REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
October 26, 2026
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, AICP, Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: ASHLEY ATKINSON, AICP, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of request by property owner to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract pursuant to FMC 12-1706 for:
Melba Apartments located at 745 East Home Avenue (APN 451-045-11), in the Wilson Island Historic District
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The property owner has submitted an application and draft work plan, and confirmed that they wish to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract. Staff has reviewed the application and determined that the property is a qualified historical property under FMC SEC. 12-1704 and that the submitted draft work plan meets the required contract provisions under FMC SEC.12-1705.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission hold a public hearing and authorize the Director of Development to execute a Mills Act historical property contract for the subject property, pursuant to FMC 12-1706.
BACKGROUND
In California, the Mills Act legislation allows local governments to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historic properties providing that in exchange for the restoration and maintenance of these properties, owners receive a reduction in property taxes. Since the City of Fresno adopted the Mills
Act Program, 35 properties have been enrolled. Three new applications were submitted for the Mills Act Program for the year 2026.
The Melba Apartments building is located at 745 East Home Avenue (APN 451-045-11) in the Wilson Island Historic District. Within the larger 18-block Wilson’s North Fresno Tract is a smaller enclave of six residential blocks, known as the “Wilson Island,” which is bounded by North Echo Avenue on the west, East Carmen Avenue on the north, the northern side of East Floradora Avenue on the south and the back side o...
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