Item 2 - Addendum with Attachment 5.352 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: 11/20/2024 ITEM NO: 2 ADDENDUM
DATE: November 19, 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.
REMARKS:
Attachment 5 includes public comments received between 11:01 a.m., Friday, November 15,
2024, and 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
ATTACHMENTS:
Previously received with the October 23, 2024, Staff Report:
1. Applicant Request and Letter of Justification
2. Development Plans
3. Photos
4. Window Specifications
Received with this Addendum Report:
5. Public comments received between 11:01 a.m., Friday, November 15, 2024, and 11:00 a.m.,
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
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From: Adam Mayer
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 8:49 AM
To: Planning <Planning@losgatosca.gov>; Joel Paulson <jpaulson@losgatosca.gov>; Sean Mullin
<SMullin@losgatosca.gov>; Suray Nathan <SNathan@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: 11/20/2025 HPC Meeting - Public Comment Item #2 (352 W. Main St)
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear HPC Members, Director Paulson, Mr. Mullin and Mr. Nathan,
I would like to make a public comment on item #2, 352 W. Main Street.
The property under consideration is located within the Broadway Historic District and is, therefore,
bound by the Town's Residential Design Guidelines. However, I find it challenging to apply these
guidelines practically, particularly considering that the property is a 13-unit apartment building
consisting of multiple structures with diverse window types.
A review of the Residential Design Guidelines reveals that the examples provided predominantly
feature single-family residences that are oriented towards the public right of way and undeniably
contribute to the neighborhood's character.
In contrast, 352 W. Main Street is situated approximately 150 feet away from Main Street, with
significant landscaping, including prominent trees, as well as a driveway and parking lot positioned
in front of the apartment buildings. The presence of multiple structures with varying window types
further complicates the interpretation of the Residential Design Guidelines in this context.
It is my professional assessment that the proposed window replacements would significantly
enhance the current aesthetics of the property and contribute to a more cohesive visual
appearance among the various buildings.
While it is unfortunate that the project applicant did not consult with the HPC prior to ordering the
windows, it is essential to recognize that the operational and maintenance economics of an
apartment complex differ markedly from those of single-family homes, which predominantly
constitute the HPC's experience.
The proposed window material of vinyl, along with the color white, is consistent with industry
norms for this type of property. It is important to acknowledge that vinyl windows have
significantly improved in quality over recent years compared to previous versions.
Regarding the color choice, while the final decision rests with the Historic Preservation
Commission (HPC), I do not believe that painting the windows brown will enhance the overall
aesthetic; in fact, I assert that the white finish is likely to present a more refined and pristine
appearance.
Furthermore, I would like to emphasize to the HPC that their decision impacts not only a single
property owner but also thirteen families residing in Los Gatos. Beyond aesthetic considerations,
ATTACHMENT 5
the proposed window replacement represents a substantial enhancement in the quality of life for
the current tenants.
The transition from single-pane to dual-pane windows not only elevates thermal comfort but also
contributes to energy cost savings and mitigates maintenance challenges associated with
moisture-related issues, such as dangerous mold-promoting condensation.
Thanks,
Adam Mayer
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