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05-25-22 Minutes - HPC 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874 www.losgatosca.gov TOWN OF LOS GATOS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE REPORT MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING MAY 25, 2022 The Historic Preservation Committee of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on May 25, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. This meeting This meeting is being conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with Town Council Policy 2-01 entitled Town Agenda Format and Rules and Town Resolution. In accordance with Town Policy and Resolution, the public may only view the meeting online and not in the Council Chamber. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 4:00 PM ROLL CALL Present: Chair Timothy Lundell, Vice Chair Barry Cheskin, Planning Commissioner Kylie Clark, Planning Commissioner Steve Raspe VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS None. CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION) 1. Approval of Minutes – April 27, 2022 MOTION: Motion by Vice Chair Cheskin to approve the Consent Calendar. Seconded by Commissioner Raspe. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. PAGE 2 OF 11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2022 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. 327 University Avenue Minor Development in a Historic District Application HS-22-025 Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations to an Existing Contributing Single-Family Residence Located in the University-Edelen Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. APN 529-04-060. PROPERTY OWNER: Johan Back and Vibha Rao APPLICANT: Greenberg Design Gallery PROJECT PLANNER: Sean Mullin Sean Mullin, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Enrique Eckhaus, Project Designer, Applicant presented the project. - Underneath the original fireplace is an existing central heater. The chimney is brick from the roof level up. There is nothing underneath. It is fake and not safe. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Enrique Eckhaus, Project Designer - They opened and looked underneath the fireplace. It is a hazard. The brick flue is in the air. Ginadi can verify. They don’t know when and why it was done this way by whomever did this modification. Ginadi, Project Manager, Contractor - There are two set of sliders proposed: one in the back and one to the right side of the house. Currently there are French doors that open all the way outside. - In the beginning of the project, the homeowners asked to keep the look of the house as much as possible. The only concern was the hazard of the fireplaces. They are very tall and may one day collapse. That is the reason to remove them. - After a few weeks into the project, they investigated the foundation. The rear fireplace has no footing in the foundation. Framing for a door had been put in with the fake fireplace outside. - Their in-house engineer recommended removal. It is impacting the foundation. Can already see movement in the foundation underneath the fireplace. - The door openings will change from 6 to 8 feet tall. They thought sliders that open to the side would make it more comfortable for the owners. If preferred, the doors can go back to French doors. PAGE 3 OF 11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2022 Jonah Back, Owner - They are flexible on the door choices. But the chimneys missing the foundation is concerning. In the back of the house, they are beginning to see cracks in the ceiling. It is a safety risk. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • Sliders don’t work with the style of the house. French doors would retain the historic look of the house. • Need written documentation about the chimneys being structurally unsound. • Were the chimneys a late addition and not historical? • The chimneys are aesthetically pleasing. But if the applicant feels unsafe, can the chimneys be fixed? • Is it a major or minor job to make the chimneys sound? • Continue for a third review with more information about the chimneys. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to continue this item to June 22, 2020 for additional information on the two chimneys and sliders. Seconded by Commissioner Clark. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. 3. 16405 Kennedy Road Historic Review Request PHST-22-006 Consider a Request to Remove a Pre-1941 Property from the Historic Resources Inventory for Property Zoned R-1:10. APN 532-15-002. PROPERTY OWNER: Fevzi and Sevil Karavelioglu APPLICANT: Tony Jeans PROJECT PLANNER: Jocelyn Shoopman Jocelyn Shoopman, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Tony Jeans, Applicant presented the project. - In 2012 this property was brought to the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) by a potential buyer. HPC decided there was no historic value. The current owner is considering a SB 9 lot split. Items that were wrong have been addressed. Windows are now vinyl or metal. The property was not included in the Sanborn and Bloomfield maps. Determined that no one of significant stayed there. PAGE 4 OF 11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2022 Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Tony Jeans, Applicant - In 2012, this property was brought to the HPC by a potential buyer. HPC decided it had no historic value. After 2012, there was no major renovations. There were mainly Interior changes and some roof work done. Nothing was done to restore its historic integrity. Committee members discussed the matter. • Seems reasonable due to its condition and lack of historical significance. • Findings were met. MOTION: Motion by Vice Chair Cheskin to Approve a Request to Remove a Pre- 1941 Property from the Historic Resources Inventory for Property Zoned R-1:10. Located at 16405 Kennedy Road. Seconded by Commissioner Clark. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. 4. 106 Royce Street Minor Development in a Historic District Application HS-22-023 Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations to an Existing Non- Contributing Commercial Building in the University-Edelen Historic District on Property Zoned C-2:LHP. APN 529-04-025. PROPERTY OWNER: Rosa Family LLC APPLICANT: Todd Bayless PROJECT PLANNER: Savannah Van Akin Savannah Van Akin, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Todd Bayliss, William Kempf Architects, Applicant presented the project - He is the architect and available to answer questions. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Todd Bayliss, Architect - He filled out application but did not see any neighborhood compatibility analysis matrix. PAGE 5 OF 11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2022 Staff - Their application included photos of nearby structures. Todd Bayliss, Architect - He thinks that the existing building is not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. But they are not proposing anything drastic except more pastel colors. Todd Bayliss, Architect - The mural was painted in 1998 by the prior tenant. There were no permits. It has not been maintained. The owner of the building recommended that it be replaced. The tenant has suggested a branding mural that reflects their logo and history. The mural has no significance with the Town. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • The replacement building falls under the Committee’s purview. • The proposal makes it tidier, nicer, and more modern. • The original residential use was terminated at some point. The current commercial building was added. Nothing visually links it to the residential neighborhood across the street on University Avenue. • The proposed plans freshen and clean it up. Maintains its post-modern look. Does not anchor itself to the Victorian/Craftsman look of the University Avenue community. • It is Post-modern and not Victorian or Craftsman. • The proposal matches to its current style. • The building sits empty. Would like to see it in use. • Give the applicant the option to design with the neighborhood style in mind. • The Committee could continue the hearing to allow time for the applicant to add a nod to the neighborhood. Opened Public Comment. Todd Bayliss, Architect - They would need the owner’s input about adding design elements that fit with the surrounding neighborhood style. It would be a challenge to avoid a weird hybrid style. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • Staff could work with the applicant to give a nod to the surrounding neighborhood. • Staff: the Committee reviews existing style and design. Project is bordered by a parking lot and is at the very edge of the University-Edelen Historic District. It is the only PAGE 6 OF 11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2022 structure facing Royce Street. The applicant can continue to work with the staff and then return to the Committee. • The applicant should have conversations with staff about how to blend in with the neighborhood without returning to the Committee. • The original style shall be maintained. The design should blend with or recognize the historic nature of the surrounding neighborhood. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to continue this item to have the applicant work with staff to consider comments made during the meeting to incorporate a nod to the neighborhood, so long as the applicant is willing to do so. Seconded by Vice Chair Cheskin. VOTE: Motion passed. 3-1, Commissioner Clark opposed. 5. 17617 Bruce Avenue Historic Review Request PHST-22-008 Consider a Request to Remove a Pre-1941 Property from the Historic Resources Inventory for Property Zoned R-1:8. APN 410-11-008. PROPERTY OWNER: Ruth and Todd Slyngstad APPLICANT: Gary Kohlsaat PROJECT PLANNER: Ryan Safty Ryan Safty, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Gary Kohlsaat, Architect, Applicant presented the project - The property owners recently purchased this property with the intent to replace what is there. The previous addition has obliterated the original house. The style is not significant or historical. No significant resident has lived there, and the home was not designed by a significant architect. Much of the building has been modified and stripped away that it should be taken off the inventory. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • Significant alterations were made, including a second story done in the 80’s. • No historical significance or style remains. • The building could benefit from significant reworking. • It doesn’t look historic. • It is an easy and clear decision. PAGE 7 OF 11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2022 MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to Remove a Pre-1941 Property from the Historic Resources Inventory for Property Zoned R-1:8. Located at 17617 Bruce Avenue. Seconded by Chair Lundell. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. 6. 60 Rogers Street Historic Review Request PHST-22-007 Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations (Window Replacement) to a Presumptive Historic Residence (Pre-1941) on Property Zoned R-1:20. APN 529-33-055. PROPERTY OWNER/APPLICANT: Kiavash and Emily Baratzadeh PROJECT PLANNER: Sean Mullin Sean Mullin, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Kia Baratzadeh, Owner/Applicant presented the project - They bought the house a year ago. They love it. They want to maintain the visual look of the Spanish revival style home. They would like to use the best possible materials to preserve the architecture and visual appeal of the home. The policy for historic properties is to replace like for like windows. The existing wood windows are single paned. They would like to use superior fiberglass windows with interior wood, gridlines, and double- paned Low-E glass for enhanced energy efficiencies. Last winter they ran the heater a lot because of the cold. They wanted to run this project by the Committee before purchasing. Committee members asked questions of the applicant Kia Baratzadeh, Owner/Applicant - They will maintain the look of the windows. Most of the windows are arched at the top. The new arched windows would have wood on the interior side for casement and fiberglass exterior on the exterior. - Some windows in the kitchen are rectangular and would not need a wood interior. - The fiberglass windows come pre-painted in a variety of trim color. They could choose a creamy white to match or bronze to go with the Spanish revival style. Closed Public Comment. PAGE 8 OF 11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2022 Committee members discussed the matter. • Concerned about maintaining the look of the windows. Need to see drawings. • If the arched windows must be custom-made, there would not be a catalogue to see. We could not see the final product until construction. • Technology has changed. In 2022 window efficiencies have improved with use of new materials but with the look of wood. • The entire window opening visually stays the same, but the material used will change. • They should replicate the appearance of the existing widows. MOTION: Motion by Chair Lundell to Approve the Request for Construction of Exterior Alterations (Window Replacement) to a Presumptive Historic Residence (Pre-1941) on Property Zoned R-1:20 subject to the condition that the windows that are being replaced will replicate the existing windows with exception of the materials, where appropriate, the proposed fiberglass clad substitute material. Seconded by Vice Chair Cheskin. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. 7. 223 Tait Avenue Architecture and Site Application S-22-024 Forward a Recommendation of Approval to the Community Development Director on a Request for Technical Demolition of a Non-Contributing Single-Family Residence and Construction of a New Single-Family Residence Located in the Almond Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. APN 510-17-004. PROPERTY OWNER: Mark and Tammy De Mattei APPLICANT: Jay Plett, Architect PROJECT PLANNER: Sean Mullin Sean Mullin, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Jay Plett, Applicant presented the project - They intend to remodel and add on to the home in a manner consistent with the Almond Grove neighborhood. The existing house’s plaster will remain, though not much is left. They would like to use Anderson Series 1 windows. The fiberglass is superior to wood. They are including an ADU. The project is not over the FAR. They have provided a few comparison photos of a home with a two story addition, and a plaster art and crafts style PAGE 9 OF 11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2022 home. The original house did not have a style. It was not mentioned in Bloomfield survey. The owner has done neighborhood outreach. Mark De Mattei, Owner - He shared his plans and has had some conversations with addresses across the street and to the right of the home. He has been knocking on doors for neighborhood outreach and will continue. Close Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to Forward a Recommendation of Approval to the Community Development Director on a Request for Technical Demolition of a Non-Contributing Single-Family Residence and Construction of a New Single-Family Residence Located in the Almond Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. Seconded by Commissioner Clark. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. 8. 33 Walnut Avenue Architecture and Site Application S-22-003 Requesting Approval for Technical Demolition of a Pre-1941 Single-Family Residence and Construction of a New Single-Family Residence on Property Zoned R-1:8. APN 510-41-007. PROPERTY OWNER: Jeffrey Siegel APPLICANT: David V. Hernandez, Architect, Heritage Architecture PLANNER: Erin Walters Vice Chair Cheskin recused himself from Item 8, 33 Walnut Avenue, as his residence is located within 1,000 feet of the subject property. Erin Walters, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Jeffrey Siegel, Owner/Applicant presented the project - This is a review of what was previously approved by the HPC. They want to extend an architectural feature to keep it proportionate to the new front porch. The roof accents are not the same proportion as to the original porch so they will be extended. PAGE 10 OF 11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2022 Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • It is under a 2019 HPC approval with minor modifications. • The modifications seem minor and non-consequential. • Seems straight forward and recommend approval MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to Recommend for Approval to the Community Development Director for the Technical Demolition of a Pre- 1941 Single-Family Residence and Construction of a New Single-Family Residence on Property Zoned R-1:8. Seconded by Commissioner Clark. VOTE: Motion passed. (3-0) Vice Chair Cheskin recused. OTHER BUSINESS (Up to three minutes may be allotted to each speaker on any of the following items.) 9. 25 W. Main Street Minor Development in a Historic District Application PHST-22-009 Preliminary Review for Construction of Exterior Modifications and an Addition to a Contributing Commercial Building in the Downtown Historic Commercial District on Property Zoned C-2:LHP. APN 529-01-017. PROPERTY OWNER: Reveal Corp. APPLICANT: Gordon Wong, Gkw Architects PROJECT PLANNER: Erin Walters Erin Walters, Associate Planner, presented the staff report Opened public comment. Gordon Wong, Munenari Hirata, and Jenny Wong, of Gkw Architects, Applicant presented the project - This project is trying to preserve the building and grade. They are focusing on accessibility and preserving the front façade. Upgrades will cover fire suppression, building code, accessible parking, and an accessible ramp. Theresa Warren, Owner - They are downsizing the project. They want to bring the building back to life. They are not adding footage but improving it with newer windows, and ADA compliance. PAGE 11 OF 11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2022 Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Mune, Applicant - The first floor use is for business/retail and the second floor use is for office. Gordon Wong, Applicant - There is no residential use. The use reflects what was previously there. They wanted to keep the second floor use flexible and prevent mechanical, electrical, and plumbing changes. The rear staircase is the only access to the second floor. It touches, as minimally as possible, the exterior walls to maintain the siding, window configurations, and roof. Closed public comment. Committee members provided the following comments: • Relocation of the front door works with the building. • Supportive of the proposal. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m. This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the May 25, 2022 meeting as approved by the Historic Preservation Committee. /s/ Jennifer Armer, AICP, Planning Manager