REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
September 26, 2022
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning & Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of approval of request by the property owner to recommend to the City Council the designation of the following property to the Local Register of Historic Resources and adoption of findings necessary to support recommendation pursuant to FMC 12-1609
1. The Fresno-Klette Medical Arts Center located at 444 Fresno St
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Consider a request submitted by Dr. David C. Marshall to designate the Fresno-Klette Medical Arts Center as a historic resource on the Fresno Local Register of Historic Resources based on its association with Dr. Earl Randolph Meyers. The resource is eligible under the criteria FMC 12-1607(a)(1)(i) and 12-1607(a)(1)(ii).
Designation of historic resources is not a project pursuant to CEQA as there is no change to the physical environment.
BACKGROUND
Historical Context
Dr. Earl Randolph Meyers led a remarkable life which was exemplified in his work advancing medicine in historically underserved minority communities in West Fresno and beyond. The medical complex located at 444 Fresno St. is an example of the dedication to ensuring equal access to medicine to predominantly Black patients.
Prior to World War II, there was only one Black medical doctor in Fresno, Dr. Henry Wallace. Dr. Wallace was an inspiration to the young Earl Meyers when his mother was gravely ill. Due to Dr. Wallace's influence, Meyers sought to pursue a career in medicine. He attended the Columbia School and matriculated to Edison High School. However, after learning that he needed to study Latin to attend medical school, Meyers sought a transfer to the predominantly white Fresno High School. After high school, Meyers attended Fresno State College until the onset of World War II at which point, he applied to attend Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, one of only two medica...
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