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TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Costa
FROM: Supervisor Joe Canciamilla County
DATE: July 14, 1998
SUBJECT: ACKNOWLEDGE OF THE HISTORICAL VALUE OF THE RIVERVIEW SCHOOL
BUILDING IN ANTIOCH AND ACCEPT REPORT FROM THE ANTIOCH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION($)AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Acknowledge the historical value of the Riverview High School building in Antioch;
2. Accept the report from the Antioch Historical Society;
3. Direct staff of the County Administrator's Office, Fire District and District V Supervisors office to work with
the Antioch Historical Society(A.H.S.)to develop a five year lease/option for the Riverview High School
building;
4. Direct that this lease will contain at least the following additional terms:
A. All maintenance and repair shall be the responsibility of the A.H.S.
B. The A.H.S. shall agree to maintain liability and fire insurance on the property in a sum to be
agreed upon.
C. The A.H.S.agrees to a hold-harmless clause indemnifying the County:
D. Should the A.H.S.fail to acquire the building within five(5)years the building reverts to the
County.
BACKGROUND:
The old Riverview High School was built in 1910 as the first school building in Eastern Contra Costa County.
The site was acquired by the Riverview Fire District in 1975 for use as its headquarters. It subsequently became an asset
of Contra Costa County Fire. This Board has declared the property as surplus and attempts have been made to sell it.
There are currently parties interested in purchasing the building for private corporate purposes.
The Antioch Historical Society has had approximately six(6) months to secure finding for the site. Unfortunately,
considering the speed at which most grant programs are processed that is not enough time to accomplish such a task.
The building will require extensive structural and hazmat clean up.
As a valuable historic asset to East County, I would urge the Board to review the background information provided. While
a sale now would generate much needed capital for the Fire District, the small dollar sum gained would not come close to
matching the value lost.
Representatives of the Historical Society will be available to answer questions and provide additional information.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR E ATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE{S)
ACTION OF BOARD ON 1111y 140 199A APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED: : Y OTHER:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS:
.X..__ UNANIMOUS(ABSENT - _ _ .. See the attached Addendum for 13oard action.
)
AYES- WOES:
{#i MSY CERTIFY THAT THIS ISI A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON T14E MINUTES OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
ATTESTED
July 14, I998
,y ;SUPERVISORS
IIATGHELOR,C ERK O1 THE BOARD OF
AND NTYADMINISTRATOR
ByiTY
ADDENDUM TO ffEM D.10
July 14, 1998 Agenda
The Board of Supervisors considered recommendations presented by Supervisor Canciamilla
regarding the historical value of the Riverview School Building in Antioch, and a report from
the Antioch Historical Society on the building.
Fallowing Beard discussion, public comment was opened, and the fallowing,people presented
testimony:
Elizabeth Rimbault, member of the Antioch Historical Society, 2810 Lone Tree
Way, #8, Antioch;
Joel Keller, former Antioch Mayor, member of the Antioch HistoricalSociety;
Dorothy Smith, 749 Carolina Street, San Francisco;
James Koch, DYC Yoga Centers, 2378 Whitetail Drive, Antioch,
Michael O'Leary, DYC Yoga Centers, 4210 Spaulding Street, Antioch;
Mike Heckathorn, DYC Yoga Centers, 4200 Spaulding Street, Antioch;
Michael Partain, Partain Properties, 4356 Oakdale Place, Pittsburg.
All those desiring to spear having been heard, the Board discussed the issues.
Beard members discussed the matter relative to the proposed needs of the Riverview Fire
District. Supervisor Canciamilla advised the Board that there are very few historical buildings
in East County, and commented that a report on acquiring the building could be presented for
the Board's review in 90 days.
Supervisor Canciamilla moved the staffs recommendations, and commented that proceeds
from the building's sale would not be used for paramedic expenses for the Riverview Fire
District, as suggested. Scott Tandy, Chief Assistant County Administrator, advised that using
the one-time sale proceeds against operational costs would not be prudent.
Supervisor Gerber seconded the motion.
Supervisor DeSaulnier recommended that as an amendment to the motion, the Beard allow
third party proposals for the building's purchase. Supervisor Canciamilla agreed to the
amendment, and moved that any proposals come back to the Board for review in 90 days.
Ms. Gerber did not voice objection to the amendment.
IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that the historical value of the Riverview High
School Building in Antioch is ACKNOWLEDGED; the report from the Antioch Historical
Society is ACCEPTED; the County Administrator's staff, the Riverview Fire District, and
Supervisor Canciamilla's staff are DIRECTED to work with the Antioch Historical Society to
develop a five year lease/option for the Riverview High School building; it is :DIRECTED
that the lease contain specific terms; the County Administrator's staff is DIRECTED to solicit
other proposals for the building; and County staff is DIRECTED to report to the Board in 90
days on the lease and any other offers to purchase the property.
1
Joseph Candamilla
Supervisor,District Five ry`.- ''� �' 420 West 3rd Street
Contra Costa County ° rye" Antioch,CA 94509
Board of Supervisors (510) 756-7114
315 East Leland Road
Pittsburg,CA 94565 2535 Main Street
(510) 427-8138 Oakley,CA 94561
(510) 427-8142 Fax (510) 625-0965
MEMO: June 19, 1998
TO: Claude L. Van Marter, Assistant County Administrator
FROM: Supervisor Joe Canciamilla, District V
RE: JULY 14th AGENDA
Please find enclosed a proposed board and background material for the discussion section
of the July 14th agenda.
The item will probably need 20-30 minutes for presentation, discussion and decision.
I am forwarding copies, under separate cover to the Fire Chief, Fire Advisory Board and
the Mr. Batchelor.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Antioch Bay Point Bethel Island Brentwood Bvron
Discovery Bay Knightsen Oakley Pittsburg
Antioch Historical Society
519 T" Street, Antioch, California 94509
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
C/o Clerk To The Beard
851 Pine Street
Martinez, CA 94553
June 5, 1998
Re: Antioch Historical Society request to Lease/Purchase
Riverview Union High School .
Dear Mr. Chairman and Members of The Board:
On January 30, 1998 the Antioch Historical Society was
notified by Supervisor Canciamilla that we had been; granted a six
month window of opportunity to devise a solution for the ownership
of the Riverview Union High School site. On March 10, 1998, the
Board of Supervisors authorized the Antioch Historical. Society the
right to apply for historical standing on the California and
National registry of historical sites . Throughout this period the
historical society has made applications to the Mate, through our
elected representatives, and to the federal government, for grants
and other funds to assist us in this acquisition. This historical
status of the site is very important to the end receipt of such
grants .
In addition the historical society has contacted and worked
with various groups to make this project as inclusive as possible
with offering possible public - private partnerships with other
agencies. As you can imagine, other governmental agencies also have
serious financial concerns this year and were unable to commit to
a new partnership. In virtually every case the agencies believed
the County should be the natural partner with the historical
society as the county already owns the site.
In our attempts to broaden the appeal to yourselves, of a
cooperative effort with the historical society, we have proposed
and extended the offer to other groups to share space with those
seeking storage and display of historical data. Principally we have
approached the Contra Costa Historical Society , which is in need
of additional storage, and the Centra Costa Fire Fighters Union for
their interest in a fire fighters museum display. ! Although, the
various groups are unable to commit at this time, it is the intent
of the Antioch Historical Society to leave the invitations open to
other groups, including future seats on our museum board of
directors, so that all might have a say in the future of the site.
We have most recently been approached by the Department of The
Interior and an Bast county resident writing a grant for a "Rookery
Relief Art Project" on the Blue Heron of the Delta. An art studio
on the lower level would be very appropriate.
We have just heard back From the State Historical Commission
that is reviewing our package for the site . The Commission is
strongly endorsing our bid for the historical registry and has
forwarded the package, including their recommendation, on to
national . We do not expect to hear the final outcome of our
registry application before late Fall .
We have received the strong support of Assemblyman Tom
Torlakson who has applied for state funds on our behalf . His
application has been joined by Senator Richard Rainey, who also
strongly supports our efforts to preserve the site for future
permanent public access . Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher is also
attempting to identify federal funds for the project . We do not
expect to hear the outcome of the State request from our
representatives until Fall .
It is our intent to apply for grants, state and federal funds,
on an annual basis until our total project needs have been met .
However, we have also totally reviewed the surveys dune by the fire
district on the building and have determined that our needs are
very different from that of an emergency command post . The required
earthquake upgrades will actually cost a fraction of the districts
projected project . We currently have sufficient ' funds in our
society to pay for the needed handicap access to the upper level
and access is already in place from the rear to the lower level .
It is our understanding that the Board may currently wish to
divest itself of responsibility associated with this site . However,
the society is faced with the problem that any potential funds will
not be identified for this year until late Fall at the earliest,
and complete funding is something that will take longer.
Therefore, it is our intent to offer to the Board of Supervisors a
Lease with Exclusive Option To Purchase for five years .
We wish to establish the purchase price now and be allowed to
make partial additional deposits towards the purchase, throughout
the lease period whenever funds are identified and received. The
historical board has determined they will offer the same price that
the district paid at the time of their purchase from Fibreboard,
$150, 000 .00 . The tax payers of East county feel very strongly that
this will mark the third time our citizens have had to pay for this
site. First a bond of $20, 000 . 00 in 1908, to construct the school .
Secondly for Riverview Fire to purchase the site from Fibreboard
in 1965 and now a third purchase from Contra Costa Fire to preserve
this historical site for the citizens of East county permanently.
The citizens of East county have historically felt a
separation from the balance of the county geographically,
financially, politically and emotionally. our true historically
significant sites are limited to three; The 0`ohn Marsh home,
currently in ruin; the Somersville mines, in the jurisdiction of
the East Bay Regional Park system; and the Riverview Union High
School, the only usable historic building. The county Board of
Supervisor' s willingness to enter into this lease option to
purchase agreement for the preservation of this significant site,
would go a long way towards bridging the gap between east county
and the balance of the county emotionally. This sale to the
historical society would give the Board a strong positive presence
in the community of East county and in recognizing the importance
of our history.
Although, we are offering a fair amount for the purchase, we
feel the lease period should recognize the previous taxpayers
investment in this site . Therefor, the lease amount is only $5 . 00
per year for 5 years with the majority of benefits to the county
being in the form of release from responsibility. The Historical
Society will immediately assume responsibility and payment for:
1 . Utilities .
2 . Security
3 . Maintenance
4 . Landscaping
5 . Management
5 . Handicap access
7 . Handicap restroom improvements
S . Insurance Reimbursements for premiums to the
County.
9 . Protection of the Marsh at the rear of the site.
1.O . Future negotiations with Gaylord for Water.
The Society intends to make the grounds available for rent to
the public, for public and private functions, to generate the funds
necessary to maintain the property. Prior to any additional
upgrading and prior to full ownership transfer, the Society will
not rent the interior of the building for any public or private
gatherings of people . It is our intent to hold fundraisers and
write for annual grants as well as solicit major contributions, to
generate the final purchase price at the end of the '5 year period.
We are willing to include in the Deed description, if felt
necessary by the County, that the Society will permanently
guarantee public access , During the 5 year period of l the lease, the
County may assign a representative to serve on our museum board as
a liaison.
These are the basic conditions being offered to the Board in
the hopes of striking a deal that will permanently preserve one of
the most significant historical sites in east county while also
relieving the County of further concern over the site . The Antioch
Historical Society is prepared to occupy and begin improvements
immediately upon your approval today. We will snake ourselves
available to sign the finalized lease/purchase when prepared by
County Council .Thank you for yo considerati n of is matter.
Eliza imbault
Real Estate Broker/Certified Appraiser
Agent For Antioch Historical Society
EXCLUSIVE LEASE- / OPTION TO PURCHASE
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AND ANTIOCH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
RIVERVIEW UNION HIGH SCHOOL
LISTING OF DEAL POINTS:
1. 5 YEAR LEASE AT $5 .00 PER YEAR LEASE AMOUNT.
2. PURCHASE AMOUNT OF $150, 000.00.
3 . DEED RESTRICTION TO GUARANTY PUBLIC ACCESS TO SITE
PERMANENTLY OR ANNUALLY.
4 . DAILY OR EVENT BASED RESERVATIONS OF THE GROUNDS IS
PERMITTED BY PRIVATE GROUPS AS A METHOD OF FINANCIALLY
SUPPORTING THE SITE.
5 . THE SOCIETY WILL NOT ALLOW GENERAL MEETINGS OR GATHERINGS
OF PEOPLE INSIDE THE BUILDING DURING THE LEASE PERIOD OR
UNTIL BUILDING UPGRADES HAVE TAKEN PLACE.
6. THE SOCIETY WILL INSTALL HANDICAP ACCESS TO THE UPPER
LEVEL.
7 . THE SOCIETY WILL MAKE NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS FOR ONE
HANDICAP REST ROOM ON THE UPPER LEVEL.
8. THE SOCIETY WILL ESTABLISH A HISTORICAL MUSEUM ON THE MAIN
LEVEL OF THE BUILDING.
9 . THE SOCIETY WILL TAKE IMMEDIATE MEASURES TO INSURE THE
SECURITY OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS.
10. THE SOCIETY WILL IMMEDIATELY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR:
A. UTILITIES
B. SECURITY
C. MAINTENANCE
D. LANDSCAPING
E. MANAGEMENT
F. INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENTS TO COUNTY FOR COVERAGE.
G. NEGOTIATIONS WITH GAYLORD FOR WATER.
H. PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE WETLANDS TO THE REAR.
11. THE SOCIETY DESIRES OCCUPANCY BY JULY 1, 1998.
NPS Porth 10-900-& dM8 ACO^�d�No.t07s dOta
M-* 1
United State department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 1 Riverview Union High school Building
SECTION 7: DESCRIPTION
RIVERVIEW UNION 1IIG1YSCHOOL BUILDING
1910 - 1931, 1937+
TTie Riverview Union Fligh School building sits in a classical balanced setting. The entrance
gate posts,2 x 4 x 6 feet tall, stand on either side of the entrance road. The 160 foot long entrance road
approaches the high school building circling around the flag pole. The flag pole is placed in a tear drop
shaped planter box in front of the building's entrance. The front lawn is neatly maintained. The
dominant feature is the four palm trees,two on either side of driveway. There are seventeen other
trees,and shrubs listed on the landscaping report. (See: Landscape Report)
Tfie buikfing was designed by the Oakland architects, Cumming and Weymouth,in the summer
of 1910.The building is two stories high. The overall dimensions are 121 feet wide by 79 feet deep. The
total floor space equals 14,500 square feet. The existing exterior perimeter was are constructed of non-
reinforced solid Antioch red clay brick masonry. The red brick dimensions are 4 X 8 112 X 2 112 inches.
The brick wall`thicknesses are 8, 13;and 17172 inches at the parapet,upper story and lower story
respectively. The bricks are laid in running bond with bond courses at every sixth course,or header
brick. The Renaissance Revival architecture building has the balanced classical look. The left side of the
front of the building is a mirror image of the right. This balanced look is maintained on both sides and
back.
The columned portico covers the entrance to the building. The four columns,two on each side
of the doorway,have Corinthian capitals supporting the gabled roof. lentil detailing is over the frieze
board. Just behind the portico is a Roman arch above the entrance doors. Concrete steps lead up to the
front doors on the exterior and wooden steps continue on up to the second or main floor on the interior.
The original exterior wooden doors have been replaced with aluminum store front doors with panic bars.
The front stair case is a part of the classical look of the front portico. As with the Greek and Roman
public buildings, stairs could suggest the activities in this building were above the commonplace.
Originally,this building stood in total isolation,surrounded by vacant land. Landscaping did not exist
for several years after the high school opened due to insufficient funds..
All the window frames are original. They are double hung,wood construction. Above each
window and exterior door frame is an embedded pre-cast concrete lintel with a keystone design in the
middle. bong span lintels are embedded pre-cast concrete, sitting on top of steel plates. The steel plate
ties into the brick wall supporting, the lintel. The second floor short windows in the end wings were built
just above the inside classroom blackboards.
MPS form 14-906-a _ OM&Approv NO.1024-W id
United States Department of the Interior
National Dark Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sleet
Section slumber 7 Page Riverview union High School Building
The corners of the brick walls of the building are ornamental embedded pre-cast concrete
`quoins.' The quoins are cream in color and visually set the building elements apart from the red brick
walls. The quoins are an alternating pattern of square and rectangular. The pattern continues up the
wall where it terminates just above the second floor windows against a pre-cast horizontal bland
approximately 18 inches wide. Centered on this band is a precast built out radiuses element
approximately 9 inches wide. This horizontal band and built out elements are wrapped around the entire
building.
Classical embellishments were used at the top of the building. Approximately 24 to 30 inches
below the top of the parapet is a horizontal element projecting out 12 to 24 inches. This element has a 12
to I8 inch fascia board and applied to the upper half of the fascia is a crowned mounded element. The
underside of this projected element is softited with lentil detailing applied on the frieze board directly
under the projected element. This feature is located,approximately 24 inches above the horizontal band
element. This element continues all the way around the building. The roof,which is below the parapet;is
sloped approximately 1/4 or more inches per foot. It has 1 X 8 inche straight sheeting supported by a
combination of wood joists,carpenter trusses, wood beams, and girder trusses. The attic space is
approximately six feet high. Tar and gravel roofing protect the building.
The original inside of the building has been maintained The main or second floor is I I feet
above the first floor. The ceiling of the second floor is 15 feet above the floor. The original walls of lath
and plaster are still in place. Some other walls have been added over time The lath and plaster ceiling
on the second floor has been covered with a sound proofing material. The second floor flooring is
hardwood over diagonal sheathing supported by 2x 13 inch joists at 16 inches on center. Currently this
flooring is protected with a blue and gray carpet. The interior walls are 2 x 6 inch studs at 16 inches on
center. The four classrooms on the second floor,two in each end wing, have normal-sized windows in
one wall;anda short window in the wall just above the blackboard: Blackboards were on three walls with
large windows in the fourth . The blackboards have been removed. A 30 inch board and batten
wainscot wall is still in place. 'Me wainscot apparently Helped support the blackboards.
The second floor rooms open on to a main corridor that runs the length of the building.
Academic classes were generally herd'on this floor. Starting in front and going left,the rooms included
the principal's office and teacher's room;the west wing,has two large classrooms with a small room in
between;the 30 by 40 foot study hail with a large platform is on the north side; and two more large
classrooms with a small room in between is in the cast wing. Originally the first floor included the
domestic and science laboratories, lunch, manual training and furnace rooms.
Some of the original interior doors are still in place. They are raised paneled style. The added
wall have hollow core doors. The original door jams are plain frame with a cap. The raised paneled
doors still have some of the original hardware..
NPSform 10.900•4 OM8 Approvjhto.102+-Wf8
i8 o6j
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 page 3 Riverview Union High Schoo Building
The 30 by 40 foot study hail is the largest room in the building. The board and batten
wainscoting in the study hall is 5 feet high. The ceiling in this room is caved on a two foot slanted piece
between the cefTing and the walls giving this roam a sense of enclosure, All the windows in this room
have Roman arches,adding a dynamic classical touch.
'Me first floor is at ground level with no steps leading in from the outside. The ground level
entrances to the building are in the back. The original wooden entrance doors have been replaced with
aluminum store front doors with panic liars. The floor is concrete. Some of the floor is painted,some
have old style floor covering and some is bare. The original lath and plaster walls are still in place.
Some rooms have been divided into smaller spaces with wall board construction, The ceiling is lath and
plaster with some of the second floor joists are visible through a few open spaces, dater and sewer pipes
and'efectrical conduit from several remodeling operations are still in evidence.
All the original 1910 electrical equipment has been replaced. The fluorescent fixtures on the
second floor are of the late 1940's era. The original heating system was probably a steam generating
boiler system with radiators in each room. This was a common type of heating system for the time of
construction. This system has been replaced with a central forced air system. The two office bathroom
fixtures on the second floor look original. Newer bathroom facilities have been added to the first floor.
A two story,21 by 10 fdot concrete structure on the back of the building was added during the
Fibreboard era. One end is cast against the brick building.
F istorical records indicate this building was,",..the most complete high school building in the
county. . ." when finished. The building was visited by other school district representatives during
construction
NPS form10.900•8 OMS Approv}7 No.102x.0018
< IB$d} 1
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
8 4 Riverview Union High School Building
Section number Page
I ANNE
RIVERVIEW UNION HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING
1910'-1931;197+
Riverview Union High School building is significant at the local level under Criterion A, as the
first high schoor building in eastern Contra Costa County. This building is also significant at the local
level under Criterion A,as the Fibreboard Research Facility inventions, 1937+..
This building was built as the direct result oMalir6rnia State laws and significant local historic
events. California laws,from the states inception in 1850,provided financial support for public
education. ne elementary school system was established first. The high school system slowly evolved.
Larger cities,as San Francisco, financially supported bath elementary and high school education,
including the needed buildings. Lesser populated regions of the state,as was true in eastern Contra Costa
County,financially supported just the elementary school system, Sometimes high school classes were
taught-in-el4mentary schools. Antioch.Grammar Schoor.had space available as early as 1883 for high
school classes.
Union high school districts were legally established in 1890. Adjoining elementary school
districts could create a union high school district. In 1891,the sixteen elementary districts in eastern
Contra Costa County formed a union high school district. Antioch had the most students,was the largest
town and Antioch Grammar School had extra classroom space where the union high school classes were
held: Funding was by a special'local district tax. Local support was inadequate for consistent schooling.
The California law of 1901 provided for state financial aid supporting union high school
districts. This new law shifted finding for high'schools from the local level to the state. The sixteen
elementary districts were reconfigured into two union high school districts. Twelve of the sixteen
elementary school-districts created one union high school in the far eastern part of the county.
The remaining four elementary school districts were Antioch,Pittsburg, (Black Diamond until
1912), S6mersvitle and Nortonville(the Carbondale School District), They agreed to form a union high
school district. The Live Oak (elementary)District soon joined. The Riverview Union High School
District was Cormed June 1, 1903, after Henry puller Beede,an Antioch business person,and the newly
formed Antioch Women's Club,supported the new high school district. Antioch Grammar School had
space for high school classes, The`Riverview' name,a compromise,referred to the dominant
transportation system everyone in this area depended on-the San Joaquin River.
However,the 1901 law created very few high school buildings in the state. Construction costs
were greater than operating costs. In 1909, the California State Legislators authorized union high school
districts that had been inexistence for three years to build a school building. The bill allowed the districts
to levy a one year tax to pay for the building.
NPS.Form IO-O -a OMa Apprmyl No,1024-Wf6
l8•dd) s6•
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Rational Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number s Page s Riverview Union High School Building
Antioch and Pittsburg were the fastest growing towns Somersville and Nortonville were small
coal mining communities whose mining economy was declining. These two towns were located south of
Antioch andPittsburg in the foothills of l aunt Diablo. The Live Oak District was a large agricultural
community located east of Antioch. The new high school building was considered a significant statement
about a town's influence. Therefore,both Antioch and Pittsburg vied fdr this building and'its potential
influence.
The Riverview Union High School District Trustees bought land in Antioch fdr the new high
school. Pittsburg objected. They wanted the building. Another site was proposed in the southern part
of Antioch. This too was rejectedby Pittsburg. Then,Charles Appleton Hooper,a Pittsburg business
person,donated two blocks of unincorporated land between Antioch and Pittsburg. The Hooper school
site was Bordered on the west by vacant land(now Gaylord Containers);on the north by the San Joaquin
River;on the east by a marsh (now Anchor Glass Container's plant)and on the south was the intersection
of three roads.
Neither town got the school building. The significance of this high school site was the begin-
ning,of each of these three roads. This was also the beginning of the new high school building. Marsh
Street(now West 4th Street),began at the entrance to the high school and went east to the town of
Antioch. Somersville Road began in front of the school's entrance and traveled south to Somersville
located in the foothills. About a quarter mile south on Somersville Road began the Antioch/Pittsburg
Road(later called Highway)which went west to Pittsburg. Nortonville students traveled through
Pittsburg to the school on this road Live Oak students from the agricultural area east of Antioch traveled
to town and then on to the high school using Marsh Street.
This new site on the Hooper land satisfied all communities except Antioch. However,the
election on April 1, 1910,approved the location west of Antioch for the high school building and elected
five new trustees who favored compromising all differences. The money for the new high school was
provided by a direct tax. Since there was no gymnasium,expenses were held within the$20,000 limit.
Cumming and Weymouth,architects,were selected in the summer of 1910. Construction of the high
school building began in September 1910. The new high school was dedicated in November 1911.
The classrooms on the second(main)floor were finished when the school opened. The rooms
on the first (ground)floor were finished as they were needed. About 30 students were enrolled in 1911.
This quickly expanded to 50+in 1912 and to 130 by 1916. The building was built for 120 students. As
the student enrollment expanded so did the need for additional curriculum beyond the basics The trustees
desired a balanced offering for all students. In 1911, sewing was added; manual training in 1912. A
chemistry lab was added on the first floor in 1914. A school band was organized in I915 and played at
the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.
Athletics were popular with students and teachers from the beginning. The lack of a gym
did not stop student participation. Basketball was played outside of the high school in good weather,
and in Scouts Hall or the Belshaw Theater during the rest of the year. Football was played in a field south
of the high school. The boys changed in the furnace room. There were no showers
_ _. _. _........ _..__.... ....__. ........................ .
NP$Flim 10.900•a OMB ApWovj Aro,1024-=8
0.661
United Sates Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Pilaces
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 6 Riverview Union High school Building
The Manual Training Departments expansion requirements were uniquely met. In 1915,with
limited funds for construction,the Riverview union High School Trustees accepted the offer from George
Cater, the instructor,and the students to build the Manual Arts building on the north side of the property,
behind the main building. This two story structure was built in sections giving the Manual Training
Department students practical experience in all phases of the construction. This building was used until
the school closed in 1931. This building has been removed.
Riverview Union High School educational process was very important with the trustees. They
hired qualified teachers by going to the Normal Schools(now state universities)and Stanford University.
This policy made Riverview Union FUgh School ". . . one of the finest in California."
In 1925, Antioch and Pittsburg dissolved the union high school district due to overcrowding
of the 2W+students in a building built for 120. New industries had created greater economic
opportunities for both communities. Now both towns could afford their own school buildings. Pittsburg
kept the`Riverview' name and Antioch kept the building, Bre 1930, Antioch had outgrown this building.
A bond election was held for a new high school that was built in the then center of town, The class of
1`931"was the last class to graduate from the Riverview Union High School building.
This building has survived for several reasons. First the building was isolated from the center
of activities far either town. It ceased being usefW'as a school building in 1931. Both Antioch and-
Pittsburg
ndPittsburg built new high school buildings closer to the center of the towns at that time. The mid 1930's
Carifbrnia earthquake law forced all other schoof buildings in the state to be evaluated- All-nonstandard
brick buildings had to be fixed or replaced. Most brick buildings disappeared over time. The Riverview
Union High School building was not affected by the new laws since it was not being used as a school
building.
Seco 4 this building has survived Because it was usefW to other organizations. The Bureau of
Reclamation leased the building in the mid 1930s for 90 engineers who worked on the Central Valley
Project. Fiberboard bought the building in 1937-and used it until 1975as their research-facility. The
Riverview Fire District bought the building in 1975 for their administrative offices. They used the
buf7Xh&until'199.5 when the fire district was reconfigured. The building is now vacant, It maybe sold
with an uncertain future. Preservation of this significant 88 year old Renaissance Revival building is
nary.
FIBREBOARD ERA: 1947+
Fibreboard manufactured containers. The Riverview Union High School building is just east of
the Fiberboard plant. In 1937 Fibreboard bought the building for use as a research facility. Several
significant inventions that were critical to the World War 11 effort carne from their research. The
underwater writing pen used by frogmen; the wax coating with pesticides to protect shipments of supplies
from large rodents found in the South Pacific and waxed paper milk cartons and other packaging designed
.
h"Fotm 10.Wo•i Wa AppralI No.1024-W18
l8.96! +f
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
(rational Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 7 .Riverview[anion High School Building
to eliminate the use of glass were some of the early outcomes from this research facility. Many of the
early designs were forerunners of todays consumer era packaging.
9. BIBLfO 7FtAPHY
"Antioch District High School Board of Trustees" Minutes,Organizational meeting
truly 7, 1925. Antioch Unified School District,
Antioch Women's Club,"Diamond Jubilee Report." Unpublished report, 1977.
Benyo,Elise S.,Antioch to the Twenties. Antioch Unified School District publishers,
1971
Contra Costa Historical Societies newspaper clippings file on the Riverview Union High
School building, 1901 - 1931
Hohlniayer,Earl J. Lookirta Back If More Tales of Old East Contra Costa County.
US Print, 1996.
Torhiem, William, Antioch Schools of Contra! County. Contra Costa Library, 1970.
Vogel,John D. S.E.,and,and Meyer,Ronald C. S.E.,"Structural Investigation Report,"
Riverview Fire Protection District Administration Building,March 25, 19191..
10. VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION
Assessors Parcel No. 074-040x026
Riverview Fire Protection District, 1500 West 4th Street, Antioch, CA 94¢09
11. BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION
This is the parcel historically associated with this property..
THE WOMAN ' CLUB qF A T1 _ ;;
c
f w c 509 G STREET ANTIOCH, CA 945 ` `
Supervisor Joe Canciamilla
Clerk of The Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street, RM . 146
Martinez , Ca 94553-1293
March 13 , 1998
Re : Use of Riverview Union Nigh School .
Dear Supervisor Canciamilla;
The Antioch Women' s Club has just celebrated it' s 96th year .
When our founding mothers organized in 1942 , they did so to force
the city fathers to pave our streets and build a water and sewer
department . Water was then piped to each home as opposed to the
water wagon coming by once a week to fill each cistern and the
construction of privies in town became outlawed.
The following year the members of the Antioch Women' s Club
applied for grants and we became the first city to ,receive a
Carnegie Grant for the construction of the first library in the
east county area . Because of our roll in building the library;
several years ago the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors gave the
Women' s Club due consideration when they requested that the retired
building be sold to the city of Antioch for historical use .
In 1948 when the citizens were once again reluctant to provide
a new building for the first Riverview Union High School , the
members of the Antioch Women' s Club once again took to the street;
and mounted a campaign to support the district and the band
measure . On voting day the Antioch Women' s Club provided a driver,
horse and buggy to ferry voters to and from the polls all day . At
the end of the day, these powerful ladies with no vote of their
own, had once again succeeded in bringing Antioch into the next new
era; the era of Union high schools . The Riverview Union High School
became the first high school building to be built in all of eastern
Centra Costa County.
With efforts such as these being the heritage and legacy of
the Antioch Women' s Club, the oldest women' s club in the county,
we are sure you will understand our belief that the women' s club is
owed a certain level of consideration for their wishes for the
retired building of the old Riverview Union High School .
It is our hope that the Board of Supervisors will support the
retention of the building in some branch of Public Ownership while
allowing the site to be managed or overseen by the Antioch
Historical Society for the establishment of a historical museum.
This is one of the most significant historical sites, in east county
STATE CAPITOL {V COMMITTEES:
PO BOX'942849Itk+ iCHAIR.SOUSING$COMMUNITY
SACRAMENTO,CA 94249-0001 7.3 7.T ji31 4EVELOPMENT
(91@)445.7890
FAX(918)327.2999
s15 ESTUCJLLO STRE1<T
MARTINEZ.CA 545$3 NLWTT1JtVda Tlvgishtfurr &UCfGET
t5t0)372.7993 SUOGET SGBCOVMiTYE .
FAX t51,0)372.0934 �ry EDUCATION FINANCE
JOINT GO1.1ERNMENT CENTER TOM TORLAKSON :OCAL 3OVERNMENT
TPANSON
42OW,3RD STREET ASSEMBLYMEMSER,'ELEVENTH DISTRICT WATERpPARK {AJN
ANTIOCH,CA 94509 WATER PARKS ANC3 VJIGOL(Fc
i5i-0}778.5790
FAX(510)778.5174 CO•C!+A{R:
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CAUCUS
E•MAiL:Tcm.Tar:aksart{9asatmbty.ca.gav -
March 6, 1998
Supervisor Joe Canciamilla
300 East Leland Road
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Dear Joe:
I understand the Antioch Historical Society has requested your assistance in their
efforts to preserve the Riverview Union High School in Antioch.
Since the time the Riverview Fire Protection District vacated this building, I have
strongly supported the Antioch Historical Society's efforts to acquire this historical
building. As the representative in the State Assembly, I am doing what I can to pursue
state funding. I have contacted Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher to request her help in
identifying federal funding resources.
I would like to urge the Board f Supervisors to designate the Riverview Union
High School as the site for the Contra Costa County Historical Society to utilize as the
repository for historical records as required under the California.Rules of Court.
I would like to urge your support of the Antioch Historical Society's efforts to
pursue a partnership with the East Bay Regional Park District.
Thank you for joining us in these efforts. Please do not hesitate to call me if you
would like to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Tom Torlakson
TT:gro
cc: Elizabeth Rimbault, Antioch Historical Society
Tom Beagle, Antioch Historical Society
rnntec on iiUCYC1VJ,-,fWv+
-IV
CONSIDER WITH JUL 10 t
July 9, 9998
Contra Costa Board of Supervisors
cJo Clerk to the Board
659 Pine Street
Martinez, 'CA 94533
Re: Riverview Union High School, Antioch
Dear Supervisors,
Please support the Historical Society's request to obtain the old Riverview Union
High School site for a new museum. As you know, this is one of the very few
remaining historical sites in all of East County, and the only one that is currently
sable without major repairs.
Tank you,
Evia
M. Viera
4740 Matterhorn Way
Antioch, CA 94509
JUL-13-98 18 :X4 PM HEf2t ANDEZ HOME . Pal Y
IMNSIDE11 Wn 0. 7-IV--9?
CinzENs FoR DEmocxwy Com. mmrEE
To benefit and n omate kgdershlo* d nn"*
TO: CCC Beard of Supervisors, c/o Cleric of The Board JUL 13 1
tiny 13, 19 s
FROM: Ralph A Hernandez, Chairperson-C.F.L1.C.Executive Board
SUBJECT-. Former CC Consolidated Fire District Facility 1 former Riverview Union High School Building
.Honorable Supervisors:
Having read the article in today's S. F. Chronicle regarding the Issue of the farmer CC Consolidated 11 re
District Facility/Former Riverview Union High School Building we would like to make some comments. We
also have some points utd recr nunendafwns that we believe bears consideration.
The.facility in question last functioned in 1931 for school-related uses, that is 67 years ago! Since then it
has been used for other purposes, the last 20 years(from 1975 thru 1995)as the CC Consolidated Fire District
Administration Facility. Consideration as to its future should be directed towards returning,it to the tar rolls, an
economic development job-generating facility, and sold with the County receiving as much value as possible
for it(ASAP), and for its true worth.
The Antioch Historical Society's continued attempts to delay such can but negatively impact its overall
benefit to the County's citizenry. The,group's identified Spokesperson and Treasurer,the fornserly RECALLED
"Ooh City Council Member Eli74beth Rimbault,is attempting to.got publicly owned property(at a very law
price)for her own special interests, A facility currently worth at least an estimated $345,000 should not be
'given away`for less than half,only$15€1,000(which we doubt they have or would come up with anyway). If
such bargains are currently available from the County than it is only fair that the County submit such for public
interest and bidding, and sold to the highest bidder.
The County seeds to pose to the Antioch Historical Society time questions and get their answers to;
a. Their current financialassets(believed to be very minimal-even though about a year ago they expressed an
interest in acquiring the facility-doesnt show much interest does it).
#r. How would they pay to earthquake-proof the facility,and within the upcoming deadline?
c.liow would they pay for the obvious ADA mitigations?
d_ Hous would they pay for its maintenance 1 upk, .
e.How many jabs will be generated by their endeavor,versus the ethers proposing to buy the fkcitity?
f How will they pay for its waded repairs,versus others`ability to do so?
g By sdling it to private Wim how is it that the building will no longer exist "for future generations" (one
of the AHS"s claimed concerns)?
h. What ad valorem and/or sales taxes would be forthcoming from the MIS if thcy gat h, versus private parties?
-'he County needs to consider also that it may set a very unwelcome precedent if it were to bar rain-b mer t
dispose of its publicly owned properties, thwreby Possibly generating;other groups coming forth asking for
sintilar considerations, The Counts financial needs,
and the publics trust, requires that the facility's disposal
trntst be the beneficial'to the County.
After all it is not solely owned by the Antioch community!
000 100
` ,57-8943
Ralph A. Ile mandcx-c o 27t813arcelona Cr., Antinct42&4,, 945€/ ,'H )
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07/09/1598 03:50 5103328876 ALAMO STAN PAGE 01
pewt7 brand 1I
FaX TrTSMiftal Memo 7672 :.. NO.of ftw
To
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,4Aft —It) oat 44A
149 GQx�t�t':.aaI0-P��
a� Cr+e,� CA 94595
925-944-0448
.hely 12, 1998
Chaiat xxa>ar and Members ofthe Board of Supervisors
do Clerk ofthe Beard of Supervisors
Contra Costa County
651 Pine Stn
Mardnwa CA 94553
fhx 925-335-1913
lE: The Riverview Fire District Building at 1500 West 4e` Street, Antinch, CA
Dear Sita:
I am writing to voice my opinions and concans about the above property. I have beat a
county resident and taxpayer fiat Ityears. It has come to my atteaation,that Sups"
Joe CancianidlA is proposing a 5 year ea ten to the option previously granted to he
Amt och Historical Society on the above mentioned property. This propose is scheduled
to come before you for deliberation on July I e,
it is my understanding ndi that the building has been vacant and unused for 2 ymrs_ The
build*as ata meet to vandaHsm and is costme the Fire Department maintenance and
repairs costs during its vacancy. The building requires a!a t nsivt sciamic retrofitting and
may pose a Mous liability to the County as weA as cast. I undwstand that the Ahtioa
FfistoricaI Society has been mable to raise fiords to purchase the building as well as the
scisaaic work necessary.
Given the sate ofthe Fire District's deficit and the lack of f'iading by the H%storicsal
Sockq, as a taxpayer atm voter I think the binding should be said and the revenue
appliedtoward the Fire District's fina ial deficit. It would be fiscally irrespoxmWe for the
Board of Supervisors to grant an wrtension to the historical society especially when there
are other interested buyers. I am opposed to this a mion of the pure optiom
Sincercly,
C>eoda mtilucauua