Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting – August 25, 2026

The Fresno Historic Preservation Commission met on August 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Commissioners considered the eligibility of a former IRS processing center for the Local Register of Historic Resources, received a workshop on proposed federal changes to Section 106 regulations, and heard monthly staff updates. Five commissioners were present (Chair Sponsler, Vice Chair Hatwig, Commissioners Federico, Johnston, Eddings); two were absent (Commissioners Halajian and Laval). The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item VII‑A (5045 E Butler Ave – eligibility hearing): One member of the public, Bob Bethel, spoke in support of listing the property, emphasizing its long‑standing presence and meaning in the neighborhood. One member of the public, Beth Stevens (resident and former educator), spoke in opposition, expressing a desire for a community‑serving use such as a children’s museum on the site, though she acknowledged limited familiarity with local history. The applicant’s representative, Daniel Cho, addressed the Commission, arguing that the building does not represent pure Brutalist architecture and questioning its architectural significance, but acknowledged the broader historical evaluation in the report.

Discussion Items

• VII‑A – Eligibility of 5045 E Butler Ave (the former IRS West Coast Processing Center): Staff (Ashley Atkinson) presented the property’s history (constructed 1970‑1971, designed by noted local architect Walter Wagner), its role as a major employer (peak of 5,700 workers) and catalyst for Southeast Fresno development, and the Historic Resource Assessment conclusions that the building retains integrity and meets Criteria 1 (association with events) and 3 (embodies distinctive architectural characteristics of Brutalism / work of a master). Commissioners discussed the period of significance (proposed to be extended from 1971‑1976 to cover the entire operational period through 2021), noted the presence of a non‑historic mural (dated 2003), and expressed interest in touring the property. After deliberation, the Commission found the property eligible as a historic resource at the local level.
• VII‑B – Workshop on Proposed Amendments to Section 106 Implementing Regulations: Ashley Losco (Rincon Consultants) detailed three major proposed regulatory changes: increased federal agency discretion to shorten or waive review; removal of mandatory consultation with tribes, state/local governments, and the public; and narrowing the definition of “undertakings” and “historic properties” to exclude archaeological sites, tribal cultural resources, and cultural landscapes. She noted that state and local protections (CEQA, Fresno Historic Preservation Ordinance) would remain in effect. No public comment was offered. Commissioners asked about impacts on projects with federal funding and whether the City plans to respond; staff replied that no determination has been made.
• VII‑C – Monthly Staff and Subcommittee Updates: Staff reported: (1) The City is awaiting further information from the property owner of the Brewer Adobe; Rincon Consultants are assessing the building’s condition and preservation feasibility, with a site visit possible. (2) Stantec has completed field surveys for the Chinatown Historic District Survey and is conducting additional research; an update is expected next month. (3) Rincon is now fully integrated into project review; lower‑level reviews remain with city staff while complex cases go to Rincon. (4) Planning entitlements, building permits, and Section 106 reviews continue to be processed on schedule; no new Mills Act applications were reported, but three are being processed with site visits anticipated within the next month and contracts expected in the fall. (5) The Architectural Review Subcommittee had no items; the Municipal Code Subcommittee held a second working session to modify code portions.

Key Outcomes

• 5045 E Butler Ave – Designation Initiated: The Commission voted 5‑0 to initiate designation of the property for listing on the Local Register of Historic Resources (motion by Vice Chair Hatwig, seconded by Commissioner Federico). The finding of eligibility under Criteria 1 and 3 was approved. Future steps include formal designation proceedings and separate review of any redevelopment project through the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Section 106 Workshop – No Action Taken: The workshop was informational; no vote was taken. Commissioners may consider submitting comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) or contacting federal representatives.
• Mills Act Applications: Three applications are in process; site visits are expected within the next month, with contracts to be brought to the Commission for approval this fall.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for September 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM.