TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to designate the roof-mounted “Fly DC Jets” sign located at 3860 North Lakewood Boulevard as a Historical Landmark. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
The “Fly DC Jets” sign is situated on the rooftop of the building located at 3860 N. Lakewood Boulevard between Conant Street and Carson Street. The property is the site of the former Douglas Aircraft manufacturing plant, which later became known as McDonnell Douglas. The Boeing Company took over the property in 1997 and closed the plant in 2006. The new property owners, Sares-Regis Group, leased the main hangar building to Mercedes Benz USA, which uses the building as a vehicle preparation facility, training facility and regional office for its western United States operations. On August 8, 2016, the Cultural Heritage Commission recommended the City Council landmark the sign (Exhibit A).
The building site is located within the PD-19 zone (Douglas Aircraft Planned Development District), which was originally adopted in 1986 and most recently amended in 2011. The PD-19 zoning permits a comprehensive list of land uses that are broadly consistent with the I-G (General Industry) district.
Last year, the City revised its Cultural Heritage Ordinance to make the landmark designation process more streamlined and consistent with State criteria. During this process, Development Services staff and the Cultural Heritage Commission discussed potential future landmarks that could be considered under the revised Ordinance and the “Fly DC Jets” sign was identified as a potential landmark. Staff approached the property owners with the idea to designate the sign. A site inspection was completed by staff and the property owners in March 2016. The property owners provided staff with rooftop access to inspect the sign. Staff found the sign to be in good condition with no signs of damage, alterations, or signs of deferred maintenance.
The “Fly DC Jets” sign remains at its original location atop the original 1956 Douglas Aircraft commercial jet manufacturing facility. The sign letters are mounted to metal scaffolding atop the roof along the south end of the building in an east-west direction and oriented to face in a southerly direction. The sign resembles the Douglas Aircraft logo of the mid-1950s. The sign is a Mid-Century Modern design with a “space-age” feel that was widely popular during this era and used for a variety of different businesses. The sign captures the enthusiasm of the aircraft industry with the stylized jet and rocket on the right, the jet stream of the rocket and even the slant of the letters “Fly,” which all evoke a sense of movement and speed. Overall, the sign is well preserved and retains its original form and character.
The sign uses exposed neon tubing to illuminate the lettering and graphics. Only two colors are used in the sign: the jet stream is red, while blue is used for the jet, rocket, circle and the word “Fly.” It is the most prominent remaining visual symbol of the company’s existence in Long Beach, especially since the Douglas Aircraft’s military manufacturing facilities across the street to the west have been demolished. The sign has held up well since its construction and has retained its structural integrity. The neon lighting is still functioning and the property owner ensures that it is lit every night.
Currently, the “Fly DC Jets” sign has a limited and unclear standard of protection against alterations. The PD-19 Planned Development Ordinance identifies the sign as being considered a potential historic resource and broadly describes the standard of protection as: “… the “Fly DC Jets” sign shall be retained in place, protected and maintained as is.” Landmark designation establishes clarity in the standards that are used to evaluate alterations and the applicable review process. If approved, any future alterations to the sign will require review by the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission in order to verify compliance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and the Cultural Heritage Ordinance.
The subject property is eligible for Long Beach Historic Landmark designation under Criteria A and B of the Cultural Heritage Ordinance. The sign is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the City’s history. The establishment of the Douglas Aircraft manufacturing plant in Long Beach had a tremendous effect on the City’s history. Much like the oil industry, the aircraft manufacturing and aerospace industries are closely associated with the City’s history and development patterns. As the heart of the aerospace industry in Long Beach, Douglas Aircraft’s lasting impacts shaped the City’s history, geography, culture, economy and environment. The sign is a familiar visual sight that has become an icon of the City’s aircraft manufacturing and aerospace heritage.
The sign is also eligible under Criteria B as it is associated with Douglas W., Douglas Jr., and Douglas Commercial. The aircraft manufacturing facilities provided revenue and jobs to the area as well. Douglas also contributed to the early development of the aerospace industry and was at the forefront of the aeronautics field, especially in Southern California. Therefore, the “Fly DC Jets” sign meets the standard for Criteria B.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais on August 15, 2016 and by Budget Analysis Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on August 17, 2016.
SUSTAINABILITY
Establishing the “Fly DC Jets” sign as a Long Beach Historical Landmark will assure its continued use and existence while reducing construction waste as compared to new construction.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER