PUBLISHED 11/14/08 ----

The preservation of older structures sustains a city’s links to the past. No matter how modest, an older building is the product of the cultural heritage of its region, the technology of its period, the workmanship of its builders, and the vision of its designers.

Old buildings give cities historical authenticity.

Bakersfield has lost many such links, whether through the ravages of time, the trauma of fire and earthquake or, on occasion, neglect. This city has also lost buildings it need not have lost. Bakersfield seems all too willing to lose another.

City officials are gradually moving toward demolition of the old Family Service Laundry building at 830 California Ave., a 1926 creation of noteworthy Bakersfield architect Clarence Cullimore. After the 18,000-square foot Chinese laundry closed, the building  had a long run as O.B. Nuzum Tire Service and then, more recently, Carriage Masters, whose owners sold it to the city in 2007.

But now it’s in the way. City officials are trying to pave a path for South Mill Creek, an ambitious and much-needed redevelopment project that will combine a linear public park with retail and entertainment businesses. But they are moving a little too fast — at least where the quaint, unique Family Service Laundry building is concerned.

The state Office of Historic Preservation says city officials must consider the historic significance of the building before moving ahead. M. Wayne Donaldson, a historic preservation officer, told the city in  a Nov. 4 letter that his office was not adequately apprised of the building’s possible significance back in 2006. Bakersfield residents, including members of the Bakersfield Historic Preservation Commission, did so in letters this past summer. “I believe their concerns are valid,” Donaldson wrote.

And indeed they are.

Builders of one-story industrial buildings aren’t supposed to care about thought, detail and ornate brick work, but Cullimore did. The building’s Flemish-bond brick is one of only a few in the city with that distinctive look, and the green, porcelain Oriental inlays help tell the story of Bakersfield’s post-World War I Chinese community.

The building’s south-facing exterior would make a fine shell for a restaurant, brew pub or boutique.

It’s a humble but worthy structure that deserves a full and comprehensive analysis. The city should  indulge those who respect local history. That group is bigger than some might suspect.