Staff Report.17121 Wild Way
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: 2/26/2024
ITEM NO: 2
DATE: February 21, 2025
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Consider a Request to Construct Exterior Alterations (Window and Door
Replacement) to a Pre-1941 Single-Family Residence on Property Zoned R-
1:20. Located at 17121 Wild Way. APN 424-30-080. APN 424-30-080. Request
for Review PHST-24-022. Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section
15301: Existing Facilities. Property Owner: ALG Homes, LLC. Applicant: Erik
Zang. Project Planner: Maria Chavarin.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a request for approval to construct exterior alterations (window and door
replacement) to a pre-1941 single-family residence on property zoned R-1:20 located at 17121
Wild Way.
BACKGROUND:
On November 20, 2024, the Committee conducted a preliminary review of the request
(Attachment 1) and recommended that the applicant:
• Confer with an architect that has experience with window repair and restoration on historic
homes to determine if repair and preservation of the existing historic metal windows is
possible. Improvement of the efficiency of the windows should also be considered. This
determination to be provided to the Committee for consideration at a future meeting.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant responded to the recommendations of the Committee by engaging Preservation
Architect Mark Hulbert to advise on the potential restoration of the existing steel windows and
doors and provide recommendations regarding any replacement. Attachment 2 is a letter from
Mr. Hubert providing background on the residence’s windows and doors. The letter opines that
replacement of the existing windows and doors is necessary rather than restoration. Mr.
PAGE 2 OF 3
SUBJECT: 17121 Wild Way/PHST-24-022
DATE: February 21, 2025
Hubert provides a number of recommendations for the replacement windows and doors,
including:
• Replacement windows and doors should be aluminum or aluminum clad;
• Replacements should include exterior design and detailing similar to the originals;
• Units should be thermally glazed with simulated divided lites with slender exterior grids
to match existing;
• Unique windows, as noted in the letter, should be replicated; and
• Entire unit assemblies require removal and replacement.
The applicant has indicated to staff that they intend to implement all recommendations
included in Mr. Hubert’s letter. Photos of the existing condition of the structure are included as
attachment 3 to this report and update development plans are included as Attachment 4.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is requesting approval for construction of exterior alterations (window and door
replacement) to a pre-1941 single-family residence (Attachment 4). The applicant responded to
the Committee’s guidance by engaging a preservation architect and indicating that they will
implement the architect’s recommendations. Should the Committee find merit in the request, it
should make the following considerations, and the recommendation would be forwarded to the
Community Development Director, and the project would be completed with a Building Permit.
The project would not return to the Committee.
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:
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.
PAGE 3 OF 3
SUBJECT: 17121 Wild Way/PHST-24-022
DATE: February 21, 2025
B. Residential Design Guidelines
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 exceptions 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.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Historic Preservation Committee Action Letter, dated November 25, 2024
2. Letter From Mark Hulbert, dated February 3, 2025
3. Property Photos
4. Development Plans
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank