MODJESKA CANYON : Residents Challenge Plans for House

In what some members of this sleepy canyon community called the largest show of civic unity in years, Modjeska Canyon residents on Thursday challenged county plans to renovate the historic house once owned by renowned Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska.

Fearful that a county proposal to build a 14-acre historic park around the century-old home would shatter the pastoral calm of Modjeska Canyon, more than 100 residents of the 180-home tract filled a community center to object to the plan.

The Modjeska house would be a centerpiece in county plans to create a historic park in Modjeska Canyon.

In addition to planning guided tours of the historic home, the county wants to install a nature trail, picnic grounds and exhibit hall on the site. Special events, such as music recitals, poetry readings and art exhibits, could be held at night under the county proposal.

However, alcohol and amplified music would be banned, said Kathie Matsuyama, senior landscape architect for Orange County and project coordinator for the Modjeska home.

Helena Modjeska settled in Orange County more than 100 years ago, and the Polish native entertained internationally known luminaries in the sprawling bungalow’s heyday.

Designed by Stanford White, one of America’s finest architects, the building is said to emulate architecture of the East Indies, most notably in its open porches at both ends.

The county plans to open the home to the public in 1991, when structural repairs are expected to be finished. The county may allow weddings, receptions and other events to take place on the grounds.

Residents of the village under Modjeska Peak fear increased traffic and boisterous wedding parties would destroy the solitude they enjoy.

The county bought the house when it was severly decayed in 1986 for $1 million. In addition to the purchase price, the county invested $320,000 to do emergency repairs, which are still under way.

The county has several plans to hold down traffic when the home opens to the public, such as free on-site parking intended to keep visitors from leaving their cars along public streets and an off-site parking lot served by shuttle buses. The county may also require buses for wedding parties or other groups that receive permits to use the grounds.