VENTURA : City to Reconsider Covering of Pool

Ventura Mayor Gregory L. Carson on Monday called for reconsidering a City Council decision to cover up an archeological find at the Peirano Market.

The council had voted 5 to 2 to cover the historic tile-lined pool, saying it would be easier to sell or lease the building if the pool is not available for public viewing. But minutes later Carson moved to reconsider the decision at next week’s meeting.

The pool, which measures 26 by 30 feet, may have served as the San Buenaventura Mission’s laundry and was unearthed in September, 1991, beneath the 115-year-old store. The council Monday rejected an option to put glass over the pool and decided instead to cover it with a wooden floor.

“While we recognize the value of the pool if it were visible . . . we’re keeping the space from being commercially usable,” said Councilman Tom Buford before Monday’s meeting.

Members of the Historic Preservation Commission spoke against the project at the meeting, saying the lavenderia is one of only seven in the state. Councilwoman Cathy Bean also objected strongly to concealing the lavenderia from public view.

Bean and Councilman Todd Collart dissented.

The city wants to restore the reinforced masonry of the boarded-up building and sell or lease the property, which it bought for $185,000 in 1986. A glass covering would limit the use of the building, said Everett Millais, director of community development.

The city has tried twice since 1987 to lure businesses to the 2,242-square-foot building at 204 E. Main St., but few parties were interested because it will be costly to make the building earthquake proof.

The city has decided to do the upgrade, and on Monday the council approved advertising for bids. The pool would not be disturbed during the construction, Millais said.

City officials are hoping to find a tenant or owner who would operate “some kind of restaurant or delicatessen that would draw people to the area and play off the history of the building itself,” Millais said.

The Peirano Market is the oldest brick building in Ventura and a designated historical landmark. It is across from the San Buenaventura Mission in the heart of downtown, and is expected to be a showpiece in the city’s plans to revitalize the area.