Hawthorns Interim Structure Stabilization, Debris Removal, and Re-roof Project

Hawthorns Interim Structure Stabilization, Debris Removal, and Re-roof Project

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) proposes maintenance and repairs at the Hawthorns Historic Complex in the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, including replacing the roofs of the Hawthorn House , Garage, and Cottage due deteriorating conditions that are allowing moisture to enter the buildings and degrade the structures. Replacement of the roofs would include removal of existing roof materials, repair of sheathing and rafters, installation of new plywood sheathing, and reroofing with new asphalt shingles over new roof membranes. Additionally, the District proposes interim structure stabilization measures at the Hawthorns Historic Complex. The interim stabilization measures would mitigate structural degradation over the next five to ten years for structures including the Main House, Cottage, and Garage, as well as four secondary structures/sheds as identified in Attachment 1 (Project Scope of Work Map). Stabilization measures would include installing shoring for foundations and other structural supports, selective removal of deteriorating stairs, and extensions such as the shade structure on the north elevation of the Upper Barn to mitigate hazards. The District also proposes to remove debris of secondary structures that no longer retain historical integrity, where the structures have deteriorated to the point where the original form is no longer discernable. The proposed debris removal of secondary structures includes the Shetland Sheds, Dog Sheds, Carriage Shed, Pump House, Coachman’s Quarters, and Horse Shed 2 (see Attachment 1). The removal and cleanup of these structures would meet District Board of Directors-approved objectives to remove physical hazards to public safety, reduce wildland fire risk, and improve the natural visual character and scenic open space qualities at the site. Historic Resources: A Historic Structures Assessment for the Hawthorns area of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve was prepared by Knapp Architects in 2013, and concluded Hawthorns appears eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district under Criterion A (broad patterns of history) at the local level with importance in the areas of agriculture, architecture, and social history. The assessment stated that “the contributors to the historic district include the features, structures and buildings that are located in and around the main house or Hawthorns House”, including the Hawthorns House, the Garage, the Lower Barn, and the Cottage. The proposed reroof and stabilization work for the structures as described in the project description will be carried out in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the treatment of historic properties, ensuring the preservation of the structures' historical integrity and overall character of the historic district. Knapp Architects prepared an additional evaluation in 2024, which concluded that “the Shetland Sheds, Dog Sheds, Carriage Shed, Pump House, and Coachman’s Quarters are in poor condition and collapsed. In their current state, the remaining portions are a scattered array of construction materials with no sense of their original architectural configuration or use. As such, these particular ancillary buildings no longer retain integrity to contribute to the property’s historic significance.”

Portola Valley

San Mateo

San Francisco Bay Area

San Mateo