City designates early 1900s home of noted photographer as a historic landmark

The Sacramento City Council has designated 2025 P St., a Colonial Revival house located in midtown, as a historic landmark. The home not only features charming historic architecture, but it was also home to historic photographer Levi Vandercook.

The property was added to the City's Sacramento Register of Historic and Cultural Resources following thorough evaluations by City officials.

Notable features of the home include its hipped roof, symmetrical massing, fluted two-story pilasters capped by Ionic capitals, and an inviting open front porch with square fluted columns. Despite minor alterations over the years, the property retains much of its original character, making it a significant representation of early 20th-century design.

The register listing is consistent with the goals of the Sacramento 2040 General Plan, which provides for the identification and preservation of historical and cultural resources. Listing the property on the Sacramento register will help ensure its preservation and encourage rehabilitation consistent with U.S. standards for historic properties.

"The property owner listing this building as a landmark helps recognize and preserve another piece of Sacramento's distinct history," said the City's Associate Planner Henry Feuss. "Listing on the Sacramento Register also comes with a few benefits, such as being eligible for the Mills Act Program to save on property taxes and the California Historic Building Code to help preserve a building's important features."

About the Vandercooks

The house was originally built in 1907 by Levi Vandercook, a skilled carpenter and amateur photographer, shortly after marrying Gertrude Mary Fraser.

The Vandercook family resided in the house for decades, contributing to the local community through various civic and religious activities. The Center for Sacramento History notes that Levi and Mary Vandercook were among the founding members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Levi served as an honorary life deacon.

"Levi Vandercook's photo collection is a valuable record to the visual history of Sacramento and Northern California during the first half of the 20th century," said Center for Sacramento History's Manager and City Historian, Marcia Eymann. "His photography has had a home at the Center since 1993 and is an important part of Sacramento's rich history."

Visit Historic Preservation's web page to learn more about the City's role in preserving Sacramento's history and how to nominate a historic landmark.

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