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Commission endorses Cowell House landmark nomination, extends period of significance to include Olive Cowell
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended landmark designation of the Cowell House at 171 San Marcos Avenue, amending the motion to extend the period of significance to 1984 and to include Olive Cowell as a significant person; the commission also encouraged the owner to pursue conservation easements.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend landmark designation of the Cowell House at 171 San Marcos Avenue, amending the department’s recommendation to extend the period of significance and to include Olive Cowell as a significant person.
Shannon Ferguson presented the department’s findings that Cowell House meets Article 10 criteria for significance — citing its association with composer Henry Cowell, its modern single‑family design and its status as a rare extant example by the Moro & Moro partnership. "The department believes the building meets the established eligibility requirements and landmark status is warranted," Ferguson said.
Commissioners discussed the period of significance and whether to encourage conservation easements for the interior as well as the exterior. Tim Frey advised that the commission could amend the resolution to include Olive Cowell and extend the period of significance to 1984 in the final designation packet to the Board of Supervisors; "it's totally within your authority to amend the resolution," Frey said.
The commission voted 5–0 to forward the amended recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, adding all of Cowell as a significant person, extending the period of significance, and encouraging the owner to pursue conservation easements and the Mills Act as appropriate.
