When the last building in Red Bluff's Historic Chinatown loses its original doors and Traditional Chinese Medicine plants due to the Resource Conservation District of Tehama County failing to register the building as a National Historic Landmark prior to construction, which allowed the ability to bypass proper historic preservation steps, the consequences are particularly profound. This oversight potentially jeopardizes the building's exterior and its eligibility for future registration on the National Historic Landmark list.
Here's the latest update from RCDTC:
"1st week of June - A series of break-ins occurred with theft and attempted theft. Four exterior doors were damaged, one of which was replaced, two reinforced, and one remains functional. Installed copper pipe and construction equipment were stolen. A report was filed with the City of Red Bluff Police Department. "
"National Historic Landmark - We are under the impression that achieving such status is a multi-year process. We support the conservation of historic structures and the building’s contribution to the Historic Downtown Red Bluff district. Unfortunately, we are not able to halt RCDTC activity for an unknown period. This significant delay permitting would be an overburdening cost to the district in time and productivity."
https://www.tehamacountyrcd.org/office-relocation
As we communicated early on, it is crucial to preserve original elements to maintain the building's historic value and ensure its recognition and protection for future generations. Here's why:
- Impact on Historical Significance and National Historic Landmark Eligibility: For a building to be registered as a National Historic Landmark, it must retain its historical integrity, including original features like doors. The replacement of these key elements with non-authentic ones can disqualify the building from receiving this prestigious designation, thus losing an opportunity to formally recognize and preserve its historical importance.
- Architectural Integrity: The doors are not just functional but integral to the building's architectural identity. Losing these doors disrupts the architectural narrative and could make the building less historically accurate, weakening its case for historic landmark status.
- Historical Narrative: The last building in Red Bluff's Historic Chinatown is a cultural touchstone serving as a direct link to the past, representing the perseverance and contributions of the Chinese community.
- Educational and Tourism Value: This building, serves as a significant educational resource and tourist attraction.
We promise to keep you updated on 202-204 Walnut Street. Thank you for your continued support!
Email From:
Brin Greer <bgreer@tehamacountyrcd.org>
Date: July 18, 2024 at 3:13:00 PM PDT
I hope that this finds you doing well. Thanks, Jon, for forwarding me the last email in the conversation.
As a courtesy update, we have yet to be working out of the Walnut @ Rio property. We intend to be doing so by mid-August. Also, we created the ‘Office Relocation’ webpage that notates our housing transition. As Jon mentioned below, we’ll reconnect with you regarding a potential tribute after we are functioning in the new location.
Warm regards,
Brin Greer
Resource Conservation District of Tehama County
Project Manager
(530) 727-1295