REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
June 26, 2023
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
CONTINUED FROM APRIL 24, 2023
HEARING TO CONSIDER Building Permit B22-18975 regarding Rehabilitation and addition of multi-family units to the Frank J Craycroft Home (HP #182), located at 6545 N Palm Avenue (APN 40776212).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take the following actions:
1. A Section 15331/Class 31 Categorical Exemption was completed for this project on July 1, 2022.
2. APPROVE CONSISTENT WITH P21-05668: Building Permit Application B22-18975 (and associated record B23-07317) for HP#182 the Frank J. Craycroft Home; 6545 N. Palm Ave. [b. 1927] (APN 40776212).
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Building Permit Application No. B22-18975 (and associated record B23-07317) was filed by Stephanie Reed of Paul Halajian Architects to build new 2 story apartment building (back building) 15,488 SQ with laundry facilities and loft area. Rehabilitation of the (E) Historic Craycroft House and addition of (6) multi-family loft apartments.
On July 1, 2022, P21-05568 was approved with conditions. Historic Preservation Conditions are as follows:
Pursuant of Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Section 12-1617 (b) "The Director of the Development Department may approve, in the name of the Commission, non-substantial alterations to the Historic Resource based on the application presented." Application P21-05568 for a Development Permit pertains to HP# 182 Frank J. Craycroft Home an individually listed Historic Resource. Application P21-05568 proposes a zone clearance for the parcel, with current zoning O/UGM/CZ (Office/Urban Growth Management Conditions of Zoning). The scope of the entire project is a three phased project; phase one proposes the rehabilitation of Historic Resource HP #182. Phase 1 will need to be submitted under a separate permit which will require review and approval by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). No activities may take place which may directly or indirectly alter the Historic Resource pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Section 12-1617 without written approval by the Commission. However, application P21-05568 will have minimal to no impact to the historical integrity of the property and proposes no substantial alterations to historic features of this property. Staff approves the issuance of permit P21-05568.
Note this project was presented to the Commission in August 2017 as a Workshop. Staff recommends the applicant present a Workshop at the forthcoming HPC meeting to refamiliarize the Commission with this project.
BACKGROUND
H.P. #182
Frank J. Craycroft Home (1927)
6545 N Palm Avenue
Architect: W.D. Coates
Period: Revival
C. J. Craycroft founded the Craycroft Brick
Company in 1887. Given the family's strong
connection to the brick-making trade, it is
little surprise that this home features some
of the most beautiful brickwork in Fresno
Project Proposal
Building Permit Application No. B22-18975 (and associated record B23-07317) was filed by Stephanie Reed of Paul Halajian Architects to build new 2 story apartment building (back building) 15,488SQ with laundry facilities and loft area. Rehabilitation of the historic Craycroft House and addition of (6) multi-family loft apartments.
Project Analysis
HP#182 Frank J. Craycroft Home (1927) located at 6545 N Palm Avenue is an individually listed historic resource on the Local Register of Historic Resources therefore any proposed project with a scope of work which proposes alterations to the resource is subject to review by the Commission pursuant to FMC Section 12-1617.
Development Permit Application No. P21-05568 was filed by Stephanie Say of Paul Halajian Architects and pertains to the 0.81 acres located at 6545 North Palm Avenue. The applicant proposes a three-phase project. Phase one consists of the rehabilitation of the existing historic Craycroft Home into a restaurant without alcohol sales with a proposed ±500 square foot outdoor patio. Phase two proposes the construction of the private courtyard, public yard, and proposed parking stalls, 10 for commercial tenants and 12 for residential tenants with a total of 22 parking stalls. Phase three will consist of the construction of six multi-family residential units behind the existing Craycroft home. In addition, the project consists of on and off-site improvements to be provided including landscaping and trees, and one trash enclosure, one drive approach, and a curb ramp. The application was approved on July 1, 2022, without appeal. The Condition placed by Historic Preservation requires that the item be brought back to HPC to refamiliarize the Commission with the project.
The reuse of the building conforms to the City of Fresno Development Code and to adaptive reuse standards referenced in The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings, 2017.
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
A Section 15331/Class 31 Categorical Exemption was completed for this project on July 1, 2022.
FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE FINDINGS
The Commission must make one of the following findings. Based upon analysis of the application, the required findings by the Historic Preservation Commission to approve application permit B23-07317 FMC Section 12-1617 (h) are as follows:
• FINDING 1 can be made because the proposed work is found to be consistent with the purposes of this article and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, not detrimental to the special historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the Historic Resource, with conditions.
Standards 1, 2, and 5 of the SOIS can be applied in this application as the project acknowledges the need to alter the interior of this historic property to meet changing uses while retaining the property’s historic character. Exterior materials will need to be evaluated for consistency with the Standards prior to installation.
• FINDING 2 is not applicable as the action proposed is not a correction of an unsafe or dangerous condition on the property.
• FINDING 3 cannot be made because there is no evidence that the denial of the application will not result in unreasonable economic hardship to the owner.
• FINDING 4 is not applicable because the site is not required for a public use which will directly benefit the public health, safety and welfare and will be of more benefit that the Historic Resource.
• FINDING 5 is not applicable because this is not an application for relocation of an Historic Resource.
Staff Recommendation:
Based upon analysis of the application, staff recommends approval of Building Permit Application B22-18975 (and associated record B23-07317) for HP#182 the Frank J. Craycroft Home; 6545 N. Palm Ave. [b. 1927] (APN 40776212) consistent with P21-05668.
CONCLUSION
The appropriateness of the proposed project has been examined with respect to its consistency to the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Section 12-1617, The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and The Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The proposed project has been described and analyzed above and by the accompanying environmental assessment. Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approve Building Permit Application B22-18975 (and associated record B23-07317) for HP#182 the Frank J. Craycroft Home; 6545 N. Palm Ave. [b. 1927] (APN 40776212) consistent with P21-05668.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A - P21-05668 Approval Package
Exhibit B - B22-18975 Site Plan
Exhibit C - B22-18975 Elevations
Exhibit D - B22-18975 Floor Plans
Exhibit E - Historic Resources Inventory
Exhibit F - Fresno Municipal Code Findings
Exhibit G - Secretary of Interior’s Standards