REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 27, 2023
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
HEARING TO CONSIDER the proposed new security fencing at the Old Fresno Water Tower located at 2444 Fresno St.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take the following actions:
1. ADOPT a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15331/Class 31 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines
2. APPROVE: Application P22-02936 for the installation of fencing at the Old Fresno Water Tower HP#001 located at 2444 Fresno Street. (466-09-301T & a portion of 466-09-305T) with conditions.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On August 22, 2022, the Commission considered exterior modifications to HP#1, the Old Fresno Water Tower. All but the security fence materials were approved pending submittals. The Architectural subcommittee has reviewed and recommended for approval a black wrought iron fencing with alternating straight and curved pickets with decorative knuckle features.
BACKGROUND
Old Fresno Water Tower (HP#001)
Old Fresno Water Tower (1894)
2444 Fresno Street
George Washington Maher, Architect
American Romanesque
George Washington Maher, a Chicago architect, was commissioned to design Fresno's water tower in 1891. Completed in 1894, it was in constant use until 1963, when the pumping machinery was no longer adequate. The original design called for a library on the second and third floors, but it was never installed. For several years, the first floor was used as a parking meter repair facility.
In 2001 the second floor was removed, and the interior of the tower remodeled to become the visitors' center for the City and County of Fresno. As part of this remodeling a landscaped plaza and separate restroom building were built adjacent to the tower. The water tower today remains Fresno's most distinctive and enduring architectural symbol.
On August 22,...
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