B. Ratcliff Building
Since the late 1920's, Public Works has regularly altered
this building without any real consideration of its historic value.
In fact, the city has never recognized the unique architectural elements
of any of the Yard's structures. Today, at least three quarters of the
original building is intact. Some of the details are simply covered
up by sheet rock and interior partitions. Most are still in place. The
last major capital project at the Yard in 1987 considered removing part
of this structure, but failed to follow through with those plans.
Currently, the City has not fully revealed its future
plans for the Yard or how the upgrade would affect the structure or
its character. This, in part, is due to the increased interest by residents
in the preservation of this neighborhood and city treasure.
C. Vehicle Maintenance Building
This structure is not endangered because it has already
lost much of its original structure and architectural distinction due
to several alterations. (Photo shows vehicle building during the 1933-34 capital improvement work.)
D. Quonset Hut
Linked to the many changes made at the Corporation Yard
in 1987, the Quonset hut was scheduled for removal. The building site
was to be cleared, and the area developed into twenty-two additional
parking spaces for employees. This mitigation was never completed, and
so the Quonset structure remained untouched. Now, fifteen years later,
staff has again raised questions regarding the fate of this storage
building. Future plans at the Corporation Yard will determine that.
E. Cedar Trees
Twenty-eight trees remain of an estimated five dozen.
The 1987 Corporation Yard capital project had scheduled a number of
the trees to be removed. Since that time, several trees along the bowling
green were cut down. Unfortunately, these trees are not recognized by
Public Works as a community resource. The latest city site map is missing
fourteen of the twenty-eight remaining trees. It is worth noting that
the Corporation Yard property contains a number of mature trees that
deserve protection, including redwoods and oaks.