Item 23 - Historic Property Preservation Agreements

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HPPA No. 2024-06 — The Coselman House (424 South Broadway) July 15, 2024 Page 2 generates a different valuation method in determining the property's assessed value, resulting in tax savings for the owner. Aside from the tax savings, the benefits include: • Long term preservation of the property and visual improvement to the neighborhood • Allows for a mechanism to provide for property rehabilitation • Provides additional incentive for potential buyers to purchase historic structures • Discourages inappropriate alterations to the property In 2004, the Historic Resources Commission placed the Coselman-Motley House on the Register and within the "Key" category for its distinctive architectural style and quality as an example of Craftsman styling. Character -defining exterior features of the Cooper House that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to: sheathing (clapboard) and materials (art stone); roof configuration and detailing; massing and symmetry; windows and doors; porch configuration and detailing; and architectural details (such as the bargeboards, finials and pendants, purlins, transoms, and porch supports). In 2024, a residential alteration application was approved by the Planning staff for the following modifications addressing a notice of violation: rebuild front entrance and south entrance porch steps in wood material, and rebuild six (6) new concrete piers to match existing with four (4) at the primary entrance and two (2) at the south side entrance. The application also included a new side yard fence at the north and south property lines. All exterior modifications were consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. It was noted during the 2024 site visit that all aforementioned items were implemented to staff's satisfaction at the subject property. Additional future improvements proposed by the homeowners during the initial ten years of the Mills Act Agreement include exterior painting, repair all original windows to be fully functional, install front yard fence, landscape improvements, front door replacement with period -appropriate style, rain gutter installation, siding and foundation repairs, seismic retrofit, electrical and plumbing upgrades, reroof, and termite work. Specifically, some windows are currently in poor condition and will be repaired with new window pull ropes and window panes, as well as exterior wood rot repair and weatherproofing, to become fully functional. Staff will ensure that the proposed work will be done sensitively and will maintain the property's character -defining features as part of the Mills Act Agreement for this property. As part of the Mills Act approval process, staff will work with the applicant to ensure that a bronze plaque is installed honoring and recognizing the structure. The plaque will include the historic name, address, year built, and local historic register designation. Lastly, the site will be subject to general maintenance and upkeep requirements including, but not limited to, replacement or restoration of damaged character -defining features, landscaping upkeep, painting, etc. These improvements will be subject to review and approval by staff. Upon consideration of the application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement.