More than three years ago, we began a project at Fourth and D Streets in downtown Davis to provide an owner-occupied, senior-friendly home for four couples in an energy- and resource-efficient building. We chose this spot because of its place in the vibrant Davis downtown and its excellent solar exposure.

After a steady but sometimes challenging path, we have filed our application for a building permit to begin construction.

We are grateful for the support of the City Council, Development and Sustainability Department staff, and many other city staff. We were also fortunate for the enthusiastic support of scores of Davis citizens and community leaders.

From the beginning of our journey we’ve valued the history of the Peña family that is represented by the house at 337 D St. Since May 2009, we have sought a place to move and preserve the building. In our search, we offered to pay the cost and coordinate the logistics of the move in downtown Davis. We had discussions with a number of individuals and groups, but unfortunately, none has been able to accept it.

We remained committed to recording and honoring the history of the Peña family. In that spirit, we have produced a CD for the city archives and Hattie Weber Museum with hundreds of pictures of the house and a narrative of the known history of the family who lived there, including the last resident, Narcissa Peña. We have thoroughly searched the premises, gathering all the remaining artifacts, and donated them to the Hattie Weber Museum.

We will engage the art community of Davis and will commission what we know will be a beautiful plaque commemorating the Peña family. This memorial plaque will be clearly visible to passers-by in our garden on the corner of Fourth and D streets. We’ve undertaken these efforts in the spirit of deep respect for the family who long ago helped build our beloved city.

We are moving forward to construction of what we plan will be a similarly historic LEED platinum dwelling that will be a community asset and set a standard for energy and resource efficiency for the 21st century.

We are excited about becoming engaged and contributing residents in our new downtown home!

Dick and Carol Bourne, Don Morrill and Sue Barton, Jerry and Kay Schmike, gayle yamada and David Hosley

Davis

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