In a time of major cultural change, recognition of achievement and preservation of historical landmarks is arguably more critical than ever. Our societal norms are in flux and the rate of change unprecedented.
The ability of future generations to understand the past has been somewhat compromised by the undervaluation of history. But we still have the tools and the intellectual capacity to recognize the importance of what has gone before and what that portends for the future.
Preserving beautiful buildings of the past is one tangible way to demonstrate the importance of retention of structures which are no longer constructed because of cost and new concepts in design. Few buildings outside of federal and state capitals have the unique feature of a dome atop the structure.
Today there is no other historical school building of this architectural design in the Mother Lode region. Totally unique, it was opened in 1909 and dedicated to education, standing as a monument to good traditional architecture and a continuing commitment to learning. Today, there is no other building of this kind in any surrounding areas. Saving the Dome would not only ensure the preservation of this unique structure, but also provide a central location for community arts and education for future generations.
Given its unique qualities and singular style for the region, it is also recommended to have the structure designated as a national historic place. This formal designation is from the National Register of Historic Places. An application process is involved with the property under consideration evaluated for meeting criteria including age, integrity and significance of the structure. The age and integrity standards require that the building to be over fifty years old and to retain much of its original appearance. Significance issues relate to architectural, engineering innovations, uses of the building and overall role in the community. The Dome can meet these criteria. The process is approximately a 90 day time period. Some of the advantages of the listing include, but are not limited to; eligibility for preservation grants which may incorporate investment tax credits, building code fire and life safety code alternatives and preservation easements to non-profit organizations.
The Mother Lode region is rural with beautiful landscapes and significantly, a very active community dedicated to the arts. The building, once upgraded and in compliance with appropriate building and safety regulations would be a mecca for teaching and an excellent venue for the performing arts. Despite all the talent in the area, there is always a dearth of locations able to house audiences for musical events, plays, small productions, etc.
This appetite for cultural events stems from those who have grown up here as well as transplants especially from the Bay area, who enjoy these events without the necessity of a long commute to Sacramento or San Francisco.
The Dome’s size would sufficiently accommodate, galleries, a museum and teaching facilities with an emphasis on the arts and local cultural heritage. It could also house a cultural center for Me Wuk tribal artifacts and history displays. The Me-Wuks have been a vital and active part of the community and their important role will be highlighted in the proposed cultural center. Columbia College and local high schools would be enabled to offer classes convenient to Sonora. Classes could include, but certainly not be limited to; theater, film, dance, music, ceramics, spinning and weaving, and radio production. The Dome auditorium would provide a stage for writers and story-tellers looking for a venue for holding classes and performances.
Both historically and presently, there has never been a center for the arts anywhere in this geographic region. The Dome is well suited to become that center. Given its original use as a school, it is more than capable as serving as a focus for the arts in surrounding communities. The building could also house a small museum store, cafe, and serve as a gathering place.
With facilities for culinary arts, the planned preparation kitchen arrangement could accommodate dinner events combined with performances or other special occasions. The auditorium offers a uniquely attractive location for such events, as do the ground level, outdoor terraces.
Perhaps, the best way to define the vision is the development of an alliance of both public and private organizations dedicated to training, learning, promotion of the performing arts and serving the public in those endeavors that offer cultural enrichment. The potential involvement of the two local Native American organizations, the public schools, Columbia College, the Tuolumne County Art Alliance, the Sonora Bach Festival, the Visitors Bureau, the Tuolumne County Film Commission, KAAD-LP radio station, the local Chambers of Commerce, the City of Sonora Event Planning, could constitute a full schedule of events, enhancing the community’s art and cultural programs, and would also be a source of revenue to sustain the center.
Other sources of revenue would include rental of space for providing classes, executive offices for various agencies, and dedicated space for meetings and community events. Performing arts would yield revenue from the sale of refreshments, and ticket sales for special dining events and art exhibits. Rental of the auditorium would also be a significant revenue source.
By saving and restoring the Dome to its former beauty and achieving compliance with current building and safety codes, an opportunity is established for future generations to come and participate in artistic endeavors in an environment that is a tribute to history and the spirit of creativity.