REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
September 23, 2024
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
THROUGH: ASHLEY ATKINSON, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: LISHA CHEN, Historic Preservation Specialist
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of the Property Owner's Request to Recommend City Council Designation of the following Property to the Local Register of Historic Resources and Adoption of Findings Pursuant to FMC 12-1607 & FMC 12-1609.
1. 420 E Terrace Ave (Assessor Parcel Number: 443-313-07)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission recommend to City Council designation of the following property to the Local Register of Historic Resources.
• 420 E. Terrace Ave (Assessor Parcel Number: 443-313-07)
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
An application for designation was filed by the property owner to designate the property located at 420 E. Terrace Ave (Assessor Parcel Number: 443-313-07) as local Historic Resource.
The house located at 420 E. Terrace Ave was evaluated and found eligible for local registration under Fresno Municipal Code Sec. 12-1607 Criteria a (1), a (1) (ii), and a (1) (iii). It is associated with significant persons, and it embodies distinctive architectural characteristics of its period.
BACKGROUND
The property at 420 E. Terrace Ave (Assessor Parcel Number: 443-313-07), is in the Tower District of the city of Fresno. Set on the west side of North Wilson Avenue and south of East Terrace Avenue, the property consists of a 0.18-acre rectangular parcel with a single-family residence and a garage set back in the parcel.
It was constructed in 1934, a time when Fresno's population and economy were rapidly expanding. According to the US Census, the city's population doubled from 12,470 in 1900 to 24,892 in 1910. The Tower District began developing in the early 20th century as one of Fresno’s first suburbs. With the extension of streetcar lines operated by the Fresno Traction Company, the area evolved into a unique blend of apartment houses, small bungalows, and larger homes. As property values increased, the neighborhood became denser and more diverse, contributing to its distinct character.
The residence exhibits feature of early 20th century Spanish revival architecture. As California's population grew, particularly following World War I, Spanish Revival homes became a hallmark of suburban developments. Builders adapted the style to smaller, more affordable homes, contributing to its widespread presence in suburban neighborhoods across the state. The Spanish revival residence gained immense popularity during the period. The character defining features of the house can be found such as stucco Walls with textured finish, red-tiled roof, arched openings in the outdoor patio area, deep-set entrance, wooden shutters, chimney with openings near the top, etc.
Dennis B. Wheeler, the first owner of the property at 420 E. Terrace Ave, was a significant figure in the construction industry in the Valley, having been involved in major housing developments. Dennis B. Wheeler and Orville R. Taylor founded Taylor-Wheeler Builders in 1927. Taylor-Wheeler Builders quickly became one of Fresno’s most renowned building firms, known for their distinctive homes that were unlike anything else in the area at the time. Their architectural contributions have significantly enriched Fresno's built environment. The Terrace Gardens Tract was established in October 1930 when Taylor and Wheeler purchased five acres on Terrace Avenue, between Wilson and Palm avenues, from A.W. Peters. The house at 420 E. Terrace Ave is part of this historic tract. Dennis B. Wheeler lived in this house until 1967.
Analysis
Any building, structure, object or site may be designated as an Historic Resource if it is found by the Commission and Council to meet the FMC SEC. 12-1607. - Designation Criteria (a).
(1) It has been in existence more than fifty years, and it possesses aspects of integrity to convey its significance based upon location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling or association, and:
(i) It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
(ii)It is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
(iii) It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values; or
(iv) It has yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
(2) It has been in existence less than fifty years, it meets the criteria of subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section and is of exceptional importance within the appropriate historical context, local, state or national.
The house at 420 E. Terrace Ave was built as part of the Terrace Gardens Tract, which was established in 1930. The property was constructed in 1934, thus the property is over 50 years old. Additionally, the house retains its original Spanish Revival architectural features, including the stucco walls, red-tiled roof, and arched windows and doors. These aspects suggest that the property meets the age and integrity requirement.
Firstly, Dennis B. Wheeler, the first owner of the property, co-founded Taylor-Wheeler Builders, which became one of Fresno’s most notable building firms. Its work significantly shaped the architectural landscape of the city. As the home of Dennis B. Wheeler, who is a notable figure in Fresno’s architectural history, the property meets this criterion. Wheeler’s contributions through his company are significant in the context of local architecture. Secondly, the house is an example of Spanish Revival architecture, a style that became widespread in California during the 1920s. It retains its defining features such as stucco walls, a red-tiled roof, and arched windows, which embody the characteristics of this architectural style. The property clearly embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Spanish Revival architectural style. Additionally, Dennis B. Wheeler, associated with the design and construction, may be considered a master builder, enhancing the property’s eligibility.
The single-family residence located at 420 E. Terrace Ave meets the criteria a (1), a (1) (ii), and a (1) (iii) for historic designation under the Fresno Municipal Code Sec. 12-1607.
Duties and Powers of the Commission
SEC. 12-1606. - DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) The primary duties of the Commission shall be:
(1) The identification, designation and preservation of Historic Resources and Historic Districts owned by the city or located within the city limits;
(b)The Commission shall have the following additional duties and powers:
(1) Conduct studies and evaluations of applications requesting the designation of Historic Districts, make determinations and recommendations as appropriate for consideration of such applications in order to effectuate the purposes of this article.
SEC. 12-1609. - HISTORIC RESOURCES.
(c) Commission Hearing:
(1) The Commission shall review all materials prepared and submitted and only members of the Commission who have physically visited and seen the proposed property may vote on the designation recommendation.
(2) At the conclusion of the hearing, the Commission shall recommend to the Council approval, disapproval or modification of the proposal for designation and make findings in support of that recommendation; or the Commission may continue the hearing.
(3) An affirmative roll call vote of a majority of the authorized membership of the Commission is required for a recommendation to the City Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The designation is not a “project” for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), as it will not result in a direct or indirect change in the environment.
FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE FINDINGS
The single-family residence located at 420 E Terrace Ave meets the criteria a (1), a (1) (ii), and a (1) (iii) for historic designation under the Fresno Municipal Code Sec. 12-1607.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission recommend to City Council designation of the following property to the Local Register of Historic Resources:
• 420 E Terrace Ave (Assessor Parcel Number: 443-313-07)
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A - Application for Designation of an Historic Resource (420 E Terrace Ave)
Exhibit B - Letter of Owner Authorization (420 E Terrace Ave)
Exhibit C - DPR Inventory forms (420 E Terrace Ave)
Exhibit D - Notice of Public Hearing & Noticing Map (420 E Terrace Ave)
Exhibit E - Fresno Municipal Code Designation Criteria & Process