REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION July 24, 2023 FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director Planning and Development Department SUBJECT ..Title CONTINUED FROM JUNE 26, 2023 HEARING TO CONSIDER THE HISTORIC RESOURCE AMENDMENT REMOVING GULLIVER'S SHIP FROM THE DESCRIPTION OF STORYLAND PARK ON THE HISTORIC INVENTORY FORM (DPR 523A), PURSUANT TO FMC SECTION 12-1614, LOCATED AT PARCEL 45002008T (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO 890 W BELMONT AVE.) ..Body EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Storyland was evaluated as a potential contributor to the Roeding Park Historic District in 2008 by Page & Turnbull and found not to be a contributor. Susan Anderson, on behalf of Storyland, has requested to remove and reconstruct the artifact within Storyland known as Gulliver's Ship, which is listed on the 2008 survey. Pursuant to Section 12-1614 of the Fresno Municipal Code, the Historic Preservation Commission may amend or rescind any designation of an Historic Resource in the same manner and procedure as was followed in the original designation. This action shall result from new information, the discovery of earlier misinformation, or change of original circumstances, conditions or factors which justified the designation. The Architectural Subcommittee requests that the Historic Preservation Commission approve the removal of the Gulliver's Ship artifact from the Fresno Storyland Primary Record (DPR) Form 523A. The Subcommittee also requests that the Historic Preservation Commission require the installation of an interpretive display with photos and descriptions of the original ship and to retain remnants of the artifact including but not limited to the anchor for the interpretive display. BACKGROUND Storyland was evaluated as a potential contributor to the Roeding Park Historic District in 2008 by Page & Turnbull and found not to be a contributor. Susan Anderson, on behalf of Storyland, has requested to remove and reconstruct the artifact within Storyland known as Gulliver's Ship which is listed on the 2008 survey. Pursuant to Section 12-1614 of the Fresno Municipal Code, the Historic Preservation Commission may amend or rescind any designation of an Historic Resource in the same manner and procedure as was followed in the original designation. This action shall result from new information, the discovery of earlier misinformation, or change of original circumstances, conditions or factors which justified the designation. On June 26, 2023, the Historic Preservation Commission considered the request. There were questions which required further discovery. The Architectural Subcommitee was directed to meet with the representatives of Storyland regarding the project. On July 18, 2023, the Architectural Subcommittee met with Susan Anderson, representative for Storyland regarding this project. The Gulliver's Ship had been determined to be unsafe and dangerous by contractors who were engaged by Storyland to evaluate the structure. The determinations are attached. The structure was removed by Storyland following the evaluation. A funder has been identified to design and construct a new ship with similar materials, design and characteristics as the original structure. The new structure will be slightly larger but will meet all current building and accessibility requirements. The Architectural Subcommittee requests that the Historic Preservation Commission approve the removal of the Gulliver's Ship artifact from the Fresno Storyland Primary Record (DPR) Form 523A. The Subcommittee also requests that the Historic Preservation Commission require the installation of an interpretive display with photos and descriptions of the original ship and to retain remnants of the artifact including but not limited to the anchor for the interpretive display. On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, staff was informed that the anchor had recently been stolen. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS If the Commission finds that the proposed plans for the building appear to be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, then the project can utilize a Categorical Exemption Class 31 which includes: "Class 31 consists of projects limited to maintenance, repair, stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, conservation or reconstruction of historical resources in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties...." (CEQA Guidelines, CELSOC 2006). Section 15331 is applicable because the proposed project will not permanently alter any historic or character defining features of the building. Additionally, the project is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standard for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The proposed project is not expected to have a significant effect on the environment and therefore is categorically exempt and should be adopted. Further, none of the exceptions in CEQA Guidelines 15300.2 apply to this project. FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE FINDINGS Based upon analysis of the applications, staff concludes that the required findings of Section 15-1614 of the Fresno Municipal Code may be made if the Commission determines that the structure is not an eligible resource or if the structure is unsafe or unsound based upon the presentation by the applicant. These findings are attached as Exhibit D. CONCLUSION The Architectural Subcommittee requests that the Historic Preservation Commission approve the removal of the Gulliver's Ship artifact from the Fresno Storyland Primary Record (DPR) Form 523A. The Subcommittee also requests that the Historic Preservation Commission require the installation of an interpretive display with photos and descriptions of the original ship and to retain remnants of the artifact including but not limited to the anchor for the interpretive display. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A - Fresno Storyland Primary Record (DPR) Form 523A Exhibit B - Gulliver's Ship photo Exhibit C - Proposed New Ship Renderings Exhibit D - Fresno Municipal Code Findings Exhibit E - Secretary of Interior Standards Exhibit F - Storyland Map Exhibit G - Further Documentation