Ahwahnee_CLR_3.2011_Part_3_of_3.pdf

I-85Analysis and EvaluationAECOM

March 2011 Cultural L andscape Report

Figure 66. Historic view towards Half Dome, c. early 1940s. (Source: Yosemite Archive, Box 655-2.)

Figure 65. Historic view towards Yosemite Falls, c.

1930s. (Source: Yosemite Museum Collection, YOSE 37681.)

Figure 64. View towards the hotel from the meadow, 1942 and 2009. Note the enchroaching vegetation that impedes this view. (Historic photograph source: “Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park” YP&C Co.)

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March 2011Cultural L andscape Report set apart from the main hotel building. Th eir design and scale diff er substantially from the hotel’s and their arrangement was intentionally clustered in the woods apart from the main hotel area. Th e buildings’ wood cladding, simple forms, stone chimneys, and relationship to each other reinforce the rustic character of this cluster. Th ese buildings remain from the proposed period of signifi cance and contribute to the historic landscape. Th ey were documented in the YVHD nomination as contributing resources (B2-B10, 8 Ahwahnee Hotel Guest Cottages and Guest Cottage Linen Building).

Th ere are several types of terraces adjacent to the cottages: current materials consist of poured concrete with a raised edge, poured concrete with a ramp edge, dry-laid concrete pavers, and mortared fl agstone. Th e forms of the terraces for the cottages remain from the proposed period of signifi cance—as does the mortared fl agstone— and these contribute to the historic character of the landscape.

However, the original materials were stone and not concrete or concrete pavers, and this change results in a minor loss of integrity of materials for some of the terraces.

Th e dormitory and tent cabins are located west of the hotel; the dormitory was constructed c. 1943-44 and moved to its current location from the parking area c. 1945 aft er the Navy vacated the hotel. Tent cabins have been in this location since c. 1970, although the current tent cabins were constructed in 2009 due to a need for temporary housing aft er the 2008 rock fall at Curry Village. Th ese buildings post-date the proposed period of signifi cance and are non-contributing, but the dormitory conveys the history of the Navy period.

Th e parking area contains a bus stop shelter constructed in 2005, which is a non-contributing structure. Other structures near the parking area include a stone culvert at the valet parking area entrance. Th e YVHD nomination included the bridle trail ford (in the location of the stone culvert) as a contributing resource (S8 Ahwahnee Hotel Bridle Trail Ford), although the stone culvert appears to have been rebuilt since 2006 when the nomination was written.

exterior of the building. Th is building was documented in the YVHD nomination as a contributing resource (B1 Ahwahnee Hotel).

A large log and wood fence (LCS ID 55527) that separates the hotel parking from the service yard has historically maintained the separation between guest and employee activities. Its design and construction of vertical log posts with wood boards painted brown complements the hotel’s rustic design. Historic drawings suggest the original wood fence was replaced in-kind in the mid-1950s with a new fence by Eldridge Spencer. Th e fence contributes to the historic landscape.

Th e concrete terrace (LCS ID 55487) surrounding the hotel on its west, south, and east sides (Figure 67) integrated the building with its surrounding landscape. Th e concrete is stamped to resemble fl agstone; this mimicry of natural materials evokes a similar use of concrete in the hotel building that is intended to resemble wood.

Th e stamped concrete terrace contributes to the historic landscape, although sections of the concrete have been replaced or repaired over the decades—not always successfully—and its integrity of materials is somewhat diminished as a result. Th e terrace was documented as a contributing resource in the YVHD nomination (S11 Ahwahnee Hotel Terrace). Th e pool terrace was added in 1964 and is a non-contributing feature.

Both the gate house and gate post (LCS ID 55460), constructed at the west end of Ahwahnee Road in 1930, remain as they were designed.

Th eir rough stone materials and relationship to the surrounding granite boulders foreshadow in miniature the presence of the enormous stone hotel ahead. Th e gate house and gate post contribute to the historic landscape and were documented as contributing resources in the YVHD nomination (S2 Ahwahnee Hotel Gate Lodge and Post).

Th e eight cottages (LCS ID 55540, 55559, 55577, 59857, 59750, 59751, 59752, 59753), divided into a total of twenty-four units, and one storage building (LCS ID 55629) were constructed in 1928 according to a design by Eldridge T. Spencer. Th ey are secluded in the woods, Figure 67. Stamped concrete terrace during the proposed period of signifi cance and in 2009. Note the original section of paving and the new paving in the lower photograph. (Historic photograph source: Yosemite Museum Collection, YOSE, 37678.)

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In 1964, the swimming pool and east stair were constructed adjacent to the east wing of the building; this alteration included associated mechanical and electrical updates. Th e swimming pool and associated deck are non-contributing features. Other non-contributing features near the hotel include an employee break shelter in the service yard and a small mechanical building, constructed in 1989 west of the hotel.

A small wooden footbridge at the northern end of the refl ecting pond was constructed as part of the designed wildfl ower walk c.

1981, and is a non-contributing feature. Several other footbridges cross Royal Arch Creek: Bridge 1, north of the pool, Bridge 2 (LCS ID 55482), south of the pool, Bridge 3, southeast of the cottages, and Bridge 4 (LCS ID 55346), at the confl uence of Royal Arch Creek and the Merced River. Of these, Bridge 2 and Bridge 4 remain from the proposed period of signifi cance. Bridge 2, with its log construction and incorporated wooden benches refl ecting the rustic style, contributes to the historic landscape. Bridge 4, also of log construction with large stone abutments, contributes to the historic landscape. Bridge 2 and Bridge 4 were documented in the YVHD nomination as contributing resources (S6 and S7, Ahwahnee Hotel Footbridge to Guest Cottages and Ahwahnee Hotel Footbridge near Merced River). Bridge 1 and Bridge 3 post-date the proposed period of signifi cance and are non-contributing, but because of their wood construction, they are compatible with the rustic character of the landscape. Other small footbridges, including those crossing the constructed drainage channel near the dormitory and at the refl ecting pond, are non-contributing.

In 1931 the refl ecting pond (LCS ID 55494) was constructed in the parking area’s arrival circle. A “spring” is noted on a historic drawing at the north edge of the pond near the location of the existing footbridge. However, the construction drawing for the refl ecting pond appear to show an intake pipe for the pond connecting to the hotel’s cistern and an overfl ow pipe into a culvert (Figure 68), suggesting the spring was not the source for the pond’s water. Th e refl ecting pond was designed to refl ect views of Yosemite Falls, and its woodland character of trees and wildfl owers set the stage for the

Figure 68. Plan of Refl ecting Pool at Ahwahnee Hotel by Eldridge Spencer, 1930. Note the location of the intake pipe marked in orange.

(Source: Yosemite Archives.)

hotel’s rustic design character. Th e refl ecting pond contributes to the historic landscape and is documented in the YVHD nomination as a contributing resource (S4 Ahwahnee Hotel Fish Pond). Th e other constructed water feature is the drainage channel north of the dormitory. Th is constructed drainage channel was referenced in the 1927 Tresidder memo, as he bemoaned the boggy conditions of the meadow and suggested the construction of a drainage channel to alleviate the water surplus. Maintaining the scenic quality of the landscape as well as eliminating the problem of mosquitoes for the comfort of the hotel guests were key elements in the decision to create the drainage channel. It remains from the proposed period of signifi cance and contributes to the historic landscape. Th e YVHD nomination also documented drainageways (S9 Ahwahnee Hotel Drainageways, LCS ID 59756) as contributing structures. Th ese are described in more detail under Natural Systems and Features.

In 1928, in order to expand recreation opportunities at Th e Ahwahnee, two tennis courts (LCS ID 55481) were constructed in the southwestern portion of the hotel grounds. Th e tennis courts represented the expansion of active recreation to satisfy the demands of the elite clientele at the hotel, and they are contributing features which remain in the meadow. Th e tennis courts were documented as part of the YVHD nomination as contributing resources (S10 Ahwahnee Hotel Tennis Courts).

In keeping with the desire for added recreational uses, in 1930 a nine-hole “pitch and putt” golf course was constructed, along with a footbridge accessing the course. Th e golf course is no longer extant, nor is the associated kiosk built during the proposed period of signifi cance. Th e kiosk is considered a missing structure.

A small stage, badminton court, and outdoor stone fi re pit or cooking area also appear to have been located at the eastern side of the

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• Tent cabins

• Bridge at refl ecting pond (Bridge 5)

• Bridges over drainage channel near dormitory

• Mechanical building

• Concrete foundation east of cottages

• Bus stop shelter

• Swimming pool

• Pool terrace

• Employee break shelter

Missing buildings and structures

• Golf course kiosk

• Badminton court

• Kiddie Kamp

• Stone fi re/cooking structure in meadow

• Kenneyville stable complex

• Deer fence

• Green house

Circulation Th roughout the proposed period of signifi cance, the main vehicular circulation feature in the landscape was Ahwahnee Road (LCS ID 55675), although Royal Arch Road and Le Conte Road ran through this area until c. 1925 when the roads leading to the Kenneyville stables were largely dismantled and reconfi gured in preparation for the construction of Th e Ahwahnee. Th ese earlier roads provided access to the landscape for the growing number of tourists visiting the Valley. When Th e Ahwahnee was designed, the original intent had been to keep automobiles away from the hotel; however, this goal rapidly became impractical. Th e entrance road, Ahwahnee Road, was realigned according to the Olmsted Brothers design, and constructed between 1928 to 1931. Th e fi nal alignment of Ahwahnee Road is along the approximate alignment of the western segment of the earlier Royal Arch Road (see Figure 12, 1864-1924 period plan), although its eastern section was redesigned in a curving form to access the parking area and hotel. Ahwahnee Road remains as it was designed during the proposed period of signifi cance, and is a listed contributing resource in the YVHD nomination (S1 Ahwahnee Hotel meadow by 1931. Th ese features are missing. Other missing features include the original deer fence (built in 1929), the Kenneyville stable complex, a small greenhouse in the southern section of the meadow near the tennis courts, and Kiddie Kamp, the children’s play area for hotel guests.

Th ere are currently no buildings east of the cottages though there is a roughly 165-by-45-foot concrete foundation that may have once been the location of a building. Th ough rumored to be a remnant of the Navy bowling alley built between 1943 and 1945, this is unconfi rmed.

Th e size of the foundation is similar in proportion and size to the other Navy temporary buildings (for example, the dormitory measures approximately 160 by 35 feet). Th e concrete foundation is non-contributing, but continues to convey the history of the Navy period.

Contributing buildings and structures

• Th e Ahwahnee

• Gate house

• Gate post

• Stamped concrete terraces

• Cottage terraces

• Cottages and storage building

• Bridge 2

• Bridge 4

• Refl ecting pond

• Constructed drainage channel

• Tennis courts

• Wood fence at service yard

• Crossing over Royal Arch Creek at valet parking area

• Service yard

Non-contributing compatible buildings and structures

• Bridge 1

• Bridge 3

Non-contributing buildings and structures

• Dormitory

Entry Road from gateway to parking lot). Th e road, which hugs the talus slope and is surrounded by woods, contributes to the landscape (Figure 69).

Th e parking area (LCS ID 59754) was originally designed as a solution for the troublesome valet parking system adopted by the hotel in its fi rst year. Tresidder’s desire to have a screened parking area near the hotel resulted in the new design by Olmsted Brothers in 1930. Th e parking area was designed as two bays to the northwest of the hotel, with a small area near the hotel reserved for service.

Th e refl ecting pond was the centerpiece of the new design for the arrival circle and entry at the hotel, and its location was noted on the Olmsted Brothers plan. Th e parking was modifi ed in 1965 to add the south and east parking areas. As a result of this reconfi guration, there are now three parking bays to the west of the refl ecting pond:

north, central, and south. Parking also surrounds the refl ecting pond. An additional parking area is located on the eastern side of the refl ecting pond, and a valet parking area follows the alignment of the unpaved road leading southeast along the eastern boundary of the study area. Th e north and central parking areas and the parking area surrounding the refl ecting pond appear to survive from the proposed period of signifi cance; these vehicular circulation features contribute to the landscape. Th e historic parking area contained trees, boulders, and other native plants to harmonize it with the surrounding wooded area and talus slope. Th e trees also screened the parking from the hotel. Th e northwest parking area is documented in the YVHD nomination as a contributing resource (S3 Ahwahnee Hotel Parking Area (West)). However, the south parking area and valet parking area, as well as the parking area east of the refl ecting pond, post-date the proposed period of signifi cance and are non-contributing. In 2009, a rock fall resulted in the closure of many parking spaces, including spaces associated with the original historic designed parking area near the refl ecting pond.

In the 1980s, a 10- to 12-foot-wide fi re road was built around the hotel perimeter as part of fi re safety upgrades. Th e road bed was covered with topsoil to camoufl age its presence. Th e fi re road post-dates the proposed period of signifi cance and does not contribute to the

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Existing circulation through the meadow is entirely pedestrian, with the exception of a vehicle fi re road. Circulation features include unpaved social paths, likely created by hotel guests and other visitors meandering through the meadow. Historic photographs suggest that the majority of the unpaved paths currently traversing the meadow were not present during the proposed period of signifi cance, although it is likely that a path connected the hotel to the tennis courts, which were constructed in 1928.

Circulation features near the cottages are primarily pedestrian, with the exception of a service road and the unpaved fi re road that was constructed in 1985-1986. Th e fi re road is non-contributing but compatible. It appears that the service road now used for valet parking may survive from the proposed period of signifi cance. It also appears that the unpaved paths that traverse the wooded area north of the cottages post-date the proposed period of signifi cance and are non-contributing, but are compatible because their unpaved condition does not detract from the historic character of the rustic wooded landscape. Paved paths to the cottages branch off from a central path connecting them to the hotel. Some of these paths appear to have been reconfi gured slightly since the proposed period of signifi cance, in particular those leading to the northern cottages. Th e main paths appears to have been paved during the proposed period of signifi cance; it is not known when the spur paths leading to the front doors of the cottages were paved. Th ese narrow paths accentuate the semi-private character of the cottages by creating an individual route to each front door. Despite a possible change in materials, these paths contribute to the historic landscape. Th ey were documented in the YVHD nomination as contributing resources (S5 Ahwahnee Hotel Paths Leading to Guest Cottages).

Circulation features in the service and storage area east of the cottages include the service road, an unpaved parking area for service and utility vehicles, and unpaved paths. It is unclear how many of these roads or paths existed during the proposed period of signifi cance, although some historic maps indicate a circulation feature east of the cottages that may have been the precursor to the existing service road. Th e contributing status of these roads is undetermined.

path also provided an important link to Yosemite Village, connecting Th e Ahwahnee to other developed areas within the Valley. Th ese paths wind through trees and between boulders along either side of Ahwahnee Road. Th e bridle path and bicycle path contribute to the landscape.

In 1931 a stone footpath was installed around the refl ecting pond as part of a designed wildfl ower garden walk. In c. 1981, an additional path was installed closer to the pond—paved with fl agstones and sand-set aggregate pavers—as part of a new wildfl ower interpretive walk. Th e outer fl agstone-paved path appears to remain from the proposed period of signifi cance, although it is missing some sections of stone. Th e inner path post-dates the proposed period of signifi cance and is incompatible. Th e 1931 fl agstone path, with its natural stone materials and curving alignment providing access to a native wildfl ower garden, contributes to the historic landscape.

Circulation around the hotel perimeter is primarily pedestrian, and includes sidewalks, stamped concrete terraces fl anking the south, east and west faces of the hotel (discussed under Buildings and Structures), as well as a wooden walkway (LCS ID 55527) at the hotel entrance.

Other circulation features are fl agstone paths and unpaved paths leading to the meadow. Th e wooden walkway survives from the proposed period of signifi cance and was an important part of the historic hotel entry sequence; it contributes to the historic landscape.

Th e fl agstone path (LCS ID 55632) leading from the terrace towards the meadow appears to remain from the proposed period of signifi cance. Th e path leading from the terrace to Bridge 2 (LCS ID 55916) also remains from the proposed period of signifi cance. Th is path appears to have been originally paved with fl agstone, although the stone may have been replaced with concrete by the early 1940s and it has now been paved with asphalt, resulting in a loss of integrity of materials. Th ese paths connected the terrace to the surrounding landscape and to the cottages, and they contribute to the historic landscape.

historic landscape. Other circulation features near the hotel building include a fl agstone path at the north end of the fl agpole clearing, which post-dates the proposed period of signifi cance but which is compatible with the historic character of the landscape.

Th e North Talus Slope Trail was present c. 1906-1915, and was later reconfi gured to create the existing bridle path (LCS ID 59755). Th e Olmsted Brothers revised 1930 plan suggested the realignment of the bridle path along the segment which is directly north of the porte cochère. Th e bridle path historically linked the hotel to the Valley-wide trails and to Yosemite Village, and was likely an unpaved path.

In addition to the bridle path, a paved bicycle path is located along the southern side of Ahwahnee Road. Historic drawings reveal that the alignment of this trail remains from the proposed period of signifi cance, although it is unclear when it was paved. Th e bicycle

Figure 69. Th e entrance road during construction and in 2009. Note the granite block curbing and the now obscured view of the porte cochere. (Historic photograph source: Yosemite Research Library, RL 8762.)

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All of the circulation features around the dormitory and tent cabins are pedestrian-oriented, and consist of sidewalks, unpaved paths and wooden walkways leading to the tent cabins. Th ese features post-date the proposed period of signifi cance and are non-contributing.

Contributing circulation features

• Ahwahnee Road

• North and central parking areas

• Parking around refl ecting pond

• Bicycle path

• Bridle path

• Flagstone path around refl ecting pond (though minor loss of integrity due to missing sections of the path)

• Asphalt path to cottages from terrace (though minor loss of integrity due to likely change in materials)

• Flagstone path to meadow

• Wooden walkway near porte cochère

Non-contributing compatible circulation features

• Unpaved paths north of the cottages

• Fire road

Undetermined circulation features

• Unpaved path to the tennis courts from the hotel terrace

• Service road

Non-contributing circulation features

• South parking area

• Valet parking area

• East parking area

• Concrete paver path around refl ecting pond

• Unpaved paths in the meadow

• Unpaved paths in the parking area

Missing circulation features

• Le Conte Road

• Royal Arch Road

Small-scale features Numerous small-scale features are located throughout the study area, and the majority of them post-date the proposed period of signifi cance. However, several important historic small-scale features remain.

Th e Ahwahnee sign, designed by Eldridge Spencer and located at the gate house, appears to remain from the proposed period of signifi cance, although it is missing the metal eagle that historically was mounted to it. Th e sign exhibits some of the design motifs of the hotel interior and contributes to the historic character of the landscape (Figure 70). Ahwahnee Road also includes historic small-scale features such as the granite edging along the roadway where it bifurcates at the arrival circle (see Figure 69). Small boulders line the road edge, although it is unknown if boulders were used historically.

Th eir use is compatible with the historic character of the landscape.

Formed concrete half-log curbs edge much of the northern side of the entrance road, as well as along the southern side where the road connects to the central parking area. Concrete curbs are also used in sections of the parking area. Th ese curbs post-date the proposed period of signifi cance and are non-contributing.

Numerous small-scale features in the parking area mostly consist of directional and informational signs and curbing. In 1931, electric lights were installed in the parking area west of the hotel, and some of these lights remain. Lights were constructed of upright wood posts with a simple fi xture and they contribute to the historic character of the landscape (Figure 71), although other tree-mounted lights do not.

Post-and-rope fencing made of artifi cial materials and metal bollards direct foot and vehicle traffi c. A metal valet parking gate controls vehicular traffi c and a metal bicycle rack serves parking needs. Other small-scale features include bear-proof trash cans and storage bins, dumpsters, fuel tank storage and fence, cigarette receptacles and a fi re hydrant. A wood and concrete bench is located within the bus shelter. Water management and irrigation-related features include culvert pipes, couplers and sprinkler heads. Th ese features post-date the proposed period of signifi cance and are not compatible with the rustic character of the historic landscape. None of these features contribute to the historic character of the landscape.

Near the dormitory and tent cabins are additional non-contributing small-scale features that include furnishings such as a picnic table, vending machines, and upright logs.

Th e immediate environs of the hotel includes many small-scale features. Th ese include building-mounted lights, benches, tables, chairs, a fl agpole, a concrete tree planter, a wooden tree grate, and a fi re hydrant. Other small-scale features include a wayside exhibit, planter boxes, and small boulders. Historic photographs from c. 1943 suggest that the fl agpole may remain from the proposed period of signifi cance. Many of the building-mounted lights are historic and contribute to the character of the landscape. Two circular concrete tree planters—one located west of the dining room and one in the service yard—appear to remain from the proposed period of signifi cance. One planter was largely demolished in the interim and has been rebuilt. Th ese planters may have been intended to protect existing trees at the time of the hotel construction, although this is unconfi rmed. Th e planters contribute to the historic character of the landscape. Th e site furnishings post-date the proposed period of signifi cance.

Th e cottage area includes metal and wood site furnishings, rain chains, and upright log posts. Th ese features post-date the proposed period of signifi cance and are non-contributing. A wood slat fence at the storage building near the cottages appears to remain from the proposed period of signifi cance and contributes to the historic character of the landscape.

Th e meadow contains irrigation features installed in 1928. It also contains benches such as wood stump benches; these features do not remain from the proposed period of signifi cance and are non-

I-91Analysis and EvaluationAECOM contributing, although the benches are compatible. Th e small-scale features associated with the tennis courts are the tennis nets, practice wall, water fountain, fences, awning supports, and bench. Th ese were installed with the tennis courts as part of the 1928 campaign to add recreational facilities at the hotel, and contribute to the historic character of the landscape.

Small-scale features that contribute to the historic character of the landscape

• Th e Ahwahnee gate house sign

• Historic building-mounted light fi xtures

• Granite curbing

• Concrete tree planters in service yard and near dining room

• Pump

• Tennis court features such as the nets, water fountain, fence, awning supports, and bench

• Wood fence at storage building near cottages

• Wood post light fi xtures in parking area

Compatible small-scale features

• Small boulders lining road and parking areas

• Log benches

Undetermined small-scale features

• Flagpole

Non-contributing small-scale features

• Concrete curbing

• Concrete half-logs

• Signs—informational and directional

• Valet parking gate

• Trash receptacles

• Cigarette receptacles

• Bus stop bench

• Storage bins

• Site furnishings at terraces, cottages, and swimming pool

• Fuel storage tank and fence

• Post-and-rope fencing made with artifi cial materials

Figure 71. Parking lot lights shown in 1931 drawing “Lighting Ahwahnee Entrance” by Eldgridge Spencer, and historic light of same design shown in 2009 photograph. (Historic drawing source:

Yosemite Archives.)

Figure 70. Th e Ahwahnee entrance sign at the gate house, c. 1930s and 2009, and the original design sketch by Eldridge Spencer in 1928. (Historic photograph and drawing source: Yosemite Archives.)

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• Setting—the physical environment of the cultural landscape

Th e Ahwahnee retains integrity of setting. Th e general setting for the hotel near the top of the Valley between the cliff s, and along the edge of Th e Ahwahnee meadow among native woodlands, remains intact. Little encroachment from other development in the Valley has disturbed this setting, except for the development associated with the World War II Navy temporary use of the hotel and study area landscape.

• Materials—the physical elements that were combined or deposited during the particular period(s) of time and in a particular pattern or confi guration to form the cultural landscape

Th e Ahwahnee landscape retains integrity of materials, although this is the most compromised of the aspects of integrity. Th e use of native stone boulders, fl agstone paving, native plants, and log structures are all consistent with the original materials used in the landscape.

Th e Ahwahnee hotel building and cottages also retain integrity of materials. However, many of the historic circulation features such as pathways have been resurfaced in contemporary materials such as asphalt, and other small-scale features such as signs, trash receptacles, and post-and-rope barriers are new in design and materials, using metal and composite wood. Although features such as metal gates, dumpsters, metal signs, and trash receptacles may be necessary for the contemporary use of the landscape, they detract somewhat from its historic character. Many of the original native wildfl ower plantings are now missing, although their survival was challenged even during the proposed period of signifi cance. Other features, such as the stamped concrete terraces and cottage terraces, have been altered through materials replacement and degradation of materials.

• Location—the place where the cultural landscape was constructed or the landscape where the historic event occurred.

Th e Ahwahnee landscape retains integrity of location because it remains in the same location in which it was fi rst designed and constructed. Th e built elements of the landscape—the entrance road, parking, hotel building, cottages—were intentionally located in relationship to the natural surroundings of cliff s, streams, rivers, and meadow, and these spatial relationships remain today.

• Design—the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a cultural landscape

Th e Ahwahnee landscape retains integrity of design based on the continued display of the characteristics that defi ned its rustic or “environmental” design. Th e continuing use of rustic-style log bridges of stone and wood; the designed views (though moderately obscured by vegetation); the rustic buildings and structures of stone and wood;

meandering circulation systems; native vegetation; and the building and designed landscape integrated with the natural systems in the Valley all contribute to the design integrity of the landscape. Th e designed precincts within the landscape—the entrance road, the meadow, the hotel and terrace, the wooded cottage area, and the parking area—all retain the essential character they were designed to have. Th e remarkable building design by Gilbert Stanley Underwood has maintained the essential monumental rustic character for which it is famous. Th e landscape design eff orts of Olmsted Brothers, Carl Purdy, and George Vaughan in the hotel, entrance road and parking areas (especially the refl ecting pond garden) and the wildfl ower meadow have been retained over time. Eldridge Spencer’s design for the cottages, with their semi-private wooded setting apart from the hotel main building, also remains. Aspects of the historic planting design have been compromised, however, by encroaching volunteer vegetation, missing wildfl ower plantings, changing values of park management and deferred maintenance. Th is aspect of integrity is one of the most important at Th e Ahwahnee.

• Bollards—metal or lighted

• Bicycle racks

• Wayside exhibit

• Fire hydrants

• Pool fence

• Picnic tables

• Dumpster

• Vending machines

• Small concrete pads

• Tree-mounted lights at parking area

Missing small-scale features

• Golf course features

• Metal eagle on the gate house sign

Integrity Assessment An integrity assessment evaluates the existence and condition of landscape features from the proposed period of signifi cance, using individual qualities of integrity as part of the overall assessment.

National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation states that

“Integrity is the ability of a property to convey its signifi cance… Historic properties either retain integrity (that is, convey their signifi cance) or they do not. Within the concept of integrity, the National Register criteria recognize seven aspects or qualities that, in various combinations, defi ne integrity. To retain historic integrity a property will always possess several, and usually most, of the aspects. Th e retention of specifi c aspects of integrity is paramount for a property to convey signifi cance. Determining which of these aspects are most important to a particular property requires knowing why, where, and when a property is signifi cant.”10

Th e seven aspects of integrity included in the National Register criteria are:

10 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Register Bulletin 15, 44

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• Workmanship—the physical evidence of the craft s of a particular culture or people during any given period in history or prehistory

Th e Ahwahnee retains integrity of workmanship primarily for the buildings and structures in the landscape. Th e stamped concrete terraces have been maintained, although they show evidence of poor repair. Th e log bridges, although in some cases in poor condition, retain the rustic style detailing from the proposed period of signifi cance.

• Feeling—a cultural landscape’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time

Th e Ahwahnee retains integrity of feeling. However, this aspect of integrity is also strongly compromised by deferred maintenance in the landscape. Th e Ahwahnee represented the epitome of monumental luxury set within the bustling activity of Yosemite Valley. Although Th e Ahwahnee continues to convey the feeling of luxury and an elite experience at the park, decades of use without the necessary level of maintenance have resulted in the poor condition of many landscape features. Cracked paving, thinning grass, and depleted ornamental plantings diminish the feeling Th e Ahwahnee once conveyed during the proposed period of signifi cance of being a special designed precinct within the rustic Valley landscape.

• Association—the direct link between the important historic event or person and a cultural landscape

Th e Ahwahnee retains integrity of association. Th e Ahwahnee is inseparable from Yosemite Valley and from Yosemite National Park, which historically provided the basis for its creation. Evidence of the designers and managers who planned and developed the site is still present in the design of the landscape today.

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Figure 72. Comparative analysis.

The Ahwahnee Cultural Landscape Report

Comparative Analysis not to scale

PART 2

II-1TreatmentAECOM provide more detail for the treatment of specifi c landscape resources.

Site plans illustrating treatment recommendations are included to consolidate specifi c actions for integrated management planning, compliance, and future implementation. Treatment is also intended to comply with sustainable practices to the degree possible.

All treatment guidelines and recommendations were developed in accordance with Th e Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes (1996), and NPS Director’s Order-28: Cultural Resource Management Guideline (1998).

Preservation Philosophy and Treatment Approach Th e broad philosophy guiding overall treatment of the historic designed landscape of Th e Ahwahnee is preservation of contributing resources within the study area. General guidelines for preservation address historic buildings and structures, spatial relationships, circulation systems including the arrival sequence, articulated planting beds, constructed water features, and natural systems, including the meadows and forest edges within which the designed landscape developed.

Th e specifi c treatment approach for the historic designed landscape of Th e Ahwahnee is rehabilitation. Defi ned as “the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions, while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values,” this treatment strategy allows for contemporary use associated with hotel operations, visitor services, universal accessibility, and compliance with health and safety codes.1 Rehabilitation also is used as a treatment approach for a number of resources and features throughout the study area that are in poor condition and require repair Many of these features are documented in Part 1, Existing Conditions and in Appendix A. While individually the condition of these features does not aff ect integrity, collectively, the poor condition of so many features erodes the signifi cant historic character of the 1 U.S. Department of the Interior, The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes, by Charles Birnbaum with Christine Capella Peters (1996), 48.

PA RT I I T R E ATM E N T

Introduction Recommendations for treatment of the historic designed landscape of Th e Ahwahnee are based on resource issues and management objectives identifi ed in—or aff ected by—several park planning documents. Some of these plans and reports include the General Management Plan for Yosemite National Park (1980), the Concession Services Plan Environmental Impact Statement (1992), the Invasive Plant Management Plan (2009), the Scenic Vista Management Plan for Yosemite National Park Environmental Assessment (2010), the Ahwahnee Landscape Maintenance Plan (1996), the Yosemite Fire Management Plan (2004), the Draft Yosemite Lighting Guidelines (2009), and A Sense of Place: Design Guidelines for Yosemite Valley (2004).

Recommendations in this Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) provide guidelines for both ongoing and long-term sustainable management of the historic designed landscape at Th e Ahwahnee. Treatment goals for Th e Ahwahnee study area are to:

• Preserve resources that contribute to the signifi cance of Th e

Ahwahnee Developed Area as established in the Yosemite Valley Historic District (YVHD) nomination (2006) and that maintain the historic character of Th e Ahwahnee National Historic Landmark.

• Accommodate contemporary hotel operations and programmatic needs, including universal accessibility, within the framework of preservation and appropriate rehabilitation.

• Promote integrated resources stewardship through sustainable maintenance practices.

Th e CLR addresses these goals by providing a fl exible approach to the protection, preservation, and maintenance of historic resources at Th e Ahwahnee. Treatment is based on information developed in Part 1 of the CLR, including historic documentation, existing conditions documentation, and the analysis and evaluation of signifi cant resources. Treatment includes guidelines, which provide general direction for preservation planning, and recommendations, which

Treatment alternatives defi ned by Th e Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the NPS Director’s Order-28: Cultural Resource Management Guideline:

• Preservation maintains the existing integrity and character of a cultural landscape by arresting or retarding deterioration caused by natural forces and normal use. It includes both maintenance and stabilization. Maintenance is a systematic activity mitigating wear and deterioration of a cultural landscape by protecting its conditions. In light of the dynamic qualities of a landscape, maintenance is essential for the long-term preservation of individual features and integrity of the entire landscape.

Stabilization involves re-establishing the stability of an unsafe, damaged, or deteriorated cultural landscape while maintaining its existing character.

• Rehabilitation improves the utility or function of a cultural landscape, through repair or alteration, to make possible an effi cient compatible use while preserving those portions or features that are important in defi ning its signifi cance.

• Restoration accurately depicts the form, features, and character of a cultural landscape as it appeared at a specifi c period or as intended by its original constructed design. It may involve the reconstruction of missing historic features, and selective removal of later features, some having cultural value in themselves.

• Reconstruction entails depicting the form, features, and details of a non-surviving cultural landscape, or any part thereof, as it appeared at a specifi c period or as intended by its original constructed design. Reconstruction of an entire landscape is always a last-resort measure for addressing a management objective and will be undertaken only aft er consultation.

II-2 AECOMTreatment landscape should be incorporated into the “Maintained Landscape” component of FMSS.

Treatment guidelines for the study area address:

• Land use

• Historic structures

• Temporary barriers and screening options

• Vegetation management

• Historic viewsheds

• Visitor access and accessibility

• New design and sustainability

• Structures

Land Use

• Preserve historic land use patterns and activities throughout the study area. Th ese patterns refl ect a strong hierarchy and gradation from the entry and arrival spaces on the north side of the hotel; to semi-private spaces associated with the hotel entrance, lobby areas, terraces, and cottages; to the more public areas in the meadow and woodlands.

• Ensure all land use activities within the study area are compatible with the historic character of the historic designed landscape as defi ned in this report.

Vegetation Management

• Remove vegetation to restore character-defi ning historic views as needed and to meet safety requirements.

• Undertake vegetation removal or thinning intended to maintain or restore historic views and vistas in accordance with the recommendations in the Scenic Vista Management Plan for Yosemite National Park.

• Ensure that vegetation management within the study area is based on sustainable principles and NPS vegetation management objectives for Th e Ahwahnee within the larger environmental context of the historic designed landscape and Yosemite Valley.

• Utilize native plants selected in consultation with park botanist and historical landscape architect for new plantings.

• Incorporate, as appropriate and possible, the use of plants entire study area. Th e Ahwahnee was designed to be the epitome of luxury in a dramatic natural setting, and deteriorating landscape features and systems erode this character. In addition, over the years many non-contributing features have been added to the property. Th e accretion of these small-scale elements also detracts from the historic integrity of the study area, and recommendations for removal or mitigation of the impacts from these features are also provided.

Treatment recommendations identify detailed actions that can be undertaken to preserve contributing resources. Th e basic process for treatment includes the following possible actions:

• Identify, retain, and preserve: these basic actions involve identifying, retaining, and preserving the features in a historic landscape that contribute to its signifi cance and to the character of the historic landscape. Th e contributing features of Th e Ahwahnee landscape are described in detail in Part I, Analysis and Evaluation.

• Protect and maintain: these actions describe the measures that should be undertaken to protect and maintain the identifi ed contributing features.

• Repair: when the contributing features are in poor condition, repair is recommended.

• Replace: if a feature’s condition is too poor to repair, then replacement, usually in-kind, is recommended.

• Compatible alterations and additions: alterations and additions may be required for a feature to ensure its continued use.

Th e treatment recommendations in this report primarily focus on actions to retain, preserve, maintain, and repair contributing landscape features.

Treatment Guidelines Treatment guidelines provide an overall framework for rehabilitation of the historic designed landscape, and apply to the entire study area. Th e guidelines ensure preservation of signifi cant resources and historic character while allowing compatible changes for adaptive use, compliance with health and safety codes, and sustainable practices.

Th e assets and features associated with the historic designed

Th e following standards for rehabilitation based on the Secretary of the

Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties apply:

• A property will be used as it was historically or is given a new or adaptive use that maximizes the retention of historic materials, features, spaces, and spatial relationships.

• Th e historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. Th e replacement or removal of intact or repairable historic materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial relationships that characterize a property will be avoided.

• Each property is recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features, will be not undertaken.

• Changes to a property that have acquired historical signifi cance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.

• Historic materials, features, fi nishes, and construction techniques or examples of craft smanship that characterize a property will be preserved.

• Deteriorated historic features will be repaired rather than replaced.

Where the severity of deterioration requires repair or replacement of a historic feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, texture, and, where possible, materials. Repair or replacement of missing features will be substantiated by archeological, documentary, or physical evidence.

• Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.

• Archeological resources are protected and preserved in place. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.

• New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features, and spatial relationships that characterize the property. Th e new work will be diff erentiated from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing of the property and its environment.

• New additions and adjacent or related new construction will be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

II-3TreatmentAECOM documented as having value to groups with Yosemite Valley traditional cultural affi liations. Examples of these plants include black oak (Quercus kellogii), tree mushrooms (Trametes hispida), wormwood (Artemisia ludoviciana), and deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens).

• Remove invasive species in accordance with the park’s Invasive Plant Management Plan and in consultation with park natural and cultural resources staff .

• Remove invasive species in proximity to historic and archeological resources in a way that minimizes ground disturbance.

• Use low-impact planting techniques for rehabilitation of vegetation in areas of known or potential archeological resources.

Recommended techniques include:

- Install small-sized plants for rehabilitation wherever possible.

- Install plants manually and limit the use of heavy machinery.

- Protect existing plants during rehabilitation activities.

• Ensure all planting plans for rehabilitation at Th e Ahwahnee are reviewed and approved by appropriate park natural and cultural resources staff .

• Undertake all vegetation management activities for natural systems—such as the meadow and woodland areas that defi ne the extent of the designed landscape—in consultation with natural and cultural resources staff .

Historic Viewsheds

• Retain historic views and vistas as documented in this report, including but not limited to:

- Views from the study area to surrounding cliff s and features.

- Views within the study area that allow visual connections between developed visitor areas and designed and natural open spaces and surrounding forests.

• Undertake rehabilitation of historic views in consultation with park cultural and natural resources staff s.

- Selectively thin vegetation where encroachment or natural growth has obscured or blocked historically open views.

- Use historic documentation, including photographs, to determine the extent of potential vegetative thinning required to re-establish the historic views. In some cases, rehabilitation of historic views may be limited or phased to preserve unique or seasonal habitat.

- Ensure all vegetation thinning and removal is undertaken in accordance with the Scenic Vista Management Plan for Yosemite National Park.

Visitor Access and Accessibility

• Assess the condition and degree to which current visitor access throughout the historic designed landscape is compliant with federal law and NPS policies.

- Undertake rehabilitation of existing and historic walkways to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) requirements in accordance with Th e Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

• Ensure that future design and rehabilitation work associated with the historic landscape provides universal accessibility whenever possible and as needed.

• Enhance visitor experience and safety by providing clear delineation between areas of unrestricted public access and

According to Director’s Order-28 (Chapter 7 Section D), the following standards apply to all treatments:

• Land use activities, whether historic or introduced, do not impair archeological resources.

•…