From Nevada County’s “Friday memo” at the Rood Center:
“The owners of the Julia Morgan House have approached the County to inquire about rezoning the property and further developing the site into a community center for events including theatrical and concert performances, educational classes, art displays and other forms of community gatherings while retaining and preserving the historic significance of the site,” according to the Friday memo.
“The property is within the sphere of influence of the City of Grass Valley and the County and the City have begun discussions on cooperating in the processing of the proposal. The owners of the site are working on developing a formal application for the community center which will include a Master Plan, Use Permit and Rezone.
“The proposal will be reviewed by the City of Grass Valley for comments and direction before official submittal to the County for processing.”
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If I might offer a suggestion.
The owners of this house may consider the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan as potential partners in this venture.
Pre-Gold Rush era, this site was a major trade area for Nisenan Chief Weimah and his people. Small wonder a 21st century Farmers Market works so well there today.
There may be a corollary in Ukiah’s famed “Sun House”, designed and commissioned by its owner, artist and friend to the Pomo people of her area, Grace Hudson. This first Craftsman style home to be built in Ukiah has been restored as part of the museum complex that bears her name.
This extraordinary California woman, her house and the tribe she loved were the key elements that have won and continue to win the endowments and grants that made this a star among California’s regional interpretive centers.
I have exhibited and presented public programs at the Hudson. It is a first rate educational venue.
Sherri Smith-Ferri, the director and of Pomo descent, could be a good source of information.
Here is the website:
http://www.gracehudsonmuseum.org/museum.html
Best of luck going forward on this very worthy project.
I would rather not see the North Star House dedicated to any one group. I think a revolving Art/museum exibit would be better for getting people out there. It is an awesome property that can host a variety of cultural events for all to enjoy and learn about.
I think the mission is rather broad and not dedicated to any one group:
” community center for events including theatrical and concert performances, educational classes, art displays and other forms of community gatherings
I agree, the house represents the history of Julia Morgan and the Footes, not any single non-profit group.
I mentioned the Sun House because of the three million dollar grant that the Grace Hudson Museum received last year.
When Federal recognition is restored to the Nevada City Rancheria, the Nisenan of Nevada City will be able to fund public projects such as this.
They are working toward building a tribal cultural center of their own where thy an share their astonishing history, and it is long overdue, but it does not have to be part of the Northstar property.
I believe when the time comes the NCR will have the luxury of beng able to choose from any number of promising locations for their interpretive center.