We're gonna all the meeting of the historic preservation commission uh to order at four one p.m.

Um Spencer not to put you on the spot, but can you help us with roll call, please?

Commissioner Collin.

Uh Commissioner O'Neill here, Chair Rodriguez here, Vice Chair Barlow, Commissioner Pizel, and Commissioner Rath.

We have Commissioner Smith Crivello absent today.

Uh staff present today are planning manager Hill and myself recording Secretary Argentwright.

Uh information on participating in this meeting and providing public comment, including it remotely by Zoom or telephone, is on this meeting's agenda, which is online at Monterey.gov forward slash agendas.

Remote commenters will be muted until it is their turn to speak, and a timer will be shown on the screen.

If you are connected on Zoom, the timer is accurate with no delay.

In the chamber, we recommend keeping phones and devices muted to prevent audio interference with the meeting.

Thank you very much, Spencer.

I'm going to open it up for the uh consent agenda.

We have two items, which consists of approval of uh field trip minutes on August 11th and August 14th for the meeting.

I'm going to ask, I don't see any members of the public present right now, but I'm gonna ask Spencer if there's anybody online that would wish to comment on the consent agenda.

There are currently no attendees online.

All right.

Um I guess we since there are two distinct items.

Um I think we need to do two motions.

Uh it's it depends on if there's votes for both.

You can do it all in one motion to uh approve the entire consent agenda.

Um for any reason someone doesn't want to act on one of the items, then you can put it in the two.

Thank you very much.

I'll try with the most efficient one first.

Uh do we have a motion to approve the minutes of August 11th, 2025 field trip and August 14th, 2025?

I don't know if the vote is broken for the uh 11 minute.

But it says item not we are 11 that's yet that should be in your packet, but yes, um, I think you are correct on the the I search link.

It was not um pulling up a separate document for that um those minutes.

Okay, with that, then we can just uh then I would recommend that we not act on the August eleventh minutes since they weren't made available to the public just for procedural clarity and then we can just simply take a motion on the August 14th minutes and we'll bring the 11th back.

All right.

Yes.

Can we just correct a minor thing?

It's uh we did the field trip with Lark and not Lark Street.

Minor, I know, but we'll make that correction before it comes back before the commission.

Yeah, thank you for pointing that up.

Absolutely.

And that's the notation in the August 14th minutes.

Yep.

We can add those corrections and clarify the actual names of the commission members.

Perfect.

All right.

So I am going to postpone the August 11th field trip minutes that we're going to take up on our next meeting.

Do we have a motion subject to the correction of Commissioner Rath a motion to approve the minutes for the August 14th, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission meeting?

Do we have a second?

All right.

All those in favor.

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

All right.

It seems like.

Oh.

All right.

Commissioner Rath abstaines.

Uh, those had all present uh voted uh yes.

All right.

Um we're now ending the consent agenda at this point.

Uh we're going to go into the public hearing uh portion of the meeting.

I am going to turn it over to Mr.

Levi Hill, who is going to do a presentation for item number four of the agenda.

Thank you, Chair.

Give me just a moment, and I will pull up the presentation and we will go through this next project.

Okay.

So the first uh public hearing item and only public hearing item on today's agenda is the uh project at 417 Alvarado Street, which is also known as the Golden State Theater.

Uh and this is for exterior alterations, specifically for the removal of a metal ornamentation cap.

And we'll get into the specifics of the project.

And staff recommendations that the HBC adopt a resolution that adopts the historic preservation report uh prepared for the property and approving the following alterations, which consist at this point in time only the removal of the non-original metal roof cap at 417 Alvarado Street.

So a little background on the property, as uh sure most people here are familiar with the site and the structure that is developed on the site, but it is at 417 Alvarado Street, which is in our downtown.

The site is zoned PCD H1, which is our downtown specific plan zone with a H1 uh historic zoning.

And the general plan designation for the site is mixed use neighborhood.

And it's also shown here highlighted uh there on the aerial image.

Uh, and then also uh the um street view image as well.

So a little bit of background.

The state theater was constructed in 1926 for the Monterey Theatres Company.

Uh the first historic survey of the state theater was completed as early as 1977 as a part of a comprehensive survey of historic resources for the downtown in the city of Monterey.

And by the year 2000, the state theater was listed in Monterey's historic master plan and uh was noted as a H-zoned property at that time.

Uh recently, Mr.

Igor Garvik has acquired the property and has retained architectural historian uh Margaret Clovis to provide consultation for some long-term uh uh rehabilitation efforts that uh the new owner plans for the property.

And we'll discuss those a little bit more in detail in a moment.

So as I just mentioned, uh Margaret Clovis was retained by the owner to prepare a historic preservation report for the uh proposed alterations, and it's uh it's a rather high-level historic preservation report that was prepared to analyze the long-term rehabilitation measures that's planned for the structure.

Um, I'll note that the subject application for the historic permit is for a much narrower scope of work than what the historic preservation report uh includes, and that the actual permit before you today is only for a portion of that work, and that's for only the uh removal of the metal ornamentation cap.

But you probably saw in the report that was a part of the packet and included a lot other of exterior restoration and and uh work prepared uh um planned for the structure to take it back to its original uh facade and original appearance, but uh drawings are still being prepared for that additional work.

So at this time, all that's being included in this historic permit is the cap removal until we have more plans to bring before this commission.

So uh it uh as I noted earlier, it's been surveyed a number of times and uh a form DPR was uh uh completed and was a part of the packet as well.

And the uh state theater was found to be uh uh meet the criteria of criteria A and criteria C for the national national register, which is also criteria one and three for the California register, and that's for uh for properties associated with historic trends, such as commercial development, and then criteria C is for architecturally significant properties, and and notes here that the what the period of significance for this property would be, which is 1926 to 1966, which is uh includes the date of the construction uh up to when the first floor was remodeled to the extent that it lost integrity.

So a little bit about the specific project before you today.

Uh in August of 2025, the applicant applied for a historic permit to remove the non-original metal ornamentation cap that was installed on the subject building in 1934.

Um, and the uh associated historic preservation report, as noted earlier, analyzed that the proposed work for consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitation.

So the 1934 sheet metal crown or cap was built on top of the original curvilinear parapet to support a very large sign showed here, shown here on this uh slide that was attached to the theater's facade.

Um that sign was removed by 1948, and but the metal crown remained, although it no longer served the purpose or function of providing that structural support for the sign.

Um, and then uh so the goal of the uh project applicant is to remove that um cap that no longer serves the purpose that it originally did, and uh, and the goal of bringing the appearance of the building back to its original appearance as close to as possible.

So this slide shows uh and kind of have to look pretty closely because of the uh the blending of the coloration and all the curve-linear shapes on the sheet metal cap, but um, this slide kind of depicts the uh a Photoshop image of what the building will look like uh without the cap.

Um, and then of course, on the left there shown how in its existing configuration.

So the findings for approval for historic permits is that it's good, the work has to be consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standards, and that a historic preservation report is also required per the city's code.

And as listed here, the uh historic preservation report is required by code to include the following, which is the SOI treatment that's being chosen for the subject property, which in this case is rehabilitation.

Uh, it has to include a description of events that uh of the property that makes it uh historically significant, which is also included in the preservation report.

Uh it has to provide a historic context and interpretive period for the structure, um, which is 1926 to 1966, as we noted earlier.

And the architectural history of the resource, which is well documented in the preservation report that was attached to the packet, and of course, a program for preservation of the resource, which was also included in the preservation report.

Again, at a pretty high level uh for a lot of the work that's being proposed, but a sufficient level of detail for this particular permit.

The staff recommendations is the HPC adopt the resolution, uh document historic preservation report and approving historic permit application HP 250232 based on the following findings.

And we'll walk through the Secretary of Interiors uh standards for rehabilitation and how this project aligns with those findings.

Uh the standard number one is that it maintains the original use or minimizes changes.

Of course, the state theater has been an entertainment venue since its construction and has continued to be an entertainment venue and will continue to be uh entertainment venue.

And the proposed work will continue to the preservation of the building's distinctive materials and features by removing unoriginal um material.

So this uh consistent with standard number one.

Standard two is avoiding the removal or alteration of historic materials, as noted in the report.

The metal cap is not original to the building, was actually added at a later date uh to serve a non-aesthetic appearance or non-aesthetic purpose, uh, the purpose of which was to provide structural support for a sign that was later removed by 1948.

So it no longer has any function.

Um, the goal of the projects to return the building to its original appearance and no changes of character defining features are proposed in this permit.

Staff feels that this uh project is consistent with standard number two.

Number three is that it preserves the physical record of time, place, and use.

Um staff notes that there's no conjectural features or architectural elements that would create a false sense of history planned for the project, and there's no imitation of historic features, and that the removal of the unoriginal metal cap would actually bring the project closer to uh its original appearance, making it more uh historically accurate.

So staff feels that's consistent with standard three.

Number four is that it retains changes that have gained significance.

Uh 1934 sign and cap associated with the sign has not acquired its own historical significance.

Uh, so its removal would not affect the integrity of the building.

Staff feels that it's consistent with standard four.

Number five is that it preserves the distinctive craftsmanship and details.

The proposed project will preserve or replace in kind distinctive materials, features, and finishes, construction techniques, and examples of craftsmanship that characterize the property.

As noted earlier, the cap is not considered a character defining feature.

So staff feels it's consistent with standard five.

Number six says repair features or match original and necessary.

The middle crown no longer has any function as it no longer supports the sign that was there at one time.

The goal of the project is to return the building to its original appearance as closely as possible.

And the sheet metal crown is not considered a character defining feature, and therefore staff feels this project's consistent with standard six.

Standard seven is it avoid avoid damaging uh chemical or physical treatments?

This is not applicable as there's no chemical or physical treatments that are proposed for this project.

Similarly, uh standard eight is to avoid or mitigate ground disturbance for the purpose of archaeological resources.

This project does not propose any um excavation or any digging that would potentially affect archaeological resources, therefore the standard's not applicable.

And number nine is that uh there's a differentiation uh between new and old and compatible with historic features.

This project does not propose any additions or alterations to add any uh elements to the building, only proposes to remove a non-original metal cap from the roof and is not considered a character defining feature.

Uh as noted earlier, the cap removal will enhance the historic character of the building by bringing it closer to its original appearance.

And therefore, staff feels it's consistent with standard nine.

And lastly, standard 10, uh the form and integrity are unimpaired, uh, if new uh andor removed.

Um no new additions or adjacent new construction as planned for this project, and therefore uh is consistent with standard 10.

With that, staff recommends that HPC adopt a resolution approving um the adoption of the historic preservation report and approving the historic permit application HP 250232 for the removal of the non-original order metal ornamentation cap from the Golden State Theater.

I'm happy to answer any questions that the commission has, and I believe our applicant is also online if you have any questions.

All right, well withdraft uh the we would be that would be that one for Libye.

If if we move to approve the historic preservation report, is that specific only to the metal cap component of that?

That's correct.

This permit is only for the middle cap.

Although the report includes a larger scope of work, any of that work that's going to be completed would have to come back before this commission for a subsequent historic permit.

Okay.

And the report would likely be modified as well, readopted with additional information.

With like I said, we're we're kind of waiting on the applicant to develop more fleshed out plans for the commission before they act on that on that, the remainder of that scope of work.

So probably be a readoption of the report at that time.

Any other I have uh some questions related to how the structure is attached to the building.

Um is it attached to the uh original existing facade, or is it just to the roof?

So it's actually um I should have included in the presentation in the packet in the report.

There's actually a photograph included that shows it's uh a metal uh structural support that's actually attached to the roof.

Okay, and then that sheet metal cap kind of sits, just sits on top of that parapet.

Okay, but the actual structural member is attached to the roof back behind the parapet.

Okay.

Any other questions?

Uh no more questions, but this site.

Um applicant is online, and the applicant might make a further speech.

Am I through there?

We go.

Um, I I have nothing to add to that.

Um, I'm just uh if there's any questions I can clarify on this portion of the project or any greater scope questions, I'm here to answer.

Um I was just wondering if there would be any um photographic display, maybe on the phases or through the years, uh, what the state theater has been through.

So, you know, for the people uh uh old Montereyans, they're gonna see a new old state theater facade, and it would just be interesting.

I think for people going to the theater to see maybe a photograph of what it looked like and a little interpretation.

Just a thought.

And we actually have a scale model that was uh built by Martin Schmidt on site that shows as close as humanly possible, recreated from images and photographs, what the 1926 version of it was, and that's kind of the scope that we've worked off of since we acquired the property of lining it up to kind of replicate that model in reality.

So will there be any pictures of the this ginormous um marquee that says state theater um as part of your presentation?

Sorry, maybe I'm I'm not understanding what you're asking of me.

Uh you've got a model of the original.

Uh do you have anything of the I'll say 1945 um theater that has this large marquee that was taken down?

I mean, yeah, we have photographs of the theater through the years on display in the theater, um, in the stairwells and stuff like that.

So yeah, we we have versions of it going through through the years for sure.

Okay, that was my question.

Got it.

Okay, sorry about that.

If they documentation, yeah, the changes for the public.

Yes.

Any other questions for the applicant?

No, no, thank you very much.

Um, I don't see members of the public present, but I'll ask you if there's any uh members of the public online that mic, which makes a comment.

See, there are no attendees currently online with their hands raised, but I will remind them that uh information on how to participate remotely by Zoom or telephone is found at Monterey.gov or agendas.

If you are joining by telephone, dial star nine to raise your hand and star six to unmute.

Um, and there are still no attendees with their hands raised.

All right, thank you.

So I will quote the public comment uh this presentation and open it up to the rest of here if they have any comment.

We just make sure you got your mic on.

Sorry, I will close the uh phase of public comments for this presentation and open it up to the commissioners to see if they have any comments.

I'm happy it's a good thing.

It is a good one.

So I was looking at the year.

Can you believe it's gonna be a hundred years?

Yeah, Dan, your centennial is next year.

Yeah.

Um, I also think I was also thinking, oh, I wonder if in a hundred years somebody will say, like I did, oh, Gary Cooper on the on the marquee.

Uh so uh please keep bringing the axe uh to Monterey County.

I I went into uh the theater with some HPC members who have been on long time, old Montereyans, and all they could talk about was how it used to smell back when Ford Ord was active and the soldiers would come and the floors were all sticky and you know, but it's so cool now.

I I've been to a few uh events I can attest to no weird smells, no stickiness.

The fact that jumped out to me was that this was built to house 25.

Yes, I know that in house.

Yeah, thunderstorm.

All right.

Um thank you to the applicant for preserving the historic nature of our community and our theater.

Um, with that, I'm going to close uh the comments and call for a motion if anybody wants to make a motion.

I'll move that we uh accept staff's recommendation to um approve the historic permit for alterations and repairs to the Golden State Theater.

And the uh historic preservation report.

I'll second.

Thank you.

All right.

Uh let's go for a vote.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

All right.

By unanimous vote, it passed.

Thank you very much.

And that is appealable to the planning commission with forms available online and in the planning office within 10 days.

All right, thank you for the presentation.

Thank you for the applicant.

And uh, I'm not gonna thank members of the public because they didn't come.

But thank you for the interesting comments from the commission.

Yes.

Uh all right.

So now we move to our next uh agenda item, which is a planning update.

Sure.

Uh, so currently there's no items that are tentatively scheduled for our next meeting uh in November.

Um we'll certainly let this group know if that changes.

Uh, but right now we don't have any applications that are ready to come before the commission just yet.

We do note on our uh planning office update a few upcoming historical or cultural events.

You'll see there the old fisherman's wharf, 180th birthday celebration.

That's on October 12th.

Uh trunk or treat coming up for October 18th.

Um Big Sur Food and Wine Festival, November 6th through the 8th, and Monterey Bay's Half Marathon on November 9th.

And I think that's all we have.

All right.

And yes, go ahead.

I was just gonna say we also have the artist open houses uh all over the peninsula the weekend this weekend, the 11th and 12th.

And what's the next one?

18th, 19th, something like that.

So yeah, they had a good um, they always have a good goch of program in the weekly last week.

This is the event where they literally open their house.

Yeah, yes, I've seen studios, yeah.

Oh, and Colton Hall has quite a few things, and the library.

There's going to be uh I marked four things at Colton Hall.

And uh this both weekends.

There'll be both weekends of the library in here.

In case you missed it, uh, the state supreme court was actually holding court in Colton Hall yesterday.

So pretty exciting.

I was jealous because they prioritized obviously the litigants, but students.

Uh huh, because I I saw the picture on the weekly, it's just so interesting to relive that part of history.

Did you have some?

Yeah, I just wanted to say, you know, it's um just give props to the Monterey Planning Department.

So we there was the California American uh planning association conference that was held in Monterey just uh a week and a half ago.

Um I was an attendee of a planner, and I think I saw pretty much all the Monterey planners um making presentations.

I did a great uh comprehensive discussion of um uh housing projects in Monterey of uplifting at the end, I think.

Um Fernanda gave uh some really interesting historic talks and um uh field trips to the attendees.

It was the largest planning conference ever held.

It was one 211 at the Clover Center, uh the monitor at the Marriott and the Plaza.

Um they did a the committee did a wonderful job putting it on uh Mayor Williamson gave the opening talk, um you know, to preaching to an audience who's very much in favor of uh some you know some of the housing uh laws that are that are up in California right now.

Um but it was it was a great opportunity to kind of showcase Monterey.

Um the weather behaves beautifully for our social events, and so I just wanted to you know let folks know that that really happened and uh the planning staff here were pretty much kind of uh showcased in a lot of way, so thanks for that.

Thank you.

It was a great it was a great event.

We really enjoyed uh having uh yeah, just being able to showcase our great city to so many people and plan in the planning profession that really appreciate everything that the city has to offer and yeah, couldn't couldn't be happier with how it went.

And uh yeah, the weather we got so lucky the weather behaved so well.

Yeah, but well, congrats.

Um all right.

Uh if there's oh yes, we I have a question for Levi.

Um before I left for a month, um, I was told that that my term was up and there was gonna be interviews while I was gone, but I never heard anything, so status on that.

I can follow up on that uh with the city clerk's office.

So they usually will coordinate interviews if your term is up.

Um I assume you're wanting to continue to serve.

Yeah, so typically they'll just schedule an interview with the mayor again.

So I'll follow up with the city clerk's office and see what the status is of that.

Yeah.

Did you refile your application?

Yes.

Okay, good.

Yeah.

I'd think, but yeah, I did.

And then they said they were gonna call me in Australia, and I said, well, that's why they might have tried calling.

I don't know.

Yeah, they maybe tried.

But they I didn't call you were calling.

Okay, good.

Thank you.

All righty.

Uh with that, uh, we're gonna adjourn the meeting of the historic preservation commission at 428.

Yeah, well, you're gamble.

Gee.

It feels a little all right.