REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION November 28, 2022 FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director Planning and Development Department SUBJECT ..Title HEARING TO CONSIDER AND MAKE FINDINGS on application B22-14298 for demolition of structures located at 3480 Bryan Ave consistent with Environmental Assessment No. T-6234/P19-02237/P19-02239. (APN 51214113). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take the following actions: 1. FIND CONSISTENCY WITH previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration as prepared for Environmental Assessment No. T-6234/P19-02237/P19-02239 dated March 13, 2020, for the proposed project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 2. APPROVE: application B22-14298 for demolition of structures located at 3480 Bryan Ave. (APN 51214119). ..Body EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On behalf of the owner, Cristobal Enedino of ALW Enterprises, Inc. filed application B22-14298 on September 23, 2022. The scope of work is demolition of one single family home with attached garage, mobile home, one shed with power, one shed with no power, one septic system of home, and one septic system of mobile home. This application is consistent with the approval of Tract Map 6234 and related environmental assessments. Staff recommends approval. BACKGROUND The project is a part of previously approved Tract Map 6234 and related environmental assessments. The subject property is located within the unincorporated area of the County of Fresno and lies within the City of Fresno's General Plan Boundary and Sphere of Influence; more specifically, within Growth Area 1 (as depicted in Figure IM-2: Sequencing of Development of the General Plan). The Fresno General Plan identifies that new development will focus on infill and properties within Growth Area 1 based on planned infrastructure expansion, public service capacity, and fiscal considerations. The immediate vicinity of the subject property is primarily rural residential and agricultural in nature. Property directly to the east is located within the boundaries of the City of Fresno and is developed with single-family residential homes. Properties to the west, south and directly north all remain in the County of Fresno and are developed with rural residential and agricultural uses. Properties further to the north, beyond West Ashlan Avenue, are primarily located within the City of Fresno boundaries. However, the marginally broader area surrounding the immediate vicinity of the subject property is undergoing rapid growth through current development and renewed investment interest. Properties located to the north of West Ashlan Avenue have either been recently developed with single-family residences or are at different stages of the approval process of finalizing new subdivisions to provide additional single-family residences. There is also renewed interest in developing portions of the former Westlake planned development approximately one-half mile to the west of the subject property to provide single-family residential lots as well. Therefore, the project site is located within a City of Fresno Sphere of Influence area which is planned for present growth, and which is being rapidly encompassed with urban development. Project Analysis Attached is the Cultural Resource Inventory and Evaluation for Tract 6234. Excerpts listed here include analysis of the structures located on site and eligibility for inclusion on the local register. Background 3665 N. Hayes Avenue The farm at 3665 N. Hayes Avenue consists of a residence and four utilitarian structures, which appear to be a large barn, and storage sheds of different sizes. The farm is in the western half of the 20-acre parcel (APN 512-050-08), and the property is demarcated by a dirt path along its perimeter. The residence is a single-story vernacular-style building with an L-shaped footprint covered by a cross-hipped roof. The primary elevation faces east. The negative space of the L-shaped floor plan is filled in by a fixed metal awning covering the front porch and driveway. The residence is set back approximately 692 feet from North Hayes Avenue and is accessible via an unpaved driveway. Vegetation is limited, aside from a larger concentration of trees northwest of the residence. The surrounding parcel is open farmland. The area directly surrounding the residence and structures contains numerous vehicles in various states of repair and scrap metal. Analysis 3665 N. Hayes Avenue The first available historical aerial photograph of the Project area dates to 1937 (Agricultural Adjustment Administration 1937). Only one of three historic-era farms in the Project area had been developed at that time, 3665 N. Hayes Avenue. The farm on the aerial image is likely a predecessor of what is there today. The farm is on Lot 3 of the Duncan Tract (APN 512-050-08) (Figure 2-1), a lot owned by M. Madsen between 1920 and 1930 and by Ray Hackney at least until 1935. From Hackney, the property transferred to the Fries family in 1943. Additional information provided by the current landowner, Edward L. Fanucchi, revealed that the original residence was extensively remodeled, and potentially rebuilt, around 1957 by his relatives Iacopo and Anita Lucchesi (Fanucchi, personal communication 2020). This is evidenced by the difference in its roof type and footprint visible on aerials photographs from 1957 and 1961 (Agricultural Adjustment Administration 1957, 1961). It is around that time that a front porch and carport were added to the east and south elevations of the residence. The large barn southwest of the residence was likely replaced around 1965. The current footprint of the residence and barn can be clearly distinguished on a 1977 aerial image (Agricultural Adjustment Administration 1977). Some of the most notable modern alterations to the residence include the addition of a brick chimney on the south elevation, the replacement of windows and window frames, and the placement of a large HVAC unit on the roof. The property remained in possession of the Lucchesi family until 2015, when ownership transferred to their relative, Edward L. Fanucchi. The farm at 3665 N. Hayes Avenue appears to be typical of agricultural development throughout Fresno County and lacks strong associations with the larger narrative of California or local history during the modern agricultural period. The property does not appear to have been a major economic producer in the area, and research did not indicate evidence of significant events occurring on the property. As such, the property does not appear to be significant under Criterion 1. Research did not point to a close association between the subject property and individuals with potential historical significance, and the property does not appear to be illustrative of the accomplishments of a historically important person within a local, state, or national historic context. Therefore, the buildings and structures do not appear eligible under Criterion 2. The farm consists of a residence, a large barn used as garage/workshop, and three small sheds likely to be of historic age. The residence and barn likely date to the late 1950s and have since undergone extensive alterations. All structures were built for basic functions and do not embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction. The residence and structures do not represent the work of a master and do not possess high artistic values. Accordingly, the subject property does not appear eligible under Criterion 3. The subject property buildings are not a principal source of important information about historic construction materials or building technologies. The historic-era buildings are simple in nature and employ standard design and materials. Information about construction techniques associated with the buildings are available from a variety of published and unpublished sources. Therefore, the subject property does not qualify for listing under Criterion 4. Background 3393 N. Hayes Avenue The farm at 3393 N. Hayes Avenue is on the southeast corner of APN 512-141-19. It is visually separated from the rest of the parcel by a dirt path that roughly follows the flow of a nonextant irrigation ditch. The farm consists of a vernacular-style residence with its primary elevation facing east toward North Hayes Avenue and a cluster of three sheds in the southwest corner of the triangular segment. The remainder of the parcel is in use as a vineyard with east-west situated vines that extend onto the parcel directly north. The residence and structures are surrounded by trees, and a modestly sized lawn is directly east and north of the residence. Analysis 3393 N. Hayes Avenue The farm at 3393 N. Hayes Avenue, is depicted on a 1942 aerial photograph (Agricultural Adjustment Administration 1942). Farmers Gino and Julia Fanucchi purchased Lot 5 of the Duncan Tract (APN 512-141-19) on December 21, 1942, from Ralph W. Woodward (Fresno County Recorder 1942). The family had already moved to the property in 1938 and constructed a modest wooden home that can be seen on the 1942 aerial image. The current residence was built in its place between around 1958. Edward L. Fanucchi, the son of Gino and Julia Fanucchi, continues to practice viticulture and cattle farming at the property today (Fanucchi, personal communication 2020). The 1937 aerial photo also shows an irrigation ditch in the southeast corner of the Project area. The ditch can no longer be seen on aerial photographs by the middle of the 1960s; however, a dirt path following its alignment remains west of the property at 3393 N. Hayes Avenue. The land in the Project area originally had an irregular hilly character. It was likely leveled sometime in the twentieth century. A remnant of naturally uneven land can still be seen in the northern part of the front yard at 3393 N. Hayes Avenue. The farm at 3393 N. Hayes Avenue appears to be typical of agricultural development throughout Fresno County and lacks strong associations with the larger narrative of California or local history during the modern agricultural period. The property does not appear to have been a major economic producer in the area, and research did not indicate evidence of significant events occurring on the property. As such, the property does not appear to be significant under Criterion 1. The property does not appear to be associated with any historically significant individuals or groups. While the parcel has been in possession of several locally significant landowners in the past, such as E. B. Perrin and R. W. Woodward, there is no evidence to suggest the land in question played a vital role in their working lives. Furthermore, the residence that is there today dates to the late 1950s, after the aforementioned individuals' involvement with the land. Research did not point to a close association between the subject property and other individuals with potential historical significance, and the property does not appear to be illustrative of the accomplishments of a historically important person within a local, state, or national historic context. Therefore, the buildings and structures do not appear significant under Criterion 2. The subject farm property, containing a residence and ancillary structures, was constructed in the late 1950s. The residence and structures are vernacular in style and do not exhibit distinctive architectural characteristics or high artistic values. They are simple and modest examples of a common type in the region; therefore, they do not appear to be significant under Criterion 3. Criterion 4 is most relevant for archaeological sites, but it can apply to built environment resources if further study has the potential to yield information that cannot be obtained from other sources. However, further study of the agricultural property, including its components, would not yield any additional information about twentieth century building methods that is not readily available from published sources. The property at 3393 N. Hayes Avenue is thus not considered significant under Criterion 4. Background 3480 N. Bryan Avenue The farm at 3480 N. Bryan Avenue consists of a vernacular-style one-story residence, a barn, and four sheds of different sizes. Additionally, a mobile home with two metal-covered porches is south of the residence. All buildings and structures belonging to the farm are on the northeast corner of the parcel on an L-shaped section along the northeastern edge of APN 512-141-13. Multiple trees directly west of the residence separate the farm from the remainder of the parcel that is used for cattle grazing. Analysis 3480 N. Bryan Avenue The third historic-era farm in the Project area is first visible on a 1950 aerial (Agricultural Adjustment Administration 1950). The farm at 3480 N. Bryan Avenue is on the eastern half of Lot 12 of the Duncan Tract (APN 512-141-13). This lot, too, is indicated as being in the possession of Ralph W. Woodward in the Fresno County Atlas of 1935. The 1950 aerial shows a residence and several structures built by dairy farmers Charles and Velma Myers. Initially, the residence was a small wooden building. The still-extant large barn and adjacent storage shed on the north side of the property were used by the Myers as a dairy barn, and pick-up/drop-off point for milk canisters. In 1966 the property transferred to beef cattle farmers Reeves and Minnie Kidd who expanded the original residence to accommodate their children. At this time, the East-West situated lower section of the house was likely added, as well as the carport with the single-story addition on the south side. The Kidds retained ownership until 1992, at which point it was passed onto their trustees. The current owner Edward L. Fanucchi took possession in 2005. The current residence has undergone many alterations in recent decades. Fenestration, siding, and roofing all have a distinctly modern appearance. The farm at 3480 N. Bryan Avenue appears to be typical of agricultural development throughout Fresno County and lacks strong associations to the larger narrative of California or local history during the modern agricultural period. The property does not appear to have been a major economic producer in the area and research did not indicate evidence of significant events occurring on the property. As such, the property does not appear to be significant under Criterion 1. Research did not point to a close association between the subject property and other individuals with potential historical significance, and the property does not appear to be illustrative of the accomplishments of a historically important person within a local, state, or national historical context. Therefore, the buildings and structures do not appear eligible under Criterion 2. The subject farm, consisting of a residence and ancillary structures, was first constructed in 1950, but has since undergone extensive alterations. The residence and structures are vernacular in style and do not exhibit distinctive architectural characteristics or high artistic values. They are simple and modest examples of a common type in the region. Therefore, they do not appear to be significant under Criterion 3. This criterion is most relevant for archaeological sites, but it can apply to built environment resources if further study has the potential to yield information that cannot be obtained from other sources. However, further study of the ranch, including its components, would not yield any additional information about twentieth century building methods that is not readily available from published sources. The farm at 3480 N. Bryan Avenue is thus not considered significant under Criterion 4. Summary Because none of the historic-era farms in the Project area are considered historically significant under any of the four criteria, formal assessment of integrity is not necessary. Due to a lack of significance, the farms do not meet the eligibility criteria for inclusion in CRHR and they are not considered historical resources for the purposes of CEQA. Notice of Historic Preservation Commission Hearing In accordance with Section 12-1617 of the FMC, the Planning and Development Department mailed Notices of this Commission hearing to surrounding property owners within 2,000 feet. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS The project is consistent with previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration as prepared for Environmental Assessment No. T-6234/P19-02237/P19-02239 dated March 13, 2020, for the proposed project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE FINDINGS Based upon analysis of the application, the required findings by the Historic Preservation Commission to approve application permit B22-14298 FMC Section 12-1617 (h) are as follows: FINDING 1 can be made as the property has been found to lack sufficient significance to be listed in the Local Historic Register. The proposed work is found to be consistent with the purposes of this article and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, not detrimental to the special historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the Historic Resource. FINDING 2 is not applicable. FINDING 3 is not applicable. FINDING 4 is not applicable. FINDING 5 is not applicable. Staff Recommendation: Based upon analysis of the application, staff recommends approval of Application B22-14298 for demolition of structures located at 3480 Bryan Ave consistent with Environmental Assessment No. T-6234/P19-02237/P19-02239. (APN 51214113). CONCLUSION The appropriateness of the proposed project has been examined with respect to its consistency to the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Section 12-1617. The proposed project has been described and analyzed above and by the accompanying environmental assessment. Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approve B22-14866 for demolition of structures located at 3480 Bryan Ave consistent with Environmental Assessment No. T-6234/P19-02237/P19-02239. (APN 51214113). Attachments: Exhibit A - Application for Demolition of 3480 Bryan Ave Exhibit B - Environmental Assessment T-6234/P19-02237/P19-02239 [March 13, 2020] Exhibit C - Cultural Resource Inventory & Evaluation for Tract 6234 Exhibit D - Fresno Municipal Code Findings