feb 1997 05:08:20 -0800
From: Richard McLaughlin <DrMac@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: rmclaug@xxxxxxxxxxxx
To: mkaplan@xxxxxxx
Subject: Paul R. Williams
February is Black History Month. Help
celebrate African-American contributions to this
nation?s built environment by taking an active
stance to help preserve several of Paul R.
Williams? historic buildings slated for demolition.
Although decision-makers are in the final stages
of approving the permanent destruction of these
national treasures, no impartial professional reuse
study has been conducted. It is urgent that
informed design, history, and other knowledgeable
persons present decision-makers listed at the end
of this memo with thoughtful reasons why adequate
reuse study is essential.
Paul Revere Williams is among the United States?
most distinguished architects and one of the most
renowned African-American architects. His designs
shaped a significant proportion of California?s
urban environment; the Los Angeles Airport
Restaurant, the Beverly Hills Hotel, the MCA
Building (now the Litton Industries headquarters),
numerous public buildings, and hundreds of custom
homes exemplify his influential contributions. His
granddaughter, Karen E. Hudson, authored The Will and
the Way, Paul R. Williams, Architect. Ms. Hudson?s
testimonial of his legacy is recommended reading for
many diverse of university courses.
An exceptional sample of this great architect?s
work is scheduled for demolition. The Roosevelt
Historic District at the Long Beach Naval Station
on Terminal Island in Long Beach, California,
houses several significant architectural
contributions by Paul R. Williams and is eligible
for the National Register of Historic Places.
Although, the City and the Port of Long Beach
have approved plans to demolish these landmarks to
provide storage space for China Overseas Shipping
Company?s cargo, it is still possible to view
these historic structures because the United States
Navy has not officially transferred this site to
the City of Long Beach and several lawsuits are
temporarily obstructing the planned demolition.
Convincing the Navy to reassess their plans to
turn over this site to the City of Long Beach
and/or successful litigation remain the last hopes
to preserve these irreplaceable treasures.
Although, no impartial professional reuse studies
were conducted, the Port of Long Beach and State
Coastal Commissioners have already unanimously
approved the demolition of all his buildings on
the Naval Station. Unless successful efforts to
change these plans occur, is possible that within
a few weeks it will no longer be possible to
make a pilgrimage to this historic site.
Concerned persons are needed to join others in an
effort to preserve these buildings for future
generations by sending informational faxes or
letters to:
President Bill Clinton, Commander and Chief
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Fax: (202) 456-2889
The Honorable John H. Dalton
Secretary of the Navy
1000 Navy Pentagon,
Washington, D.C. 20350-1000
Fax: (703) 614-3477
Governor Pete Wilson
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 445-4633
Please send copies of all letters to:
The National Trust for Historic Preservation
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Fax: (202) 588-6038
Also, state senators and assembly members are
capable of exerting pressure on decision-makers
to protect the public?s best interests. The
front section of most telephone directories has
their addresses and phone numbers.
Please help distribute this memo to other
interested persons and thanks for your much
needed help,
Colette Marie McLaughlin
colettem@xxxxxxx
Date: Tue, 04 Feb 1997 05:08:20 -0800
From: Richard McLaughlin <DrMac@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: rmclaug@xxxxxxxxxxxx
To: mkaplan@xxxxxxx
Subject: Paul R. Williams
February is Black History Month. Help
celebrate African-American contributions to this
nation?s built environment by taking an active
stance to help preserve several of Paul R.
Williams? historic buildings slated for demolition.
Although decision-makers are in the final stages
of approving the permanent destruction of these
national treasures, no impartial professional reuse
study has been conducted. It is urgent that
informed design, history, and other knowledgeable
persons present decision-makers listed at the end
of this memo with thoughtful reasons why adequate
reuse study is essential.
Paul Revere Williams is among the United States?
most distinguished architects and one of the most
renowned African-American architects. His designs
shaped a significant proportion of California?s
urban environment; the Los Angeles Airport
Restaurant, the Beverly Hills Hotel, the MCA
Building (now the Litton Industries headquarters),
numerous public buildings, and hundreds of custom
homes exemplify his influential contributions. His
granddaughter, Karen E. Hudson, authored The Will and
the Way, Paul R. Williams, Architect. Ms. Hudson?s
testimonial of his legacy is recommended reading for
many diverse of university courses.
An exceptional sample of this great architect?s
work is scheduled for demolition. The Roosevelt
Historic District at the Long Beach Naval Station
on Terminal Island in Long Beach, California,
houses several significant architectural
contributions by Paul R. Williams and is eligible
for the National Register of Historic Places.
Although, the City and the Port of Long Beach
have approved plans to demolish these landmarks to
provide storage space for China Overseas Shipping
Company?s cargo, it is still possible to view
these historic structures because the United States
Navy has not officially transferred this site to
the City of Long Beach and several lawsuits are
temporarily obstructing the planned demolition.
Convincing the Navy to reassess their plans to
turn over this site to the City of Long Beach
and/or successful litigation remain the last hopes
to preserve these irreplaceable treasures.
Although, no impartial professional reuse studies
were conducted, the Port of Long Beach and State
Coastal Commissioners have already unanimously
approved the demolition of all his buildings on
the Naval Station. Unless successful efforts to
change these plans occur, is possible that within
a few weeks it will no longer be possible to
make a pilgrimage to this historic site.
Concerned persons are needed to join others in an
effort to preserve these buildings for future
generations by sending informational faxes or
letters to:
President Bill Clinton, Commander and Chief
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Fax: (202) 456-2889
The Honorable John H. Dalton
Secretary of the Navy
1000 Navy Pentagon,
Washington, D.C. 20350-1000
Fax: (703) 614-3477
Governor Pete Wilson
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 445-4633
Please send copies of all letters to:
The National Trust for Historic Preservation
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Fax: (202) 588-6038
Also, state senators and assembly members are
capable of exerting pressure on decision-makers
to protect the public?s best interests. The
front section of most telephone directories has
their addresses and phone numbers.
Please help distribute this memo to other
interested persons and thanks for your much
needed help,
Colette Marie McLaughlin
colettem@xxxxxxx