Annual Report 2002
Historic Preservation
Working to Retain Resources Along
Cannery Row
Plans for State Theater on the Table
Everywhere we look in Monterey, there are remnants of other times and other lives. History is part of our daily routine. We do business and work in historic buildings and stroll along century-old walkways. Recalling and enhancing our history and preserving our region’s past continue to be priorities at the City.
Working to Retain Resources Along
Cannery Row
The City has worked with
property owners and community members during the last two years to
identify potential historic buildings and sites in Cannery Row. This
process led to a proposal to establish four historic districts. These
small districts were designed to encompass historic resources relevant to
Cannery Row’s past that exist in four separate locations along the Row.
For example, the Cannery Row Literary Historic
District
was proposed to include those elements relating to Monterey’s fishing heyday that happened to also be chronicled most
frequently in John Steinbeck’s novels, including Ed Ricketts’ Lab and
the Cannery Row Workers’ Shacks.
Design guidelines would address non-district buildings and be used to create a harmonious distinct neighborhood.
The City will also consider a community proposal for creation of a single Historic Conservation District that would cover all of Cannery Row. A conservation district focuses mainly on design,
but would have stringent guidelines for historic resources. This year, the City will set up a process for establishing the Cannery Row districts, review the options for preservation efforts and
develop districts that meet those guidelines. Look for opportunities to participate
in the public review process.
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Plans for State Theater on the Table
Performing arts theaters can serve many purposes: a social and cultural venue for the arts and music; an annex for convention and meeting space; or even an economic
stimulus for downtown business districts. With this vision in mind, the City is researching the viability of using the
historic State Theater as an extension of the Monterey Conference Center. By renovating the State Theater, the
community could have more meeting space to bring in groups that cannot currently be accommodated due to the shortage of
meeting space in the area. In addition, an important historic resource would be
preserved and retained. A renovated State Theater would hold about 1,200 people and could also serve as a first-class performing arts center for evening events.
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