1413 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica Historic Resource Assessment HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP

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1 To: Steve Mizokami 1 Senior Planner, City of Santa Monica From: Christine Lazzaretto; Molly Iker-Johnson Date: January 30, 2018; Revised May 2, 2018 RE: 1413 Michigan Avenue Executive Summary We have evaluated the residence/social hall located at 1413 Michigan Avenue in the City of Santa Monica, California, for eligibility for local designation under the City of Santa Monica s Landmarks and Historic Districts Ordinance. This report concludes that the social hall portion of the former Santa Monica Nikkei Hall at 1413 Michigan Avenue is eligible for listing as a City of Santa Monica Landmark under Criterion 1 for its historic association with Santa Monica s Japanese community. As the community center for Santa Monica s Japanese community established upon resettlement after World War II, the building is of noteworthy interest to the community, and symbolizes elements of the cultural and social history of the City. The period of significance is from 1957, when the building was constructed, through 1969, when the building was expanded to its current footprint to meet the needs of the growing Japanese American community. The residential portion at the rear of the building is not of noteworthy interest to the community, as it did not serve the specific community function of the Nikkei Hall; therefore, this portion of the building is not character-defining and does not convey historic significance associated with Santa Monica s Japanese American community. These conclusions are based on a review of the relevant historic contexts, and an analysis of the eligibility criteria and integrity thresholds for local designation.

2 The property owner submitted an independent assessment report to the City on April 23, That report concludes that the portion of the building historically used as a social hall is considered character-defining and appears eligible for designation as a City Landmark. 2 The report finds that the period of significance begins with the construction of the building in 1957, and ends in 1979 when use of the building had decreased substantially. The report concludes that the apartment unit located to the rear of the building behind the social hall does not contribute to the property s cultural significance , California, prepared for Harding Larmore Kutcher & Kozal, LLP, by Kathryn McGee, April 2018, enclosed with correspondence from Kenneth L. Kutcher to Steve Mizokami, Senior Planner, City of Santa Monica, and Stephanie Reich, Design & Historic Preservation Planner, City of Santa Monica, April 5, McGee,, California, McGee,, California, 19.

3 INTRODUCTION The one-story Santa Monica Nikkei Hall at 1413 Michigan Avenue was designed in 1957 by Y. Tom Makino and constructed by the Nikei Kai. 4 It served for approximately 60 years as the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall (Nikkei Jin Kai). 3 Research included review of building permits; historic newspaper articles in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Sentinel, and Santa Monica Evening Outlook; Sanborn Fire Insurance maps from 1909, 1950, and 1957; an interview with Jimmy Fukuhara, one of the original owners of the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall and a founding member of the Nikkei Jin Kai; historic photographs housed at the Santa Monica History Museum; Santa Monica City Directories; and a master s thesis on the history of Santa Monica s Japanese American population. A site visit was conducted on January 19, Mention of the building was not found in historic newspapers, nor was it recorded in Sanborn Fire Insurance maps or City Directories. However, historic photographs, building permits, and the master s thesis confirm the property s historic association with the Japanese American community. HISTORIC CONTEXT 5 Santa Monica s Nikkei 6 population enjoyed a higher level of integration and experienced less racial intolerance than other minorities in Santa Monica prior to World War II. 7 Unlike other minorities, Santa Monica s Nikkei population was not relegated to the Pico neighborhood, but rather lived throughout the center part of the city and in Ocean Park and attended Santa Monica schools. 8 As a result of their integration into Santa Monica schools, Nikkei children lacked instruction in Japanese language and culture. Santa Monica Nikkei pioneer Katsuzo Matsumura began the first Japanese language school (gakuen) in his living room in 1924, with eight students. As more children began to attend the Gakuen, a larger, central school was constructed ( th Street; demolished). Though primarily utilized as a Japanese language school, the Gauken also served as the nucleus of Santa Monica s prewar Nikkei community. It brought families together with traditional cultural events (i.e. Obon festival), picnics, parties, plays, reading and writing 4 City of Santa Monica building permit B21996, June 24, Some information in this context was derived from Architectural Resources Group and Historic Resources Group, Draft Historic Resources Inventory Update: Historic Context Statement, prepared for the City of Santa Monica, revised June 12, The term Nikkei broadly refers to Japanese emigrants who reside in a foreign country. The first generation of Japanese immigrants are called Issei, and their children, considered second generation immigrants are called Nisei. 7 Dana Lyn Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement: Japanese Americans In (and Out of) Santa Monica, California, (Master s thesis, California State University, Fullerton, 2001), 60; Paula A. Scott, Santa Monica: A History on the Edge (San Francisco: Arcadia Publishing Co., 2004), Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, 41, 44.

4 contests, and other social events. 9 The Gakuen operated until the beginning of World War II With the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, American society suddenly perceived the Nikkei as enemies. Executive Order 9066, issued on February 19, 1942, officially ordered the incarceration of those of Japanese ancestry living on the west coast. 11 Japanese incarceration during World War II effectively eliminated Santa Monica s Japanese community. Many of Santa Monica s Nikkei were sent to the Manzanar camp in the Owens Valley, while some opted to voluntarily relocate to avoid incarceration. 12 When the detention order was lifted on January 2, 1945, many Nikkei moved to the Midwest or east coast, a trend encouraged by the federal government. Few families returned to Santa Monica upon release, though some returned after briefly relocating eastward. By April 1945, fewer than 1,300 Japanese Americans had returned to California; by 1946, approximately 161 Japanese Americans had returned to Santa Monica. 13 They faced a severe housing shortage, as Santa Monica s population had increased approximately 25% between 1940 and In 1945, the War Relocation Authority (WRA) and the Federal Public Housing Authority (FPHA) established government-funded housing in converted Army barracks on Pico Boulevard between 24 th and 25 th Streets, as well as in two hostels, while the Gakuen was converted to a housing facility after serving as a military training headquarters during the war. 15 Rather than rebuilding their prewar community, Santa Monica s Nikkei community focused on personal and family survival. 16 In the aftermath of their incarceration, many Nisei felt discouraged by American society and the federal government to engage in Japanese cultural activities, instead feeling it was more beneficial to desegregate during the immediate postwar period Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, This memo utilizes the preferred terminology in the Power of Words Handbook. For a complete list of preferred terms and a discussion of euphemistic terminology, see Power of Words II Committee, Power of Words Handbook: A Guide to Language about Japanese Americans in World War II Understanding Euphemisms and Preferred Terminology, National Japanese American Citizens League, April 27, 2013, Words-Rev.-Term.-Handbook.pdf (accessed November 2017). Specifically, the preferred terminology for internment is incarceration. 12 Scott, A History on the Edge, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, 134, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, 141, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, 167.

5 Nikkei Jin Kai 5 By 1950, Santa Monica s Japanese population had grown to 254 people, 0.4% of the City s total population. 18 The immediate postwar problems of readjustment and resettlement were no longer as acute, and the Nisei were able to start to focus on rebuilding and unifying the dismantled Japanese American community. 19 At this time, the Santa Monica Nikkei started meeting as a community, often in community members homes. 20 In 1951, Issei community leaders formed the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall, Inc., and purchased the property at 1413 Michigan Avenue. Due to alien land laws, the Issei club members were not permitted to own property in Santa Monica. To circumvent this obstacle, members including Yoshio Ando (gardener), Katsuzo Matsumura (gardener and founder of the Santa Monica Gakuen), and Ichisuke Fukuhara (gardener/nursery owner) listed their Nisei sons Tetsu Ando, Kozuko Asao, Masaru Matsumura, and Jimmy Fukuhara on the deed. 21 Following the purchase of 1413 Michigan Avenue, the group began to collect money from the Nikkei community to fund the repair of the former Gakuen or the construction of the new community hall. While collecting funds, the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall, Inc. continued to meet informally for six more years at members homes, rotating each month. During this time, they discussed whether it was more feasible to repair the former Gakuen or to construct a new community building. Upon determining that the former Gakuen was in a state of disrepair, and that it would be too costly to upgrade to meet their needs, community leaders decided to build a new community center at 14 th Street and Michigan Avenue. The directors initially planned to include a barbershop, beauty shop, and dry cleaner in the community center, but this concept was deemed too ambitious. 22 A modest, one-story community hall, designed by Y. Tom Makino, was constructed at 1413 Michigan Avenue in To generate income for the club, an apartment was constructed behind the community hall. By 1960, many Nikkei lived in the center portion of the city, settling near the former Gakuen; the most populous streets included Michigan and Delaware Avenues, and 12 th, 18 th, and 19 th Streets. That the Nikkei Jin Kai was 18 Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, The club was restricted to Santa Monica residents. Additionally, membership was originally restricted to men, but women were quickly allowed to join. Source: Jimmy Fukuhara, interviewed by Molly Iker-Johnson, January 19, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, City of Santa Monica building permit B21996, June 24, The Issei leaders of the Nikkei Jin Kai, who largely did not speak English, approached Makino because he understood Japanese. Source: Jimmy Fukuhara, interviewed by Molly Iker- Johnson, January 19, 2018.

6 located within this radius (and around the corner from the former Gakuen) made it a convenient meeting place for Santa Monica s Japanese community during the latter half of the 20 th century. At its inception, the Nikkei Jin Kai boasted between 75 and 100 members, primarily Issei and Nisei couples living in Santa Monica The Nikkei Jin Kai served as a place for Nikkei families to gather and socialize. The group hosted monthly meetings, raised funds to build a monument in Woodlawn Cemetery to honor Issei pioneers and Nisei soldiers who died in World War II and the Korean War, planned picnics, assisted families in the event of illnesses or deaths, and organized an annual Christmas party and traditional Japanese New Year celebration. 25 In 1965, the Nikkei community began to commemorate Japanese American history, reuniting at the Nikkei Jin Kai annually to honor their predecessors. 26 By 1969, membership had grown so much that a 20 x 23 addition to the meeting room was constructed. However, as time wore on, younger generations of the Nikkei community assimilated further into American society, and by 2000, the center was primarily utilized for senior citizens, with approximately 80 members. 27 As membership dropped, the club increasingly chose to meet in restaurants as opposed to the community hall. In 2018, the Nikkei Jin Kai consisted of four members. 28 Mid-century Modern 1413 Michigan Avenue is a modest example of a Mid-century Modern institutional building. Mid-century Modern is a term used to describe the post-world War II iteration of the International Style in both residential and commercial design. The International Style was characterized by geometric forms, smooth wall surfaces, and an absence of exterior decoration. Mid-century Modern represents the adaptation of these elements to the local climate and topography, as well as to the postwar need for efficiently-built, moderatelypriced homes and commercial buildings. Mid-century Modernism is often characterized by a clear expression of structure and materials, large expanses of glass, and open interior plans. The roots of the style can be traced to early Modernists like Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, whose local work inspired second generation Modern architects like Gregory Ain, Craig Ellwood, Harwell Hamilton Harris, Pierre Koenig, Raphael Soriano, and many more. These postwar architects developed an indigenous Modernism that was born from 24 Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, Blakemore, From Settlement to Resettlement, Jimmy Fukuhara, interview by Molly Iker-Johnson, January 19, 2018.

7 the International Style but matured into a fundamentally regional style, fostered in part by Art and Architecture magazine s pivotal Case Study Program ( ). The style gained popularity because its use of standardized, prefabricated materials permitted quick and economical construction. It became the predominant architectural style in the postwar years and is represented in almost every property type, from single-family residences to commercial buildings to gas stations. 7 Character-defining features include: One or two-story configuration Horizontal massing (for small-scale buildings) Simple geometric forms Expressed post-and-beam construction, in wood or steel Flat roof or low-pitched gable roof with wide overhanging eaves and cantilevered canopies Unadorned wall surfaces Wood, plaster, brick or stone used as exterior wall panels or accent materials Flush-mounted metal frame fixed windows and sliding doors, and clerestory windows Exterior staircases, decks, patios and balconies Little or no exterior decorative detailing Architect Y. Tom Makino Yoshimi Tom Makino was born in 1907 in Berkeley, California. He, received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California in 1935 as an honored member of Tau Sigma Delta. Upon graduation, he accepted a position at the architectural firm of Plummer, Wurdeman & Becket, where by 1940 he had become a senior designer. Makino established his own architectural practice in 1940, but his efforts were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. During the war, Makino was incarcerated at Rohwer, Arkansas, and worked as an architect for the War Relocation After he was released, he relocated to Chicago, where he worked with the firm of W.F. McCaughey and Associates in Park Ridge, Illinois, from 1945 to By 1956, Makino had returned to Los Angeles and reestablished his own architectural practice. In addition to the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall, Makino designed the West Los Angeles Buddhist Church (2007 Corinth Avenue, 1954), the San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Arleta (9450 Remick Avenue, 1961), additions to the Japanese Institute of Sawtelle (2110 Corinth Avenue, 1963), the

8 Hompa Hongwangi Buddhist temple (815 E. 1st Street, 1969), and alterations to Doris Duke s Falcon Lair house. 29 Makino died on June 14, 1993, in Los Angeles. 8 ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION 1413 Michigan Avenue is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of 14 th Street and Michigan Avenue in the City of Santa Monica. The property is flanked to the west by an ambulance dispatch center, and to the north by an alley and a church. The parcel contains a surface parking lot which occupies most of the site, and an institutional building in the northeast corner of the site, set back from the street by a sidewalk and a mature Japanese style garden. The surface parking lot is surrounded by a chain link fence. There is a storage shed at the northwest corner of the parcel. The one-story, Mid-century Modern style institutional building has an L-shaped plan, horizontal massing, and asymmetrical composition. There is a flat roof with parapet, clad in built-up roofing. Exterior walls are clad in textured cement plaster. Fenestration consists primarily of wood sash awning and double-hung windows, and vinyl horizontal-sliding windows. Some windows have security bars added. The primary entrance is situated in the north portion of the east (primary) façade and consists of a pair of flush wood doors beneath a flat canopy with metal pipe supports, accessed from the sidewalk by a concrete path. There are several secondary entrances on the north and west facades, consisting of wood doors accessed by concrete stairs and stoops. Alterations The social hall at 1413 Michigan Avenue has undergone few alterations since its original construction. In 1969, a 20 x 23 addition was made to the east side of the south façade. 30 Security bars have been added to some windows. Some windows have been replaced. After sustaining severe structural damage in the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the singlefamily residence on the property was demolished. 31 Character-defining Features Every historic building is unique, with its own identity and its own distinctive character. Character-defining features are those visual aspects and physical features or elements that give the building its character and help to convey its significance. Character-defining features can identify the building as an example of a specific building type, usually related 29 Makino, Y. Tom, American Architects Directory, ed. George S. Koyl, FAIA (New York: R.R. Bowker Company, 1956), 361; New Buddhist Temple Blends Ancient, New, Los Angeles Times, April 27, City of Santa Monica building permit B41832, September 15, No permits were found for this building; this information derived from historic aerial photographs of the site and an interview with Jimmy Fukuhara by Molly Iker-Johnson, January 19, 2018.

9 to the building s function; they can exemplify the use of specific materials or methods of construction or embody an historical period or architectural style; and they can convey the sense of time and place in buildings associated with significant events or people. A building s character-defining features can include but are not limited to: 9 Setting and site; Shape and massing; Roof and related features, such as chimneys or skylights; Projections, such as balconies or porches; Recesses or voids, such as galleries or arcades; Windows and doors and their openings; Materials, with their distinguishing textures, finishes, colors and craftsmanship; and Interior features, materials, finishes, spaces, and spatial relationships. Character-defining features are those constructed during the property s period of significance that contribute to the integrity of the property. In general, retaining characterdefining features retains the integrity of an historic property, and therefore helps to retain the property s eligibility as an historic resource. Significant impacts on an historic resource result from major change to character-defining features, or from many incremental changes over time. Character-defining features of 1413 Michigan Avenue include those features associated with the portion of the building that served as the community hall during the period of significance from These include: One-story height Horizontal massing Simple geometric forms Flat roof Cement plaster exterior wall cladding Grouped wood windows on primary façade Entrance canopy Japanese-style landscaping at the front of the parcel

10 EVALUATION CRITERIA Historic resources may be designated at the federal, state, and local levels. Current designations available in Santa Monica include: National Historic Landmarks, National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources, California Registered Historical Landmarks, California Points of Historical Interest, and Santa Monica Landmarks, Structures of Merit, and Historic Districts. While some programs place emphasis on architectural character, all use basic criteria relating to a property s place in important events or patterns of development, association with important personages, and architectural significance. This evaluation of 1413 Michigan Avenue is limited to the property s eligibility for designation as a City of Santa Monica Landmark. 10 Santa Monica Landmark Designation Criteria The Santa Monica Landmarks and Historic Districts Ordinance includes criteria and procedures for designating City of Santa Monica Landmarks, Structures of Merit, and Historic Districts. Landmarks may include structures, natural features, or any type of improvement to a property that is found to have particular architectural or historical significance to the City. The Landmarks Commission may approve the landmark designation of a structure, improvement, natural feature or an object if it finds that it meets one or more of the following criteria: (1) It exemplifies, symbolizes, or manifests elements of the cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history of the City. (2) It has aesthetic or artistic interest or value, or other noteworthy interest or value. (3) It is identified with historic personages or with important events in local, state or national history. (4) It embodies distinguishing architectural characteristics valuable to a study of a period, style, method of construction, or the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship, or is a unique or rare example of an architectural design, detail or historical type valuable to such a study. (5) It is a significant or a representative example of the work or product of a notable builder, designer or architect. (6) It has a unique location, a singular physical characteristic, or is an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the City.

11 Period of Significance The National Park Service defines the period of significance as the length of time when a property was associated with important events, activities or persons, or attained the characteristics which qualify it for listing in national, state, or local registers. The period of significance usually begins with the date when significant activities or events began giving the property its historic significance; the period of significance can be as brief as a single year [or] span many years. It is based on specific events directly related to the significance of the property, for example, the date of construction, years of ownership, or length of operation as a particular entity For properties that significant for their association with historic trends, guidance from the National Park Service states that the period of significance is the span of time when the property actively contributed to the trend. 33 Integrity Standard practice, based on guidance from the National Park Service, determines whether a property has retained historic integrity. Historic integrity is the ability of a property to convey its significance and is defined as the authenticity of a property s historic identity, evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the property s historic period. 34 The National Register recognizes seven aspects or qualities that comprise integrity: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. These qualities are defined as follows: Location is the place where the historic property was constructed or the place where the historic event took place. Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property. Setting is the physical environment of a historic property. Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern or configuration to form a historic property. 32 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service., National Register Bulletin 16A: How to Complete the National Register Nomination Form. (Washington, DC: 1997), (accessed April 2018.) 33 National Register Bulletin 16A: How to Complete the National Register Registration Form. 34 National Register Bulletin 16A: How to Complete the National Register Registration Form.

12 Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history or prehistory. 12 Feeling is a property s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time. Association is the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property. 35 HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT Previous Surveys and Evaluations The single-family residence formerly on the property at 1413 Michigan Avenue, noted as th Street, was given a status code of 5S3, meaning appears to be individually eligible for local designation through survey evaluation, in Phase Three of the Santa Monica Historic Resources Survey, completed by Leslie Heumann and Associates in May The property was reevaluated in 2010 by ICF International, which noted that the building that previously occupied this parcel has been demolished since it was last surveyed. 36 The 1957 residence/social hall at 1413 Michigan was not identified in any previous surveys, and it is not listed in the California Historic Resources Inventory (HRI). 37 Evaluation for Local Landmark Designation The portion of the building at 1413 Michigan Avenue that served as a social hall appears eligible as a City of Santa Monica Landmark under Criterion 1 for its association with the Japanese American community in Santa Monica after World War II. The residential portion at the rear of the building is not of noteworthy interest to the community, as it did not serve the specific community function of the Nikkei Hall; therefore, this portion of the building is not character-defining and does not convey historic significance associated with Santa Monica s Japanese American community. Criterion Michigan Avenue symbolizes elements of the cultural and social history of the City. Constructed by the Nikkei Kai as their community center in 1957, the building at 1413 Michigan Avenue, now known as the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall, was associated with the Japanese community for approximately 60 years. 35 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, (Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, 1995) Michigan Ave., Department of Parks and Recreation Continuation Sheet, Jones & Stokes, December California Historical Resources Inventory, August 15, 2011.

13 Santa Monica has been historically, and continues to be, inhabited by a racially and economically diverse population. However, few resources in the City of Santa Monica have been identified for an association with the Japanese American community. When thousands of west coast Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II, peaceful enclaves like Santa Monica were completely disrupted. The community was again devastated with the construction of the Santa Monica Freeway (Interstate 10) in the late 1950s and 1960s. As a result, few resources associated with the area s Japanese American community remain extant. 13 Returning to Santa Monica after their incarceration, many Nisei chose to focus on personal and family survival, and felt American society discouraged them from engaging in traditional cultural activities. However, by the early 1950s, the Nisei began to rebuild their community. To aid in this effort, in 1951 the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall, Inc. purchased a parcel at the corner of 14 th Street and Michigan Avenue, on which they proposed to build a new Japanese community center. This preceded the widespread creation of a network of Japanese American Community Centers around Los Angeles in the 1960s. The Nikkei Jin Kai served as a place for Nikkei families to gather and socialize, and to connect to their Japanese heritage. Membership grew so quickly that an addition was made to the community room in 1969, and the Nikkei Hall became the focus of the postwar Japanese community in Santa Monica. However, toward the end of the 20 th century, membership dwindled, as third-generation Nikkei in Santa Monica moved away or chose not to join the group. The community hall fell into disuse as events and meetings were increasingly held elsewhere, and in 2017, the remaining members of the Nikkei Jin Kai sold the property. The residence/social hall at 1413 Michigan Avenue is significant for its long association with Santa Monica s Japanese community. The period of significance under this criterion begins in 1957, when the building was constructed, and extends through 1969, when the building was expanded to its current footprint. While the 1969 addition is not part of the original construction of the social hall, its construction was undertaken to meet the needs of its growing membership and reflects the continuing process of Japanese American resettlement within a larger cultural context. The years immediately following the war were a chaotic period; the aging Issei generation was preoccupied with recovering their homes and businesses, reuniting with their extended families, and recovering their economic stability. At the same time, resettlement had dispersed the Japanese American community throughout the United States, often to areas completely unknown to them, overturning the traditional social construct of Japanese American enclaves. In the 1950s and 1960s, the emerging Nisei generation who had witnessed the war and the

14 disassembly of their culture at a formative age began to come of age and assume a leadership role within the Japanese American community. Mindful of the cultural impacts of resettlement, the Nisei sought to develop social and cultural organizations that preserved and promoted traditional culture and customs. As the Nisei generation matured and the postwar Japanese American community began to grow, these organizations flourished throughout the 1960s and reflected the next generation s response to resettlement. 14 Extant resources associated with the Japanese American community in Santa Monica are rare. Because of its location in the neighborhood occupied by much of Santa Monica s postwar Japanese population and its unifying role within the Nikkei community, the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall symbolizes elements of the City s cultural and social history and is therefore eligible for listing as a City of Santa Monica Landmark under Criterion 1. The residential portion at the rear of the building is not of noteworthy interest to the community, as it did not serve the specific community function of the Nikkei Hall; therefore, this portion of the building does not convey historic significance associated with Santa Monica s Japanese American community and is not a character-defining feature under Criterion 1. Criterion 2 As a modest example of Mid-century Modern institutional architecture, 1413 Michigan Avenue is not of particular aesthetic or artistic interest or value to the City of Santa Monica. Therefore, the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall is not eligible under Criterion 2. Criterion Michigan Avenue is not identified with historic personages or with important events in local, state, or national history. Although the property is associated with the postwar Japanese community in Santa Monica, it appears that no specific important events in local, state or national history occurred here. According to guidance from the National Park Service for evaluating properties that are significant for an association with an important person, A property is not eligible if its only justification for significance is that it was owned or used by a person who is a member of an identifiable profession, class, or social or ethnic group. It must be shown that the person gained importance within his or her profession or group. 38 Further, a property is not eligible for its association with an individual if no scholarly judgement can be made 38 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Register Bulletin: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation.

15 because either research has not revealed specific information about the person's activities and their impact, or there is insufficient perspective to determine whether those activities or contributions were historically important The Issei community leaders who formed the Santa Monica Nikkei Yoshio Ando, Katsuzo Matsumura, and Ichisuke Fukuhara played an important role in the establishment of Japanese community organizations after World War II. However, although the establishment of the Nikkei Jin Kai was a significant event for the Santa Monica Japanese community, the property at 1413 Michigan Avenue does not meet the significance threshold established by the National Park Service for properties that are significant for an association with important people. This property is more appropriately evaluated for its significance within the local Japanese community under Criterion Michigan Avenue is not eligible under Criterion 3. Criterion Michigan Avenue is a modest example of Mid-century Modern institutional architecture. Due to the wealth of Mid-century Modern architecture in Santa Monica, the design of this building does not rise to the level of significance necessary to be eligible under Criterion 4. Its relative simplicity of design means that it does not embody distinguishing architectural characteristics valuable to the study of the postwar era or the Mid-century Modern style as applied to institutional buildings. In addition, there have been alterations to the original design, including an addition and the replacement of original windows, undermining the building s historic integrity as it relates to the original architectural design. Therefore, it is not eligible under Criterion 4. Criterion Michigan Avenue is a modest example of Mid-century Modern institutional architecture. Though Y. Tom Makino was a popular architect among the Japanese community in the Los Angeles area, 1413 Michigan Avenue is neither an early or excellent example of Makino s work. Therefore, it is not a significant or representative example of the work of a notable architect and is not eligible under Criterion 5. Criterion Michigan Avenue does not have a unique location, or singular physical characteristic. Because it is a modest example of Mid-century Modern architecture, the 39 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Register Bulletin: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation.

16 building is not an established and familiar visual feature of the Pico neighborhood. Therefore, it is not eligible under Criterion Evaluation of Integrity As discussed above, historic integrity is the ability of a property to convey its significance and is defined as the authenticity of a property s historic identity, evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the property s historic period. 40 The National Park Service defines seven aspects of integrity: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. Although the building has had some alterations over time, these alterations do not detract from the building s ability to convey its historic significance under Criterion 1: Location: The building remains on its original site and therefore retains integrity of location. Design: The building retains significant character-defining features of its original, modest Mid-century Modern design, including its asymmetrical façade, horizontal massing, and flat roof. It therefore retains integrity of design. Setting: At the time of its construction, the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall shared a parcel with a single-family residence, which was demolished after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Additionally, based on the 1950 Sanborn map of the area, surrounding parcels were either vacant or populated with low-density commercial development and single- and multi-family residences. The property is now situated next to two institutional buildings and across the street from a cemetery. Therefore, the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall does not retain integrity of setting. Materials: Although it has undergone some alteration, the building retains a majority of the original materials and therefore retains integrity of materials. Workmanship: The building retains integrity of design and materials, and thus retains the physical evidence of period construction techniques. It therefore retains integrity of workmanship. Feeling: The building retains integrity of location, design, materials, and workmanship, and thus retains the significant physical features that convey its historic character as a post-world War II institutional building. It therefore retains integrity of feeling. 40 National Register Bulletin 16A.

17 Association: The building retains integrity of location, design, materials, workmanship, and feeling, and thus continues to convey its association with the resettlement of Santa Monica s Japanese community after World War II. The property therefore retains integrity of association. 17 Response to Applicant Evaluation Based on HRG s review of the history of the site, we concur with the applicant s evaluation that the property appears eligible for designation as a City of Santa Monica Landmark for its association with the Japanese American community in Santa Monica. HRG has identified as period of significance for the building from 1957, when construction was completed, to 1969, when the building was expanded to its current footprint in response to the needs of the growing Japanese American community. The applicant has identified a period of significance of , reflecting the period when the building was constructed until use of the facility began to decline. Therefore, both reports have concluded that the 1969 addition was completed during the period of significance, reflecting the growing membership of the social hall during that period. CONCLUSION 1413 Michigan Avenue was constructed in 1957 as a community hall for Santa Monica s Japanese community. The Nikkei Jin Kai hosted meetings and social events at the community hall for over sixty years. By 2000, the club s membership had dwindled to 80, and in 2018, only 4 members remain. In recent years, the club has not used the community hall, preferring to meet and host events at restaurants. However, the community hall retains its historic association with Santa Monica s postwar Japanese community; it therefore is of noteworthy interest to the community and symbolizes elements of the cultural and social history of the City. The portion of the building that served as the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall at 1413 Michigan Avenue is therefore eligible for designation as a City of Santa Monica Landmark under Criterion 1.

18 BIBLIOGRAPHY Architectural Resources Group and Historic Resources Group. Draft Historic Resources Inventory Update: Historic Context Statement. Prepared for the City of Santa Monica. Revised June 12, Blakemore, Dana Lyn. From Settlement to Resettlement: Japanese Americans In (and Out of) Santa Monica, California, Master s thesis, California State University, Fullerton, City of Santa Monica building permits. City of Santa Monica. Historic Resources Inventory, Phase III. Final Report. Prepared by Leslie Heumann and Associates, City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Citywide Historic Resources Inventory Update Final Report. Prepared by ICF Jones & Stokes, November Fukuhara, Jimmy. Interview with author. January 19, Makino, Y. Tom. American Architects Directory. Ed. George S. Koyl, FAIA. New York: R.R. Bowker Company, New Buddhist Temple Blends Ancient, New. Los Angeles Times. April 27, Sanborn Fire Insurance Company Maps of Santa Monica. 1909, 1950, Santa Monica City Directories. 1958, Santa Monica History Museum historic photograph collection. Scott, Paula A. Santa Monica: A History on the Edge. San Francisco: Arcadia Publishing Co., U.S. Department of the Interior. National Park Service, National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. National Register Bulletin 16A: How to Complete the National Register Registration Form. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, 1997.

19 PERMIT HISTORY 19 Date Owner Architect/Contractor Description of Work 6/24/1957 Nikei Kai Y. Tom Makino New construction of one story building. Refer to attached drawings (for use as dwelling and social room) 9/15/1969 Nikkei Hall Womsley Const. Co. Addition to enlarge meeting room (23 x 26 feet) 7/6/2010 William Brandt/Nikkeijin Kai Corp. (tenant) Mar Vista Roofing Inc. Reroof flat built-up cap sheet roof (with cool roof) Class A built-up cap sheet 30 sq tear off existing

20 SITE MAP 20 N

21 HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPH: NIKKEI JIN KAI 21 Japanese American community members in front of 1413 Michigan Avenue, c Source: Santa Monica History Museum.

22 HISTORIC NEWSPAPER ARTICLE: Y. TOM MAKINO, AIA 22 New Buddhist Temple Blends Ancient, New. Los Angeles Times. April 27, 1969.

23 EXISTING CONDITIONS PHOTOGRAPHS 23 Primary (east) façade, facing west. Primary (east) façade and north façade, facing southwest.

24 24 Rear (west) façade, facing east. South façade, facing north.

25 25 Surface parking lot, storage shed, and south façade; facing northwest. Detail of wood sash awning windows at primary (east) façade, facing west.