HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 15 - Historic Property Preservation Agreement for the Property Located at 2301 N. Westwood Avenue Planning and Building Agency
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Item # 15
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
May 20, 2025
TOPIC: Approval of Historic Property Preservation Agreement for 2301 N. Westwood
Avenue
AGENDA TITLE
Historic Property Preservation Agreement for the Property Located at 2301 N. Westwood
Avenue
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to execute the attached Mills Act agreement with the below-
referenced property owner for the identified structure(s) (Agreement No. A-2025-XXX).
[Includes determination that the proposed project is exempt from further review in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act as Categorical
Exemption/Environmental Review No. 2025-05 will be filed for the project]
Table 1: Mills Act Agreement Approved by the Historic Resources Commission (HRC)
Property Owner(s)
Historic Property
Preservation
Agreement No.
Address/House Vote by HRC
Kevin T. Nguyen 2025-01 2301 N. Westwood
Avenue
6:0:0:1 (Commissioner
Padilla absent)
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
On March 6, 2025, the Historic Resources Commission (HRC) recommended that the
City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the Mills Act agreement listed in Table
1, above, with the identified property owner for historic structure(s) in the City, subject to
non-substantive changes approved by the City Manager and City Attorney. This action
allows for the approval of a Historic Property Preservation Agreement (Mills Act Contract)
which provides a property tax reduction whereby property owners agree to reinvest the
tax savings towards the maintenance of the historic property. Additionally, the agreement
prevents inappropriate alterations to the protected historic structure(s).
Approval of Historic Property Preservation Agreement (2301 N. Westwood Avenue)
May 20, 2025
Page 2
4
9
8
0
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the proposed project is
exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption/Environmental Review No. 2025-05
will be filed for this project.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Historic Property Preservation Agreement will reduce the Property Tax revenue
account 01102002-50011 to the City by an estimated $1,499.19 annually noted below,
for a period of not less than ten years.
HPPA No.Address Estimate Exhibit Nos.
2025-01 2301 N. Westwood Avenue $1,499.19 1-2
EXHIBITS
1. Mills Act Agreement – 2301 N. Westwood Avenue
2. HRC Staff Report – 2301 N. Westwood Avenue
Submitted By: Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP, Acting Executive Director, Planning and Building
Agency
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager
RECORDING REQUESTED BY
AND WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza (M-30)
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Attn: Clerk of the Council
FREE RECORDING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 27383
_________________________________________________________________________
HISTORIC PROPERTY PRESERVATION AGREEMENT
This Historic Property Preservation Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by
and between the City of Santa Ana, a charter city and municipal corporation duly organized and
existing under the Constitution and laws of the of the State of California (hereinafter referred to as
“City”), and Kevin T. Nguyen, a married man, as his sole and separate property, (hereinafter
collectively referred to as “Owner”), owner of real property located at 2301 North Westwood
Avenue, Santa Ana, California, in the County of Orange and listed on the Santa Ana Register of
Historical Properties.
RECITALS
A.The City Council of the City of Santa Ana is authorized by California Government
Code Section 50280 et seq. (known as the “Mills Act”) to enter into contracts with
owners of qualified historical properties to provide for appropriate use,
maintenance, rehabilitation and restoration such that these historic properties retain
their historic character and integrity.
B.The Owner possesses fee title in and to that certain qualified real property together
with associated structures and improvements thereon, located at 2301 North
Westwood Avenue, Santa Ana, CA, 92706 and more particularly described in
Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and hereinafter
referred to as the “Historic Property.”
C.The Historic Property is officially designated on the Santa Ana Regist er of
Historical Properties pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 30 of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code.
D.City and Owner, for their mutual benefit, now desire to enter into this Agreement
which defines and limits the use and alteration of this Historic Property in order to
enhance and maintain its value as a cultural and historical resource for Owner and
for the community; to prevent inappropriate alterations to the Historic Property and
to ensure that repairs, additions, new building, and other changes are appropriate;
and to ensure that rehabilitation and maintenance are carried out in an exemplary
manner.
Exhibit 1
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-2 -
E.Owner and City intend to carry out the purposes of California Government Code,
Chapter 1, Part 5 of Division 1 of Title 5, Article 12, Section 50280 et seq., which
will enable the Historic Property to qualify for an assessment of valuation as a
restricted historical property pursuant to Article 1.9, Sec. 439 et seq., Chapter 3 Part
2 of Division 1 of the California Tax and Revenue Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Santa Ana and the Owner of the Historic Property agree
as follows:
1.Effective Date and Terms of Agreement.
This Agreement shall be effective and commence on May 21, 2025, and shall remain in
effect for a term of ten (10) years thereafter. Each year, upon the anniversary of the effective date
of this Agreement, such initial term will automatically be extended as provided in California
Government Code Sections 50280 through 50290 and in Section 2, below.
2.Renewal.
a.Each year on the anniversary of the effective date of this Agreement, a year shall
automatically be added to the initial ten (10) year term of this Agreement unless written notice of
nonrenewal is served as provided herein.
b.If the Owner or the City desire(s) in any year not to renew the Agreement, the
Owner or City shall serve written notice of nonrenewal of the Agreement on the other party.
Unless such notice is served by the Owner to the City at least ninety (90) days prior to the annual
renewal date, or served by the City to the Owner at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual renewal
date, one (1) year shall automatically be added to the term of the Agreement as provided herein.
c.Within 30 days from receipt of City’s notice of nonrenewal, the Owner may file a
written protest of City’s decision of nonrenewal. The City may, at any time prior to the annual
renewal date of the Agreement, withdraw its notice to the Owner of nonrenewal.
d.If either the Owner or the City serves notice to the other of nonrenewal in any year,
the Agreement shall remain in effect for the balance of the term then remaining, either from its
original execution or from the last renewal of the Agreement, whichever may apply.
3.Standards and Conditions for Historic Property.
During the term of this Agreement, the Historic Property shall be subject to the following
conditions, requirements and restrictions:
a.Owner shall maintain the Historic Property in a good state of repair and shall
preserve, maintain, and, where necessary, restore or rehabilitate the property and its character-
defining features described in the “Executive Summary” and “Historical Property Description”
attached hereto, marked collectively as Exhibit B, notably the general architectural form, style,
materials, design, scale, proportions, organization of windows, doors, and other openings, textures,
details, mass, roof line, porch and other aspects of the appearance of the exterior to the satisfaction
of the City.
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-3 -
b.All changes to the Historic Property shall comply with applicable City plans and
regulations, and conform to the rules and regulations of the Office of Historic Preservation of the
State Department of Parks and Recreation, namely the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
and Guidelines for Historic Preservation Projects. These guidelines are attached hereto, marked
as Exhibit C, and incorporated herein by this reference. Owner shall continually maintain the
Historic Property in the same or better condition.
c.A view corridor enabling the general public to see the Historic Property from the
public right-of-way shall be maintained, and Owner shall not be permitted to block the view
corridor to the property with any new structure, such as walls, fences or shrubber y, so as to prevent
the viewing of the historic landmark by the public.
d.The following are prohibited: demolition of the Historic Property or destruction of
character-defining features of the building or site; removal of trees and other major vegetation
unless removal is approved by a rehabilitation plan approved by the Historic Resources
Commission; paving of yard surface; exterior alterations or additions unless approved by the
Historic Resources Commission and such alterations are in keeping with the Secretary of Interior’s
Standards; deteriorating, dilapidated or unrepaired structures such as fences, roofs, doors, walls,
and windows; storage of junk, trash, debris, discarded or unused objects such as cars, appliances,
or furniture; and other unsightly by decoration, structure or vegetation which is unsightly by reason
of its height, condition, or inappropriate location.
e.Owner shall allow reasonable periodic inspection by prior appointment, as needed
or at least every five (5) years after the initial inspection, of the interior and exterior of the Historic
Property by representatives of the City of Santa Ana, the County Assessor, the State Department
of Parks and Recreation, and the State Board of Equalization, to determine the Owner’s
compliance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. As part of the periodic inspection,
Owner shall supply information in a format determined acceptable by the representatives of the
City of Santa Ana, the County Assessor, the State Department of Parks and Recreat ion, and the
State Board of Equalization information required to determine compliance with the terms of this
Agreement.
f.Owner shall implement the rehabilitation and restoration work items as discussed
in detail in Exhibit D, “Proposed Structure Improvements” or “Work Plan” and the City Council
Historic Property Preservation Agreement (HPPA No. 2025-01) staff report dated March 6, 2025.
All work items shall be completed within the first ten years of the Mills Act Agreement, with
specific items completed within the first five years including removing the non-compatible rear
vinyl window, maintaining trimmed condition of landscaping and trees at the front of the property,
repainting the exterior with a compatible color palette, removing the double security doors from
the main entrance, changing the exterior lighting for historically-appropriate lighting, and
removing and replacing the double glass block window (south façade) with a historically
compatible window. Proof of completion, as requested by the City of Santa Ana, will be required
in order to satisfy and maintain the Mills Act Agreement. Staff approval is required before items
are amended or removed/replaced from the improvements list.
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-4 -
4.Furnishing of Information.
The Owner hereby agrees to furnish the City with any and all information requested which
may be necessary or advisable to determine compliance with the terms and provisions of this
Agreement.
5.Cancellation.
a.The City, following a duly noticed public hearing by the City Council as set forth
in Government Code Section 50280, et. seq., may cancel this Agreement if it determines that the
Owner have breached any of the conditions of this Agreement, or has allowed the property to
deteriorate to the point that it no longer meets the standards for a qualified Historic Property, or if
the City determines that the Owner have failed to restore or rehabilitate the property in the manner
specified in Section 3 of this Agreement. If a contract is cancelled for these reasons, the Owner
shall pay a cancellation fee to the County Auditor as set forth in Government Code Section 50286.
This cancellation fee shall be a percentage (currently set at twelve and one-half (12 ½) percent by
Government Code Section 50286) of the current fair market value of the property at the time of
the cancellation, as determined by the county assessor, without regard to any restriction imposed
pursuant to this Agreement.
b.If the Historic Property is destroyed by earthquake, fire, flood or other natural
disaster such that in the opinion of the City Building Official more than sixty (60) percent of the
original fabric of the structure must be replaced, this Agreement shall be canceled immediately
because, in effect, the historic value of the structure will have been destroyed. No fee shall be
imposed in the case of destruction by acts of God or natural disaster.
c.If the Historic Property is acquired by eminent domain and the City Council
determines that the acquisition frustrates the purpose of this Agreement, this Agreement shall be
cancelled and no fee imposed, as specified in Government Code Section 50288.
6.Enforcement of Agreement.
a.In lieu of and/or in addition to any provisions to cancel the Agreement as referenced
herein, City may specifically enforce, or enjoin the breach of, the terms of the Agreement. In the
event of a default, under the provisions to cancel the Agreement by Owner, the City shall give
written notice to Owner by registered o r certified mail, and if such a violation is not corrected to
the reasonable satisfaction of the City Manager or designee within thirty (30) days thereafter, or if
not corrected within such a reasonable time as may be required to cure the breach or default, or
default cannot be cured within thirty (30) days (provided that acts to cure the breach or default
may be commenced within thirty (30) days and shall thereafter be diligently pursued to completion
by Owner), then City may, without further notice, declare a default under the terms of this
Agreement and may bring any action necessary to specifically enforce the obligations of Owner
growing out of the terms of this Agreement, apply to any court, state or federal, for injunctive
relief against any violation by Owner or apply for such relief as may be appropriate.
b.City does not waive any claim of default by the Owner if City does not enforce or
cancel this Agreement. All other remedies at law or in equity which are not otherwise provided
for in this Agreement or in City’s regulations governing historic properties are available to City to
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-5 -
pursue in the event that there is a breach of this Agreement. No waiver by City of any breach or
default under this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other subsequent breach
thereof or default hereunder.
7. Binding effect of Agreement.
a.Owner hereby subjects the Historic Property, located at 2301 North Westwood
Avenue, Assessor Parcel Number, 001-176-01, and more particularly described in Exhibit A, in
the City of Santa Ana, to the covenants, conditions, and restrictions as set forth in this Agreement.
b.City and Owner hereby declare their specific intent that the covenants, conditions
and restrictions as set forth herein shall be deemed covenants running with the land and shall pass
to and be binding upon Owner’s successors and assigns in title or interest to the Historic Property.
Every contract, deed, or other instrument hereinafter executed, covering or conveying the Historic
Property or any portion thereof, shall conclusively be held to have been executed, delivered, and
accepted subject to the tenants, restrictions, and reservations expressed in this Agreement
regardless of whether such covenants, conditions and restrictions are set forth in such contract,
deed, or other instrument.
c.This property is listed in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties (Register).
In any real property transaction, the owner of this property or the owner’s representative shall
provide the buyer of this property with notice that the property is listed on the City’s historic
Register.
8.No Compensation.
Owner shall not receive any payment from City in consideration of the obligation imposed
under this Agreement, it being recognized that the consideration for the execution of this
Agreement is the substantial public benefit to be derived therefrom and the advantage that will
accrue to Owner as a result of the effect upon the assessed value of the Property on the account of
the restrictions on the use and preservation of the Property.
9.Notice.
Any notice required by the terms of this Agreement shall be sent to the address of the
respective parties as specified below or at other addresses that may be later specified by the parties
hereto.
City: City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza (M-30)
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Attn: City Clerk
Owner: Kevin T. Nguyen
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-6 -
10.General Provisions.
a.None of the terms, provisions, or conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed to
create a partnership between the parties hereto and any of their heirs, successors, or assigns, nor
shall such terms, provisions or conditions cause them to be considered joint ventures or members
of any joint enterprise.
b.The Owner agrees to and shall indemnify and hold the City and its elected and
appointed officials, officers, agents, and employees harmless from liability for damage or claims
for damage for personal injuries, including death, and claims for property damage which may arise
from the direct or indirect use or operations of the Owner or those of his or her contractor,
subcontractor, agent, employee, or other person acting on his or her behalf which relates to the
use, operation, and maintenance of the Historic Property. The Owner hereby agrees to and shall
defend the City and its elected and appointed officials, officers, agents, and employees with respect
to any and all actions for damages caused by, or alleged to have been caused by, reason of the
Owner's activities in connection with the Historic Property.
c.This hold harmless provision applies to all damages and claims for damages
suffered, or alleged to have been suffered, and costs of defense incurred, by reason of the
operations referred to in this Agreement regardless of whether or not City prepared, supplied, or
approved the plans, specifications or other documents for the Historic Property.
d.All of the agreements, rights, covenants, conditions, and restrictions contained in
this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties herein, their heirs,
successors, legal representatives, assigns, and all persons acquiring any part or portion of the
Historic Property, whether by operation of law on in any manner whatsoever.
e.In the event legal proceedings are brought by any party or parties to enforce or
restrain a violation of any of the covenants, reservations, or restrictions contained herein, or to
determine the rights and duties of any party hereunder, the prevailing party in such proceeding
may recover all reasonable attorney’s fees to be fixed by the court, in addition to court costs and
other relief ordered by the court.
f.In the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are held to be
unenforceable or invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by subsequent preemptive
legislation, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions, or portions thereof, shall
not be effected thereby.
g.This Agreement shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the
State of California, with venue in Orange County.
11.Recordation.
No later than twenty (20) days after the parties execute and enter into this Agreement, the
City shall cause this Agreement to be recorded in the office of the County Recorder of the County
of Orange.
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-7 -
12.Amendments.
This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part, only by a written recorded
instrument executed by the parties hereto.
13.Effective Date
This Agreement shall be effective on the day and year first written above in Section 1.
{Signature page follows}
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-8 -
ATTEST: CITY OF SANTA ANA
________________________ _________________________
JENNIFER L. HALL ALVARO NUÑEZ
City Clerk City Manager
OWNER
Date: ___________________ By:__________________
KEVIN NGUYEN
APPROVED AS TO FORM: RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL:
SONIA CARVALHO
City Attorney
By: _____________________ _____________________
BRANDON SALVATIERRA ALI PEZESHKPOUR
Deputy City Attorney Acting Executive Director
Planning and Building Agency
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-9 -
EXHIBIT A
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
PARCEL 1
LOT 6 OF TRACT NO. 3141, IN THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, COUNTY OF ORANGE,
STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 95 PAGES 47 AND 48
MISCELLANEOUS MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID
COUNTY.
PARCEL 2
THAT PORTION OF LOT 7 OF TRACT NO. 3141, IN THE CITY OF SANTA ANA,
COUNTY OF ORANGE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK
95 PAGES 47 AND 48 MISCELLANEOUS MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY
RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING AT A POINT IN THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 7 DISTANT THEREON
NORTH 2° 44’ 44” EAST 3 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THEREOF AND
RUNNING THENCE SOUTH 2° 44’ 44” WEST 3 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
SAID LOT 7; THENCE NORTH 89° 21’ 50” WEST ALONG THE SOUTH
LINE OF SAID LOT, 134.84 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE
NORTHERLY ALONG THE WESTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 5.31 FEET; THENCE
EASTERLY 134.84 FEET, MORE OR LESS TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
Assessor’s Parcel Number: 001-176-01
2
1
4
7
9
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Brophy House
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
NAME Brophy House REF. NO.
ADDRESS 2301 North Westwood Avenue
CITY Santa Ana ZIP 92706 ORANGE COUNTY
YEAR BUILT 1957 LOCAL REGISTER CATEGORY: Key
HISTORIC DISTRICT N/A NEIGHBORHOOD West Floral Park
CALIFORNIA REGISTER CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION C/3 CALIFORNIA REGISTER STATUS CODE 5S3
Location: Not for Publication Unrestricted
Prehistoric Historic Both
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: Mid-Century Modern
Editor of Arts and Architecture magazine, John Entenza, and his influential sponsorship of the Case Study Program,
greatly influenced the development of Mid-Century Modern architectural style. The Case Study Program, which included a
series of residential designs (not all of which were constructed) was published between 1945-1966. The program
emphasized modern design techniques and affordable construction methods that were easily replicated as a means to
influence affordable housing production. Key design elements of the Case Study Program include stripped ornamentation,
exposed structural components including wide beams as part of a post-and-beam structural system; flat or nearly flat
roofs integrating generous overhangs; concrete flooring, and open floor plans. A strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living
was conveyed through the heavy utilization of glazed walls and interior and exterior courtyards. Mid-Century Modern style
is an umbrella term that incapsulates a broad range of post-World War II modernist themes that were applied to a variety
of property types including single-and-multi family residences, commercial buildings and centers, as well as large-scale
educational, institutional, and indsustrial uses. The Mid-Century Modern style’s period of significance is 1945-1975.
Character-defining features of the Mid-Century Modern style include use of wood or steel post and beam exposed
construction, bountiful glazing, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. In form and massing, the style is expressed
through simple geometric volumes and horizontal massing, usually asymmetrical. The style includes little to no
ornamentaiton. Roof shapes are often flat or have low-pitch gables, both with wide overhanging eaves. Additionally,
highly-pitched A-frame roofs are a reflection of the style. Fenestration is typically flush-mounted metal framed windows
that span floor-to-ceiling. Siding can include stucco, concrete block, brick, and wood.
SUMMARY/CONCLUSION:
The Brophy House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under Criterion 1 for embodiment
of the distinguishing characteristics of a Mid-Century Modern style residential building. The recommended categorization
is “Key” because it has a distinctive architectural style and quality reflective of the Mid-Century Modern style (Santa Ana
Municipal Code, Section 30-2.2).
EXPLANATION OF CODES:
California Register Criteria for Evaluation: (From California Office of Historic Preservation, Technical Assistance
Series # 7, “How to Nominate Resources to the California Register of Historical Resources,” September 4, 2001.)
3:It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or
represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values.
It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the
work of a master, or possesses high artistic values.
5S3:Appears to be individually eligible for local listing or designation through survey evaluation.
Exhibit B
State of California The Resources Agency Primary #______________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #__________________________________________________
PRIMARY RECORD Trinomial______________________________________________
NRHP Status Code_____________________________________
Other Listings_____________________________________________________________________
Review Code________Reviewer________________________Date_______________
Page _1_ of _5_ Resource name(s) or number (assigned by recorder) Brophy House
P1. Other Identifier:
*P2. Location: Not for Publication Unrestricted *a. County Orange County
*b. USGS 7.5’ Quad: Orange Quadrangle California-Orange County 7.5-Minute Series Date: 2022
*c. Address 2301 North Westwood Avenue City: Santa Ana Zip: 92706
*e. Other Locational Data: Assessor’s Parcel Number 001-176-01
*P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
Located on a corner parcel in West Floral Park, the Brophy House is a one-story, single-family Mid-Century Modern Style
residence with an attached garage and rear pool (Figure 1). The building features a U-shaped plan that emphasizes privacy
with two primary facades: the main living area in the west wing facing Westwood Avenue, and a louvered privacy wall with a
rear yard entrance and an attached garage in the south wing facing Santa Clara Avenue (Figure 2). Asymmetrical in design,
the house exhibits a horizontal emphasis expressed through a low-pitched, complex hipped roof with deep overhanging
eaves and continuous fascia that wraps around the building’s roofline (Figure 3). The center point where the west and south
wings meet form a prominent southwest building corner with a slightly higher pitched gable roof than the majority of the
building (Figure 4). The exterior of the house is clad primarily in a combination of stucco and stonewall, with minimal
concrete block towards the rear. The main entrance, which is located behind security doors, is composed of double solid
pedestrian doors with two doorknobs each adorned by round bronze ornamentation. The entrance is raised above two
shallow stone-clad steps and is situated under a wide overhanging eave with a single cylinder support beam that forms the
front porch (Figure 5).
(See Continuation Sheet 3 of 5.)
*P3b. Resource Attributes: (list attributes and codes) HP2. Single-Family Residence and HP39. Other (swimming pool)
*P4. Resources Present: Building Structure Object Site District Element of District Other
P5b. Photo: (view and date)
(Figure 1) Primary (southwest)
facade, view northeast, January 2025
*P6. Date Constructed/Age and
Sources: historic
1957/ Original Building Permit
*P7. Owner and Address:
Kevin T. Nguyen
2301 N Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
*P8. Recorded by:
Andrea Dumovich Heywood
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza M-20
Santa Ana, CA 92702
*P9. Date Recorded:
March 6, 2025
*P10. Survey Type:
Intensive Survey Update
*P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey
report and other sources, or enter “none”)
None
*Attachments: None Location
Map Sketch Map Continuation
Sheet Building, Structure, and Object Record
Archaeological Record District Record Linear Feature Record Milling Station Record Rock Art Record
Artifact Record Photograph Record Other (list)
DPR 523A (1/95)*Required information
P5a. Photo
State of California The Resources Agency Primary #__________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#______________________________________________
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
Page 2 of 5 *NRHP Status Code_5S3_________________________
*Resource Name or #: Brophy House
B1. Historic Name: Brophy House
B2. Common Name: Same
B3. Original Use: Single-family Residence B4. Present Use: Single-family Residence
*B5. Architectural Style: Mid-Century Modern
*B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations):
September 10, 1957. Permit to construct a six-room residence and garage. $23,000.
November 29, 1957. Plastering. Valuation unknown.
Januar 3, 1958. Pvt. Pool. $2,500.
October 15, 1999. Reroof. $8,400.
February 4, 2025. Legalize existing rear vinyl slider window. $1,500.
*B7. Moved?No Yes Unknown Date:__________Original location:_______ _______
*B8. Related Features: swimming pool
B9a. Architect: Unknown b. Builder: A.K. Herrick (contractor)
*B10. Significance: Theme Residential Architecture Area Santa Ana
Period of Significance: 1957 Property Type: Single-family Residence Applicable Criteria: C/3
(Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity)
The Brophy House is architecturally significant as an intact example of a Mid-Century Modern-style house in Santa Ana. The
original building permit is dated September 10, 1957 and indicates it was built as a single-family six-room residence and
garage by contractor A.K. Herrick, at a cost of $23,000. The original architect is unknown. The earliest known occupant is
Joseph P. Brophy, who is listed on the original building permit. City directories note Mr. Brophy as the building's owner
through 1962. The years 1963-1987 do not include the subject address in the directory or the directory itself was not available
for research. Newspaper articles indicate that prior to owning 2301 N Westwood Avenue, Mr. Brophy moved to Santa Ana in
1939 and owned a café located at 220 E. 4th Street for at least ten years. Mr. Brophy, without any public office experience,
ran for state assembly in 1954 and lost to Assemblyman Earle Stanley (Santa Ana Register February 18, 1954 and Santa
Ana Register June 9, 1954). No pertinent information was uncovered regarding Mr. Brophy during his time occupying 2301 N
Westwood Avenue. The next known owner, Bernie Barnette, owned the subject property from circa 1989 to 2008, per
available city directories. Mr. Barnette worked for MacLean sales department in the 1950s as well as worked as a used car
manager (Santa Ana Register May 1, 1955). No other information was uncovered. The property remained in the Barnette
family until 2024, when current owner Kevin Nguyen purchased the property from Bradley Barnette (See Continuation Sheet
3).
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes)
*B12. References:
(See Continuation Sheet 4 of 5.)
B13. Remarks: None
*B14. Evaluator: Andrea Dumovich Heywood, City of Santa Ana.
*Date of Evaluation: March 6, 2025
Sketch Map
(This space reserved for official comments.)
Brophy House
2301 North Westwood Avenue
N
State of California The Resources Agency Primary # _____________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI # ________________________________________________
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial _____________________________________________
Page 3_ of 5_Resource Name: Brophy House
*Recorded by Andrea Dumovich Heywood *Date March 6, 2025 Continuation Update
DPR 523L
DPR 523B (1/95)*Required information
*P3a. Description (continued):
Window fenestration throughout the property includes a mix of materials, primarily comprised of aluminum and wood-frame
windows. On the primary (west) façade, fenestration includes a pair of narrow casement windows to the north and floor-to-
ceiling fixed wood windows at the south corner near the main entrance. Below the southwest gable roof are two wood-frame
trapezoidal transoms (Figure 6). Window fenestration on the primary (south) façade includes a single wood-framed stained-
glass window, one tripartite aluminum-frame casement window, one double glass block window, and a jalousie window.
Remaining rear-facing window fenestration throughout the interior courtyard includes several sets of floor-to-ceiling aluminum
slider and fixed windows, large floor-to-ceiling fixed wood windows that span the façade and building corner, and a single
vinyl replacement slider window (Figure 7). The north (side) façade contains two sets of aluminum-frame casement windows
and one group of aluminum-frame transom casement and fixed windows. Additional architectural features include the use of
stonewall material that is applied on the central stonewall chimney, shallow front porch steps, and front yard planters; wood
shutters which flank the aluminum casement windows at the primary (west) façade; prominent window sill located on the
wood-frame windows and single jalousie window; three long beams extending past the gable’s end at the southwest gable;
and rear swimming pool (Figure 8). The property is landscaped with a front lawn, low shrubs, palm trees and tropical-themed
plants, and other Mid-Century Modern themed vegetation.
*B10. Significance (continued):
Santa Ana was founded by William Spurgeon in 1869 as a speculative town site on part of the Spanish land grant known as
Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana. The civic and commercial core of the community was centered around the intersection of
Main and Fourth Streets. Stimulated by the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad and incorporation as a city in 1886, and selection
as the seat of the newly created County of Orange in 1889, the city grew outwards, with residential neighborhoods
developing to the north, south, and east of the city center. Agricultural uses predominated in the outlying areas, with
cultivated fields and orchards dotted with widely scattered farmhouses.
Since the second half of the twentieth century, the neighborhood in which the Brophy House is located has been known as
West Floral Park. Bounded by Santiago Creek on the north, West Seventeenth Street on the south, North Flower Street on
the east and North Bristol Street on the west, this residential area largely developed after 1947. Prior to that time, the area
was primarily agricultural, and other than Flower Street, which was improved with houses during the 1920s and 1930s,
contained only a handful of residences on Baker and Bristol Streets, the City Water Works pumping plant at 2315 North
Bristol Street, and the Animal Shelter and City/County Pound at 2321 North Bristol Street. Between 1947 and 1950, around
two dozen homes were constructed on Baker, Olive, Towner, and Westwood Streets. Construction boomed throughout the
neighborhood during the 1950s, with the California Ranch emerging as the favored residential style.
The Brophy House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under Criterion 1 as an intact
example of a Mid-Century Modern style home in Santa Ana. Located in West Floral Park, the house cost $23,000 to build in
1957. The recommended categorization is “Key” because it has a distinctive architectural style and quality reflective of the
Mid-Century Modern style (Santa Ana Municipal Code, Section 30-2.2). Character-defining features of the Mid-Century
Modern style exhibited by the house include its U-shaped plan; two primary (west and south) facades; asymmetrical design;
horizontal emphasis expressed through low-pitched, complex hipped roof with deep overhanging eaves; continuous fascia
that wraps around the building’s roofline; southwest gable roof with trapezoidal transoms; original windows and doors
consisting of aluminum and wood frames; one jalousie window; prominent window sill on wood-frame windows and one
jalousie window; stucco and stonewall cladding throughout; main entrance within front porch composed of double doors with
bronze doorknob ornamentation; stonewall chimney; stone-clad front porch steps and planter boxes; louvered privacy wall
with a rear yard entrance; attached garage; and front lawn with tropical landscaping.
*B12. References (continued):
Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
_____. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.
_____. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations,
Inc., 2012.
_____. California, U.S., Marriage Index, 1960-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007.
City of Santa Ana Building Permits
McAlester, Virginia Savage. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2013.
Newspapers.com (Santa Ana Daily Register, The Register)
Office of Historic Preservation. “Instructions for Recording Historical Resources.” Sacramento: March 1995.
Sanborn maps.
Whiffen, Marcus. American Architecture Since 1780. Cambridge: MIT Press, 1969.
State of California The Resources Agency Primary # _____________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI # ________________________________________________
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial _____________________________________________
Page 4_ of 5_Resource Name: Brophy House
*Recorded by Andrea Dumovich Heywood *Date March 6, 2025 Continuation Update
DPR 523L
Additional Figures:
Figure 2. Louvered privacy wall along the south wing,
facing north.
Figure 3. The building’s deep overhanging eaves, facing
northeast.
Figure 4. The prominent southwest building corner with
gable roof, facing north.
Figure 5. The main entrance is raised above two stone-
clad steps and is situated under a wide overhanging
eave that forms the front porch, facing northeast.
Figure 6. On the primary (west) façade, a pair of narrow
casement windows, facing east.
Figure 7. At the rear, large floor-to-ceiling fixed wood
windows span the façade, facing west.
State of California The Resources Agency Primary # _____________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI # ________________________________________________
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial _____________________________________________
Page 5_ of 5_Resource Name: Brophy House
*Recorded by Andrea Dumovich Heywood *Date March 6, 2025 Continuation Update
DPR 523L
Figure 8. Primary (west) façade which contains
stonewall material and wood shutters, among other
features, facing east.
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
- 1 -
Exhibit C
Exterior work shall be reviewed by the Historic Resources Commission and subject to the U.S.
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings, as follows:
1. Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a property
which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its
environment, or to use a property for its originally intended purpose.
2. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure or site
and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any
historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when
possible.
3. All buildings, structures, and sites shall be recognized as products of their own
time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier
appearance shall be discouraged.
4. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the
history and development of a building, structure, or site and its environment.
These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this
significance shall be recognized and respected.
5. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which
characterize a building, structure, or site shall be treated with sensitivity.
6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced,
whenever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material
should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture,
and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features
should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic,
physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the
availability of different architectural elements from the other buildings or
structures.
7. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means
possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic
building materials shall not be undertaken.
8. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and reserve archaeological
resources affected by, or adjacent to any project.
9. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not
be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant
historical, architectural or cultural material, and such design is compatible with
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
- 2 -
size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood, or
environment.
10. Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such
a manner that if such additions or alterations need to be removed in the future, the
essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired.
2
2
9
0
3
Exhibit D: Proposed Structure Improvements (“Work Plan”)
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Item Year Improvement
1 2025 Replace one rear vinyl slider window with new window that is compatible in
materials, design, and operation. Planning Division staff approval required prior to
issuance of Building permit.
2 2025 Trim exterior landscaping to expose and accentuate historic property features, such
as the high gable roofline and corner/ribbon windows, to ensure a clear view of the
primary (west and south) façades from the public right-of-way.
3 2025 Repaint exterior of residence with a historically-compatible color palette.
4 2026 Remove double security doors from the main entrance. Replacement doors require
Planning Division staff approval prior to installment.
5 2027 Change out exterior lighting for historically-appropriate lighting. Planning Division
staff approval required prior to installation.
6 2028 Remove and replace the double glass block window (south façade) with a period
appropriate window that is compatible in materials, design, and operation. Planning
Division staff approval required prior to issuance of Building permit.
7 2030 Replace non-original garage door with historically-compatible garage door,
approved by Planning Division staff prior to installation.
Exhibit D
Planning and Building Agency
Item # 1
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Historic Resources Commission Staff Report
March 6, 2025
Topic: HRCA No. 2025-01, HRC No. 2025-01, HPPA No. 2025-01 – Brophy House
(2301 N Westwood Avenue)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Adopt a resolution approving Historic Resources Commission Application No. 2025-01
and Historic Register Categorization No. 2025-01 (Exhibit 1).
2. Recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager and Clerk of the Council
to execute the attached Mills Act agreement with Kevin Nguyen, subject to non-
substantive changes approved by the City Manager and City Attorney (Exhibit 2).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Kevin Nguyen is requesting approval to designate an existing Mid-Century Modern-style
residence located at 2301 North Westwood Avenue to the Santa Ana Register of
Historical Properties, as well as approval to execute a Mills Act agreement with the City
of Santa Ana. The property qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical
Properties under Criterion 1 as an intact example of a Mid-Century Modern-style house.
It is worthy of “Key” categorization as it has a distinctive architectural style and quality
reflective of the Mid-Century Modern style, including its wide overhanging eaves, louvered
privacy wall, floor-to-ceiling glazing, among other features.
DISCUSSION
Project Location and Site Description
The subject property is located on a corner lot with Santa Clara Avenue to the south and
Westwood Avenue to the west, in the West Floral Park neighborhood in Santa Ana. The
site contains a 2,104-square-foot, Mid-Century Modern-style residence and attached
detached garage on a 12,825-square-foot residential lot (Exhibit 3).
Analysis of the Issues
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 3/6/2025
Exhibit 2
HRCA No. 2025-01, HRC No. 2025-01, HPPA No. 2025-01– Brophy House (2301 N.
Westwood Avenue)
March 6, 2025
Page 2
4
8
2
6
Historical Listing
In March 1999, the City Council approved Ordinance No. NS-2363 establishing the
Historic Resources Commission and the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties. The
Historic Resources Commission may, by resolution and at a noticed public hearing,
designate as a historical property any building or part thereof, object, structure, or site
having importance to the history or architecture of the city in accordance with the criteria
set forth in Section 30-2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC). This project entails
applying the selection criteria established in Chapter 30 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code
(Places of Historical and Architectural Significance) to determine if this structure is eligible
for historic designation to the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties. The first
criterion for selection requires that the structures be 50 or more years old.
The structure identified meets the selection criteria for inclusion on the Santa Ana
Register of Historical Properties pursuant to criteria contained in Section 30-2 of the Santa
Ana Municipal Code, as the structure is 68 years old and is a sound example of period
architecture. No known code violations exist on record for this property.
The Brophy House is architecturally significant as an intact example of a Mid-Century
Modern-style house in Santa Ana. The original building permit is dated September 10,
1957 and indicates it was built as a single-family six-room residence and garage by
contractor A.K. Herrick, at a cost of $23,000. The original architect is unknown. The
earliest known occupant is Joseph P. Brophy, who is listed on the original building permit.
City directories note Mr. Brophy as the building's owner through 1962. The years 1963-
1987 do not include the subject address in the directory or the directory itself was not
available for research. Newspaper articles indicate that prior to owning 2301 N Westwood
Avenue, Mr. Brophy moved to Santa Ana in 1939 and owned a café located at 220 E. 4th
Street for at least ten years. Mr. Brophy, without any public office experience, ran for state
assembly in 1954 and lost to Assemblyman Earle Stanley (Santa Ana Register February
18, 1954 and Santa Ana Register June 9, 1954). No pertinent information was uncovered
regarding Mr. Brophy during his time occupying 2301 N Westwood Avenue. The next
known owner, Bernie Barnette, owned the subject property from circa 1989 to 2008, per
available city directories. Mr. Barnette worked for MacLean sales department in the 1950s
as well as worked as a used car manager (Santa Ana Register May 1, 1955). No other
information was uncovered. The property remained in the Barnette family until 2024,
when current owner Kevin Nguyen purchased the property from Bradley Barnette.
Located on a corner parcel in West Floral Park, the Brophy House is a one-story, single-
family Mid-Century Modern Style residence with an attached garage and rear pool. The
building features a U-shaped plan that emphasizes privacy with two primary facades: the
main living area in the west wing facing Westwood Avenue, and a louvered privacy wall
with a rear yard entrance and an attached garage in the south wing facing Santa Clara
Avenue. Asymmetrical in design, the house exhibits a horizontal emphasis expressed
Historic Resources Commission 1 -2 3/6/2025
HRCA No. 2025-01, HRC No. 2025-01, HPPA No. 2025-01– Brophy House (2301 N.
Westwood Avenue)
March 6, 2025
Page 3
4
8
2
6
through a low-pitched, complex hipped roof with deep overhanging eaves and continuous
fascia that wraps around the building’s roofline. The center point where the west and
south wings meet form a prominent southwest building corner with a slightly higher
pitched gable roof than the majority of the building. The exterior of the house is clad
primarily in a combination of stucco and stonewall, with minimal concrete block towards
the rear. The main entrance, which is located behind security doors, is composed of
double solid pedestrian doors with two doorknobs each adorned by round bronze
ornamentation. The entrance is raised above two shallow stone-clad steps and is situated
under a wide overhanging eave with a single cylinder support beam that forms the front
porch.
Window fenestration throughout the property includes a mix of materials, primarily
comprised of aluminum and wood-frame windows. On the primary (west) façade,
fenestration includes a pair of narrow casement windows to the north and floor-to-ceiling
fixed wood windows at the south corner near the main entrance. Below the southwest
gable roof are two wood-frame trapezoidal transoms. Window fenestration on the primary
(south) façade includes a single wood-framed stained-glass window, one tripartite
aluminum-frame casement window, one double glass block window, and a jalousie
window. Remaining rear-facing window fenestration throughout the interior courtyard
includes several sets of floor-to-ceiling aluminum slider and fixed windows, large floor-to-
ceiling fixed wood windows that span the façade and building corner, and a single vinyl
replacement slider window. The north (side) façade contains two sets of aluminum-frame
casement windows and one group of aluminum-frame transom casement and fixed
windows. Additional architectural features include the use of stonewall material that is
applied on the central stonewall chimney, shallow front porch steps, and front yard
planters; wood shutters which flank the aluminum casement windows at the primary
(west) façade; prominent window sill located on the wood-frame windows and single
jalousie window; three long beams extending past the gable’s end at the southwest gable;
and rear swimming pool. The property is landscaped with a front lawn, low shrubs, palm
trees and tropical-themed plants, and other Mid-Century Modern themed vegetation.
Character-defining features of the Brophy House include, but may not be limited to: its U-
shaped plan; two primary (west and south) facades; asymmetrical design; horizontal
emphasis expressed through low-pitched, complex hipped roof with deep overhanging
eaves; continuous fascia that wraps around the building’s roofline; southwest gable roof
with trapezoidal transoms; original windows and doors consisting of aluminum and wood
frames; one jalousie window; prominent window sill on wood-frame windows and one
jalousie window; stucco and stonewall cladding throughout; main entrance within front
porch composed of double doors with bronze doorknob ornamentation; stonewall
chimney; stone-clad front porch steps and planter boxes; louvered privacy wall with a rear
yard entrance; attached garage; and front lawn with tropical landscaping. The Brophy
House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under
Criterion 1 as an intact example of a Mid-Century Modern style home in Santa Ana.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -3 3/6/2025
HRCA No. 2025-01, HRC No. 2025-01, HPPA No. 2025-01– Brophy House (2301 N.
Westwood Avenue)
March 6, 2025
Page 4
4
8
2
6
Located in West Floral Park, the house cost $23,000 to build in 1957. The recommended
categorization is “Key” because it has a distinctive architectural style and quality reflective
of the Mid-Century Modern style.
Mills Act Agreement
Ordinance No. NS-2382 authorized the Historic Resources Commission to execute
Historic Property Preservation Agreements (HPPA), commonly known as Mills Act
agreements for eligible properties (Exhibit 2). To be eligible for the Mills Act, the property
must be listed on the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties. The Historic Resources
Commission Application and Historic Register Categorization actions proposed for this
site authorize the listing of the property on the local register. The agreement provides
monetary incentives to the property owner in the form of a property tax reduction in
exchange for the owner’s voluntary commitment to maintain the property in a good state
of repair as necessary to maintain its character and appearance. Once recorded, the
agreement 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
•A mechanism to provide for property rehabilitation
•Incentives for potential buyers to purchase historic structures
•Discouraging inappropriate alterations to the property
The property has no identified unauthorized modifications. Upon consideration of the
application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation
Agreement subject to a completion of future improvements as described in an attached
Work Plan.
Overall, future improvements (Work Plan) proposed by the homeowner during the initial
ten years of the Mills Act Agreement include the following: removing the non-compatible
rear vinyl window, changing the exterior lighting for historically-appropriate lighting,
maintaining trimmed condition of landscaping and trees at the front of the property, and
repainting the exterior with a compatible color palette. Staff suggests adding the following
items to the Work Plan: removing the double security doors from the main entrance, and
removing and replacing the double glass block window (south façade) with a historically
compatible window. 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.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -4 3/6/2025
HRCA No. 2025-01, HRC No. 2025-01, HPPA No. 2025-01– Brophy House (2301 N.
Westwood Avenue)
March 6, 2025
Page 5
4
8
2
6
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. Upon consideration of the application, it is
recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement to
enable the Mills Act.
Public Notification
The subject site is located within the West Floral Park Neighborhood Association. The
president of this Neighborhood Association was notified by mail 10 days prior to this public
hearing. In addition, the project site was posted with a notice advertising this public
hearing, a notice was published in the Orange County Reporter and mailed notices were
sent to all property owners within 500 feet of the project site. At the time of this printing,
no correspondence, either written or electronic, has been received from any members of
the public.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines,
the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Section 15331 of the CEQA
Guidelines (Class 31 – Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) as these actions
are designed to preserve historic resources. Based on this analysis, a Notice of
Exemption, Environmental Review No. 2025-05 will be filed for this project.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Historic Property Preservation Agreement will reduce the Property Tax revenue
account 01102002-50011 to the City by an estimated $1,499.19 annually, for a period of
not less than ten years.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution
2. Mills Act Agreement
3. 500-Foot Radius Map
4. Copy of Public Notice
Submitted By: Andrea Dumovich Heywood, Associate Planner
Approved By: Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP, Acting Executive Director of Planning and Building
Agency
Historic Resources Commission 1 -5 3/6/2025
FREE RECORDING PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE § 27383
Resolution No. 2025-XX
Page 1 of 7
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE HISTORIC RESOURCES
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING
HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION APPLICATION NO.
2025-01 TO PLACE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2301
NORTH WESTWOOD AVENUE, SANTA ANA, ON THE
HISTORICAL REGISTER AND APPROVING HISTORIC
REGISTER CATEGORIZATION NO. 2025-01 PLACING
SAID PROPERTY WITHIN THE KEY CATEGORY
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Historic Resources Commission of the City of Santa Ana hereby
finds, determines, and declares as follows:
A.On March 6, 2025, the Historic Resources Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing for the placement on the Santa Ana Register of Historical
Properties (Historic Resources Commission Application No. 2025-01) and
categorization (Historic Resources Commission Categorization No. 2025-
01) of the Brophy House located at 2301 North Westwood Avenue, Santa
Ana.
B.The Brophy House has distinctive architectural features of the Mid-Century
Modern style and was built in 1957.
C.The Brophy House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical
Properties under Criterion 1 as an intact example of a Mid-Century Modern
style home in Santa Ana. The house displays characteristics of the Mid-
Century Modern style through its use of its wide overhanging eaves,
louvered privacy wall, floor-to-ceiling glazing, among other original features.
The recommended categorization is “Key” because it has a distinctive
architectural style and quality reflective of the Mid-Century Modern style.
Character-defining features of the Brophy House include, but may not be
limited to: U-shaped plan; two primary (west and south) facades;
asymmetrical design; horizontal emphasis expressed through low-pitched,
complex hipped roof with deep overhanging eaves; continuous fascia that
wraps around the building’s roofline; southwest gable roof with trapezoidal
transoms; original windows and doors consisting of aluminum and wood
frames; one jalousie window; prominent window sill on wood -frame
windows and one jalousie window; stucco and stonewall cladding
throughout; main entrance within front porch composed of double doors with
bronze doorknob ornamentation; stonewall chimney; stone-clad front porch
steps and planter boxes; louvered privacy wall with a rear yard entrance;
attached garage; and front lawn with tropical landscaping.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -6 3/6/2025
FREE RECORDING PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE § 27383
Resolution No. 2025-XX
Page 2 of 7
D.The legal owner of the property is Kevin T. Nguyen.
E.The legal description for the subject property is attached hereto as Exhibit
A and incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein.
F.The subject property meets the standards for placement on the City of Santa
Ana Register of Historic Properties pursuant to Section 30-2 of the Santa
Ana Municipal Code.
G.The subject property meets the minimum standards for placement in the Key
category pursuant to Section 30-2.2(2) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code.
H.In addition to meeting the standards for placement in the Key category
pursuant to Section 30-2.2(3) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code, the
applicant has agreed, as part of the requested Mills Act agreement Work
Plan, to restoration of select elements described therein within the first five
years of the Agreement’s term, including removing the non-compatible rear
vinyl window, maintaining trimmed condition of landscaping and trees at the
front of the property, repainting the exterior with a compatible color palette,
removing the double security doors from the main entrance, changing the
exterior lighting for historically-appropriate lighting, and removing and
replacing the double glass block window (south façade) with a historically
compatible window.
Section 2. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended actions are exempt from further review under CEQA Guidelines Section
15331, Class 31, as these actions are designed to preserve historical resources.
Categorical Exemption No. ER-2025-05 will be filed for this project.
Section 3. The Historic Resources Commission of the City of Santa Ana, after
conducting the public hearing, hereby approves:
A.Historic Resources Commission Application No. 2025-01 to place the
Brophy House located at 2301 North Westwood Avenue, Santa Ana, 92706
on the historical register, and
B.Historic Register Categorization No. 2025-01 placing the Brophy House
located at 2301 North Westwood Avenue, Santa Ana, 92706 within the Key
category, as conditioned in Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated
herein.
These decisions are based upon the evidence submitted at the above said hearing,
which includes, but is not limited to: the Staff report and exhibits attached thereto , the
report entitled “Historical Property Description,” and the public testimony, all of which are
incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 4. For the subject property, a report entitled “Historical Property
Description” is on file with the Planning Division, and is hereby approved and adopted, and
together with the staff report and this Resolution, justify the findings for placement on the
City of Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties into a category. The Historic Resources
Commission Secretary is authorized and directed to include this Resolution in the City of
Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -7 3/6/2025
FREE RECORDING PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE § 27383
Resolution No. 2025-XX
Page 3 of 7
Section 5. The Historic Resources Commission Secretary is hereby directed to
file a certified copy of this Resolution with the County Recorder’s Office after the adoption
of this Resolution pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5029.
ADOPTED this 6th day of March, 2025.
__________________________
Edward Murashie
Chairperson
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
By:________________________
Brandon Salvatierra
Deputy City Attorney
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
NOT PRESENT:
Historic Resources Commission 1 -8 3/6/2025
FREE RECORDING PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE § 27383
Resolution No. 2025-XX
Page 4 of 7
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, NUVIA OCAMPO, Historic Resources Commission Secretary, do hereby attest to and
certify the attached Resolution No. 2025-XX to be the original resolution adopted by
Historic Resources Commission of the City of Santa Ana on March 6, 2025.
Date: ________________ ____________________________________
Nuvia Ocampo
Commission Secretary
City of Santa Ana
Historic Resources Commission 1 -9 3/6/2025
FREE RECORDING PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE § 27383
Resolution No. 2025-XX
Page 5 of 7
EXHIBIT A
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
APN Address Legal Description Owner Names
001-176-01 2301 North Westwood
Avenue
PARCEL 1
LOT 6 OF TRACT NO. 3141, IN
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA,
COUNTY OF ORANGE, STATE
OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP
RECORDED IN BOOK 95
PAGES 47 AND 48
MISCELLANEOUS MAPS, IN
THE OFFICE OF THE
COUNTY RECORDER OF
SAID COUNTY.
PARCEL 2
THAT PORTION OF LOT 7 OF
TRACT NO. 3141, IN THE CITY
OF SANTA ANA, COUNTY OF
ORANGE, STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP
RECORDED IN BOOK 95
PAGES 47 AND 48
MISCELLANEOUS MAPS, IN
THE OFFICE OF THE
COUNTY RECORDER OF
SAID COUNTY, DESCRIBED
AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING AT A POINT IN
THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT
7 DISTANT THEREON
NORTH 2° 44’ 44” EAST 3
FEET FROM THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER
THEREOF AND
RUNNING THENCE SOUTH 2°
44’ 44” WEST 3 FEET TO THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
SAID LOT 7; THENCE NORTH
89° 21’ 50” WEST ALONG THE
SOUTH
Kevin T. Nguyen
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 0 3/6/2025
FREE RECORDING PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE § 27383
Resolution No. 2025-XX
Page 6 of 7
LINE OF SAID LOT, 134.84
FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER THEREOF; THENCE
NORTHERLY ALONG THE
WESTERLY LINE OF SAID
LOT 5.31 FEET; THENCE
EASTERLY 134.84 FEET,
MORE OR LESS TO THE
POINT OF BEGINNING.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 1 3/6/2025
FREE RECORDING PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE § 27383
Resolution No. 2025-XX
Page 7 of 7
EXHIBIT B
Conditions of Approval for Historic Resources Commission Application No.
2025-01 and Historic Resources Commission Categorization No. 2025-01
The Applicant must comply with each condition listed below prior to exercising
the rights conferred by the Historic Resource Commission’s approval and the
City of Santa Ana Register of Historic Properties pursuant to Section 30-6 of the
Santa Ana Municipal Code. The Applicant must remain in compliance with all
condition(s) listed below:
1.Within 180-days of execution of this resolution, the applicant shall install a
bronze plaque as per a template on file with the Planning Division honoring
and recognizing the structure at 2301 North Westwood Avenue, historically
known as the Brophy House. The plaque shall include the historic name,
address, year built, and local historic register designation. The final
dimensions, location, text and description on the plaque shall be reviewed
and approved by Planning Division staff.
2.The applicant shall regularly maintain all landscaping in the front yard area
(pruning and thinning trees and shrubs) so that the historic building and its
character defining features (including but not limited to the hipped and
front gable roofs, overhanging eaves and fascia, aluminum and wood-
frame windows, and stucco and stone-clad siding) are visible from the
public right-of-way.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 2 3/6/2025
RECORDING REQUESTED BY
AND WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza (M-30)
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Attn: Clerk of the Council
FREE RECORDING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 27383
_________________________________________________________________________
HISTORIC PROPERTY PRESERVATION AGREEMENT
This Historic Property Preservation Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by
and between the City of Santa Ana, a charter city and municipal corporation duly organized and
existing under the Constitution and laws of the of the State of California (hereinafter referred to as
“City”), and Kevin T. Nguyen, a married man, as his sole and separate property, (hereinafter
collectively referred to as “Owner”), owner of real property located at 2301 North Westwood
Avenue, Santa Ana, California, in the County of Orange and listed on the Santa Ana Register of
Historical Properties.
RECITALS
A.The City Council of the City of Santa Ana is authorized by California Government
Code Section 50280 et seq. (known as the “Mills Act”) to enter into contracts with
owners of qualified historical properties to provide for appropriate use,
maintenance, rehabilitation and restoration such that these historic properties retain
their historic character and integrity.
B.The Owner possesses fee title in and to that certain qualified real property together
with associated structures and improvements thereon, located at 2301 North
Westwood Avenue, Santa Ana, CA, 92706 and more particularly described in
Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and hereinafter
referred to as the “Historic Property.”
C.The Historic Property is officially designated on the Santa Ana Regist er of
Historical Properties pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 30 of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code.
D.City and Owner, for their mutual benefit, now desire to enter into this Agreement
which defines and limits the use and alteration of this Historic Property in order to
enhance and maintain its value as a cultural and historical resource for Owner and
for the community; to prevent inappropriate alterations to the Historic Property and
to ensure that repairs, additions, new building, and other changes are appropriate;
and to ensure that rehabilitation and maintenance are carried out in an exemplary
manner.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 3 3/6/2025
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-2 -
E.Owner and City intend to carry out the purposes of California Government Code,
Chapter 1, Part 5 of Division 1 of Title 5, Article 12, Section 50280 et seq., which
will enable the Historic Property to qualify for an assessment of valuation as a
restricted historical property pursuant to Article 1.9, Sec. 439 et seq., Chapter 3 Part
2 of Division 1 of the California Tax and Revenue Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Santa Ana and the Owner of the Historic Property agree
as follows:
1.Effective Date and Terms of Agreement.
This Agreement shall be effective and commence on May 21, 2025, and shall remain in
effect for a term of ten (10) years thereafter. Each year, upon the anniversary of the effective date
of this Agreement, such initial term will automatically be extended as provided in California
Government Code Sections 50280 through 50290 and in Section 2, below.
2.Renewal.
a.Each year on the anniversary of the effective date of this Agreement, a year shall
automatically be added to the initial ten (10) year term of this Agreement unless written notice of
nonrenewal is served as provided herein.
b.If the Owner or the City desire(s) in any year not to renew the Agreement, the
Owner or City shall serve written notice of nonrenewal of the Agreement on the other party.
Unless such notice is served by the Owner to the City at least ninety (90) days prior to the annual
renewal date, or served by the City to the Owner at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual renewal
date, one (1) year shall automatically be added to the term of the Agreement as provided herein.
c.Within 30 days from receipt of City’s notice of nonrenewal, the Owner may file a
written protest of City’s decision of nonrenewal. The City may, at any time prior to the annual
renewal date of the Agreement, withdraw its notice to the Owner of nonrenewal.
d.If either the Owner or the City serves notice to the other of nonrenewal in any year,
the Agreement shall remain in effect for the balance of the term then remaining, either from its
original execution or from the last renewal of the Agreement, whichever may apply.
3.Standards and Conditions for Historic Property.
During the term of this Agreement, the Historic Property shall be subject to the following
conditions, requirements and restrictions:
a.Owner shall maintain the Historic Property in a good state of repair and shall
preserve, maintain, and, where necessary, restore or rehabilitate the property and its character-
defining features described in the “Executive Summary” and “Historical Property Description”
attached hereto, marked collectively as Exhibit B, notably the general architectural form, style,
materials, design, scale, proportions, organization of windows, doors, and other openings, textures,
details, mass, roof line, porch and other aspects of the appearance of the exterior to the satisfaction
of the City.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 4 3/6/2025
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-3 -
b.All changes to the Historic Property shall comply with applicable City plans and
regulations, and conform to the rules and regulations of the Office of Historic Preservation of the
State Department of Parks and Recreation, namely the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
and Guidelines for Historic Preservation Projects. These guidelines are attached hereto, marked
as Exhibit C, and incorporated herein by this reference. Owner shall continually maintain the
Historic Property in the same or better condition.
c.A view corridor enabling the general public to see the Historic Property from the
public right-of-way shall be maintained, and Owner shall not be permitted to block the view
corridor to the property with any new structure, such as walls, fences or shrubber y, so as to prevent
the viewing of the historic landmark by the public.
d.The following are prohibited: demolition of the Historic Property or destruction of
character-defining features of the building or site; removal of trees and other major vegetation
unless removal is approved by a rehabilitation plan approved by the Historic Resources
Commission; paving of yard surface; exterior alterations or additions unless approved by the
Historic Resources Commission and such alterations are in keeping with the Secretary of Interior’s
Standards; deteriorating, dilapidated or unrepaired structures such as fences, roofs, doors, walls,
and windows; storage of junk, trash, debris, discarded or unused objects such as cars, appliances,
or furniture; and other unsightly by decoration, structure or vegetation which is unsightly by reason
of its height, condition, or inappropriate location.
e.Owner shall allow reasonable periodic inspection by prior appointment, as needed
or at least every five (5) years after the initial inspection, of the interior and exterior of the Historic
Property by representatives of the City of Santa Ana, the County Assessor, the State Department
of Parks and Recreation, and the State Board of Equalization, to determine the Owner’s
compliance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. As part of the periodic inspection,
Owner shall supply information in a format determined acceptable by the representatives of the
City of Santa Ana, the County Assessor, the State Department of Parks and Recreat ion, and the
State Board of Equalization information required to determine compliance with the terms of this
Agreement.
f.Owner shall implement the rehabilitation and restoration work items as discussed
in detail in Exhibit D, “Proposed Structure Improvements” or “Work Plan” and the City Council
Historic Property Preservation Agreement (HPPA No. 2025-01) staff report dated March 6, 2025.
All work items shall be completed within the first ten years of the Mills Act Agreement, with
specific items completed within the first five years including removing the non-compatible rear
vinyl window, maintaining trimmed condition of landscaping and trees at the front of the property,
repainting the exterior with a compatible color palette, removing the double security doors from
the main entrance, changing the exterior lighting for historically-appropriate lighting, and
removing and replacing the double glass block window (south façade) with a historically
compatible window. Proof of completion, as requested by the City of Santa Ana, will be required
in order to satisfy and maintain the Mills Act Agreement. Staff approval is required before items
are amended or removed/replaced from the improvements list.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 5 3/6/2025
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-4 -
4.Furnishing of Information.
The Owner hereby agrees to furnish the City with any and all information requested which
may be necessary or advisable to determine compliance with the terms and provisions of this
Agreement.
5.Cancellation.
a.The City, following a duly noticed public hearing by the City Council as set forth
in Government Code Section 50280, et. seq., may cancel this Agreement if it determines that the
Owner have breached any of the conditions of this Agreement, or has allowed the property to
deteriorate to the point that it no longer meets the standards for a qualified Historic Property, or if
the City determines that the Owner have failed to restore or rehabilitate the property in the manner
specified in Section 3 of this Agreement. If a contract is cancelled for these reasons, the Owner
shall pay a cancellation fee to the County Auditor as set forth in Government Code Section 50286.
This cancellation fee shall be a percentage (currently set at twelve and one-half (12 ½) percent by
Government Code Section 50286) of the current fair market value of the property at the time of
the cancellation, as determined by the county assessor, without regard to any restriction imposed
pursuant to this Agreement.
b.If the Historic Property is destroyed by earthquake, fire, flood or other natural
disaster such that in the opinion of the City Building Official more than sixty (60) percent of the
original fabric of the structure must be replaced, this Agreement shall be canceled immediately
because, in effect, the historic value of the structure will have been destroyed. No fee shall be
imposed in the case of destruction by acts of God or natural disaster.
c.If the Historic Property is acquired by eminent domain and the City Council
determines that the acquisition frustrates the purpose of this Agreement, this Agreement shall be
cancelled and no fee imposed, as specified in Government Code Section 50288.
6.Enforcement of Agreement.
a.In lieu of and/or in addition to any provisions to cancel the Agreement as referenced
herein, City may specifically enforce, or enjoin the breach of, the terms of the Agreement. In the
event of a default, under the provisions to cancel the Agreement by Owner, the City shall give
written notice to Owner by registered o r certified mail, and if such a violation is not corrected to
the reasonable satisfaction of the City Manager or designee within thirty (30) days thereafter, or if
not corrected within such a reasonable time as may be required to cure the breach or default, or
default cannot be cured within thirty (30) days (provided that acts to cure the breach or default
may be commenced within thirty (30) days and shall thereafter be diligently pursued to completion
by Owner), then City may, without further notice, declare a default under the terms of this
Agreement and may bring any action necessary to specifically enforce the obligations of Owner
growing out of the terms of this Agreement, apply to any court, state or federal, for injunctive
relief against any violation by Owner or apply for such relief as may be appropriate.
b.City does not waive any claim of default by the Owner if City does not enforce or
cancel this Agreement. All other remedies at law or in equity which are not otherwise provided
for in this Agreement or in City’s regulations governing historic properties are available to City to
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 6 3/6/2025
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-5 -
pursue in the event that there is a breach of this Agreement. No waiver by City of any breach or
default under this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other subsequent breach
thereof or default hereunder.
7. Binding effect of Agreement.
a.Owner hereby subjects the Historic Property, located at 2301 North Westwood
Avenue, Assessor Parcel Number, 001-176-01, and more particularly described in Exhibit A, in
the City of Santa Ana, to the covenants, conditions, and restrictions as set forth in this Agreement.
b.City and Owner hereby declare their specific intent that the covenants, conditions
and restrictions as set forth herein shall be deemed covenants running with the land and shall pass
to and be binding upon Owner’s successors and assigns in title or interest to the Historic Property.
Every contract, deed, or other instrument hereinafter executed, covering or conveying the Historic
Property or any portion thereof, shall conclusively be held to have been executed, delivered, and
accepted subject to the tenants, restrictions, and reservations expressed in this Agreement
regardless of whether such covenants, conditions and restrictions are set forth in such contract,
deed, or other instrument.
c.This property is listed in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties (Register).
In any real property transaction, the owner of this property or the owner’s representative shall
provide the buyer of this property with notice that the property is listed on the City’s historic
Register.
8.No Compensation.
Owner shall not receive any payment from City in consideration of the obligation imposed
under this Agreement, it being recognized that the consideration for the execution of this
Agreement is the substantial public benefit to be derived therefrom and the advantage that will
accrue to Owner as a result of the effect upon the assessed value of the Property on the account of
the restrictions on the use and preservation of the Property.
9.Notice.
Any notice required by the terms of this Agreement shall be sent to the address of the
respective parties as specified below or at other addresses that may be later specified by the parties
hereto.
City: City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza (M-30)
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Attn: City Clerk
Owner: Kevin T. Nguyen
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 7 3/6/2025
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-6 -
10.General Provisions.
a.None of the terms, provisions, or conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed to
create a partnership between the parties hereto and any of their heirs, successors, or assigns, nor
shall such terms, provisions or conditions cause them to be considered joint ventures or members
of any joint enterprise.
b.The Owner agrees to and shall indemnify and hold the City and its elected and
appointed officials, officers, agents, and employees harmless from liability for damage or claims
for damage for personal injuries, including death, and claims for property damage which may arise
from the direct or indirect use or operations of the Owner or those of his or her contractor,
subcontractor, agent, employee, or other person acting on his or her behalf which relates to the
use, operation, and maintenance of the Historic Property. The Owner hereby agrees to and shall
defend the City and its elected and appointed officials, officers, agents, and employees with respect
to any and all actions for damages caused by, or alleged to have been caused by, reason of the
Owner's activities in connection with the Historic Property.
c.This hold harmless provision applies to all damages and claims for damages
suffered, or alleged to have been suffered, and costs of defense incurred, by reason of the
operations referred to in this Agreement regardless of whether or not City prepared, supplied, or
approved the plans, specifications or other documents for the Historic Property.
d.All of the agreements, rights, covenants, conditions, and restrictions contained in
this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties herein, their heirs,
successors, legal representatives, assigns, and all persons acquiring any part or portion of the
Historic Property, whether by operation of law on in any manner whatsoever.
e.In the event legal proceedings are brought by any party or parties to enforce or
restrain a violation of any of the covenants, reservations, or restrictions contained herein, or to
determine the rights and duties of any party hereunder, the prevailing party in such proceeding
may recover all reasonable attorney’s fees to be fixed by the court, in addition to court costs and
other relief ordered by the court.
f.In the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are held to be
unenforceable or invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by subsequent preemptive
legislation, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions, or portions thereof, shall
not be effected thereby.
g.This Agreement shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the
State of California, with venue in Orange County.
11.Recordation.
No later than twenty (20) days after the parties execute and enter into this Agreement, the
City shall cause this Agreement to be recorded in the office of the County Recorder of the County
of Orange.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 8 3/6/2025
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-7 -
12.Amendments.
This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part, only by a written recorded
instrument executed by the parties hereto.
13.Effective Date
This Agreement shall be effective on the day and year first written above in Section 1.
{Signature page follows}
Historic Resources Commission 1 -1 9 3/6/2025
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-8 -
ATTEST: CITY OF SANTA ANA
________________________ _________________________
JENNIFER L. HALL ALVARO NUÑEZ
City Clerk City Manager
OWNER
Date: ___________________ By:__________________
KEVIN NGUYEN
APPROVED AS TO FORM: RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL:
SONIA CARVALHO
City Attorney
By: _____________________ _____________________
BRANDON SALVATIERRA ALI PEZESHKPOUR
Deputy City Attorney Acting Executive Director
Planning and Building Agency
Historic Resources Commission 1 -20 3/6/2025
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
-9 -
EXHIBIT A
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
PARCEL 1
LOT 6 OF TRACT NO. 3141, IN THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, COUNTY OF ORANGE,
STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 95 PAGES 47 AND 48
MISCELLANEOUS MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID
COUNTY.
PARCEL 2
THAT PORTION OF LOT 7 OF TRACT NO. 3141, IN THE CITY OF SANTA ANA,
COUNTY OF ORANGE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK
95 PAGES 47 AND 48 MISCELLANEOUS MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY
RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING AT A POINT IN THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 7 DISTANT THEREON
NORTH 2° 44’ 44” EAST 3 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THEREOF AND
RUNNING THENCE SOUTH 2° 44’ 44” WEST 3 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
SAID LOT 7; THENCE NORTH 89° 21’ 50” WEST ALONG THE SOUTH
LINE OF SAID LOT, 134.84 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE
NORTHERLY ALONG THE WESTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 5.31 FEET; THENCE
EASTERLY 134.84 FEET, MORE OR LESS TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
Assessor’s Parcel Number: 001-176-01
Historic Resources Commission 1 -21 3/6/2025
2
1
4
7
9
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Brophy House
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
NAME Brophy House REF. NO.
ADDRESS 2301 North Westwood Avenue
CITY Santa Ana ZIP 92706 ORANGE COUNTY
YEAR BUILT 1957 LOCAL REGISTER CATEGORY: Key
HISTORIC DISTRICT N/A NEIGHBORHOOD West Floral Park
CALIFORNIA REGISTER CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION C/3 CALIFORNIA REGISTER STATUS CODE 5S3
Location: Not for Publication Unrestricted
Prehistoric Historic Both
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: Mid-Century Modern
Editor of Arts and Architecture magazine, John Entenza, and his influential sponsorship of the Case Study Program,
greatly influenced the development of Mid-Century Modern architectural style. The Case Study Program, which included a
series of residential designs (not all of which were constructed) was published between 1945-1966. The program
emphasized modern design techniques and affordable construction methods that were easily replicated as a means to
influence affordable housing production. Key design elements of the Case Study Program include stripped ornamentation,
exposed structural components including wide beams as part of a post-and-beam structural system; flat or nearly flat
roofs integrating generous overhangs; concrete flooring, and open floor plans. A strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living
was conveyed through the heavy utilization of glazed walls and interior and exterior courtyards. Mid-Century Modern style
is an umbrella term that incapsulates a broad range of post-World War II modernist themes that were applied to a variety
of property types including single-and-multi family residences, commercial buildings and centers, as well as large-scale
educational, institutional, and indsustrial uses. The Mid-Century Modern style’s period of significance is 1945-1975.
Character-defining features of the Mid-Century Modern style include use of wood or steel post and beam exposed
construction, bountiful glazing, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. In form and massing, the style is expressed
through simple geometric volumes and horizontal massing, usually asymmetrical. The style includes little to no
ornamentaiton. Roof shapes are often flat or have low-pitch gables, both with wide overhanging eaves. Additionally,
highly-pitched A-frame roofs are a reflection of the style. Fenestration is typically flush-mounted metal framed windows
that span floor-to-ceiling. Siding can include stucco, concrete block, brick, and wood.
SUMMARY/CONCLUSION:
The Brophy House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under Criterion 1 for embodiment
of the distinguishing characteristics of a Mid-Century Modern style residential building. The recommended categorization
is “Key” because it has a distinctive architectural style and quality reflective of the Mid-Century Modern style (Santa Ana
Municipal Code, Section 30-2.2).
EXPLANATION OF CODES:
California Register Criteria for Evaluation: (From California Office of Historic Preservation, Technical Assistance
Series # 7, “How to Nominate Resources to the California Register of Historical Resources,” September 4, 2001.)
3:It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or
represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values.
It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the
work of a master, or possesses high artistic values.
5S3:Appears to be individually eligible for local listing or designation through survey evaluation.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -22 3/6/2025
State of California The Resources Agency Primary #______________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #__________________________________________________
PRIMARY RECORD Trinomial______________________________________________
NRHP Status Code_____________________________________
Other Listings_____________________________________________________________________
Review Code________Reviewer________________________Date_______________
Page _1_ of _5_ Resource name(s) or number (assigned by recorder) Brophy House
P1. Other Identifier:
*P2. Location: Not for Publication Unrestricted *a. County Orange County
*b. USGS 7.5’ Quad: Orange Quadrangle California-Orange County 7.5-Minute Series Date: 2022
*c. Address 2301 North Westwood Avenue City: Santa Ana Zip: 92706
*e. Other Locational Data: Assessor’s Parcel Number 001-176-01
*P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
Located on a corner parcel in West Floral Park, the Brophy House is a one-story, single-family Mid-Century Modern Style
residence with an attached garage and rear pool (Figure 1). The building features a U-shaped plan that emphasizes privacy
with two primary facades: the main living area in the west wing facing Westwood Avenue, and a louvered privacy wall with a
rear yard entrance and an attached garage in the south wing facing Santa Clara Avenue (Figure 2). Asymmetrical in design,
the house exhibits a horizontal emphasis expressed through a low-pitched, complex hipped roof with deep overhanging
eaves and continuous fascia that wraps around the building’s roofline (Figure 3). The center point where the west and south
wings meet form a prominent southwest building corner with a slightly higher pitched gable roof than the majority of the
building (Figure 4). The exterior of the house is clad primarily in a combination of stucco and stonewall, with minimal
concrete block towards the rear. The main entrance, which is located behind security doors, is composed of double solid
pedestrian doors with two doorknobs each adorned by round bronze ornamentation. The entrance is raised above two
shallow stone-clad steps and is situated under a wide overhanging eave with a single cylinder support beam that forms the
front porch (Figure 5).
(See Continuation Sheet 3 of 5.)
*P3b. Resource Attributes: (list attributes and codes) HP2. Single-Family Residence and HP39. Other (swimming pool)
*P4. Resources Present: Building Structure Object Site District Element of District Other
P5b. Photo: (view and date)
(Figure 1) Primary (southwest)
facade, view northeast, January 2025
*P6. Date Constructed/Age and
Sources: historic
1957/ Original Building Permit
*P7. Owner and Address:
Kevin T. Nguyen
2301 N Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
*P8. Recorded by:
Andrea Dumovich Heywood
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza M-20
Santa Ana, CA 92702
*P9. Date Recorded:
March 6, 2025
*P10. Survey Type:
Intensive Survey Update
*P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey
report and other sources, or enter “none”)
None
*Attachments: None Location
Map Sketch Map Continuation
Sheet Building, Structure, and Object Record
Archaeological Record District Record Linear Feature Record Milling Station Record Rock Art Record
Artifact Record Photograph Record Other (list)
DPR 523A (1/95)*Required information
P5a. Photo
Historic Resources Commission 1 -23 3/6/2025
State of California The Resources Agency Primary #__________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#______________________________________________
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
Page 2 of 5 *NRHP Status Code_5S3_________________________
*Resource Name or #: Brophy House
B1. Historic Name: Brophy House
B2. Common Name: Same
B3. Original Use: Single-family Residence B4. Present Use: Single-family Residence
*B5. Architectural Style: Mid-Century Modern
*B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations):
September 10, 1957. Permit to construct a six-room residence and garage. $23,000.
November 29, 1957. Plastering. Valuation unknown.
Januar 3, 1958. Pvt. Pool. $2,500.
October 15, 1999. Reroof. $8,400.
February 4, 2025. Legalize existing rear vinyl slider window. $1,500.
*B7. Moved?No Yes Unknown Date:__________Original location:_______ _______
*B8. Related Features: swimming pool
B9a. Architect: Unknown b. Builder: A.K. Herrick (contractor)
*B10. Significance: Theme Residential Architecture Area Santa Ana
Period of Significance: 1957 Property Type: Single-family Residence Applicable Criteria: C/3
(Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity)
The Brophy House is architecturally significant as an intact example of a Mid-Century Modern-style house in Santa Ana. The
original building permit is dated September 10, 1957 and indicates it was built as a single-family six-room residence and
garage by contractor A.K. Herrick, at a cost of $23,000. The original architect is unknown. The earliest known occupant is
Joseph P. Brophy, who is listed on the original building permit. City directories note Mr. Brophy as the building's owner
through 1962. The years 1963-1987 do not include the subject address in the directory or the directory itself was not available
for research. Newspaper articles indicate that prior to owning 2301 N Westwood Avenue, Mr. Brophy moved to Santa Ana in
1939 and owned a café located at 220 E. 4th Street for at least ten years. Mr. Brophy, without any public office experience,
ran for state assembly in 1954 and lost to Assemblyman Earle Stanley (Santa Ana Register February 18, 1954 and Santa
Ana Register June 9, 1954). No pertinent information was uncovered regarding Mr. Brophy during his time occupying 2301 N
Westwood Avenue. The next known owner, Bernie Barnette, owned the subject property from circa 1989 to 2008, per
available city directories. Mr. Barnette worked for MacLean sales department in the 1950s as well as worked as a used car
manager (Santa Ana Register May 1, 1955). No other information was uncovered. The property remained in the Barnette
family until 2024, when current owner Kevin Nguyen purchased the property from Bradley Barnette (See Continuation Sheet
3).
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes)
*B12. References:
(See Continuation Sheet 4 of 5.)
B13. Remarks: None
*B14. Evaluator: Andrea Dumovich Heywood, City of Santa Ana.
*Date of Evaluation: March 6, 2025
Sketch Map
(This space reserved for official comments.)
Brophy House
2301 North Westwood Avenue
N
Historic Resources Commission 1 -24 3/6/2025
State of California The Resources Agency Primary # _____________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI # ________________________________________________
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial _____________________________________________
Page 3_ of 5_Resource Name: Brophy House
*Recorded by Andrea Dumovich Heywood *Date March 6, 2025 Continuation Update
DPR 523L
DPR 523B (1/95)*Required information
*P3a. Description (continued):
Window fenestration throughout the property includes a mix of materials, primarily comprised of aluminum and wood-frame
windows. On the primary (west) façade, fenestration includes a pair of narrow casement windows to the north and floor-to-
ceiling fixed wood windows at the south corner near the main entrance. Below the southwest gable roof are two wood-frame
trapezoidal transoms (Figure 6). Window fenestration on the primary (south) façade includes a single wood-framed stained-
glass window, one tripartite aluminum-frame casement window, one double glass block window, and a jalousie window.
Remaining rear-facing window fenestration throughout the interior courtyard includes several sets of floor-to-ceiling aluminum
slider and fixed windows, large floor-to-ceiling fixed wood windows that span the façade and building corner, and a single
vinyl replacement slider window (Figure 7). The north (side) façade contains two sets of aluminum-frame casement windows
and one group of aluminum-frame transom casement and fixed windows. Additional architectural features include the use of
stonewall material that is applied on the central stonewall chimney, shallow front porch steps, and front yard planters; wood
shutters which flank the aluminum casement windows at the primary (west) façade; prominent window sill located on the
wood-frame windows and single jalousie window; three long beams extending past the gable’s end at the southwest gable;
and rear swimming pool (Figure 8). The property is landscaped with a front lawn, low shrubs, palm trees and tropical-themed
plants, and other Mid-Century Modern themed vegetation.
*B10. Significance (continued):
Santa Ana was founded by William Spurgeon in 1869 as a speculative town site on part of the Spanish land grant known as
Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana. The civic and commercial core of the community was centered around the intersection of
Main and Fourth Streets. Stimulated by the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad and incorporation as a city in 1886, and selection
as the seat of the newly created County of Orange in 1889, the city grew outwards, with residential neighborhoods
developing to the north, south, and east of the city center. Agricultural uses predominated in the outlying areas, with
cultivated fields and orchards dotted with widely scattered farmhouses.
Since the second half of the twentieth century, the neighborhood in which the Brophy House is located has been known as
West Floral Park. Bounded by Santiago Creek on the north, West Seventeenth Street on the south, North Flower Street on
the east and North Bristol Street on the west, this residential area largely developed after 1947. Prior to that time, the area
was primarily agricultural, and other than Flower Street, which was improved with houses during the 1920s and 1930s,
contained only a handful of residences on Baker and Bristol Streets, the City Water Works pumping plant at 2315 North
Bristol Street, and the Animal Shelter and City/County Pound at 2321 North Bristol Street. Between 1947 and 1950, around
two dozen homes were constructed on Baker, Olive, Towner, and Westwood Streets. Construction boomed throughout the
neighborhood during the 1950s, with the California Ranch emerging as the favored residential style.
The Brophy House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under Criterion 1 as an intact
example of a Mid-Century Modern style home in Santa Ana. Located in West Floral Park, the house cost $23,000 to build in
1957. The recommended categorization is “Key” because it has a distinctive architectural style and quality reflective of the
Mid-Century Modern style (Santa Ana Municipal Code, Section 30-2.2). Character-defining features of the Mid-Century
Modern style exhibited by the house include its U-shaped plan; two primary (west and south) facades; asymmetrical design;
horizontal emphasis expressed through low-pitched, complex hipped roof with deep overhanging eaves; continuous fascia
that wraps around the building’s roofline; southwest gable roof with trapezoidal transoms; original windows and doors
consisting of aluminum and wood frames; one jalousie window; prominent window sill on wood-frame windows and one
jalousie window; stucco and stonewall cladding throughout; main entrance within front porch composed of double doors with
bronze doorknob ornamentation; stonewall chimney; stone-clad front porch steps and planter boxes; louvered privacy wall
with a rear yard entrance; attached garage; and front lawn with tropical landscaping.
*B12. References (continued):
Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
_____. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.
_____. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations,
Inc., 2012.
_____. California, U.S., Marriage Index, 1960-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007.
City of Santa Ana Building Permits
McAlester, Virginia Savage. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2013.
Newspapers.com (Santa Ana Daily Register, The Register)
Office of Historic Preservation. “Instructions for Recording Historical Resources.” Sacramento: March 1995.
Sanborn maps.
Whiffen, Marcus. American Architecture Since 1780. Cambridge: MIT Press, 1969.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -25 3/6/2025
State of California The Resources Agency Primary # _____________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI # ________________________________________________
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial _____________________________________________
Page 4_ of 5_Resource Name: Brophy House
*Recorded by Andrea Dumovich Heywood *Date March 6, 2025 Continuation Update
DPR 523L
Additional Figures:
Figure 2. Louvered privacy wall along the south wing,
facing north.
Figure 3. The building’s deep overhanging eaves, facing
northeast.
Figure 4. The prominent southwest building corner with
gable roof, facing north.
Figure 5. The main entrance is raised above two stone-
clad steps and is situated under a wide overhanging
eave that forms the front porch, facing northeast.
Figure 6. On the primary (west) façade, a pair of narrow
casement windows, facing east.
Figure 7. At the rear, large floor-to-ceiling fixed wood
windows span the façade, facing west.
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State of California The Resources Agency Primary # _____________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI # ________________________________________________
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial _____________________________________________
Page 5_ of 5_Resource Name: Brophy House
*Recorded by Andrea Dumovich Heywood *Date March 6, 2025 Continuation Update
DPR 523L
Figure 8. Primary (west) façade which contains
stonewall material and wood shutters, among other
features, facing east.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -27 3/6/2025
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
- 1 -
Exhibit C
Exterior work shall be reviewed by the Historic Resources Commission and subject to the U.S.
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings, as follows:
1. Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a property
which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its
environment, or to use a property for its originally intended purpose.
2. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure or site
and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any
historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when
possible.
3. All buildings, structures, and sites shall be recognized as products of their own
time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier
appearance shall be discouraged.
4. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the
history and development of a building, structure, or site and its environment.
These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this
significance shall be recognized and respected.
5. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which
characterize a building, structure, or site shall be treated with sensitivity.
6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced,
whenever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material
should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture,
and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features
should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic,
physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the
availability of different architectural elements from the other buildings or
structures.
7. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means
possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic
building materials shall not be undertaken.
8. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and reserve archaeological
resources affected by, or adjacent to any project.
9. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not
be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant
historical, architectural or cultural material, and such design is compatible with
Historic Resources Commission 1 -28 3/6/2025
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92706
- 2 -
size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood, or
environment.
10. Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such
a manner that if such additions or alterations need to be removed in the future, the
essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -29 3/6/2025
2
2
9
0
3
Exhibit D: Proposed Structure Improvements (“Work Plan”)
2301 North Westwood Avenue
Item Year Improvement
1 2025 Replace one rear vinyl slider window with new window that is compatible in
materials, design, and operation. Planning Division staff approval required prior to
issuance of Building permit.
2 2025 Trim exterior landscaping to expose and accentuate historic property features, such
as the high gable roofline and corner/ribbon windows, to ensure a clear view of the
primary (west and south) façades from the public right-of-way.
3 2025 Repaint exterior of residence with a historically-compatible color palette.
4 2026 Remove double security doors from the main entrance. Replacement doors require
Planning Division staff approval prior to installment.
5 2027 Change out exterior lighting for historically-appropriate lighting. Planning Division
staff approval required prior to installation.
6 2028 Remove and replace the double glass block window (south façade) with a period
appropriate window that is compatible in materials, design, and operation. Planning
Division staff approval required prior to issuance of Building permit.
7 2030 Replace non-original garage door with historically-compatible garage door,
approved by Planning Division staff prior to installation.
Historic Resources Commission 1 -30 3/6/2025