Staff Report.137&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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