REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
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
HEARING to consider adoption of a Resolution designating a property to the Local Register of Historic Resources.
1. RESOLUTION - Designating the Property Located at 420 E Terrace Ave to the Local Register of Historic Resources (Council District 7)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
The Historic Preservation Commission recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution designating the property located at 420 E Terrace Ave. to the Local Register of Historic Resources pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code SEC.12-1607 and 12-1609.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The owner of the property located at 420 E Terrace Ave has requested in writing that the property be considered for listing on Fresno’s Local Register of Historic Resources. The property was evaluated with respect to the Fresno Municipal Code SEC. 12-1607 historic resources designation criteria. The Historic Preservation Commission held a noticed public hearing on September 23, 2024, and concluded that the property was eligible for listing on the Local Register of Historic Resources.
BACKGROUND
An application was submitted by the property owner to designate the property located at 420 E Terrace Ave. (Assessor Parcel Number: 443-313-07) as local Historic Resource. Through extensive research, the property has been found eligible for the Local Register of Historic Resources.
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 Ave., 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 U.S. 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 features 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 house displays character defining features 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 Avenue, was a significant figure in the construction industry in the Valley, having been involved in major housing developments. 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 Avenue is part of this historic tract. Wheeler lived in this house until 1967.
Analysis
To be considered for designation as a local Historic Resource the site must be found by the Commission and Council to meet the following criteria:
SEC. 12-1607. - DESIGNATION CRITERIA.
(a) HISTORIC RESOURCES: 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 following criteria:
(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 Avenue was built in 1934 as part of the Terrace Gardens Tract, which was established in 1930. Additionally, the house retains its original Spanish Revival architectural features, including the stucco walls, red-tiled roof, and arched windows and doors. These aspects indicate that the property meets the age and integrity requirements.
Dennis B. Wheeler, the first owner of the property, co-founded Taylor-Wheeler Builders, which became one of Fresno’s most notable building firms. Their work significantly shaped the architectural landscape of the city. Wheeler’s contributions through his company are significant in the context of local architecture, and as his former home, this property meets the criteria. 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, Wheeler may be considered a master builder, enhancing the property’s eligibility.
To conclude, 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.
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.
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.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable because this item does not include an award of a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional impact beyond the expenditure of staff time.
CONCLUSION
The Historic Preservation Commission recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Resolutions designating the property located at 420 E. Terrace Ave. to the Local Register of Historic Resources pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code SEC.12-1607 and 12-1609.
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Resolution
Exhibit B - 420 E. Terrace Ave Application for Designation of an Historic Resource
Exhibit C - 420 E. Terrace Ave Letter of Owner Authorization
Exhibit D - 420 E. Terrace Ave DPR Inventory Forms
Exhibit E - Public Hearing Notice & Noticing Map
Exhibit F - Fresno Municipal Code Designation Criteria