CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL RESOURCES INVENTORY DATABASE
City of Pasadena
 
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Resource Summary
901 S San Rafael Ave
DPR523B - Bldg, Struct & Object [print]
State of California - The Resource Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
BUILDING, STRUCTURE & OBJECT RECORD
Primary #:  
HRI #:  
*NRHP Status Code: 5S1 
*Resource Name or #: Kencott  Survey Title:  
 
B1.
Historic Name: Kencott 
B2.
Common Name: Kencott 
B3.
Original Use: Single Family Residence 
B4.  Present Use: Single Family Residence 
*B5a.
Primary Architectural Style: Tudor 
B5b.
Secondary Architectural Style:  
*B6.
Construction History: Date Built: 1928 
Several changes to the interior layout of the house have occurred over time, the earliest being in 1929, soon after the house was built. A conversion of the attic space in 1972 resulted in a new window opening, which is compatible with the house. Because interior features are not considered in the review of historic designation or of alterations to designated historic properties, the interior changes are not significant. There are no records of additions, with the exception of the 1940 garage addition mentioned above. A swimming pool was added in 1956. When purchased by the current owners, much of the original stone terracing and pathways in the garden were buried and extensive rehabilitation work was done to expose and rebuild these features. Some compatible additions of pathways and railings were also made at that time. Historical photographs from Reynolds’ autobiography and a published article in Architectural Digest were used to guide this work.
*B7.
Moved?: Yes No  Unknown Date:    Original Location:   
*B8.
Related Features:
*B9a.
Architect: David A. Ogilvie/Katherine Bashford (landscape arch.) 
b. Builder: Peter Hall 
*B10.
Significance: Theme:   Area: Regional 
Period of Significance: 1928  Property Type: Single Family Residence 
Applicable Criteria:
National Register Criteria: California Register: Local Register:  
Context:   Other:  
The property at 901 S. San Rafael Avenue is regionally significant as an exceptional example of Tudor Revival residential architecture and design and as an important representation of the synthesis of the work of architect David A. Ogilvie, builder Peter Hall and landscape architect Katherine Bashford. The house was informed by the European travels and/or upbringing of the owner, architect and landscape architect and the craft of the builder. The synergy of their experience and talent resulted in a property that clearly expresses the intended design of an English country estate.

The application, prepared by Historic Preservation Partners, also cites the use of 1920’s-era Heinz Slab Shingle Roof material as a contributing factor to the eligibility of the house for designation as a historic monument. The application states:

This roof, in the context of Kencott manor, is significant to the region because it is an excellent intact representation of a material that was highly utilized in the region during the building’s period of construction, but that has since faded. While many of Ogilvie’s buildings in the region survive, Kencott is the only one found thus far that still has the slab clay tile roof intact. The property presents a chance for scholars and historians to experience the original intent and authentic material application of a roof-type that was popular during the historic period.

The property is largely intact and exhibits all of the character-defining features of its style and subtype, as described on page 3 of this report. It has architectural integrity (its ability to demonstrate why it is significant) through its location, design, setting, materials, workmanship and feeling, as follows:

• Location: The building is in its original location.
• Design: The building retains its form, plan, space, structure, and style, as described above.
• Setting: The immediate setting of the property has changed minimally since its original construction. As is expected, plant materials have changed in the garden and newer features, such as a swimming pool, have been added; however, the essential form and design of the garden continues to represent its original character as a Country Place Era garden of the Garden and Estate type. Surrounding properties have been subdivided and developed; however, this has not adversely affected the setting of the property.
• Materials: The building retains all of the original materials used in its construction.
• Workmanship: The building demonstrates the defining characteristics of a distinct architectural movement and the craft of the architectural, construction and landscape practitioners, David A. Ogilvie, Peter Hall and Katherine Bashford.
• Feeling: The property clearly expresses the characteristics of Tudor architecture and the Country Place Era garden, as detailed above.

Integrity of association does not apply to the house because it is not associated with a significant event or the life of a significant person. Based on the above, the property retains sufficient integrity to qualify for designation as a historic monument under criterion C.

Contributing structures to this designation include the main house and garage/guest house, accessory structures and garden features including retaining walls, paths, steps, statuary, fountains, mature trees and configuration of plantings.
 
B11.
Additional Resource Attributes: HP02, HP29 
*B12.
References:
 
B13.
Remarks:
 
*B14.
Evaluator: Kevin Johnson 
Date of Evaluation: 09/19/2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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