REDLANDS >> Behind the green construction fencing surrounding the former La Rosita building at 625 Redlands Blvd., workers are building a Starbucks with the look of 1959 but according to 2015 engineering standards.
Pacific American Development is moving forward on plans to maintain the historic characteristics of the original portion of the building — built in 1960 as a Baker’s, despite having to remove most of the structure because it had deteriorated.
“It was in terrible shape,” said Bernie Weiner, president of Pacific American Development.
The building had termite damage, dry rot and was sagging, he said.
The developer has saved what materials he could, and other materials will be replaced in the final construction, said city spokesman Carl Baker in an email.
Off-site improvements, including sidewalk, curb and gutter on Redlands Boulevard and Clark Street, are being completed.
Weiner said once they are done with the building, Starbucks will take over to do the interior in late October.
The building’s design will be based on the original plans by Mr. Baker in 1959, Weiner said.
“It’s an exciting project,” Weiner said. “I’ve done over 45 shopping centers and retail centers in 14 different states, and this is probably the most unique one I ever built.”
Gary Miller, owner of Miller Architecture in Redlands, is the project’s lead architect.
The project’s original plans included demolishing the 1,344-square-foot drive-thru to build a new 1,794-square-foot Starbucks with a drive-thru.
The Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission asked city staff in July 2014 to research whether the building met criteria to be eligible as a local or state historic resource. The results found that the building’s architectural style remotely resembled the Googie Architecture that was prevalent in the 1950s and 1960s.
The 560-square-foot addition approved in 1981 was not considered historic.
The developer revoked the request to demolish the building and ultimately decided to restore the building and incorporate it into the Starbucks.
Restoration of the pole sign was always part of the plan.
Weiner said he has been working closely with the city and Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission on the project. He said Starbucks has been really tuned-in to the community’s concerns on preserving the historic building.
The Starbucks will be open from 4:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. seven days a week. It is also near downtown, Redlands High School and the University of Redlands.
“It’s going to be a real community gathering place,” Weiner said.
