REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 23, 2025 FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director Planning and Development Department BY: ASHLEY ATKINSON, Assistant Director Planning and Development Department SUBJECT ..Title Hearing to consider application B25-03423 for fa�ade renovations to the Rosenberg Brothers Packing Warehouse located at 1844 S Cherry Ave. (Assessor Parcel Number: 467-020-14). 1. APPROVE - Application B25-03423 for fa�ade renovations at 1844 S Cherry Ave. ..Body EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On March 21, 2025, Garrett Wellman of ARCO/Murray submitted application B25-03423 on behalf of Broad Reach Retail Partners. B25-03423 consists of interior upgrades for HVAC, access and circulation; and improvements to the exterior of the building, including new glazing; replacement doors, window coverings, and metal canopies; and paint. The building has been reviewed and found eligible for local registration, but it is not currently listed. Staff recommends approval of building permit application B25-03423. BACKGROUND The building at 1844 S. Cherry is a three-story, 217,833 SF warehouse constructed in approximately 1918 by the Rosenburg Brothers and Company of San Francisco. Its original use was as a fruit packing facility that employed thousands of Fresno residents for several decades. Per the 2025 resource inventory form (Exhibit A), the building is reinforced concrete of a post and beam construction. The multi-light iron sash windows are covered with painted corrugated metal sheets, but original windows are evident where the coverings are not secure. Original character-defining features include brick spandrels that separate the windows, projecting molding at the cornice, and parapets at the four corners, which are decorated with a circular motif and foliate pattern. The north entrance to the building is accented with vertical piers and an ornamental cornice that projects above the parapet. Additional original features include flat concrete canopies between the first and second floors on the north elevation. Metal canopies are located on all other elevations with storage units infilled under. The record indicates that the structure has been used for storage since the 1960s and operated as a self-storage facility since sometime prior to 1978. The use proposed under the current application continues to be self-storage, as the "CubeSmart" brand. The building permit application proposes the following exterior changes (see elevations in Exhibit B): * Removal and replacement of first floor exterior storage units and metal canopy in the same location. * Removal of the large vertical bearing exterior wall panels composed of metal sheets over window frames and brick short walls, and replacement with insulated metal stud walls finished and on the exterior with horizontal metal paneling. * At the front entrance of the building, some existing wall panels are to be replaced with a storefront glazing system. * Repainting of all exterior surfaces to white and gray, with a red accent. * Removal of existing fire escapes from the second floor to roof. * Replacements of exterior roll-up storage doors. Analysis The most significant proposed change is the removal of the large vertical non-bearing exterior wall panels and replacement with insulated metal stud wall construction, for the purpose of allowing the storage building to be air-conditioned. The original windows and short brick walls have been covered with painted corrugated paneling for decades. The photo in the 1978 DPR Inventory Form (Exhibit A) shows that paneling existed then. A staff tour of the inside of the building indicated that where the original window materials still exist, many of the glass panes are damaged or missing and the iron framing is corroded. All surfaces on the exterior are proposed to be painted except for the new storefront system. The materials of those surfaces are primarily existing concrete, proposed new horizontal corrugated metal paneling, metal cladding, metal roll-up doors, and metal doors. Painting of these surfaces would not impact the architectural integrity of the building, unless it is considered desirable to return the building back to its likely unpainted original state. The proposed exterior work will not substantially alter the built environment or change the historic nature of the resource. It is found to be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards (Exhibit C) and will not be detrimental to the special historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the resource. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS The project is consistent with a Class 31 finding of exemption. 15331 Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation can be applied to this project as it is consistent with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings. FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE FINDINGS Based upon analysis of the application, staff concludes that the required findings of Section 12-1617 (h) of the Fresno Municipal Code can be made. These findings are attached as Exhibit D. CONCLUSION Staff recommends approval of building permit application B25-03423. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A - DPR Inventory Forms (1978 and 2025) Exhibit B - Proposed Elevations Exhibit C - Secretary of the Interior Standards Exhibit D - Fresno Municipal Code Findings Exhibit E - Notice of Public Hearing