Library groundbreaking date set

by Janette Neumann,
Yorba Linda Star July 21 1988 page 1   

Breaking ground on the Richard M. Nixon Library site in Yorba Linda will begin in November, following a quick approval of a library's design by the City Council.

Council members approved a design review for the 84,000 square-foot museum and library Tuesday that will be built next door to the birthplace of the former president.

The library will house correspondence, office memos and letters written by Nixon since leaving the hometown and entering politics. Papers not included will be those collected by Nixon during his presidency that began in January, 1969.

Calling the project a “piece of history,” Ernie Wilson of the architectural firm of Landgon, Wilson & Mumper said the non-assuming and reflective design of the library is appropriate to the use of the facility and to the surrounding area.

A central courtyard will display a fountain and offices, library area and the main entrance will have a view of the water, architects said.

Council members approved in a 4-0 vote the design of the 9-acre site that lies on the north side of Yorba Linda Boulevard at Eureka Avenue. Councilman Irwin Fried was absent from the meeting.

Beginning in November, the complex will be constructed in two phases. Phase one will include parking, orientation theater and museum. Phase two will provide the library and offices.

The project plan reviewed by the council included provisions for emphasizing the Nixon home. According to the architects' report, when the museum opens, a visitor will be able to see the old home a distance away from the museum in “its original surrounding.”

In other business, the council:

Increased the election fee for candidates to $200 due to increased costs of processing an initiative for candidacy.

Set sewer costs for residents at $5.50 per household, up about 50 cents from last year. The amount will be added to annual taxes levied by the city.

Approved a landscaping assessment district for nine new developments within the city. The council adopted assessments for maintaining landscaping that range from $231 to $36 annually.

Awarded a city project to make storm drain improvements west of Lakeview Avenue from Hutchins Drive to El Cajon Bikeway. The project, including improvement of the Highland Avenue sewer, was awarded to Spear Pipeline Construction of Orange for $570,779.05

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