Project gathers Scottsdale photos of past for exhibit

[Source: Julie Janovsky, Tribune] -- JoAnn Handley remembers a time when the area now known as Scottsdale Fashion Square was nothing more than dirt roads and rodeo shows. "I could not have imagined 50 years ago Scottsdale could look like this," said Handley, 77, a lifelong resident and manager of the Scottsdale Historical Museum. A new exhibit being planned for this spring at Scottsdale's Civic Center Library will soon give visitors and locals alike a chance to take a deeper glimpse into the city's past. The proposed exhibit will be one of the end results of a new historical archiving project sponsored by the Scottsdale Public Library system that will entail digitizing vintage photos from the collections of the Scottsdale Historical Museum, the Scottsdale Jaycees and the Scottsdale Charros. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Scottsdale Road makeover envisioned in plan

[Source: Brian Powell, Tribune] -- Scottsdale’s signature street should undergo a makeover through downtown with a greater emphasis on pedestrians and bikers, according to the vision of the long-awaited downtown plan released this week. The draft plan gives examples of a future Scottsdale Road with wider sidewalks, trees and landscaping, and then goes a step further with a vision of a strolling covered walkway with columns and cafes. The report states that the primary function of Scottsdale Road should be “downtown-serving” and that there was consensus to make it a more pedestrian-friendly street. But to what extent — and cost — is still to be determined. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Scottsdale's Kerr Center gains historic status

[Source: Julie Janovsky, Tribune] -- The Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale will finally take its place on Scottsdale’s historic register. After months of negotiations between Arizona State University and the city, the Scottsdale City Council Tuesday night unanimously approved to accept a historic conservation easement that will protect the exterior of the center's two adobe buildings and less than one-third of the property's 1.65 acres, for the next 50 years.

Advocates for the nearly 50-year-old cultural center at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road - which philanthropist Louise Lincoln Kerr willed to ASU upon her death in 1977 - said the easement was a step in the right direction, but could be stronger. Submitting a petition bearing nearly 1,000 signatures supporting the conservation easement to the council, Patricia Myers, co-chairwoman of the Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center group, told council members she feels ASU could do more. "We support the City Council's vote in favor of the conservation easement. But we would like to see future discussions that would add the entire acreage willed to ASU and its specific usage as a cultural center," said Myers.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Tribune.]

Scottsdale's Kerr Center easement urged

[Source: Lesley Wright, Arizona Republic] -- The Scottsdale Historical Preservation Commission plans to tell the City Council that a conservation easement is the best preservation the Kerr Cultural Center can expect to get. Commission Chairman George Hartz said he wants to describe the hundreds of letters and hours of emotional testimony that led the commission unanimously to recommend the city accept the easement from Arizona State University.

The Kerr Cultural Center at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road consists of the home and studio-performance hall of composer and philanthropist Louise Lincoln Kerr, who donated the site to ASU in 1977. Scottsdale had discussed putting historic zoning over the site, but ASU said the city has no authority to zone state-owned land. The university suggested that the conservation easement would reach the same goals. Hundreds of musicians and residents have pleaded with the commission and the university to protect the adjacent parking lot so the center can continue to be viable as a performance hall.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Ralph Freso, Tribune.]

Kerr easement proposal to go before Scottsdale City Council, June 17

[Source: Patricia Myers, Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center] -- The Kerr Cultural Center conservation easement will be voted on by the Scottsdale City Council at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, at Scottsdale City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. (south of Indian School Road between Scottsdale Road and Miller Road). This agreement between the City and Arizona State University (via the Arizona Board of Regents) will protect the two adobe buildings and surrounding landscape, Resolution 7615 on the Consent Agenda, which predicts its passage. A Scottsdale Historic Preservation commissioner will speak in favor, as will Patricia Myers, representing nearly 1,000 signers of our support letter.

If you wish to attend, fill out a Comment Card (for Request to Speak, or use the card to log your support). That will demonstrate ongoing support, as at the three previous Historic Preservation Commission meetings, where more than 150 supporters attended and nearly 50 spoke. CCKCC also suggests going to http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/, click on City Council agenda. It's easy to submit a comment of support for Item 23 (unless the Item numbers have changed), which is forwarded to mayor and council members.

The Kerr Conservation Easement protects the two adobe buildings and 0.459 acres on which they sit. It does not include the parking lot, interior aspects or usage, despite those elements specifically advocated by HP Commissioners at previous public hearings. The HP Commission had asked that negotiations between the city and ASU include all aspects of the Kerr center's physical state and function as a cultural venue, the stated intention when Louise Lincoln Kerr willed the two buildings and 1.65 acres to ASU in 1977. Despite the city's request, ASU would not agree to the inclusion of the entire 1.65-acre property. CCKCC continues to emphasize that the value of the Kerr Center to the community lies in its function as a cultural venue, not just two old adobe buildings that will be nice to look at.

At the Council meeting, CCKCC will acknowledge the importance of the easement to protect the two buildings from destruction, but also express disappointment that the easement does not honor Mrs. Kerr's stated intention in her will, since it does not specify the usage and essential parking lot.

Scottsdale's Kerr center moves closer to historic status

[Source: Julie Janovsky, East Valley Tribune] -- After months of negotiations between representatives of Arizona State University and the city, Scottsdale’s Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Thursday evening to accept a historic conservation easement that would protect the exterior of the center’s two adobe buildings and less than one-third of the property’s 1.65 acres, for the next 50 years.

Advocates for Kerr Cultural Center and several members of Louise Lincoln Kerr’s family reluctantly accepted the proposed easement and expressed disappointment, saying they felt ASU, the property owner, didn’t go far enough in ensuring protection of the cultural facility because it did not include the center’s interior structures and parking lot as protected areas. Patricia Myers, co-chairwoman of the Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center advocacy group, said she’s worried the omission of those items could mean the center at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road could one day be in jeopardy. The center, which Kerr willed to ASU upon her death in 1977, has been hosting concerts and cultural events for nearly 50 years.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Ralph Freso, East Valley Tribune.]

Easement suggested to protect Scottsdale's Kerr Center

[Source: Lesley Wright, Arizona Republic] -- After hours of debate, Scottsdale Historical Preservation Commissioners said that an Arizona State University conservation easement was the best protection they could get for the Kerr Cultural Center. Commissioners agreed 6-0 Thursday to recommend that the City Council accept the easement so the 50-year-old performance center can receive some protection and be nominated for state and federal historic registers.

The center at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road consists of the home and studio-performance hall of composer and philanthropist Louise Lincoln Kerr, who donated the site to ASU in 1977. Scottsdale discussed historic zoning for the site, but ASU said the city has no authority to zone state-owned land. The university proposed the conservation easement to reach the same goals. Hundreds of musicians and residents have pleaded with the commission and the university to protect the adjacent parking lot so the center can continue with performances.

ASU officials said the parking lot is not a historic site, but that the terms of the will govern the continued use of the center. Commissioner Nancy Dallett said the city had done its best. "We've done everything in our power to get the best conservation easement we can," Dallett said. "I think this easement is very strong." Commissioner Ed Wimmer said residents would have to keep the university's feet to the fire. "The community here this evening needs to be vigilant because this commission has very limited scope," he said. "You as voters have bigger scope. The state Legislature is your leverage." The City Council is expected to approve the recommended conservation easement at an upcoming meeting.

Panel delays vote on future of Scottsdale's Kerr Cultural Center

[Source: Lesley Wright, Arizona Republic] -- Scottsdale's Historic Preservation Commission has postponed a key vote on the future of the Kerr Cultural Center. Hundreds of advocates were expected to converge on the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Thursday for a meeting on a proposed "conservation easement." Arizona State University, which was deeded the historic performance hall in 1977, had proposed the easement in place of historic zoning. The commission delayed the vote last month, saying the easement did not protect enough of the property. Scottsdale officials said the city and ASU still are negotiating terms. The next meeting of the commission is May 8 at an as-yet undetermined time and place.

Fight to protect Scottsdale's Kerr Cultural Center continues

[Source: Kathy Howard, Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center] -- The next important meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10, when the Scottsdale Historic Preservation Commission meets. The location will likely be One Civic Center, 7447 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale (the site of previous meetings). Please plan to attend, fill out a comment card, and speak if you'd like.

Last Thursday's Historic Preservation Commission meeting focused on the "final draft conservation easement" agreement proposed between the city of Scottsdale and Kerr's owner, ASU. The draft would protect only the two historic buildings and immediate grounds. More than 70 supporters attended the 90-minute discussion; more than 20 spoke fervently in favor, including musicians, Kerr and Lincoln family members, community leaders, and preservation advocates. The speakers repeatedly asked that three provisions be added to the agreement: the adjacent parking lot, KCC's continued use as a performance venue, and preservation of the interior. Many speakers echoed the powerful mantra that "ASU should do the right thing." Because citizens rarely attend these meetings, the Commission saw vividly that Kerr supporters are serious about preserving the Kerr Cultural Center under the terms and conditions Louise Lincoln Kerr spelled out in her will.

The Commissioners discussed and agreed not to vote approval of the “final draft." Instead, the Commission instructed city staff to further negotiate the easement to add usage, parking lot, and interior protection. (Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center asked for these elements in February, but city staff added only the Rose Lane/private drive access and 50-year coverage.)

The morning after the meeting, major reportage was printed in the Arizona Republic (daily Valley section, not just Scottsdale zone) and East Valley Tribune. You may view the articles at http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/0314sr-kerr0315-ON.html and http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/111308

Historical panel says Scottsdale's Kerr easement plan needs more work

[Source: Lesley Wright, Arizona Republic] -- Scottsdale's Historic Preservation Commission said this week that Arizona State University would have to do a better job on a conservation easement for the Kerr Cultural Center. After listening to artists and residents blast the reputation of ASU for historical conservation, the commissioners delayed a vote for the easement Thursday and sent it back to the negotiating table. "The more we can get into this document the better," said Commissioner Rob Viergutz.

The commission began talks with ASU in January, after the university said the city couldn't legally impose historic zoning on state property. But a score of artists and residents from around the Valley argued that ASU could not be trusted to allow the 50-year-old center to continue its role as an arts venue. That was the intent of composer and arts patron Louise Lincoln Kerr, who bequeathed the site to ASU in 1977, her descendents argued. "It was her wish that this continue in perpetuity," said Dorothy Lincoln Smith, who spoke to her sister-in-law just before her death.

Arizona State Historian Marshall Trimble said that ASU has been making it difficult for artists to perform there. "I think it's very clear that ASU is trying to terminate what Louise Lincoln Kerr intended when she donated it," Trimble said. "It's not the ASU I used to know." Paul Berumen, ASU's director of local government affairs, said the proposed easement would guarantee the buildings and that the university has no plans to alter the site at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road. "This easement gets us to the point where we are able to work as partners to protect the site," Berumen said.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Arizona Republic.]

Next step in helping to preserve Scottsdale's Kerr Cultural Center

The next important meeting to put on your calendars will be 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at One Civic Center, 7447 E. Indian School Road, when the Scottsdale Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled to vote on a conservation easement. Patricia Myers, Chair, and Kathy Howard, Co-chair, of the Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center (CCKCC) hope that a large number of Kerr supporters attend to sign comment cards and speak in favor. The proposal will then go to City Council, date to be determined.

Positive progress is being made to preserve the two historic adobe buildings of the Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale. Although the one-year-old grassroots organization, CCKCC has aggressively pursued Historic Preservation Overlay Zoning from the City of Scottsdale, another designation was proposed and appears to be stronger for protection. It is called a Conservation Easement. In contrast, historic overlay zoning would have had no strength because a state entity has sovereignty that a city cannot usurp.

Meetings to discuss the conservation easement provisions have been held between the city and representatives of Arizona State University, which owns and operates the cultural center. At the Feb. 14 meeting of the Scottsdale Historic Preservation Commission, 11 specific provisions were discussed. The key point has the easement running with the property and will apply to future owners. That means if the Kerr were sold by ASU, the buildings could not be destroyed. However, the easement does not cover the function of the Kerr as a cultural center.

At the February 14 meeting, we asked for more precise provisions: include the usage, include the parking lot, designate length of time of easement coverage and provide for roadway accessibility. These are being presented in a future meeting between the city and ASU.

FYI, a rezoning sign on the property immediately adjacent to the Kerr last year prompted the organizing of CCKCC. The organization now has 500+ signatures in support of the Kerr remaining as a functioning arts center. That rezoning issue (immediately north for condos and an enlarged conference center) is in limbo because the city of Scottsdale asked for changes to the plans, which have not been made. But the rezoning request has not been withdrawn.

Also, ASU restored the adobe exterior and the doors last fall, but no funds were available for interior improvements, hence a benefit event at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 24, with musicians and staff working without pay. Funds from the performance and a silent auction will go toward interior enhancements. There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres and dessert, coffee and tea, with wine and beer for purchase. Tickets are $65 reserved, $50 general admission. If you are interested in attending this concert of classical, Renaissance, and jazz (Gershwin), call the Kerr at 480-596-2660.

"Progress & Preservation" theme for April 5-6 Modern Phoenix expo/home tour

[Source: Modern Phoenix] -- Join Modern Phoenix for a home tour and expo devoted to helping Phoenicians reshape and riff off the historic Modern lifestyle. Co-hosted by The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the event is devoted exclusively to highlighting postwar achitecture, design, landscape and interiors as they inevitably collide with today's lifestlye and needs. The Progress + Preservation event spotlights the urgent need to practice mid-century modern design preservation while also honoring the independent spirits that create contemporary design in Phoenix. This weekend event will juxtapose local attitudes and approaches toward both Midcentury Modern and Contemporary architecture and design. We'll take the dialogue between past and present to the next level by bringing together a dynamic mix of creative personalities in a variety of stimulating venues.

Saturday April 5, from 11:30 - 4:30, is a free public expo featuring products and services related to modernism and modern contemporary design including: fine art, mid-century modern furniture, real estate, green design, interior design, custom contemporary furniture, design preservation and design education. At 4 the keynote speaker Frank Henry, Adjunct Professor, Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture at Taliesin West, presents "The Iconic Age of Modern Phoenix." Click here for a full itinerary and prices for Saturday's seminars.

Sunday April 6, between 2 and 6 p.m., 10 to 15 homes designed by Charles Schreiber for Allied Builders and surrounding neighborhoods will be open for a self-guided park-and-walk tour. These tract ranch homes feature similar floorplans but several modifications over the years. Low-pitched rooflines, covered carports, cheerful porch posts and block fenestration are all qualities Schreiber's Allied Modern Elevations share. Tickets are $25 and can be ordered by phone at 480-994-2787. For more information, click here.

Status report on efforts to preserve Scottsdale's Kerr Cultural Center

[Source: Patricia Myers, CCKCC chair; Kathy Howard, CCKCC co-chair] -- A total of 42 friends of Kerr Cultural Center submitted comment cards favoring preservation at the Jan. 10 meeting of the Scottsdale Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Of those, 21 spoke in favor of the proposal. No one was opposed. ASU's representative asked for a continuance to propose an alternative to historic preservation overlay rezoning, called a preservation easement. Research reveals that this designation might be stronger than the usual HP rezoning. We are optimistic that a properly written document could ensure Kerr continuing as the arts and cultural venue that Louise Lincoln Kerr envisioned when she willed it to ASU in 1977.

The HPC instructed city staff to meet with ASU representatives and work out a satisfactory agreement within 60 days. If this is accomplished, there will be a progress report to HPC next month, with the final report and vote at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, when we will again need support. If the vote is in favor, the issue will go the Scottsdale Planning Commission, then to the Scottsdale City Council in late spring, where we again will need attendance support of 100 or more.

We are appreciative of support for our grassroots organization, Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center (CCKCC), particularly from the more than 250 people who signed our petition on behalf of the preservation of this remarkable jewel in the desert. We continue to collect signatures, so if you wish to support the cause, click here to download, complete, and send in the petition.

CCKCC was formed out of concern about increasing development and a rezoning request in the immediate area of the Kerr center. We began meeting in February 2007 as an advocacy group for supporting and preserving the unique identity and original purpose of this remarkable and historic adobe arts center -- a facility without peer or parallel. Louise Lincoln Kerr, daughter of John C. Lincoln, was a gifted musician and arts advocate who built the adobe performance studio in 1959, nearly 50 years ago. Her will specifically expressed her fervent wish for the center to continue in its original purpose. The Kerr is renowned as a unique cultural venue, attracting people from throughout the Valley and across Arizona, the Southwest, and West Coast. Those who attend come from as far as Sun City West, Fountain Hills, Sun Lakes, Chandler, Carefree, Flagstaff, Prescott, and Tucson.

CCKCC will continue to monitor the progress of the discussions for preservation easement, and keep you in the loop as elements develop.

Scottsdale postpones decision on Kerr Cultural Center

[Source: Lesley Wright, Arizona Republic] -- Scottsdale's Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday reluctantly gave in to Arizona State University's request to postpone designating the Kerr Cultural Center as an historic property. On her death in 1977, composer and arts patron Louise Lincoln Kerr bequeathed her home and performance hall at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road to the university so famed concerts and programs could continue there.

ASU had asked that the proposal be withdrawn, but came up with a compromise at the 11th hour. If the city withheld an historic zoning overlay, the university would draw up an easement, a legal document that preservation experts said would give the buildings greater protection.

The commission voted 6-0 to continue the item until March 13. "It seems to me we have to be practical and operate in the real world," said Commissioner George Hartz.

It was a disappointment to the crowd of about 40 musicians, professors, and arts lovers. No one who spoke displayed much trust for the ultimate goals of the university, especially after Commissioner Chair Ed Wimmer read part of a letter from ASU's real estate division complaining about the cost of maintaining the adobe buildings in the desert environment.

"Apparently, the new American university does not care much about the old," said Jim McPherson, former president of the Arizona Preservation Foundation, which placed the Kerr Center on the state's Most Endangered Historic Places list last year.

The adobe bricks, handcrafted by Mexican artisans in 1948 and 1959, are a significant part of what makes the Kerr buildings of such iconic significance, preservationists said. Debbie Abele, the city's historic preservation officer, said that the one-story, five-room house and the studio were stunning examples of Spanish Colonial revival -- the signature style of the Southwest.

[Note: Related article in East Valley Tribune: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/106375]

Supporters of Scottsdale’s Kerr Cultural Center ask for your help on Jan. 10

[Source: Arizona Preservation Foundation "Action Alert!"] -- The Kerr Cultural Center (KCC), a cultural icon for Scottsdale performance arts for nearly 50 years, is a Valley historic treasure -- a valuable vestige of the John C. Lincoln family, and a fitting remembrance of Louise Lincoln Kerr, one of Arizona's brightest composing and performing lights. KCC has been a performance venue for lectures and musical performances from the likes of Barry Goldwater to Pablo Casals. Today, it continues to serve the community with a variety of cultural events. It is listed on the APF’s 2007 Most Endangered Historic Places List.

Now you -- people who care about Arizona's cultural heritage -- are needed to attend a meeting Thursday, January 10, at 5:30 p.m. when the Scottsdale Historic Preservation will vote on whether to designate KCC. ASU representatives will be present, and a huge turnout is needed to show them and the Commission that there is major community support for KCC historic designation.

A grassroots committee -- Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center (CCKCC) -- continues to be proactive on behalf of this longtime (since 1959) and unique cultural venue in Scottsdale. Increased nearby development (e.g., Borgata makeover) and a rezoning request last March for the adjacent property north of the Kerr prompted citizens to take action. Their goal is to focus attention on this irreplaceable property, bequeathed by Louise Lincoln Kerr to ASU to be used as a public performance resource.

Last June, CCKCC requested historic preservation designation for KCC via the Scottsdale Historic Preservation Commission. They are now in the second phase: presentation to the Commission. Next will be consideration by the Scottsdale Planning Commission. Final action will require a vote by the Scottsdale City Council (likely in Feb. or March).

Historic overlay increases the visibility of the value of the property to the entire community, not just the owners. The 1977 will of Louise Lincoln Kerr clearly spelled out her wishes that the KCC continue to be a venue for Valley performance arts. It was with this understanding that she bequeathed the property to ASU. At this time, ASU has issued no official response, pro or con, regarding the preservation move. But CCKCC has heard that some ASU administrators oppose historic designation for KCC.

What you can do

CCKCC presents its case for the KCC historic preservation overlay at a very important meeting, and it needs many people there to show support. APF members and friends are encouraged to attend (and forward this information to others who care about Scottsdale's heritage; just click on the envelope symbol at the bottom of this entry).

• When: Thursday, January 10, 2008, 5:30 p.m.
• Where: One Civic Center, 7447 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, First Floor Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3

For more information about this issue, contact Patricia Myers, CCKCC Chair, c/o P.O. Box 4201, Scottsdale, AZ 85261-4201. For more information about historic preservation in Scottsdale, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/historiczoning.asp.

Supporters of Scottsdale's Kerr Cultural Center plan events

The "Care for Kerr" Benefit Concert will be presented on Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Kerr Cultural Center, starting with a 2 p.m. silent auction and music at 3 p.m. The Joseph Wytko Saxophone Quartet and musical guests are donating their time and talent for this event. The quartet will perform a diverse program: a Renaissance piece, a lighter original work, a dramatic "anchor" selection, a multi-movement piece, Scott Joplin composition, jazz (Gershwin or Porter), and an impressive closing work. The group has performed at the White House, with Phoenix Symphony Pops Orchestra, and festivals in Mexico and Newport, OR.

ASU recently restored the adobe walls and wooden doors this past year, so proceeds from the concert will go for interior refurbishment and enrichment. Cost: $65 reserved, $50 general, call 380-596-2660. In addition to raising emhancement funds for the Kerr, this benefit concert will be a clear message to development-friendly Scottsdale and owner ASU that the Kerr Cultural Center is important to the community.

Background

In March 2007 a grassroots committee was organized on behalf of the ASU Kerr Cultural Center. The committee's concern started when a rezoning sign for condos and commercial use was placed on the property immediately adjacent to this exceptional adobe structure. CCKCC (Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center launched a petition campaign aimed at gaining historic preservation status for this jewel in the desert. The legal process started in June, and the issue will be voted on in February or March by the Scottsdale City Council. The nearly 50-year-old cultural venue also was added to the Arizona Preservation Foundation's Most Endangered Historic Places list, and key constituencies, including state legislators, were informed.

Efforts toward historic preservation overlay is intended to gain new visibility and support for the Kerr so it's not as easy for preservation-unfriendly developers to infringe on or acquire the property.

What you can do

Support for the Kerr preservation can be expressed by phoning Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross and members Scottsdale City Council at 480-312-2550, or e-mailing them at citycouncil@scottsdaleaz.gov. You do not have to be a Scottsdale resident or a registered voter to express your opinion.