January 21, 2025
Open Letter to all local Modesto planning organizations.
We must save the Hall of Records. It is time to end the Modesto tradition of sending our history to the wrecking ball. Many other cities in the USA have realized that protecting historic architecture is not only good for a city’s heritage, but it is also smart economic development. Integrated historic structures, blended with new architecture and design are successful nationwide and can spur other reinvestment.
Modesto has lost so many of the iconic buildings that were part of our history.
Most of 10th St was demolished in the name of “seismic safety” in the 60s and progress. History is a big part of Modesto’s future as we celebrate what made us strong and special. The 1938 Hall of Records is one of the last remaining structures that were truly innovative at the the time and were part of the New Deal construction boom that built a big part of the America we know today. The cool Bauhaus design is one for the ages.
Sure, there is a large downtown Modesto city block that needs to be repurposed with the construction of the new courthouse. There are many ways to make this a vital living, retail and community space.
But, the Hall of Records, or a large portion of it needs to be preserved and built in to the design for this block. This is basic. Cities all over the world build old structures into new areas, so this is not that hard or unprecedented.
This just needs political will to show that Modesto values history, and set standards so that our classic architecture can be part of our future. This is an 88 year old structure and there are cities in America and beyond that incorporate buildings that are hundreds of years old. There may be some incentives needed for some environmental and structural upgrades, but that is also common, even in newer buildings like the downtown Library that is under renovation.
The ability to use one key building to spur development of an entire city block is an excellent plan. This building would be an excellent façade for a premium hotel or condominium development with an iconic streetscape facing I street, that will be also be further redeveloped.
Most importantly, the people want it preserved, The community designed and approved Master plan clearly details that the Hall of Records needs to be preserved. But that doesn’t mean it’s a done deal. The master plan also called for multi-story living, retail and professional space at 9th and J, but all we got was a drive-through Starbucks. We have to stay on top of this.
Learn more about this building at www.modestoview.com/historyview-1939-hall-of-records/<www.modestoview.com/historyview-1939-hall-of-records/>
We can do this Modesto and make this iconic building part of something exciting and new. It just takes our effort and commitment, and we will be proud of what we accomplish.
Respectfully,
Chris Murphy
Modesto, CA, USA
chrism@modestoview.com
