Historic and Design Review Commission Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) convened on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 3:02 PM and adjourned at 5:33 PM. Chair J. Maurice Gibbs presided. A quorum was present. The commission considered consent agenda items and four contested cases: Ella Austin Community Center (1023 North Pine), a residential structure at 433 Madison Street, a new home at 1315 East Pyren, and Joel's Collision (3406 Roosevelt Avenue).

Consent Calendar

• Approved with staff stipulations: 741 West Ashby, 310 South St. Mary's, 523 Divine, 112 San Arturo, 240 East Summit, 612 Labor, 539 East Weesech, and 415 FERD.
• Items 4 (1023 North Pine), 12 (433 Madison), and 13 (1315 East Pyren) were pulled for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4 – 1023 North Pine (Ella Austin): Darlene Bruceari spoke in support of the Tower Life change. Anthony Verfailey (speaking for Tiffany Holliday) expressed concern about the safety of children and seniors due to a proposed drop-off loop that holds only seven vehicles, forcing parents to stop in the street. Phyllis McNair (Dignity Hill Neighborhood Association president) requested disapproval because the community was not updated on design changes. Beverly Watts Davis (chair emeritus of Ella Austin Board) opposed the design, citing that after four community meetings, the only agreed-upon element retained was the expansion of child care; she argued the site plan makes Ella Austin a negative asset, gutted youth development space, and leaves the senior center unrenovated. She stated “this reminds me of redlining” and noted a $23 million bond allocation.
• Item 12 – 433 Madison Street: Several King William neighbors spoke. Rick Casey emphasized process and precedence, noting the structure varied substantially from the approved design and that HDRC rulings appear advisory. Michelangelo Sabatino (Director of School of Architecture and Planning) urged that the street-facing facade be considered, advocating for a landscape plan and cutouts in the wall. Sean Campbell (Chair of King William Architectural Advisory Committee) reported the AAC supports items 1 and 2 but prefers cutouts over a full wall. Margaret Leeds expressed hope that landscaping and wall configuration would fit the neighborhood.
• Item 13 – 1315 East Pyren: Jane Henry (Mission San Jose Neighborhood Association president) questioned the design and placement, noting the garage is flush with the front facade, uncharacteristic of the neighborhood.
• Item 14 – 3406 Roosevelt (Joel's Collision): Jane Henry again spoke, emphasizing the lack of archaeological study, the unsightly exhaust stacks, and the need for a proper review given the proximity to Mission San Jose. Brady Alexander criticized the lack of communication and described the zoning as a “light industrial business park model” inappropriate for a World Heritage Site.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – 1023 North Pine (Ella Austin): The applicant from West East Design Group presented the plan, explaining that the demolition of the Physical Cultures building (approved 2023 subject to site plan approval) was needed to provide amenities like open lawns, food truck staging, and a workout area. The drop-off loop, though limited, allows a variance. The city’s Capital Delivery and Department of Human Services representatives confirmed the project scope, noting the senior center is postponed due to budget constraints but intended to be built later in the same spot. Commissioners questioned the discrepancy between earlier community agreements and the current design. A substitute motion was made to approve building restoration (items 5 and 6) and demolition of the technical arts building, but to continue site work (items 1–4) for further community consultation. This motion carried with a date certain of July 15, 2026.
• Item 12 – 433 Madison Street: The homeowner explained the solid wall was built for privacy after realizing the open design allowed too much visibility. The commission discussed that the wall deviated from the approved 2025 certificate of appropriateness. The motion approved items 1 and 2 (modifications to structure and landscape) but denied item 3, requiring the wall to revert to the originally approved design with cutouts flanking the fireplace. A landscape plan is still required.
• Item 13 – 1315 East Pyren: The applicant described replacing a dilapidated house with a new home, with a concrete slab for a basketball court. The commission granted conceptual approval with staff stipulations, emphasizing the need for a proper site plan showing setbacks and relationship to neighbors.
• Item 14 – 3406 Roosevelt (Joel's Collision): The applicant’s architect presented proposed fencing, exterior modifications, additions, and signage. Staff recommended approval with stipulations, including walls not exceeding 6 feet and a signage package to be brought back. Commissioners discussed the exhaust stacks, lighting, and archaeological requirements. The motion approved with staff stipulations, adding that walls not exceed 6 feet and the applicant pursue further exploration of exhaust system alternatives.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4 (1023 North Pine): Approved 7–0, with a substitute motion: items 5 and 6 (building restoration) and demolition of the technical arts building approved; items 1–4 (site plan) continued to July 15, 2026 for further community input.
• Item 12 (433 Madison): Approved 8–0 (one commissioner absent) – items 1 and 2 approved; item 3 denied, requiring reversion to originally approved wall design.
• Item 13 (1315 East Pyren): Approved 9–0 – conceptual approval with staff stipulations, further refinement before final certificate.
• Item 14 (3406 Roosevelt): Approved 9–0 – with staff stipulations including walls ≤6 feet, signage package to be submitted, and applicant to explore exhaust system alternatives; archaeological investigation required.