OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - February 24, 2026

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, February 24, 2026
BodyFresno, California
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, February 24, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:59:40

Transcript — Verbatim
0:39

I have six years.

0:42

All right.

0:44

All right.

0:45

Good evening and thank you for uh coming to the uh February 23rd, 2026 Historic Preservation Commission meeting.

0:53

We're go ahead and call this meeting order and take roll call, please.

0:57

Commissioner Eddings.

1:00

Commissioner Johnston.

1:03

Commissioner Laval.

1:04

President.

1:07

Here.

1:08

Commissioner Khalegi.

1:09

Here.

1:10

Vice Chair Hatley.

1:13

Chair Sponsor.

1:14

Here.

1:18

All right.

1:20

Having form, we'll go ahead and move forward.

1:22

Um to procedures.

1:24

For each matter considered by the commission, there will first be a staff presentation followed by a presentation from the project applicant.

1:30

The commissioners will then have the opportunity to ask questions of staff and applicant before opening to public.

1:36

Testimony from supporters of the project will be then be taken, followed by testimony from those in opposition.

1:43

Staff may provide a summation if necessary.

1:59

All public testimony from those in support and in opposition to the project will be limited to three minutes per person.

2:05

All public testimony must be presented to the commission at the podium.

2:10

Any testimony that references race, religion, ethnicity, economic status, or national origin, or any other classification protected under state or federal law in a drag-free manner, shall be deemed irrelevant and not be considered by the commission in making germinations.

2:24

If you challenge these matters in court, we may be limited to raising only those issues.

2:28

You or someone else raised in oral or written testimony or before the close of the hearing.

2:33

With that, um we will be moving past approved uh approving of the prior meeting minutes.

2:42

Um because it looks like that we do not have those just yet.

2:46

Uh but we will now move on to item four for approving of tonight's agenda.

2:50

Are there any changes to tonight's agenda?

2:54

No, there are no changes.

2:55

All right.

2:57

Uh for motion to approve, so I have second.

3:04

All right.

3:05

Uh I'll take the uh the motion by Commissioner Ball, second by Commissioner Federico.

3:10

All in favor signify by saying aye.

3:13

Opposed?

3:14

Okay.

3:25

So item 7A, file ID 26-240.

3:29

Is it hearing consider eligibility for listing on the local register of historic resources?

3:33

They're properly located at 755 East Shaw Avenue.

3:36

Uh assessor parson number 427-03037.

3:40

And we have a presentation from staff.

3:43

Good evening, Chair and Commissioners.

3:45

Ashley Atkinson, Assistant Director for Planning and Development.

3:48

We do have a brief presentation for you and also a presentation from the applicant.

4:06

Sorry, not from Fresno.

4:07

People don't say it out loud too often.

4:09

Um stocks department store.

4:11

Um also most recently Forever 21, which I do know how to pronounce it so uh staff is uh recommending that you uh review the available evidence and make a determination of whether to initiate designation of the property as it has been proposed for demolition, and that is why we are bringing it to you at this time.

4:34

Um it was constructed in 1970 as wine stocks department store.

4:39

Um it has uh been a department store since that time, of course, serving the uh eastern anchor of fashion fair mall.

4:47

Um it was wine stocks department store uh for a number of years, um followed by Gosh Schaltz department store, um, which is also a California department store chain, uh, and then following that uh forever 21.

5:07

When the building was constructed, it was constructed along with the bulk of the Fashion Fair Mall, although Wine Stocks and one of the other anchors, GC Tinnies, each independently contracted their own architects and had their own construction bids.

5:26

So the wine stocks anchor wing was constructed somewhat sort of semi-independently of the rest of the Fashion Fair Mall.

5:35

Wine stocks was financed by Broadway Hale stores and was designed by Charles Luckman Associates.

5:43

Charles Leckman Associates is a commercial architecture firm based out of Los Angeles.

5:51

But founded by Charles Luckman after he parted ways with his former worker William Pereira.

6:00

Charles Leckman is a renowned architect.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Historic Preservation█████████████████████████████████████████████76%
Public Engagement██████10%
Economic Development████6%
Procedural██4%
Code Enforcement██3%
Affordable Housing█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - February 24, 2026

Note: The minutes indicate the meeting was held on February 23, 2026, but the official meeting date provided is February 24, 2026. This summary uses the provided date.

The Fresno Historic Preservation Commission met on February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to consider several agenda items. The meeting included a hearing on the historic eligibility of a former department store, a development permit for renovations to another historic building, a report on Kearney Mansion upgrades, and monthly updates. Commissioners discussed the need for additional information on the eligibility matter and approved design refinements for the renovation project. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Kathleen Light (Board Secretary, Fresno Area Spanning Foundation and Planning Commissioner) spoke in support of the Berkeley's Department Store renovation project (Item 7B), arguing that activated architecture is necessary for downtown revitalization and that the building's vacant state undermines its historic appreciation. She requested that the commission allow the project to proceed without additional conditions.
  • A member of the public (unscheduled items) announced that May is Historic Preservation Month and shared details about a Heritage Fresno film screening on May 28, 2026, at Warnor's Theatre, highlighting preservation efforts and the Caglia family's contributions. The event will include a concert and lobby tour.
  • No opposition testimony was received for any agenda item.

Discussion Items

  • Item 7A – Hearing on eligibility for listing on the Local Register of Historic Resources – 755 E Shaw Ave (former Weinstock's/Forever 21)
    • Staff (Ashley Atkinson) presented the property, built in 1970, designed by Charles Luckman Associates. Staff could not determine eligibility based on available evidence and requested commission guidance. A historic resource assessment from the applicant was pending.
    • Representatives from Macerich and Dick's Sporting Goods described plans for a new Dick's House of Sport that requires demolition of the existing structure. A consultant from Page & Turnbull presented preliminary findings that the building is not individually eligible, noting it is one of three identical designs and that Charles Luckman likely was not directly involved. They argued it does not meet criteria for events, persons, or architecture.
    • Commissioners raised questions about architectural integrity, the building's role in Fresno's urban development, and the need for more information, especially regarding Luckman's involvement and the building's relevance to commercial history. Commissioner Federico emphasized the importance of the building in the timeline of Fresno's retail development. Commissioner Laval noted the need for a complete cultural and architectural assessment.
    • The commission agreed more information was needed and voted to continue the item to the next meeting (March 23, 2026) to allow completion of the historic resource evaluation report. Motion carried 5-0.
  • Item 7B – Development Permit Application P25-03963 for renovations to former Berkeley's Department Store at 887 Fulton Street
    • Staff presented that the building is already eligible for the Local Register. Proposed changes include removal of barrel-vaulted canopies, new second-story windows, new storefront systems, a third-floor addition, and a rooftop deck. Staff noted some changes may be irreversible.
    • Applicant (Fresno Area Spanning Foundation) and architect (Russ Taylor of The Taylor Group) described severe interior deterioration and the need for windows to create leasable office space. They emphasized that the building has been vacant for 40 years and that the project is critical for downtown revitalization. The architect stated that the barrel canopy structure would remain but be covered with a modern fascia.
    • Commissioners stressed the importance of preserving character-defining features, particularly the barrel vaulted canopies, and recommended that new windows be clearly differentiated from original ground-floor windows. Commissioner Laval suggested adding an interior plaque or display to honor the building's history.
    • The commission approved the application as amended, referring the revised plans to the Architecture Review Subcommittee for review. The item will return to the full commission only if the subcommittee determines additional review is needed. Motion carried 5-0.
  • Item 7C – Report from Fresno City & County Historical Society on Kearney Mansion Upgrades
    • Commissioner Laval presented an update on restoration work funded by approximately $500,000 in ARPA funds from Fresno County. Current projects include roof repair at the carriage house, replacement of exterior staircases with historically appropriate wood railings, stabilization of the second-floor deck, and repainting of the mansion's exterior. About 70% of the interior remains original. The property continues to host tours and educational programs. Additional historical features were highlighted, including original outbuildings and rail lines.
  • Item 7D – Update on Regular Monthly Topics
    • Staff reported that efforts to schedule a meeting with the property owner of the Jose Garcia Brewer Adobe building continue, with no change in condition. Building permits remain higher than previous years as all permits for buildings over 50 years old are reviewed. Letters will be sent in March to designated properties about Mills Act applications.
    • Commissioner Halajian gave brief updates on the Architectural Review and Municipal Code Subcommittees.
    • Commissioner Laval reported that the Historic Preservation Month Subcommittee met and is developing a calendar of events. The kickoff is planned for May 7, 2026, at the Archive on Kern during ArtHop. Plans include food trucks and displays to highlight the semi-quincentennial year. All commissioners are encouraged to contribute ideas.
  • Chairperson's Report – Chair Sponsler announced that the Lowell/North Park neighborhood will host a history tour on April 11, 2026, featuring trolley tours of historic homes, art, and other features.
  • Unscheduled Items – Commissioner Laval noted that Fresno City College will host a historical walking tour on April 30, 2026, as the oldest city community college in the state.

Key Outcomes

  • Item 7A: The commission voted unanimously (5-0) to continue the eligibility hearing to March 23, 2026, to allow completion of the historic resource evaluation report.
  • Item 7B: The commission approved the development permit as amended (5-0), referring revised plans to the Architecture Review Subcommittee with conditions that the barrel-vaulted canopies be retained and new windows be differentiated from original ones. An interior historical display is recommended.
  • Item 7C: The report was received as information; no action required.
  • Item 7D: Updates were noted; no formal votes.
  • Next meeting scheduled: March 23, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

I have six years. All right. All right. Good evening and thank you for uh coming to the uh February 23rd, 2026 Historic Preservation Commission meeting. We're go ahead and call this meeting order and take roll call, please. Commissioner Eddings. Commissioner Johnston. Commissioner Laval. President. Here. Commissioner Khalegi. Here. Vice Chair Hatley. Chair Sponsor. Here. All right. Having form, we'll go ahead and move forward. Um to procedures. For each matter considered by the commission, there will first be a staff presentation followed by a presentation from the project applicant. The commissioners will then have the opportunity to ask questions of staff and applicant before opening to public. Testimony from supporters of the project will be then be taken, followed by testimony from those in opposition. Staff may provide a summation if necessary. All public testimony from those in support and in opposition to the project will be limited to three minutes per person. All public testimony must be presented to the commission at the podium. Any testimony that references race, religion, ethnicity, economic status, or national origin, or any other classification protected under state or federal law in a drag-free manner, shall be deemed irrelevant and not be considered by the commission in making germinations. If you challenge these matters in court, we may be limited to raising only those issues. You or someone else raised in oral or written testimony or before the close of the hearing. With that, um we will be moving past approved uh approving of the prior meeting minutes. Um because it looks like that we do not have those just yet. Uh but we will now move on to item four for approving of tonight's agenda. Are there any changes to tonight's agenda? No, there are no changes. All right. Uh for motion to approve, so I have second. All right. Uh I'll take the uh the motion by Commissioner Ball, second by Commissioner Federico. All in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? Okay. So item 7A, file ID 26-240. Is it hearing consider eligibility for listing on the local register of historic resources? They're properly located at 755 East Shaw Avenue. Uh assessor parson number 427-03037. And we have a presentation from staff. Good evening, Chair and Commissioners. Ashley Atkinson, Assistant Director for Planning and Development. We do have a brief presentation for you and also a presentation from the applicant. Sorry, not from Fresno. People don't say it out loud too often. Um stocks department store.

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