REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 23, 2026
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, AICP, Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: ASHLEY ATKINSON, AICP, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Hearing to consider Development Permit Application P25-03963, which proposes interior and exterior renovations to the former Berkeley's Department Store at 887 Fulton Street (Assessor Parcel Number: 468-282-21T).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends consideration of whether Development Permit Application P25-03963 meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City has received an application for renovation of the property located at 887 Fulton St., which was constructed in 1961 and operated until 1982 as Berkeley's Department Store. It is not a designated Historic Resource nor located in a historic district, but it has been assessed and found eligible for listing on the Local Register of Historic Resources under Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Sec. 12-1607. Development Permit P25-03963 proposes exterior renovations including new windows and architectural projections; a third-floor addition and rooftop dining deck; and interior renovations to include a food court and office space. The building is owned by the City of Fresno, which entered into a disposition and development agreement with the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation for the building's sale and renovation in May 2024. In December 2025, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed and commented on a Section 106 report for a separate but related scope of work for grant-funded abatement of hazardous substances on this site.
BACKGROUND
The structure at 887 Fulton was constructed in 1961, designed by Fresno architect Alastair Simpson and constructed at a cost of $1.2 million. It was not purpose-built for Berkeley's Department Store, but store owner Gilbert ...
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