Item 23 - Historic Property Preservation Agreements

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HPPA No. 2024-12 — The Whitten House (1106 South Parton Street) September 5, 2024 Page 2 • 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 2003, the Historic Resources Commission placed the Whitten 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 Whitten House that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to: materials and finishes (wood, clapboard, stucco); roof configuration and treatment; massing and composition; original doors and windows; porch and porte-cochere; and architectural detailing (porch supports, beams and braces, window surrounds). The property was briefly owned by the City of Santa Ana in 2009. In August 2009, residential alteration applications were approved by the Planning and Building Agency (PBA) for the following exterior modifications: reroof house and attached garage, removing existing composition shingles and replacing them in -kind; change -out (11) windows and front and rear doors; and wood porch posts replaced with redwood or pressure -treated wood. All work was finalized in September 2009 and all exterior modifications were consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. The property was subsequently sold the current property owner in April 2010. 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 homeowner during the initial ten years of the Mills Act Agreement include the repair of all deteriorated areas of the wood eaves and repainting of the residence. 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 required Work Plan, staff is recommending additional improvements, including landscape improvements (e.g., trimming of all of the trees around the property, trim overgrown foliage throughout the front yard and rear yard, etc.), preserve/restore exterior wood elements, and repair wood siding along the north elevation of the detached garage, located towards the rear of the 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.