Draft Environmental Impact Report - East Bay Municipal Utility District

Estates Reservoir Replacement Draft Environmental Impact ReportCultural Resourcestastes, it does not appear to have influenced further adaptations or development of themovement (Criterion A).Robert Royston was a highly influential and well-respected 20th century landscapearchitect and artist. Unlike most architects, and certainly most landscape architects, hisworks were recognized as culturally and historically significant within his own lifetime.A large body of his work survives today, including both private and public commissions.When considered within his larger body of work, many examples remain that showcasehis signature style of flowing forms and strong contrasting visual elements on multipleplanes. Estates Reservoir is one example but it is not the best representation of Roystonstyle within the body of his remaining work (Criterion B).Royston designs are accessible. They are meant for people to be in and interact withinthe spaces that are created. This is most evident in his public commissions. EstatesReservoir is one of Royston’s smallest and least publicly accessible public commissions.Its size and restricted access greatly limit how the public is allowed to interact with thelandscape. It is a single space as opposed to the series of spaces in his larger designs. Itis a visual subject rather than a physical object. It utilizes several of Royston’s signatureelements, but on a smaller and more subdued scale than his other public commissions.Estates Reservoir is an example of a refined, well-developed design vocabulary. It is not,however, the only remaining example of Royston’s polished design capabilities, nor is itthe best and most representative work in Royston’s long career (Criterion C).The Estates Reservoir Roof has previously been determined as potentially eligible as aCity of Oakland Landmark with an evaluation rating of B. Because GaravagliaArchitecture, Inc., recommends Estates Reservoir roof to be eligible for listing on theCRHR, it would automatically be considered eligible for listing as a City of OaklandHeritage Property. Therefore, Garavaglia Architecture, Inc., concurs with the previouslocal eligibility determination.Regulatory FrameworkCalifornia Environmental Quality ActCEQA requires that public or private projects financed or approved by public agenciesmust assess the effects of the project on historical resources. CEQA also applies toeffects on archaeological sites, which may be included among “historical resources” asdefined by Guidelines Section 15064.5, subdivision (a), or may be subject to theprovisions of Public Resources Code Section 21083.2, which governs review of “uniquearchaeological resources.” Historical resources may generally include buildings, sites,structures, objects, or districts, each of which may have historical, architectural,archaeological, cultural, or scientific significance.sb09_001.doc 3-5.12 7/22/2009