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Item 1 - MinutesDRAFTTOWN OF LOS GATOS 110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-6872 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS FOR NOVEMBER 19, 2015, HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 110 E MAIN STREET, LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. by Chair Len Pacheco. ATTENDANCE Members Present: Len Pacheco, Bob Cowan, Kathryn Janoff, Michael Kane, Tom O’Donnell Members Absent: None Staff Present: Joel Paulson, Planning Manager Marni Moseley, Associate Planner VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS None. ITEM 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Bob Cowan moved to approve the minutes of October 28, 2015. The motion was seconded by Michael Kane and approved 4-0-1 with Tom O’Donnell absent. ITEM 2 325 W. MAIN STREET Mark De Mattei (applicant), Brian Aced (applicant), and Elisa Morgan (property owner were present and are requesting approval of exterior modifications to a pre- 1941 property in a Historic District. Michael Kane commented that the revisions address a number of Kathryn Janoff’s comments from the last meeting. Kathryn Janoff commented that it is an interesting concept, that the 1888 Sanborn map shows this house and cottages, and that she likes what has been done to make it look like two small cottages. The only concern I have is that it is not typical to see four windows on a front façade. Commented that the shed porch is consistent with the original structure. Mark De Mattei commented that the four windows work with the floor plan, that they tried grouping two together, and that it is possible to group the windows. Len Pacheco asked why there wasn’t a door at the porch elevation. DRAFTHistoric Preservation Committee November 19, 2015 Page 2 of 7 Mark De Mattei commented that they would like to add a rail and that a door could be added. Len Pacheco commented that two doors could be confusing and that paired windows make more sense. Kathryn Janoff asked if they had considered retaining the existing front entry. Elisa Morgan commented that safety is a concern with the proposed bedroom having a door on the front facade. Kathryn Janoff commented that she is not okay with paired windows and that four windows are better than a door or paired windows. Bob Cowan commented that he liked the revised plan with the gable in front, that the porch may not be deep enough, and that raising the building should be considered. Kathryn Janoff commented that the windows should have lugs. Bob Cowan moved to approve the proposal with the option to raise the height by two to three feet at the discretion of the property owner. The motion was seconded by Michael Kane with the request that lugs be added if they are on the existing windows and approved 4-0-1 with Tom O’Donnell absent. ITEM 3 68 FAIRVIEW PLAZA (Heard out of order) Jay Plett (architect) was present and discussed the request to demolish the existing structure and construct a new home in a historic district. Bob Cowan commented that the setback is consistent as determined at the last meeting. Michael Kane commented that at the previous meeting Kathryn Janoff stated that it wasn’t Craftsman enough and asked if the revised plans addressed that. Kathryn Janoff commented that the height increase is helpful, that it doesn’t appear that enough additional detail has been added as requested at the last meeting. Jay Plett stated that he can change the siding material. DRAFTHistoric Preservation Committee November 19, 2015 Page 3 of 7 Michael Kane commented that he likes the revisions, the neighborhood is eclectic, and the proposed project is a great improvement. Kathryn Janoff commented that the board and batten siding seems too modern and likes the idea of changing the siding. Jay Plett stated that he can change the siding material to shingles. Kathryn Janoff commented shingles are more Craftsman. Bob Cowan commented that he is okay with board and batten or shingle siding. Len Pacheco stated that he prefers shingle siding. Bob Cowan asked if shingle siding in the Wildland Urban Interface Area can be done. Jay Plett stated that it is tough, but can be done. Len Pacheco stated that he is okay with either siding option and likes the raised roof. Len Pacheco moved to recommend approval of the revised project with the direction that either board and batten or shingle siding may be used. The motion was seconded by Michael Kane and approved unanimously. ITEM 4 529 MONTEREY AVENUE (Heard out of order) Bess Wiersema (architect) was present and discussed the request to demolish the existing structure and construct a new home in a historic district. Kathryn Janoff commented that this area was built later than other areas in Town. Bob Cowan commented that a home down the street was required to maintain its historic status, that you could do a second story and maintain most of the home, and that he is not convinced that the house should be torn down. Kathryn Janoff commented that there is architectural merit in this house. Michael Kane referenced the structural report that outlined the issues with the house. DRAFTHistoric Preservation Committee November 19, 2015 Page 4 of 7 Len Pacheco commented that the house is in bad shape, but agreed that it should not be removed from the inventory. Additionally, many of the homes on the street are similar from a mass and scale perspective. Please note that Tom O’Donnell arrived at 4:23 P.M. Bob Cowan commented that he is interested in retaining the architecture not the boards and nails because the architecture is important. Michael Kane commented that he doesn’t have the same appreciation for the architecture. Bob Cowan commented that the Guidelines speak to maintaining the architecture and highlighting the historic structure to maintain the flavor of the existing building. I am also okay with a second story. Kathryn Janoff commented that Four Square architecture with a hipped roof is important. Len Pacheco commented that the house is an example of the type of home Built in the Town in the thirties. Kathryn Janoff commented that the home has architectural merit, is typical of Los Gatos, and represents a certain era. Len Pacheco commented that demolition may be challenging and suggested a separate addition with a galley connection. Kathryn Janoff asked if they considered a cellar. Bess Wiersema stated that it is not good to have kids bedrooms in a cellar and that she was willing to get additional information. Len Pacheco moved to continue the matter at the applicant’s request to provide additional research. The motion was seconded by Michael Kane and approved unanimously. ITEM 5 256 BACHMAN AVENUE Genevieve and Mitchell Wyman (property owners) were present and are requesting approval of exterior modifications for a contributing single-family residence in a Historic District. DRAFTHistoric Preservation Committee November 19, 2015 Page 5 of 7 Michael Kane commented that he is okay with the proposal. Kathryn Janoff commented that she is concerned about replacing the door with a window because it is not consistent, suggested taking out the door and filling the opening in, and that it is great that the property owners want to restore the siding. Len Pacheco asked if new original siding could be placed over existing non- original siding. Mitchell Wyman stated that was not feasible. Tom O’Donnell commented that he is okay with the proposal. Kathryn Janoff moved to approve the modifications consistent with Option 2, to allow the siding below the water table to be replaced when necessary, and to remove the door and to fill in the opening. The motion was seconded by Tom O’Donnell and approved 4-0-1 with Bob Cowan recused. ITEM 6A 145 GLEN RIDGE AVENUE Gary Kohlsaat (architect) and Scott McDonald (property owner) were present. Len Pacheco provided an introduction of the request regarding windows with divided lites that have been installed on the second floor. Bob Cowan stated that he was in favor of one on one lites and that it looks nice with the divided lites, that neo-classical with divided lites is appropriate, but some elements and additions make it less neo-classical. He asked if this was the original proposal would the Committee supported it and stated that he supports the divided lites. Kathryn Janoff commented that the windows should be consistent on both floors, that the first floor style drives the house, and that she is not supportive of the divided lites. Tom O’Donnell commented that he agrees with Bob Cowan and leans in that direction Michael Kane commented that he doesn’t feel compelled to require the windows to be changed, that it wasn’t done in defiance, and that he is comfortable with the divided lites. Len Pacheco commented that it is an eclectic design and a mix, but the strongest features are neo-classical and referenced the Design Guidelines that require replacement to match existing. DRAFTHistoric Preservation Committee November 19, 2015 Page 6 of 7 Kathryn Janoff commented that the Guidelines apply to all pre-1941 homes. Len Pacheco commented that the Highway 9 home has one over one not divided lites, that the lites make it feel more delicate, it has a wedding cake feel with first floor strength and the upper floor feels light with the lites, that he agrees with Kathryn Janoff, is not okay with the lites because it de-masculinates the strength of the house, and it is too delicate for the boldness of the house. Gary Kohlsaat commented on the Highway 9 house and discussed the differences between the two homes. Len Pacheco asked why the original design was done with one over one. Kathryn Janoff commented that the windows of the house drive the house, that there should be a consistent window treatment, and that she is sympathetic to the Design Guidelines that require replacement to match existing. Len Pacheco asked if the windows on the street facing elevation only could be changed to one over one. Gary Kohlsaat commented that some of the bedrooms have two windows which would present an awkward situation. Tom O’Donnell commented that he struggles with this because it is done. Bob Cowan commented that the sides are not visible from the street. Len Pacheco commented that he is trying to find a compromise. Scott McDonald commented that if you take them off the front then they should all be removed. Len Pacheco restated that he is trying to find a compromise. Kathryn Janoff commented on having the grids inside the columns. Scott McDonald commented that if he likes the look of the divided lites. Len Pacheco stated that he is trying to find a compromise within the framework of the Guidelines. Bob Cowan commented that cost is a minor issue and that it is more of a consistency of a look and feel issue. DRAFTHistoric Preservation Committee November 19, 2015 Page 7 of 7 Tom O’Donnell commented that three members of the Committee seem to be okay with divided lites and two members are not okay with the divided lites. ITEM 6B SPECIAL MEETING DATE FOR DECEMBER The Committee decided to have a Special Meeting on December 17, 2015. ITEM 7 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for December 17, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. Prepared by: Approved by: _______________________________ ________________________________ Joel S. Paulson, AICP Len Pacheco Planning Manager Chair N:\DEV\HISTORIC PRESERVATION\HPCminutes\2015\HPCminutes 11-19-15.docx