Item 6 - Staff Report with Attachments 1 through 4.352 West Main Street
PREPARED BY: Suray Nathan
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: 10/23/2024
ITEM NO: 6
DATE: October 18, 2024
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations (Window
Replacement) to a Non-Contributing Multi-Family Residential Development in
the Broadway Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. Located at 352
W. Main Street. APN 510-45-033. Minor Development in a Historic District
Application HS-24-054. Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301:
Existing Facilities. PROPERTY OWNER: West Main Partners LLC. APPLICANT:
Byron Brown. PROJECT PLANNER: Suray Nathan.
RECOMMENDATION:
Requesting approval for construction of exterior alterations (window replacement) to a non -
contributing multi-family residential development in the Broadway Historic District on property
zoned R-1D:LHP located at 352 W. Main Street.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1953
2. Town of Los Gatos Historic Status Code: N/A
3. Does property have an LHP Overlay? Yes
4. Is structure in a historic district? Yes, Broadway Historic District
5. If yes, is it a contributor? No
6. Findings required? No
7. Considerations required? Yes
BACKGROUND:
The County Assessor indicates that the residence at 352 W. Main Street was constructed in
1953 and was not included in the Anne Bloomfield Survey. There are no exterior improvements
in the Town record for the subject property. Because the property is located within the
Broadway Historic District, the Committee is responsible for reviewing proposed exterior
changes.
PAGE 2 OF 3
SUBJECT: 352 W Main Street / HS-24-054
DATE: October 18, 2024
DISCUSSION:
The applicant is requesting approval to replace all 58 existing windows that vary in material
(wood, steel or aluminum) with vinyl windows in a multi-unit rental complex containing four
buildings (Attachment 4). All windows would be the same size, operation, location, and provide
a consistent aesthetic (Attachments 2 and 3). The applicant indicates that the proposed vinyl
windows would improve upon the existing windows' varying materials and establish a uniform
look and continuity to the building. Additionally, the applicant states that the current windows
have condensation issues and operational difficulties.
The Residential Design Guidelines provide the following recommendations related to window
materials:
3.7.3 Match window materials to the architectural style and to the surrounding neighborhood
• Wood windows are common in Los Gatos. Wood is still the desired choice for styles that
traditionally used wood. However, today there are some window materials, such as vinyl
clad wood windows that are not noticeably different from wood at a short distance.
4.8.2 Building Materials
• Composite, synthetic, metal, vinyl, plastic or fabricated/ imitation wood products,
painted brick or imitation used brick will generally not be approved . However, some ex-
ceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis when the decision-making body
determines that the replacement is consistent with the appearance of the original
material, and that a lay person would be unlikely to discern the difference . The burden
of proof will reside with the applicant. Material samples, photographs, and specific
locations where the material may be seen in use will all assist in the evaluation of
alternative materials.
4.8.4 Windows and Glass in doors
• Windows should be constructed of real glass, and window frames should be constructed
of real wood - not vinyl, metal, or plastic. Wood sashes may be vinyl or metal clad if the
window frame and dressing is designed consistent with the historic context of the
building.
PAGE 3 OF 3
SUBJECT: 352 W Main Street / HS-24-054
DATE: October 18, 2024
CONSIDERATIONS:
A. 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:
In historic districts, the proposed work will neither adversely affect the exterior
architectural characteristics or other features of the property which is the subject of
the application, nor adversely affect its relationship, in terms of harmony and
appropriateness, with its surroundings, including neighboring structures, nor adversely
affect the character, or the historical, architectural or aesthetic interest or value of the
district.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is requesting approval to replace 58 existing windows that vary in material (wood,
steel or aluminum) with vinyl windows in a multi-unit rental complex containing four buildings.
All windows would be the same size, operation, location, and provide a consistent aesthetic.
Should the Committee find merit in the request, the project would be completed with a
Building Permit. The project would not return to the Committee.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Applicant Request and Letter of Justification
2. Development Plans
3. Photos
4. Window Specification
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ATTACHMENT 1
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ATTACHMENT 2
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ATTACHMENT 3
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ATTACHMENT 4
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