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 the window and door replacement at the Hopkins Residence (HP#231), located at 1458 E. Divisadero St. 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. P23-03179 to replace the residential windows and doors at the Hopkins Residence (HP#231), located at 1458 E Divisidaro St. Or: 2. DENY: Application No. P23-03179 to replace the residential windows and doors at the Hopkins Residence (HP#231), located at 1458 E Divisidaro St. with the following conditions: a. Comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties - preservation of windows. b. Document the plan for preservation prior to commencing work. ..Body EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On behalf of the property owner, Russell Stanger filed Planning Permit Application No. P23-03179 to replace the residential windows and doors at the Hopkins Residence (HP#231), located at 1458 E Divisidaro St. This application was in response to Code Enforcement action called out in E23-07896 for "Hopkins, home historic property number 231. Complete change out of all windows and removal of sidelights transom windows and wooden French doors. Wooden windows and design features removed. Replaced with vinyl windows that have a faux divided light inside the dual pane window." BACKGROUND HP #231 Hopkins Home (1909) 1458 Divisadero St American Foursquare The Hopkins Residence is significant as one of the few remaining turn-of-the-century structures still extant in this area of Fresno, which is now characterized by vacant parcels and modern infill. From the Primary Record (DPR Form) completed in 2001: A two-story Colonial Revival Box, the Hopkins Residence was constructed circa 1909. An imposing structure, it is built on a brick foundation and is wood framed. Horizontal lap siding sheaths the facade. Fenestration is predominantly rectangular, double hung, wood sash, however some windows are square casement. The front facade is graced by two doorways. The primary entrance is the most elaborate element found on the home's exterior. A security screen door obscures the original multi-paneled oak door which has a large, single-pane window. Sidelights flank the door. To the east of the main entry is located a pair of multi-paned doors with similar paired screen doors. Access from the outside to the living room is gained through this doorway. A nearly full-width porch, with wood planks covering brick for flooring, shelters the entrance. The simple hipped roof ls supported by six Doric columns. While the first-floor facade is not symmetrical, the second story is, with two double hung windows flanking a single casement Modifications to the home's exterior are limited to the south and west facade, most notably the enclosure of a-portion of the fenestration on the original sleeping porch. There are several rear windows on the first floor that have been boarded up. Many of the windows have security bars covering them. Typical of the Colonial style is the hipped roof with boxed eaves. The wide overhang and exposed rafters are less common in Colonial Revivals, however, and never seen in original colonials. Project Proposal On behalf of the property owner, Russell Stanger filed Planning Permit Application No. P23-03179 to replace the residential windows and doors at the Hopkins Residence (HP#231), located at 1458 E Divisidaro St. This application was in response to Code Enforcement action called out in E23-07896 for "Hopkins, home historic property number 231. Complete change out of all windows and removal of sidelights transom windows and wooden French doors. Wooden windows and design features removed. Replaced with vinyl windows that have a faux divided light inside the dual pane window." Project Analysis The Hopkins Residence (HP#231) located at 1458 E Divisadero 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 application proposes* to replace 31 windows and one door with WinPro Series vinyl frame windows with a 3 1/4 inch flush finished frame in white. The windows will be double paned with Argon fill. There is no documentation on (1) which windows would be installed in which openings, (2) if there is a change in opening size, or (3) what window/window material exists today. *Note: the replacement of the windows and door has already taken place. This review is post-replacement. 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. The guidelines for the preservation of windows are clear: It appears that the requested replacement* would not comply with the guidelines as the applicant would replace existing windows. *Note: the replacement of the windows and door has already taken place. This review is post-replacement. 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 not 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. P23-03179 to replace the residential windows and doors at the Hopkins Residence (HP#231), located at 1458 E Divisidaro St. 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 windows. 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 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) 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. P23-03179 to replace the residential windows and doors at the Hopkins Residence (HP#231), located at 1458 E Divisidaro St. Or: 2. DENY: Application No. P23-03179 to replace the residential windows and doors at the Hopkins Residence (HP#231), located at 1458 E Divisidaro St. with the following conditions: a. Comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties - preservation of windows. b. Document the plan for preservation prior to commencing work. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A - 1458 E. Divisadero St. HP #231 DPR (Form 523A) Exhibit B - 1458 E. Divisadero St. HP #231 Resolution Exhibit C - Site Visit Photos (9-12-23) Exhibit D - HP 231 Photos (Feb 2022) Exhibit E - Smith Windows Exhibit F - Notice of Public Hearing (HPC) Exhibit G - Secretary of Interior Standards Exhibit H - Fresno Municipal Code Findings