Controversy was brewing in Encinitas but apparently was recently averted. And all because of a couple of boat houses.
The boat houses are a great example of vernacular architecture, and stand out in the residential area near downtown Encinitas just a couple of blocks from the beach. Given the coastal area, such architecture is not, in my mind, a surprise.
The two boat houses are actually apartments that are privately owned (there are 4 more rental units behind). The recent controversy in town had to do with the preservation of these historic properties (no, they are not real boats, but were built in 1928 from recycled lumber from the Moonlight Beach Dance Pavilion), in light of all the redevelopment that is occurring in town. Without protection, given the homes were to be sold, very likely a developer would have torn them down and replaced them with some chi chi contemporary town homes at an exorbitant price.
Approval was granted by the town council for the Encinitas Preservation Foundation to acquire the boat houses, now that the private owners want to sell them, and they are seeking support from various county and state agencies for the preservation. And perhaps they will be placed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Supposedly one of the boat houses may be turned into a museum for the public. That, in itself, will result in some more controversy...operating a small museum in a residential area where parking may become more of a challenge. Time will tell.
In any case, I am pleased to see that the preservation was approved, although more support must come from the general public to approve the plans, and re-zoning must be approved as well. It would be hard to see these icons of seaside living fall under the wrecking ball after so many years.
;)
;)
