REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION October 24, 2022 FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director Planning and Development Department SUBJECT ..Title HEARING TO CONSIDER demolition application B22-12250 for the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Ave (APN 46825403). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) consider one of the following actions: DENY: B21-07055 for the B22-12250 for the demolition of the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403). Or APPROVE: B21-07055 for the B22-12250 for the demolition of the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403). ..Body EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On behalf of the owner, Michael A Saldana of Kroeker Inc. filed application B22-12250 on August 19, 2022. Project contemplates demolition of the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403). This property was originally constructed in 1912 as the Sequoia Hotel and was substantially renovated for reuse as the Fink & Skopp retail building in 1962. Staff recommends the Historic Preservation consider and act on the demolition permit. BACKGROUND This property is not a listed resource. 925/935 Van Ness Avenue Sequoia (Hotel) Building (1912) New Formalist Style Fink & Skopp Building (1962) Mid-Century Modern Robert W Stevens, Architect This property is the adapted first story of the four-story 1912 Sequoia Hotel. None of the character-defining features of the original Sequoia Hotel remain in the renovated first story furniture store. The original exterior and interior photo are shown below: The single-story reuse of the property for retail uses demolished the upper floors in 1962 and redesigned the building to the meet the mid-century modern ethos of the time. The building has been vacant since 2008 and has sustained deterioration from lack of use, vandalism, and the loss of the resources on either side of the property. The property was evaluated in 2011 and found to be eligible for listing in the local register by Historic Resources Group. The property was re-evaluated in 2022 by Page & Turnbull who find that the property remains eligible for listing as a local historic resource. Project Proposal On behalf of the owner, Michael A Saldana of Kroeker Inc. filed application B22-12250 on August 19, 2022. Project contemplates demolition of the Sequoia Building located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403). Project Analysis The Sequoia Hotel/Fink & Skopp Building located at 925/935 Van Ness Av is not a listed resource or located in a historic district; however, its age along with prior and current surveys have identified the property as eligible for listing in the Local Historic Register therefore it may be subject to review by the Commission pursuant to FMC Section 12-1606(a)(2). While the integrity of the original 1912 Sequoia Hotel building is lacking, the reuse as the Fink & Skopp retail building in 1962 retains its integrity since no significant alterations to the building have been made. It remains eligible for local listing based upon the 1962 form. 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 No environmental analysis has been conducted. FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE FINDINGS To approve the demolition, the Commission must make one of the found in FMC Section 12-1617 (h) and attached to this staff report. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the Historic Preservation Commission consider and act on application B22-12250 for the demolition of the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403). CONCLUSION The property located at 925/935 Van Ness Av is eligible for listing in the local register. As such no demolition should take place prior to review by the Historic Preservation Commission. Attachments: Exhibit A - Demolition Application [8-2-2021] Exhibit B - Fulton Corridor Historic Resources Survey [April 2014] Exhibit C - 2022 DPR Continuation Sheet Exhibit D - FMC Findings Exhibit E - Secretary of Interior's Standards