Exhibit 11. HPC Action Letter, March 26, 2025TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PLANNING DIVISION
(408) 354-6872 Fax (408) 354-7593
March 27, 2025
Rick Nelson, MBH Architects
Via email
RE: 31 University Avenue
Planned Development Modification PD-25-001
Architecture and Site Application S-25-004
Conditional Use Permit U-25-001
Requesting Approval for Modification of Planned Development Ordinance 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
Permit for Formula Retail over 10,000 square feet and for a Restaurant with Alcohol Service
on a Property Zoned C-2:LHP:PD. APN 529-02-044. 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.
On February 26, 2025, the Los Gatos Historic Preservation Committee considered and continued the
item with feedback.
On March 26, 2025, the Committee reconsidered and discussed the item. The Committee made a
recommendation of denial and has forwarded the recommendation to the Planning Commission for
consideration. In support of its recommendation of denial, the Committee provided the following
reasoning:
•Although the proposed design is a Mediterranean style, it is not as compatible with the existing Old
Town buildings; it is 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 massing;
•Consider the addition of tile roofing material;
•Consider the impact of the skylight from all elevations; and
CIVIC CENTER
110 E. MAIN STREET
LOS GATOS, CA 95030
EXHIBIT 11
• The motion also included the subtle changes outlined at the March 26, 2025, meeting regarding
paint, lighting, materials, trees, landscaping, roof painting, etc. to achieve the appearance of a
collective of individual structures.
If you have any questions, I can be contacted by phone at (408) 354-6867 or by email at
ewalters@losgatosca.gov.
Sincerely,
Erin M. Walters
Senior Planner
cc: Lindsey Laird, RH, via email
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