REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION November 27, 2023 FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director Planning and Development Department SUBJECT ..Title Hearing to consider and make findings on structural repairs necessary to stabilize the masonry wall at the Roessler Winery (HP#29) applications B23-02970 & AD23-04969 for the repair of masonry wall located at APN 49429107t (including but not limited to 1902 n winery). ..Body EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Building Permit application B23-02970 and associated AD23-04969 submittal consider methods to preserve the adobe brick and stucco exterior of the Roessler Winery. The Commission is asked to determine the appropriateness of the Roessler Winery Structural Report conducted by Brooks Ransom Associates (Ransom Report) and to make findings. 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): 1. ADOPT a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15331/Class 31 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines 2. APPROVE: Application No. B23-02970 & AD23-04969 for the stabilization of the masonry structure located at APN 49429107t (including but not limited to 1902 N Winery). BACKGROUND H.P. #29 Roessler Winery (1893) 1902 N. Winery Avenue (view map) Fred M. Roessler, Builder Vernacular Adobe Barn This winery is located on the site of the Estella Blanca Vineyards, founded in 1892 by F. M. Roessler. Chinese laborers dug the clay for the building's adobe bricks from nearby Dry Creek. Today it is used by the Discovery Center Museum. General Building Discussion (from attached Ransom Report) The construction of the structure at 1902 N. Winery is as follows: All four walls of the structure are unreinforced adobe brick. The walls terminate at an approximate elevation of 14'-10" above the finish floor and transition to a 1x8 finish to the roof elevation. The floor framing consists of 8x8 beams supported by 8x8 posts. In some instances, the beams appear to be 8x12 still supported by 8x8 posts. The floor framing consists of 2x12 joists at 16" on center (o.c.) spacing. In some bays of the structure the floor framing switches to 32" o.c. spacing, but these areas would need to be infilled to have a consistent floor framing system at 16" o.c. The floor sheathing itself appears to be 1x8 straight sheathing. The roof framing is field built trusses at 48" o.c. consisting of 2x6 top chords, 2x4 bottom chords and 1x8 web members. There is a post and beam system helping to support the roof trusses at both the north and south lines of the Roessler Winery building. The roof appears to be unsheathed from a structural standpoint and has a corrugated metal roof running over the trusses. Foundations at this time are unknown but are assumed to be built of rubble material similar to the adobe bricks used for the walls. Evaluation (from the Ransom Report) Based on site investigation and conversations with the City of Fresno it is our professional opinion that a steel brace frame, steel columns, and steel beams would be the best system for this type of structure. Plywood floor sheathing will need to be installed to provide a structural diaphragm for the new lateral force resisting system. Rod-bracing can be utilized at the roof level to act as a structural diaphragm, but still allowing the existing sheet metal roof to be seen from the underside. New foundations would be recommended to stabilize the existing walls. Based on limited information, the existing foundations would need to be undermined by the new foundations. Analysis After reviewing the conditions report and recommendations from Brooks Ransom Engineering, Staff has concluded that the proposed methods of preservation are appropriate. The Secretary of The Interior's Standards for The Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines For Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings (Guidelines) was consulted for consistency with the Preservation guidelines presented related to masonry and more specifically to adobe buildings. Preservation is the appropriate treatment when the objective of the project is to retain the building as it currently exists. This means that not only the original historic materials and features will be preserved, but also later changes and additions to the original building. The expressed goal of the Standards for Preservation and Guidelines for Preserving Historic Buildings is retention of the building's existing form, features, and materials. This may be as simple as maintaining existing materials and features or may involve more extensive repair. Protection, maintenance, and repair are emphasized while replacement is minimized. On page 4 of the Guidelines, Adobe is identified as follows: Adobe, which consists of sun-dried earthen bricks, was one of the earliest building materials used in the U.S., primarily in the Southwest where it is still popular. The Ransom Report is focused on stabilizing the structure for a future yet to be determined use. Based upon the Guidelines, the techniques identified are consistent with Preservation. 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 can be made as the description of work is consistent with the purposes of this article or the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and is not detrimental to the special historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the Historic Resource. FINDING 2 can be made as the action is 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 not result in unreasonable economic hardship for the owner. FINDING 4 is not applicable because the site, while may be used for a public purpose, is not required for public use which will directly benefit the public health, safety and welfare and will be of more benefit than 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 approval of building permits B23-02970 & AD23-04969 for the stabilization of the masonry structure located at APN 49429107t (including but not limited to 1902 N Winery). 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): 1. ADOPT a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15331/Class 31 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines 2. APPROVE: Application No. B23-02970 & AD23-04969 for the stabilization of the masonry structure located at APN 49429107t (including but not limited to 1902 N Winery). Attachments: Exhibit A - DPR Forms (1902 N Winery) Exhibit B - Structural Report [10-26-23] Exhibit C - Preservation of Historic Adobe Buildings Exhibit D - Notice of Public Hearing Exhibit E - Secretary Of Interior Standards Exhibit F - Fresno Municipal Code Finding