An Irvine family mansion, re-created for public use, is one for the books

"It's a unique house in that it probably went through at least three or four major remodels. We had photos from all the different genres and decided we'd re-create it the way it was last seen before the fire. The exterior of the two-story, approximately 10,000-square-foot, wood-frame structure will reflect the Craftsman elements -- an imposing porte-cochere, exposed rafter tails, shingle siding -- added over the years to the expansion of what was originally a kind of big farmhouse with clapboard."

"To keep the feel of a family home, a driveway will lead visitors under the porte-cochere to a parking lot tucked away behind the building. Interior modifications are required to enable the building to function as a library -- with space for an exhibition of Irvine Ranch memorabilia -- but the fireplaces, grand stair and other original features will be replicated."

"One of the best parts of the replication project was Wheeler's counsel during its early planning stage. She'd come in and tell us stories about the house just to help us understand it. She also had color photographs."

The city of Irvine is constructing a replica of the 19th-century Irvine family mansion on its original 2.4-acre site to house the Katie Wheeler Branch Library, a new Orange County Public Library system location. Named after philanthropist Kathryn Lillard Wheeler, granddaughter of Irvine Co. founder James Irvine II, the $6-million project will be completed in November as part of Irvine Ranch Historic Park. The two-story, 10,000-square-foot wood-frame structure replicates the mansion's final appearance before the 1965 fire, featuring Craftsman architectural elements including a porte-cochere, exposed rafter tails, and shingle siding. The interior will maintain original features like fireplaces and grand stairs while accommodating library functions and an exhibition of Irvine Ranch memorabilia. Wheeler, who was born in the original house and raised by her grandfather, provided valuable guidance during the project's planning stages before her death in 2003.

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