Staff Report with Attachments 1 through 6.137 and 139 N. Santa Cruz Avenue
PREPARED BY: Maria Chavarin
Assistant Planner
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
REPORT
MEETING DATE: 03/13/2024
ITEM NO: 1
DATE: March 8, 2024
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations to a Pre-1941
Commercial Building on Property Zoned C-2. Located at 137 and 139 N. Santa
Cruz Avenue. APN 510-17-061. Categorically Exempt Pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15301 Existing Facilities. Request for Review PHST-24-004.
Property Owner: Casey Connelly, Seecon Partners. Applicant: Hannah
Micallef. Project Planner: Maria Chavarin.
RECOMMENDATION:
Requesting approval for construction of exterior alterations (front façade changes) to an
existing pre-1941 commercial building on property zoned C-2. Located at 137/139 N. Santa
Cruz Ave.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1938 Per County Assessor’s Database; 1938-1939 Anne
Bloomfield Survey
2. Town of Los Gatos Preliminary Historic Status Code:’+’ - Historic and intact, worthy of
special note
3. Does property have an LHP Overlay? No
4. Is structure in a historic district? No
5. If yes, is it a contributor? N/A
6. Findings required? N/A
7. Considerations required? Yes
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located on the northwest side of N. Santa Cruz Avenue and south of Los
Gatos-Saratoga Road. The Santa Clara County Assessor’s Database lists a construction date of
1938, and the 1990 Anne Bloomfield Survey indicates a construction date from 1938-1939
PAGE 2 OF 3
SUBJECT: 137 and 139 N. Santa Cruz Avenue
DATE: March 8, 2024
BACKGROUND (continued):
(Attachment 1). The Anne Bloomfield Survey indicates that the property was once the site of a
commercial building that served as a bus depot including retail stores. Town records show that
the bus depot function changed in 1977 along with storefront changes. Details of the
alterations are not provided in the record; however, the records indicate that the exterior of
the building has remain largely unchanged since 1977.
The Sanborn Maps show evidence of retail stores and a bus depot at the subject property
between 1928-1944 and 1928-1956 (Attachment 2). The building records show tenant
improvements of interior alterations for 137 and 139 N. Santa Cruz Avenue including plumbing
and electrical building permits (Attachment 3).
DISCUSSION:
The applicant is requesting approval of exterior modifications to an existing pre-1941
commercial building. The changes are proposed to unify the two storefront façades of 137 and
139 N. Santa Cruz Avenue. The applicant indicates that the changes will provide a subtle nod to
the building’s Art Deco style.
An existing door at 139 N. Santa Cruz Avenue is proposed to be removed and replaced with a
wood framed fixed window. The new window will match the adjacent window’s sill height. An
existing awning is proposed to be removed at 139 N. Santa Cruz Avenue and replaced with an
awning to match the adjacent awning at 137 N. Santa Cruz Avenue. Portions of existing wall tile
are proposed to be removed and replaced with gloss and satin ceramic tiles including a gold
accent band. Additional improvements include new urbane paint to all existing window frames
and entry door; and installation of two decorative wall sconces.
The Letter of Justification discusses the scope of work (Attachment 4); the research conducted
by the applicant explains the history of the commercial building (Attachment 1); and the photos
of the existing conditions of the building are incorporated in the development plans
(Attachment 5).
The property is within the C-2A Subdistrict, as defined in the Commercial Design Guidelines.
The Commercial Design Guidelines provides recommendations on building design for the C-2A
Subdistrict on pages 25 through 28 (Attachment 6). Sections 3.3.3, 3.3.6, and 3.3.8 are most
applicable to this project.
PAGE 3 OF 3
SUBJECT: 137 and 139 N. Santa Cruz Avenue
DATE: March 8, 2024
CONSIDERATIONS:
Sec. 29.80.290. Standards for review.
In evaluating applications, the deciding body shall consider the architectural style, design,
arrangement, texture, materials and color, and any other pertinent factors. Applications shall
not be granted unless:
For pre-1941 structures, the proposed work will neither adversely affect the exterior
architectural characteristics or other features of the property which is the subject of the
application.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant requests approval to remove an existing wood and glass entry door at 139 N.
Santa Cruz Avenue and install one wood framed fixed window; remove an existing awning and
replace it with a new awning to match an existing awning at 137 N. Santa Cruz Avenue;
demolish existing wall tile on both storefronts and replace with a combination of a gloss black
ceramic tile and satin black ceramic tile with gold accent band; new urbane bronze paint to all
existing window frames and entry door; and install two outdoor wall sconces (Attachment 4).
Should the Committee find merit in the request, the recommendation would be forwarded to
the Community Development Director and the application would continue through the Building
Permit process. The project would not return to the Committee.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Applicant Research including 1990 Anne Bloomfield Survey
2. Sanborn Maps
3. Building Permit History
4. Letter of Justification
5. Development Plans
6. Section 3.3, Commercial Design Guidelines
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137, 139 N Santa Cruz Ave.
Historic Research Summary
February 7, 2024
Sanborn Maps
The property appears on the 1944 Sanborn Map
Polk Directories (1952)
137 N Santa Cruz Ave is listed as Marshal’s men’s clo. 139 N Santa Cruz Ave is listed as Joe’s
Barber Shop
Anne Bloomfield (printed report)
The building was constructed in 1938 as the Peerless Stage Depot. The frontage is split into five
commercial storefronts, the northernmost (147) being slightly taller and wider, as it was where
buses would exit. The 145 space was originally the bus ticket office, and 137, 139, and 141
were retail spaces. It is noted that the building is a great example of the Art Deco style due to
the intricate arching green ceramic tilework. The listed alterations to the building are a change of
use from the bus station function in 1977, and a few storefront changes.
The changes we have proposed to the exterior do not affect any of the historically significant
characteristics noted in the report.
www.studioKDA.com
1810 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA 94710
Telephone: 510.841.3555
___________
$77$&+0(17
1944 SANDBORN MAP
1952 POLK DIRECTORY
ANNE BLOOMFIELD
(PRITED RESOURCE AT LOS GATOS LIBRARY)
PAGE 1 OF 4
ANNE BLOOMFIELD
(PRITED RESOURCE AT LOS GATOS LIBRARY)
PAGE 2 OF 4
ANNE BLOOMFIELD
(PRITED RESOURCE AT LOS GATOS LIBRARY)
PAGE 3 OF 4
ANNE BLOOMFIELD
(PRITED RESOURCE AT LOS GATOS LIBRARY)
PAGE 4 OF 4
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1928-1944
ATTACHMENT 2
1928-1956
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DATE: March 5, 2024
TO: Town of Los Gatos
Historic Preserva on Commi ee
FROM: Hannah Micallef, Studio KDA
SUBJECT: Le er of Jus fica on: 137-139 N Santa Cruz Ave. (Coup de Thai) Exterior Modifica ons
This memorandum provides informa on about the proposed exterior modifica ons to 137-139 N
Santa Cruz Ave., and their conformance to the Town’s Commercial Design Guidelines. The building
was originally constructed in 1938 as the Peerless Stage Depot. Its dis nc ve green ling and
scalloped pa erning are a great local example of the Art Deco style. Our proposed modifica ons do
not alter any of the historically significant components of the building that were found in our
research. The proposed new facade materials are black ceramic ling, with a thin gold accent band.
We are also proposing (2) new decora ve sconces, a new awning, and replacing the exis ng door to
the 139 space with a fixed window. The materials are intended to provide an elegant, durable and
meless facade for the business, while also providing a subtle nod to the building’s Art Deco style.
Design Intent:
● Provide a single entry to the combined tenant spaces
● Visually unify the two storefronts
● Provide new facade materials that both elevate the pedestrian experience, and respect the
history and context of the building’s facade.
Summary of Modifica ons:
● Demoli on of (E) wood and glass entry door to 139 storefront
● Installa on of (N) fixed window and sill in place of exis ng door. New window will have a
wood frame and match the look of the exis ng adjacent window
● New awning at 139 storefront to match exis ng awning at 137 storefront
● Demoli on of exis ng le at both storefronts
● Installa on of new black ceramic le, and gold accent band to both storefronts. See proposed
materials and exterior rendering at sheet A102 of submi ed drawings
● Installa on of (2) new decora ve sconces at 139 storefront. See drawings for loca ons.
● (N) paint at all exis ng window frames and entry door.
● No changes proposed to original green square ceramic le
Conformance with Town of Los Gatos Commercial Design Guidelines (C-2, C-2A Subdistrict):
ATTACHMENT 4
3.1 Basic Design Principles:
Architectural character and detailing shall be sensi ve to the historic structures remaining in the
CBD
Na onal historic guidelines emphasize that new elements must be compa ble with the
building’s historic features, but also be differen ated in order to preserve the exis ng building’s
character. We selected an appropriately scaled, dark neutral rectangular le for the storefront. It
serves as a backdrop to the ornate Art Deco le and does not compete with the original le
detailing of the overall building. This black le, with a subtle gold pinstripe detail, alludes to the
building’s Art Deco styling, but is easily differen ated from the original le.
Storefronts shall be constructed of high quality materials that are consistent with those
historically used in the Town.
Ceramic le is proposed for the modified storefront, as it is durable and consistent with the
materials of the overall building.
Diversity of design shall be encouraged with meless character sought over trendy architectural
styles.
The proposed facade uses black le and only subtle gold highlights, crea ng a meless, elegant
and understated look.
3.3 Building Design (C-2A Subdistrict):
3.3.2: Design buildings along North Santa Cruz Avenue and Main Street to be compa ble with
tradi onal architectural styles.
(b) Provide architectural details to enhance the interest of facades.
The use of ceramic le at both the 137 and 139 spaces will unify the two storefronts, and elevate
their street presence from the exis ng le at 137, and the painted over le at 139. We are also
proposing (2) new exterior sconces to create more interest at the pedestrian level.
3.3.3 Emphasize display windows and storefront entries
3.3.4 Maintain transparent storefronts and public right-of-way walls
We do not propose any changes to the exis ng large storefront window at the 139 storefront.
The exis ng entry door will be replaced with a fixed window to maximize the connec on
between the tenant space and pedestrian traffic.
3.3.5 Provide ves bules at building entries
(a) Recess entry doors three to six feet from the facade
The exis ng recessed entry at 137 is to remain.
3.3.6 U lize high quality storefront materials
(b) Wood window frames are common in this area and are strongly encouraged
(c) Alterna vely, vinyl covered or dark anodized aluminum metal storefront window and door
frames are suggested.
The new fixed window at the 139 storefront will have a painted wood frame to match the
adjacent window.
3.3.8 Install awnings when weather and sun exposure protec on are desired
(a) Fabric awnings are the preferred material.
(b) Fabric awnings should be installed on painted tubular metal frames. End panels returning to
the building face are op onal.
(e) Relate awning placement to the major architectural elements of the facade.
The proposed awning at 139 is to match the exis ng awning at 137 (see project photos in
submi ed plans). The new awning will help to unify the two storefronts and will not cover any of
the original green ceramic le.
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Commercial Design Guidelines
25
C-2 DISTRICT
Town of Los Gatos
3
3.3 BUILDING DESIGN (C-2A SUBDISTRICT)
3.3.1 Maintain a building front module that is
consistent with the remaining block front
streetscape
a) Pilasters and columns along with wall beams and
cornices which are in front of the building wall and
display windows should be used to provide a layering
and hierarchy of structure. Storefront widths should
be similar to those of other adjacent stores. This is of
special importance for buildings with street frontages
which are wider than the norm along a street front.
b) In general, pilasters and columns should occur at
intervals of no more than approximately ten (10) feet.
3.3.2 Design buildings along North Santa Cruz Avenue
and Main Street to be compatible with traditional
architectural styles
a) Characteristics of traditional Main Street Contempo-
rary architecture include the following:
• Shaped parapets or projecting cornices at street
wall tops
• Large display windows framed by high quality
materials
• Projecting columns and pilasters
• Column/pilaster bases and bulkheads below dis-
play windows
• Projecting belt courses and other moldings
• Decorative details
b) Provide architectural details to enhance the visual
interest of facades. Elements that are encouraged in-
clude the following:
• Projecting cornices with
decorative moldings and/
or brackets
• Shaped parapets
• Planter boxes
• Projecting molding
• Inset medallions
Desirable storefront components
Contemporary storefront compatible with
traditional design
ATTACHMENT 6
Commercial Design Guidelines
26
C-2 DISTRICT
Town of Los Gatos
3
• Bay windows
• Moldings around windows
• Pilaster and column capitals
c) Size and height of all detail elements shall be sym-
pathetic to the major elements of adjacent structures.
3.3.3 Emphasize display windows and storefront
entries
a) Provide interesting storefronts with prominent dis-
play windows.
b) Traditional storefronts with bulkheads below the
windows and glass on both the street front and the
sides of vestibules are desirable. However, larger and
more contemporary display windows are also accept-
able, but should have some solid base at least 12 inches
high between the bottom of the window and the pav-
ing below.
c) Use bulkhead materials that are consistent with the
building’s materials and traditional to Mainstreet-style
storefronts (e.g., stucco, tile, stone, wood panels.) The
decorative treatment of bulkheads is encouraged (e.g.,
wood moldings over a wood base panel, decorative
tile patterns.)
d) Window box planters below display windows are
encouraged to add color and visual interest.
3.3.4 Maintain transparent storefronts and public right-
of-way walls
a) Maintain a minimum of sixty percent (60%) trans-
parent glazing along primary store frontages up to eight
feet above grade.
b) In the example to the left, A+B+C+D must equal
at least 60% of E.
c) Avoid blank walls over ten (10) feet long on pri-
mary frontages, and from the first fifty (50) feet from
Santa Cruz Avenue or Main Street. Break up larger
blank walls with pilasters and landscaping.
d) Display window proportions should generally re-
flect traditional storefront windows with proportions
that are horizontal or approximately square. Strong ver-
tical window proportions should be avoided.
e) Display window lighting to enhance the CBD night-
time vibrancy is strongly encouraged. Methods may
include shielded or recessed spotlights to highlight dis-
play merchandise or pin lights used to define the out-
line of windows.
Storefronts with attractive display windows,
friendly entries, landscaping and well designeddetailing enhance both the character of the
business and the Town
Commercial Design Guidelines
27
C-2 DISTRICT
Town of Los Gatos
3
3.3.5 Provide vestibules at building entries
a) Recess entry doors three to six feet from the front
facade.
b) Pave vestibule floors with tile, brick, stone, or a
similar high quality hard surface to set the vestibule
apart from the sidewalk.
3.3.6 Utilize high quality storefront materials
a) Use wall materials primarily composed of stone,
brick or stucco for facades. Avoid nontraditional ma-
terials such as wood, shingles, cultured stone, small tiles,
rough finished materials, and metal.
b) Wood window frames are common in this area and
are strongly encouraged.
c) Alternatively, vinyl covered or dark anodized alu-
minum metal storefront window and door frames are
suggested.
d) Anodized aluminum frames are not generally de-
sired, but may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
e) Entry doors should be selected to compliment the
design of the storefront. High quality entry doors are
encouraged, while standard storefront doors are dis-
couraged, consistent with the attention paid in the past
to doors in this area of the CBD. Dutch doors should
also be considered to open up businesses to passing
pedestrian traffic, and provide a welcoming small town
feeling to storefronts.
3.3.7 Operable windows and french doors are
encouraged for restaurants and coffee cafes
a) Window types and proportions should be comple-
mentary to the architecture and design of the facade.
b) Two examples of operable restaurant facade win-
dows are shown below and to the right.
Provide vestibule entries
Restaurant operable window example Restaurant operable window example
Commercial Design Guidelines
28
C-2 DISTRICT
Town of Los Gatos
3
3.3.8 Install awnings when weather and sun
exposure protection are desired
a) Fabric awnings are the preferred material. Metal
awnings may be used if they are of contemporary de-
sign, are composed of sloping awning faces only, and
are compatible with the building style.
b) Fabric awnings should be installed on painted tu-
bular metal frames. End panels returning to the build-
ing face are optional.
c) Avoid shiny fabrics.
d) Backlit awnings that visually appear as large light
sources will not be permitted.
e) Relate awning placement to the major architec-
tural elements of the facade.
• Avoid covering any transom windows or architec-
tural elements such as belt courses, decorative
trim and similar features
• Use separate awnings over individual storefront
bays defined by the columns or pilasters rather
than placing a continuous awning across the build-
ing frontage
•Patterned and stiped awnings are discouraged. If
patterned awnings are proposed, the burden will
be on the applicant to demonstrate that the col-
ors and pattern are appropriate for the design and
color of the building
•Operable awnings are encouraged when appro-
priate for the style of the building.
Awnings are used here to provide color and a
sense of intimacy between the window
shopper and the clothing displayed
Awnings can call attention to building entries
and soften the forms of a rectangular building