-Historic Survey-

IV. Research Design

According to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Identification, "Archival research and survey activities should be designed to gather the information necessary to achieve defined preservation goals. The objectives, chosen methods and techniques, and expected results of the identification activities are specified in a research design." The research design includes: objectives, methods, and the expected results.⁶ The following research design was prepared in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.

Objectives:

The first activity in the survey process was the preparation of a localized historic context statement, suitable for the project area, describing themes and patterns of development as well as property types germane to the City of West Covina. This context provided a basis for developing refined survey objectives.

Determination of goals and priorities in the planning phase of the survey, based on the historic context, yielded specific objectives relating to identification:

1. Identify residential architecture built prior to 1946 that has potential ties to agriculture "Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Identification"
   
   
2. Explore and document the architectural styles utilized in homestead architecture built prior to 1946
3. Identify and document estate properties built prior to 1946 where the landscape and setting significantly contributes to the significance of the potential resource

The geographic limits of the survey were determined by the City of West Covina's city boundaries, as determined by maps provided by the City of West Covina Planning Department to HPP. The temporal limits of the survey were determined by the City of West Covina as buildings built prior to 1946. The list of these identified structures was provided to HPP.

Based on background research, it was determined that the predominant property type that would be surveyed consisted mainly of single-family residences. Specific architectural types were identified and described as part of the historic context statement (see section VI).

Methods:

Numerous preservation publications were consulted and followed to guide all of the activities associated with planning and conducting the historic resources survey. The following is a list of the publications for further reference by interested parties:

• National Register Bulletin 24: Guidelines for Local Surveys: A Basis for Preservation Planning (1977, revised 1985)
• Archaeology and Preservation: Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Preservation Planning, Identification, Evaluation, and Registration
• California State Office of Historic Preservation Technical Assistance Bulletin #8: User's Guide to the California Historical Resource Status Codes & Historic Resources Inventory Directory (November, 2004)
• California State Office of Historic Preservation: Instructions for Recording Historical Resources (March, 1995)

Methods Used in Archival Research

Archival research typically involves three steps: assembling existing information, assessing the reliability of the information, and synthesizing the information.

The first step in the research process was to identify existing information and historic resources already identified in order to avoid a duplication of effort.

The City of West Covina was consulted in order to gain leads on existing repositories of information. The West Covina Historical Society provided access to their records, which yielded primary and secondary sources. The City of Covina's Historical Society was also consulted. Newspaper articles and photographs were studied at both locations.

The second step was to assess the reliability of the information gathered and to identify gaps or biases in the data. Secondary data was used to gain a general picture of the area's history and as a starting point for locating primary sources. Efforts were made to substantiate all data from secondary sources.

The third step was to compile the archival research and information into a usable form. Sources were categorized into three categories: general histories, specific articles, and historic photographs.

Once the research steps were complete, the written history of West Covina in context statement form took shape. Further research was conducted during the survey process to complete the context statement.

Methods Used to Prepare the Historic Context Statement

A historic context statement was prepared to provide a basis for evaluating the significance of the city's historic resources according to National Register and California Register criteria. The context statement was written to describe and document significant periods of the city's history and cultural development, and significant types and architectural styles associated with those historical periods.

Methods Used in Field Survey

According to Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Identification "it is important that the selection of field survey techniques and level of effort be responsive to the management needs and preservation goals that direct the survey effort."⁷ The present management needs and preservation goals of the City of West Covina necessitated a highly focused survey designed to identify the City's most significant resources. Identification of these resources is designed to allow the City to act in a more proactive manner with respect to preservation.

The initial survey effort involved a windshield survey of West Covina with special attention paid to previously identified properties (approximately 300 houses identified by the City as being built before 1946). These properties were photographed and an abbreviated DPR 523 Primary Record was prepared for each property. This was essentially a once-over of the City's properties built before 1946. The information recorded for these properties included a photograph, address, architectural style, and approximate construction date.

The reconnaissance survey was conducted according to the guidelines provided by The Secretary of the Interior. As specified by The Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Identification, a reconnaissance survey should document several things: the kinds of properties looked for, the survey boundaries, survey methods, the kinds of historic properties represented in the area, specific properties identified, and places examined that contained resources.⁸

The kinds of properties looked for was determined by a list provided by the City of West Covina of approximately 300 buildings that pre-dated 1946. This list outlined the parameters of the survey. The boundaries for the survey were the legal City boundaries.

A "windshield survey" was conducted of the City that was based on the street addresses provided by the list of approximately 300 properties built before 1946. The goal of this type of survey is to gain a better understanding of the various areas streetscapes, architectural styles, building types, and land use development. "The basic purpose of the reconnaissance is not to gain detailed information on particular structures or sites, but to get a general picture of the distribution of different types and styles, and of the character of different neighborhoods."⁹

The kinds of historic properties represented within the city boundaries were primarily single-family homes, though for the purpose of this study churches and industrial/commercial buildings were also included.

Styles represented within the properties surveyed included, but are not limited to: Stick, Foursquare, Spanish Colonial Revival, Monterey (Revival), and Bungalow/Craftsman. These styles are further explained in the Historic Context Statement developed as part of this survey effort.

Properties that will require further study, and may be historic in status, are spread out throughout the City. Only one clear development pattern that would determine a potential historic district was found. This area is known as "Sunkist Village" and was developed by George Meeker as moderate-income housing in the early 1940s.

Historic Districts are made up of a grouping of historic resources that share certain characteristics, often a particular architectural style or period of development. The significance of each potential resource is based on whether or not it contributes to the significance of the group, rather than its individual importance. Maintaining Community Character: How to Establish a Local Historic District by Pratt Cassity provides further information about historic districts.

After this initial reconnaissance, the properties were evaluated to determine which ones were potential historic resources. The historic context statement developed earlier in the study helped guide this portion of the survey effort. Many of the properties among the 300 were altered significantly and were not given further attention.

The properties that appeared to have potential as individual landmark candidates (approximately 90 properties) received more specific attention and full DPR 523a Primary Record forms. These properties were also documented on DPR 523b Building, Structure, and Object Records in accordance with the State Office of Historic Preservation's Instructions for Recording Historic Resources. These forms contain information such as architectural description, building history, significance, and integrity.

Out of the 89 properties that were surveyed at an intensive level, 33 were separated out as the best examples and representatives of West Covina's built heritage. These properties are recommended for immediate protection.

Expectations about what will be learned:

Given an initial reconnaissance of the area and the development of a historic context identifying development patterns, it is expected that historic resources will be spread out throughout the city, rather than concentrated in specific areas.

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⁶ "Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Identification"

⁷ "Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Identification"

⁸ Derry, "Guidelines for Local Surveys: A Basis for Preservation Planning"

⁹ Derry, "Guidelines for Local Surveys: A Basis for Preservation Planning"

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