Today, a fire seriously damaged the historic structures at Miraflores. I have been asking repeatedly (while I was still mayor) and warning (after I was no longer mayor) that these structures
are endangered and that the City should take responsibility for protecting them. See the email below that I sent to Shasa back on October  4, 2024, I wrote, “What is going to happen is what happened to the International Hotel; someone will burn them down,
and the problem will go away.” The only thing that surprises me is that it took so long.

Unfortunately, neither the City nor the City Council has any interest in preserving the City’s historic resources. It is lack of City code enforcement that ked to the fire that destroyed the
International Hotel.”

The same thing is happening at Winehaven.

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You know, you have multiple tools to compel Artes Capital to take care of these structures until they are rehabilitated, including RMC 2.63, 6.38 and 9.22. I don’t understand why the City doesn’t
take action. What is going to happen is what happened to the International Hotel; someone will burn them down, and the problem will go away. “Having conversation,” is a lame excuse for doing nothing.

Tom Butt, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C

 INTERACTIVE
RESOURCES, INC. | Est. 1973

117 Park Place
|
Richmond, CA  94801

M: 510.220.1577

E: tom.butt@intres.com
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www.intres.com
 

We are having conversations with the City around “mothballing” the City owned historic buildings.  Hopefully that will provide added protection to the buildings.  Thanks.

I agree with your assessment of the challenge. About the only thing that would work are cameras and a 24/7 guard. I know that is expensive, but the alternative is probably destruction.

Thanks Tom.  We have repaired the fencing multiple times and the police department is routinely driving by the site to remove trespassers.  Not much all of us can do when the trespassers immediately cut down the fencing with wire cutters. 
Appreciate the info.  Thanks.