REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
October 27, 2025
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: ASHLEY ATKINSON, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of request by property owner to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract pursuant to FMC 12-1706 for:
1. Milo Rowell, Jr. Home located at 919 E Yale Ave. (APN 44408421), in the Porter Tract Historic District
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The property owner has submitted an application and draft work plan, and provided final confirmation that they wish to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract. Staff has reviewed the application and determined that the property is a qualified historical property under FMC SEC. 12-1704 and that the submitted draft work plan meets the required contract provisions under FMC SEC.12-1705.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission hold a public hearing and authorize the Director of Development to execute a Mills Act historical property contract for the subject property, pursuant to FMC 12-1706.
BACKGROUND
In California, the Mills Act legislation allows local governments to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historic properties providing that in exchange for the restoration and maintenance of these properties, owners receive a reduction in property taxes. Since the City of Fresno adopted the Mills
Act Program, 33 properties have been enrolled. Three new applications were submitted for the Mills Act Program for the year 2025.
The Milo Rowell, Jr. Home is located at 919 E Yale Ave. (APN 44408421) in the Porter Tract Historic District. Constructed in 1917, it is a modified example of the Colonial Revival style with a "Richardsonian hump" at the midpoint of the front eave. Milo Rowell, Jr., a nephew of physician and Fresno mayor Chester Rowell, bought the home in 1925 and retained ownership until 1946. Rowell was an attorney w...
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