REPORT TO HISTORICAL AND LANDMARKS COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Mills Act Contract for 908 Fremont Street
Report
BACKGROUND
The subject property is known as the Nuttman Residence and was constructed in 1937. The property is comprised of a 3,207 square-foot two-story residence with a single-story wing and detached garage. The residence is situated on a large double lot at the corner of Fremont and Lafayette Streets. The residence was designed in a modified version of the Garrison Colonial style and is the only house of this style in Santa Clara.
Property owners Todd and Kristy Rosenbaum are requesting a Mills Act Contract for the property, and the adoption of a 10-Year Rehabilitation and Maintenance Plan associated with the historical preservation agreement. A requirement of the Mills Act is that the building must be a qualified structure, listed on either a local, State or National Register. The subject property is listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory (HRI).
A DPR523A was prepared by Lorie Garcia of Beyond Buildings to assess the historical significance of the property as an update to the July 1988 Historic Resources Inventory evaluation. The updated DPR form was prepared on January 19, 2018 and is attached to this report for reference. The property owners have also submitted a statement of justification and 10-Year Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan.
DISCUSSION
The evaluator finds the residence to be a distinguished example of Garrison Colonial architectural style designed by a notable architect and in excellent condition. No alterations have been made to either the house or other buildings or structures on the property since its design and construction. The evaluator finds that the subject residence retains sufficient integrity to qualify as a historic resource and continues to be eligible for listing on the City’s HRI.
Some of the notable work to be done per the applicant’s proposed 10 Year Rehabilitation and Maintenance Plan includes fumigation of the home, subterranean termite treatment, roof replacement, and house repainting.
Staff finds that the work proposed under the 10-Year Rehabilitation and Maintenance Plan adheres to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The proposed changes support the preservation, protection, and maintenance of an identified, locally historically significant resource. A copy of the draft contract is also attached to this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Mills Act program is exempt from the CEQA environmental review requirements per CEQA Section 15061(b)(3). The activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
PUBLIC CONTACT
No public comments have been received at the time of preparation of this report. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Based upon the analysis and findings of the historical evaluation survey, staff recommends that the Commission forward a recommendation to the City Council for approval of the Mills Act Contract application, including the adoption of 10-Year Rehabilitation and Maintenance Plan associated with this historical preservation agreement.
Staff
Prepared by: Rebecca Bustos, Associate Planner
Approved by: Gloria Sciara, Development Review Officer
ATTACHMENTS
1. Project Data Sheet
2. Draft Mills Act Contract
3. Legal Description
4. Historic Survey (DPR Form)
5. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties
6. 10-Year Rehabilitation Plan
7. Termite Inspection Report
8. Statement of Justification