REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION August 28, 2023 FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director Planning and Development Department SUBJECT ..Title HEARING TO CONSIDER DEMOLITION APPLICATION B23-09193 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 751 N ABBY ST. (APN 45222403). ..Body EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Building Permit B23-09193 was submitted on June 8, 2023, by Mike Phillips of Cencal Services, Inc. for the demolition of the structure located at 751 N Abby St. No additional information was provided by the applicant. However, there is loss of integrity due to a car striking the southern fa�ade of the building. If the property is determined to be eligible for listing as a local resource, a categorical exemption may not be used as demolition may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Staff recommends the Commission review the application and determine appropriateness of demolition. BACKGROUND 751 N Abby St, Fresno, CA 93701 March 2022, Google Images August 2023, Staff Building Permit B23-09193 was submitted on June 8, 2023, by Mike Phillips of Cencal Services, Inc. for the demolition of the structure located at 751 N Abby St. No additional information was provided by the applicant. However, there is photographic evidence of structural damage and loss of integrity due to a car striking the southern fa�ade of the building. Property History The current dwelling on this site first appears on the 1918 Sanborn Fire map with additional dwellings located to the south and west. The property is noted to have been owned by the Darius Elihu and Susan C Myers family. Darius Jr. was the executor of the Estate of Darius Myers Sr. who created the 160-acre Darius Myers Colony bounded by E Jensen Ave, S Peach Ave, E Annadale Ave and S Willow Ave. The family resided in the 751 Abby Street address from as early as 1920. Darius purchased the property of 751 Abby Street, which was known at the time at 746 Stockton Ave in a deed posted May 21, 1909, of a purchase by Darius. The 1910 Census notes the Darius Myers family as residing still on the Myers Colony however the 1920 Census notes the 751 Abby Street address. This address is associated with the Myers until circa October 1932. It was at this time in October 1932 the Darius Elijah Myers committed suicide according to an article in The Fresno Bee dated September 29, 1932. Myers Jr. cited financial troubles and was found on additional property located at Riverbend and Adams Avenues. A 1937 vehicle sale advertisement and the 1940 Census notes Jacob and Mamie Lutz. Their son, Marvin Lutz, was a cycling contemporary of William Saroyan. A 1949 Fresno Bee article, the 1950 Census, and another 1957 article note the Malkon Family. Agnes Malkon with two sons, Abraham, and Albert, resided in this home. The dwelling footprint and layout remain identical to the 1918 Sanborn Fire. The treatments are in line with a Craftsman Bungalow style home with California influence however without a detailed inspection, cannot be determined if this is a "kit" home or simply built in the Craftsman style common for this era. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS If the Historic Preservation Commission finds the property not eligible for listing on the local register, the project can be found 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 B22-10883 FMC Section 12-1617 (h) are as follows: * FINDING 1 cannot be made because the proposed demolition is not consistent with the purposes of this article and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards * FINDING 2 can be made if the Commission determines that the demolition 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 to the owner. * FINDING 4 is not applicable because the site is not required for a 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 an Historic Resource. CONCLUSION Staff recommends the Commission review the application and determine appropriateness of demolition. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A - Permit Application Exhibit B - Public Hearing Notice & Noticing Map Exhibit C - Fresno Municipal Code Findings Exhibit D - Site Visit Photos [8-22-2023]