Historical and Design Review Commission Meeting – October 7, 2022

The Historical and Design Review Commission (HDRC) convened on October 7, 2022, to consider a consent calendar, public comments, and several development cases. The meeting was chaired by Interim President Jeffrey Fetzer (who later recused himself for a vote) and then by Commissioner Holland. The commission approved most items with stipulations, after discussions about demolition, facade changes, and signage in historic districts.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda items not pulled by commissioners were approved unanimously with staff stipulations. These included projects at: 326 West Jones, 330 West Jones, Alamo Plaza, 115 Plaza de Armas, 250 and Grayson, 321 Alamo Plaza, 415 Wix, 824 West Magnolia, 2051 West Magnolia, 125 West Ashby, 523 WizH, and 2321 Normain. Owners of these properties were excused and will receive certificates of appropriateness.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Walker (King William resident) spoke in opposition to a proposed pickleball court at 349 King William, citing noise and disruption to the historic residential neighborhood. She requested the court not be installed, stating there are many pickleball courts elsewhere.
• Jill Popavich (neighbor) spoke in support of the Conway family’s project, praising the design’s blend of old and new, and expressing that the family has been considerate of the historic character.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – 250 East Grayson & 33 Pearl Parkway (Demolition)

  • The applicant sought a certificate of appropriateness to demolish a former stable building (8,500 sq ft industrial structure) to make way for a new retail development. They argued that preserving the building would cost $28 million (over $9,000 per sq ft) and that adaptive reuse was financially infeasible. A salvage plan was proposed to reuse bricks, windows, and other materials.
  • Several commissioners expressed regret over the loss. Commissioner García noted it was “unfortunate” and that architects should rise to the challenge; Commissioner Velázquez criticized the complete demolition, calling it a significant precedent. The motion to approve with staff stipulations passed 7–2 (Commissioners García and Velázquez dissenting).

• Item 8 – 301 Barrera (Addition to historic house)

  • The applicant proposed adding a second story to a one-bedroom, one-bath house to include two additional bedrooms and baths. The design raised the facade height along Barrera Street. Commissioner Davis pulled the item to discuss facade proportions.
  • The architect agreed to add a horizontal feature to break the tall vertical mass, consistent with existing conditions. A motion to approve with that added stipulation passed 7–1 (Commissioner García dissenting).

• Item 9 – 349 King William (Pool house and pickleball court)

  • The applicants (Conway family) proposed to refurbish a historic pool house by replacing the facade with larger openings to connect to a new pool, and adding a private pickleball court. Public testimony included opposition over the court and support for the design.
  • Commissioners who visited the site noted the deteriorated interior condition. The commission discussed the three-bay facade modification; the applicant explained that the existing central door was a later alteration and that restoring three bays was appropriate. A motion to approve with staff stipulations passed 7–2 (Commissioners García and Fetzer dissenting).

• Item 13 – 241 North Street (Stone panel facade)

  • The applicant requested approval for a stone panel on the north facade, after staff recommended a finish matching the existing terra cotta. The architect agreed to use a material consistent with the east facade.
  • After discussion about alignment and spacing, a motion to approve with a stipulation to create more space on the right and left sides passed unanimously.

• Item 14 – 1103 East Commerce (Saint Paul Hotel signs)

  • The applicant proposed replacing two existing signs with larger ones: a 127 sq ft sign on the south facade and a 746 sq ft sign on the west facade (highway-facing). Public comment noted the current signs are smaller. Staff recommended approval with consistency to architectural elements.
  • Commissioners suggested reducing the sign sizes and aligning them within existing brick lines. A motion to approve with direction to work with staff on scaling and alignment (30% reduction on one side, 20% on the other) passed 8–1 (Commissioner Velázquez abstained).

• Item 15 – 3406 Roosevelt Avenue (Mural sign for business)

  • The applicant proposed an internally illuminated 46 sq ft mural sign for a business across from Mission San José. Staff recommended approval with stipulations: indirect lighting, individual letters rather than a channel, and durable materials.
  • Two public speakers opposed, citing historic district guidelines and previous enforcement. The applicant offered to use indirect lighting. A motion to approve with stipulations 1 and 2 (indirect lighting, durable materials) but without requiring individual letters (instead allowing a minimally visible channel) passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar – Approved all non-pulled items.
• Item 2 (Demolition at Pearl) – Approved 7–2.
• Item 8 (301 Barrera addition) – Approved 7–1 with added horizontal design element.
• Item 9 (King William pool house) – Approved 7–2.
• Item 13 (241 North stone panel) – Approved unanimously with spacing stipulation.
• Item 14 (Saint Paul Hotel signs) – Approved 8–1 with direction to rescale and align.
• Item 15 (Roosevelt Avenue mural) – Approved unanimously with modified lighting and mount stipulations.