Staff Report.31 University Ave
PREPARED BY: Erin M. Walters
Senior 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: 03/26/2024
ITEM NO: 3
DATE: March 21, 2025
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Consider a Request for Approval to Modify Planned Development Ordinance
2025 to Allow Modifications to Building E, an Architecture and Site
Application for Exterior Modifications to an Existing Commercial Building in
the University/Edelen Historic District, and a Conditional Use Permit for
Formula Retail over 10,000 square feet and for a Restaurant with Alcohol
Service on a Property Zoned C-2:LHP:PD. Located at 31 University Avenue.
APN 529-02-044. Planned Development Modification PD-25-001, Architecture
and Site Application S-25-004, and Conditional Use Permit U-25-001.
Categorically Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301: Existing
Facilities. Property Owner: SRI Old Town, LLC. Applicant: Rick Nelson, MBH
Architects. Project Planner: Erin Walters.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a request for approval for exterior modifications to an existing commercial building,
Building E in the Old Town Los Gatos Shopping Center in the University/Edelen Historic District
on property zoned C-2:LHP:PD, located at 31 University Avenue.
BACKGROUND:
On February 26, 2025, the Committee considered the request, discussed the item, and
continued the item to a meeting date certain with the following feedback (Attachment 5):
• Although the proposed design is a Mediterranean style, it is not as compatible with the
existing Old Town buildings; and not consistent with the Planned Development or the
character of the University/Edelen Historic District;
• The design should convey a collective of individual structures rather than one consistent
and symmetrical mass;
• Consider the addition of tile roofing material; and
• Consider the visual impact of the skylight from all elevations.
PAGE 2 OF 4
SUBJECT: 31 University Avenue/PD-25-001, S-25-004 and U-25-001
DATE: March 21, 2025
DISCUSSION:
The applicant considered the Committee’s direction and has decided to not modify the
proposed exterior modifications and has provided a response letter (Attachment 6).
The applicant proposes to modify the exterior of Building E to establish more cohesive
architecture for the future single tenant of the building (Attachment 7). Exterior modifications
would be made to all four elevations and include:
• Roof alterations creating consistent and symmetrical massing;
• Changes to window and door shapes, integrating arched, and rectangular fenestration;
• New fabric awnings and metal and glass canopy awnings;
• A new skylight; and
• New stucco siding.
A color and materials sheet showing the proposed finishes of the new exterior materials is
included on A406 in the Development Plans included as Attachment 7.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is seeking a recommendation from the Committee for exterior modifications to
Building E. (Attachment 7). Should the Committee find merit in the request, the Committee
should forward a recommendation of approval for the request to the Planning Commission. The
application package would continue through the discretionary review process and would not
return to the Committee.
CONSIDERATIONS:
A. Considerations Required with Recommendation
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.
PAGE 3 OF 4
SUBJECT: 31 University Avenue/PD-25-001, S-25-004 and U-25-001
DATE: March 21, 2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Previously distributed with the February 26, 2025, Staff Report:
1. Planned Development Ordinance 2025
2. Applicant’s Request and Letter of Justification
3. Development Plans
Previously received with the February 26, 2025, Desk Item Report:
4. Existing and Proposed Building Elevations
Received with this Staff Report:
5. HPC Action Letter, February 26, 2025
6. Response Letter
7. Development Plans
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