Woman battles solo to keep original Ortega Library
By: Kamala Kelkar
Examiner Staff Writer
July 24, 2009
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| On hold: A six-year effort to rebuild the Ortega Branch Library is being held up by a woman’s appeal to keep the existing building because “it is important to the character of the neighborhood.” (Courtesy Photo) |
SAN FRANCISCO — One San Francisco woman has stalled a six-year plan to reconstruct the Ortega Branch Library in the Sunset district because she thinks the original building is worth saving — but she may be the only one.
Inge Horton, a member of the Bay Area-based Organization of Women Architects and Design Professionals, filed an appeal to the old facility’s demolition permit July 2, six days after groundbreaking for the new library building.
The post-World War II building, designed by Appleton and Wolfard, should be saved because it represents what was once a new era of libraries, Horton said.
“These libraries were much more informal than Carnegie-style ones. They have more of a living, clubhouse feeling,” Horton said. “It is important to the character of the neighborhood.”
Horton said she’s alone in her efforts because neighbors who agree with her are too hesitant to support the appeal. She has irritated people in the community and workers who have been running a temporary facility since May.
“You know, it’s her right to file an appeal. I just don’t understand it,” branch manager Tiffany Lac said. “I can see ... Chinatown and the Sunset Branch being more valued, but I just don’t see anything historical about this building.”
Voters passed a $105.9 million bond measure in November 2000 to improve about 20 library facilities in The City and it was the Ortega Branch’s turn to reap the benefits.
According to city plans, the old 5,000-square-foot building would be replaced with a 9,400-square-foot building in a different area more accessible from the street.
“Obviously the neighborhood wants there to be a new library and we’re anxious to move ahead,” library spokeswoman Marcia Schneider said. “We’ve been working out of a small temp site. We’re just anxious.”
Schneider said Horton’s appeal could push the ribbon-cutting ceremony from late 2010 to sometime in 2011.
But Horton is standing firm.
“It is a good, solid building. It has to be made code compliant. It probably also needs to be expanded. That could be done,” she said.
The City’s Board of Appeals is scheduled to hold a hearing on the matter at 5 p.m. Aug. 5 in Room 416 at City Hall.
kkelkar@sfexaminer.com
