REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION October 23, 2023 FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director Planning and Development Department SUBJECT ..Title HEARING TO CONSIDER AND MAKE FINDINGS on application Planning Permit Application No. P23-03424, Installation of Peelz Citrus Mural, a promotional advertisement (temporary) (Bekins Building HP#70) pursuant to FMC Section 12-1617, located at 301 Van Ness Ave. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) one of the following actions: 1. ADOPT a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15331/Class 31 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. 2. APPROVE: Application No. P23-03424, Installation of Peelz Citrus Mural, a promotional advertisement (temporary) (Bekins Building HP#70) pursuant to FMC Section 12-1617, located at 301 Van Ness Ave with the following conditions: a. Comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties - preservation of Masonry. b. Document the plan for preservation prior to commencing work. Or: 2. DENY: Application No. P23-03424, Installation of Peelz Citrus Mural, a promotional advertisement (temporary) (Bekins Building HP#70) pursuant to FMC Section 12-1617, located at 301 Van Ness Ave ..Body EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On October 5, 2023, Kiah Ruvalcaba submitted application P23-03424 on behalf of the property owner to install a temporary mural at the Bekins Building HP#70. As a tenant of the building, the applicant will have the ability to apply for a Master Sign Permit to vary from the standard sign requirements of the Development Code. In this case, the tenant proposes to install a temporary mural which will be installed in November/December 2023 and removed with restoration in June 2024. BACKGROUND HP#70 Bekins Van and Storage Building (1921) 301 Van Ness Avenue Industrial Concrete, Period Revival Influence Project Proposal On October 5, 2023, Kiah Ruvalcaba submitted application P23-03424 on behalf of the property owner to install a temporary mural at the Bekins Building HP#70. As a tenant of the building, the applicant will have the ability to apply for a Master Sign Permit to vary from the standard sign requirements of the Development Code. In this case, the tenant proposes to install a temporary mural which will be installed in November/December 2023 and removed with restoration in June 2024. Project Analysis HP#70 the Bekins Building located at 301 Van Ness Ave is an individually listed historic resource on the Local Register of Historic Resources therefore any proposed project with a scope of work which proposes substantial alterations to the resource is subject to review by the Commission pursuant to FMC Section 12-1617. The Bekins Building is a 7-story concrete structure with attached one-story wings. This example of "modern" 1920s architecture is described as having vertically ribbed decoration and strong belt course at the seventh-floor level. The ground floor openings are pointed inset arched openings glazed with wood frames and infilled in other areas. Strong verticality and size call attention to the structure. The building is notably well maintained throughout its life and a good example of its period, making it a Fresno landmark. The applicant proposes to install a mural on the northwest face of the Bekins Building utilizing commercial grade paint with an anti-graffiti coating. The applicant proposes to clean the surface of the wall prior to applying the paint. After six months, the applicant proposes to remove the mural and restore the wall to its current condition. The Secretary of The Interior's Standards for The Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings provides guidance for maintenance, repair, and modifications to historic resources. There are no specific guidelines for an alternate building fa�ade for temporary uses; however, the guidelines for the preservation of masonry buildings are clear that the following is recommended: * Identifying, retaining, and preserving masonry features that are important in defining the overall historic character of the building (such as walls, brackets, railings, cornices, window and door surrounds, steps, and columns) and decorative ornament and other details, such as tooling and bonding patterns, coatings, and color. * Using biodegradable or environmentally safe cleaning or paint removal products. * Removing damaged or deteriorated paint only to the next sound layer using the gentlest method possible (e.g., hand scraping) prior to repainting. * Applying compatible paint coating systems to historically painted masonry following proper surface preparation. * Repainting historically painted masonry features with colors that are appropriate to the building and district. It appears that the requested use would not comply with the guidelines as the applicant would clean the surface prior to painting, paint with a standard commercial paint, and then remove the temporary paint prior to repainting the building. While the intent is to bring attention to the building, and thus to historic properties, generally, in Fresno, this particular work appears to conflict with the guidelines. 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 a Class 31 finding of exemption. FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE FINDINGS Based upon analysis of the application, the required findings by the Historic Preservation Commission to approve application permit P23-03424 FMC Section 12-1617 (h) are as follows: FINDING 1 cannot be made as the description of work is not consistent with the purposes of this article or the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and could be detrimental to the special historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the Historic Resource. FINDING 2 cannot be made as the action is not necessary to correct an unsafe or dangerous condition on the property. FINDING 3 cannot be made because there is no evidence that the denial of the application will result in unreasonable economic hardship for the owner. FINDING 4 is not applicable because the site is not required for public use which will directly benefit the public health, safety and welfare and will be of more benefit that the Historic Resource. FINDING 5 is not applicable because this is not an application for relocation of a Historic Resource. Staff Recommendation: Based upon analysis of the application, staff recommends denial of Application No. P23-03424, Installation of Peelz Citrus Mural, a promotional advertisement (temporary) (Bekins Building HP#70) pursuant to FMC Section 12-1617, located at 301 Van Ness Ave. However, if the Commission finds evidence in the record to support approval, staff recommends that the following conditions should be applied: a) Comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties - preservation of Masonry. b) Document the plan for preservation prior to commencing work. CONCLUSION The appropriateness of the proposed project has been examined with respect to its consistency in 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) one of the following actions: 1. ADOPT a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15331/Class 31 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. 2. APPROVE Application No. P23-03424, Installation of Peelz Citrus Mural, a promotional advertisement (temporary) (Bekins Building HP#70) pursuant to FMC Section 12-1617, located at 301 Van Ness Ave with the following conditions: a. Comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties - preservation of Masonry. b. Document the plan for preservation prior to commencing work. Or: 2. DENY: Application No. P23-03424, Installation of Peelz Citrus Mural, a promotional advertisement (temporary) (Bekins Building HP#70) pursuant to FMC Section 12-1617, located at 301 Van Ness Ave. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A - Historic Resources Inventory Form HP#70 Exhibit B - Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Preservation of Masonry Exhibit C - Preservation Brief 6: Dangers of Abrasive Cleaning to Historic Buildings Exhibit D - Planning Application P23-03424 Exhibit E - Fresno Municipal Code Findings