Alameda Historical Advisory Board Meeting

Date: September 4, 2025 (7:00 PM start)
Location: City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Council Chambers, 3rd Floor
Board Members Present: Chairperson Hernandez, Board Members Brito, Bevan.
Absent: Board Member Rybarczyk (resigned), one additional member traveling.
Staff Present: Planning Services Manager Steven? (not named explicitly), Planner Brian McGuire, and others.

The meeting opened with roll call, a quorum established, and minutes from July 17, 2025 approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes – July 17, 2025 (Item 3-A): Motion to approve made by Board Member Bevan, seconded by Board Member Brito, and carried unanimously. No discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4-A (1711 Arbor Street): Public comment from Dana Lamb, a neighbor living on Pacific Avenue directly behind the property. He stated that the house was built in 1889 (not 1894 as often recorded), that the property was part of a Portuguese neighborhood in the 20th century, and that the original family occupied it for most of the century. He noted the house is “rotten to the core” and expressed support for demolition, despite its historical significance to the Portuguese community. He also mentioned that a tree fell due to an act of God (windstorm), causing damage.
• No other public comments were received for any agenda item.

Discussion Items

Item 4-A: 1711 Arbor Street – Certificate of Approval for Demolition and Removal from Historical Building Study List

Staff presented the request to demolish the existing 1,341 sq. ft. two-story residential building (built pre-1942, listed on the Historical Building Study List with an “H” designation) to allow a remodel and 1,368 sq. ft. addition. The building was originally constructed in 1894 (with possible earlier construction in 1889) and has undergone significant deterioration. The 2025 Historic Evaluation concluded the building lacks architectural integrity and is not eligible for state or national registers.

Board Member Brito questioned the scope of the evaluation, noting that only architectural criteria were assessed, while criteria related to historical persons or events (e.g., the original builder Charles A. Mitchell, a carpenter) were not addressed. The Board discussed the need for a more complete evaluation including research on the builder and potential historical significance to the development of Alameda. Staff clarified that the building’s H designation was based solely on architectural interest and that the evaluation was limited per city instructions. Public commenter Dana Lamb provided additional context about the property’s history.

After deliberation, the Board found the draft resolution inadequate because findings regarding unknown builders and lack of significance were not supported by evidence. A motion was made and seconded to continue the item to the next meeting on October 2, 2025 to allow for additional research on the builder and updated findings. The motion carried unanimously.

Item 4-B: 1325 Park Street – Certificate of Approval for Storefront Modifications (Monkey King Restaurant & Bar)

Staff presented the proposal to convert an existing commerical storefront (formerly Danish furniture store) into a full-service restaurant and tavern. Exterior changes include new storefront windows (operable sliding panels) and a new emergency exit door to meet building code. The building is a contributing structure in the Park Street Commercial Historic District. Staff recommended approval with conditions.

Board Member Brito discussed the need to document the existing storefront via an updated DPR form (minor revision) to capture current conditions before alterations, supporting the reversibility finding under Secretary of the Interior Standards. No public comments were received.

A motion was made to approve the Certificate of Approval as presented by staff, with an additional condition requiring full photo documentation and a minor DPR form update prior to work. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Item 4-C: Discussion Item – Future Training Items for the Board and Secretary

Staff facilitated a discussion on training topics for the Board, including understanding the Historic Building Study List, its origins and use, interaction with CEQA and design review, and potential updates to the list. Board members expressed interest in compiling existing reference materials (e.g., George Gunn’s book, Historic Preservation Element), exploring facade grant programs, and formally communicating to the City Council the need for resources to update the 1979 survey. Staff noted limited capacity (three and a half planners) but offered to provide existing presentations and resources. The Board agreed to begin working through the list of topics over future meetings, with a target of completing foundational training by June 2026 (Historic Preservation Month). No formal action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4-A (1711 Arbor Street): Continued to the October 2, 2025 Historical Advisory Board meeting for additional research on the builder and updated findings. Board directed staff to revise the historic evaluation to include evaluation of criteria 1 and 2 (historical events and persons).
• Item 4-B (1325 Park Street): Certificate of Approval approved with conditions, including an additional condition for a minor DPR form update with photo documentation prior to construction.
• Item 4-C (Training Discussion): No vote; Board agreed to schedule training sessions on identified topics starting with foundational materials, with staff to provide resources.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM (estimated).