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File #: ID 22-1637    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Action Item Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 10/17/2022 In control: Pending Approval
On agenda: 10/24/2022 Final action:
Title: HEARING TO CONSIDER demolition application B22-12250 for the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Ave (APN 46825403). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) consider one of the following actions: DENY: B21-07055 for the B22-12250 for the demolition of the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403). Or APPROVE: B21-07055 for the B22-12250 for the demolition of the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403).
Sponsors: Planning and Development Department
Attachments: 1. Exhibit A - Demo Application [8-2-21], 2. Exhibit B - Fulton Corridor Historic Resources Survey [April 2014], 3. Exhibit C – 2022 DPR Continuation Sheet, 4. Exhibit D - FMC Findings, 5. Exhibit E - Secretary of Interior’s Standards, 6. SUPPLEMENTAL Exhibit F - Public Comments Received

REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

 

 

 

October 24, 2022

 

 

FROM:                     JENNIFER CLARK, Director

Planning and Development Department

 

 

SUBJECT

Title

HEARING TO CONSIDER demolition application B22-12250 for the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Ave (APN 46825403).

 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) consider one of the following actions:

 

DENY: B21-07055 for the B22-12250 for the demolition of the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403).

 

Or

 

APPROVE: B21-07055 for the B22-12250 for the demolition of the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403).

 

 

Body

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

On behalf of the owner, Michael A Saldana of Kroeker Inc. filed application B22-12250 on August 19, 2022. Project contemplates demolition of the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403). This property was originally constructed in 1912 as the Sequoia Hotel and was substantially renovated for reuse as the Fink & Skopp retail building in 1962.

 

Staff recommends the Historic Preservation consider and act on the demolition permit.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

This property is not a listed resource.

 

925/935 Van Ness Avenue

Sequoia (Hotel) Building (1912)

New Formalist Style

Fink & Skopp Building (1962)

Mid-Century Modern

Robert W Stevens, Architect

 

This property is the adapted first story of the four-story 1912 Sequoia Hotel. None of the character-defining features of the original Sequoia Hotel remain in the renovated first story furniture store. The original exterior and interior photo are shown below:

 

 

The single-story reuse of the property for retail uses demolished the upper floors in 1962 and redesigned the building to the meet the mid-century modern ethos of the time.

 

 

The building has been vacant since 2008 and has sustained deterioration from lack of use, vandalism, and the loss of the resources on either side of the property.

 

 

The property was evaluated in 2011 and found to be eligible for listing in the local register by Historic Resources Group. The property was re-evaluated in 2022 by Page & Turnbull who find that the property remains eligible for listing as a local historic resource.

 

Project Proposal

On behalf of the owner, Michael A Saldana of Kroeker Inc. filed application B22-12250 on August 19, 2022. Project contemplates demolition of the Sequoia Building located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403).

 

Project Analysis

The Sequoia Hotel/Fink & Skopp Building located at 925/935 Van Ness Av is not a listed resource or located in a historic district; however, its age along with prior and current surveys have identified the property as eligible for listing in the Local Historic Register therefore it may be subject to review by the Commission pursuant to FMC Section 12-1606(a)(2).

 

While the integrity of the original 1912 Sequoia Hotel building is lacking, the reuse as the Fink & Skopp retail building in 1962 retains its integrity since no significant alterations to the building have been made. It remains eligible for local listing based upon the 1962 form.

 

Notice of Historic Preservation Commission Hearing

In accordance with Section 12-1617 of the FMC, the Planning and Development Department mailed

Notices of this Commission hearing to surrounding property owners within 2,000 feet.

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS

 

No environmental analysis has been conducted.

 

 

FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE FINDINGS

 

To approve the demolition, the Commission must make one of the found in FMC Section 12-1617 (h) and attached to this staff report.

 

Staff Recommendation:

Staff recommends the Historic Preservation Commission consider and act on application B22-12250 for the demolition of the property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403).

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

The property located at 925/935 Van Ness Av is eligible for listing in the local register. As such no demolition should take place prior to review by the Historic Preservation Commission.

 

Attachments:                     

 

Exhibit A - Demolition Application [8-2-2021]

Exhibit B - Fulton Corridor Historic Resources Survey [April 2014]

Exhibit C - 2022 DPR Continuation Sheet

Exhibit D - FMC Findings

Exhibit E - Secretary of Interior’s Standards