An informal committee of some 15 people was initiated by the Arcadia Historical Society in mid-September in an effort to preserve the old Anoakia School site, now that the school has relocated to Duarte.
The hearing by the Planning Commission on the Anoakia property has been put off until a later date. Some specifics of what Mr. McCaslin will seek when the hearing is scheduled are given.
People from the Historic Landmarks division of the National Park Service will visit Anoakia the last of January. The mansion is being considered as an historic landmark on the basis of its architect, Arthur Benton.
The City Council voted to allow the developer, Anoakia Oaks, to proceed with the tearing down of Anoakia, the 1913 Anita Baldwin mansion, and to build 31 houses on the property.
At a public hearing before the Planning Commission on August 23, 1976, planners voted 5 to 1 to retain the present density designation of 0-2 dwelling units per acre.
The City Council voted on March 1, 1977 to uphold the 30,000 square foot minimum lot size set by the Planning Commission on any development Mr. McCaslin might build. Room for compromise seems possible.
Lowery McCaslin, owner of Anoakia, has asked that his application for a general plan change for the property be withdrawn. He has been working with a local builder who has a good feel for the area and would like to develop the property at a density of 2.4 homes per acre. Late in this same meeting, the council voted to change the zoning on the estate to match the existing general plan. What this might do to future McCaslin plans is not clear.
Lowry McCaslin, on right, stands before fireplace in dining room at Anoakia, which Mr. McCaslin has owned since the mid 1940's. Other people are Mr. and Mrs. Dale Spickler, as identified in Arcadia Tribune article on January 22, 1976. Mr. Spickler was committee chairman for Arcadia Tournament of Roses Association benefit party held at Anoakia Saturday, January 31, 1976. See Arcadia VF-Anoakia Item #17 for article and similar photo. Baldwin family crest is handsomely carved above fireplace.
Fall of the House of Baldwin. Part 4 of a 6 part series: This issue of Arcadia Weekly is missing. By Galen Patterson. See hard copy in VF Baldwin, Anita
Demolition permits have been approved and the project of building new homes where the Anoakia mansion stands is now underway. Artifacts from the mansion have been given to the Arcadia Historical Society and the Arboretum.
Aerial view, of Anita M. Baldwin's former estate known as Anoakia, looking north. Address was at 701 West Foothill Boulevard in Arcadia, when it was the Anoakia School. Any use of this image must be credited "Photograph by David Stevens. Copyright David Stevens."
Aerial view, of Anita M. Baldwin's former estate known as Anoakia, looking south. Address was at 701 West Foothill Boulevard in Arcadia, when it was the Anoakia School. Any use of this image must be credited "Photograph by David Stevens. Copyright David Stevens."
Aerial view, of Anita M. Baldwin's former estate known as Anoakia, looking north. Address was at 701 West Foothill Boulevard in Arcadia, when it was the Anoakia School. Any use of this image must be credited "Photograph by David Stevens. Copyright David Stevens."
Arcadia Planning Commission has approved a zone change for the Anoakia property from R-O 30,000 to R-O and D 22,000. The zone change will allow owner Lowrey McCaslin to develop the 19.13 acre site with 29 to 32 homes instead of 23.
