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Council designates Boyd Residence and City Hall as landmarks; approves Hawthorne House modification
Summary
Riverside City Council unanimously approved three historic preservation items July 15: landmark designation for the Boyd Residence, removal of an associated eucalyptus tree from the Hawthorne House designation (CBU request), and landmark designation for Riverside City Hall (exterior-focused).
The City Council approved multiple historic preservation actions on July 15, recognizing local architectural significance and modifying an existing landmark designation.
Staff recommended and the council unanimously approved landmark designation for the Boyd Residence (4649 9th Street), noting its late Hollywood Regency style, design by Charles Machin and construction by builder Harry Marsh. Planning staff said the residence is associated with Philip and Dorothy Boyd and meets multiple designation criteria.
Separately, California Baptist University requested a modification to the Hawthorne House landmark to remove an associated eucalyptus tree. Staff presented a 2024 risk assessment and a cultural resources analysis finding the tree had significant internal decay and had lost aspects of historic integrity due to site changes; staff recommended, and council unanimously approved, removing the tree as a contributing feature.
Lastly, council considered a designation for Riverside City Hall at 3900 Main Street. Staff highlighted the mid-century design and the role of architects Runau Evans & Steinman (noting Eugen Kurt Steinman's contribution); a public speaker supported designation. Council members clarified that exterior designation would not restrict routine interior office changes and that earthquake retrofit and security upgrades are permissible under preservation standards; the council unanimously adopted the exterior landmark designation.
The actions included CEQA exemptions where applicable and associated rezoning or overlay approvals for the Boyd Residence.
