Item 21 - Approval of Historic Property Preservation Agreements

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HPPA No. 2022-19 – Armory Hall/American Legion Hall November 3, 2022 Page 2 2 9 1 4 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 •Allows for a mechanism to provide for property rehabilitation •Provides additional incentive for potential buyers to purchase historic structures •Discourages inappropriate alterations to the property The Armory Hall/American Legion Hall was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 as a contributor to the Downtown Historic District. Under the regulations implementing the California Register of Historical Resources, the building is also listed in the California Register. In 2001, the Historic Resources Commission placed the Armory Hall/American Legion Hall on the Register and within the “Landmark” category because it “is on the national register,” “is on the state register,” “has historical/cultural significance to the City of Santa Ana,” and “has a unique architectural significance.” Character-defining exterior features of the Armory Hall/American Legion Hall that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to: a two-story high archway located at the southwest corner of the building; deeply recessed doorway within the barrel-vaulted space; fenestration; flat roofed three-story wing; arched windows beneath a projecting cornice; projecting bricks; and shallowly recessed panel containing the current name of the building, “Santa Ana Veterans Hall” on a blue tiled background. In 2019, the property underwent improvements including interior demolition to remove existing non-bearing partition walls to create more open space within the interior of the building. The overall work included tenant improvements to install new interior windows for each office and new interior partitions to create cubicle spaces on both floors. During this time, there were no exterior changes or alterations to the building. However, during the site visit, staff noted that the building has been modified from its 1934 appearance by the enclosure of some windows and the removal of stucco facing. Staff will work with the property owner to address these concerns as part of the rehabilitation and restoration requirements during the duration of the Mills Act Agreement for this property. As part of the mills act approval process, staff will work with the applicant to ensure that a bronze plaque is installed honoring and recognizing the structure. The plaque will include the historic name, address, year built, and local historic register designation. Lastly, the site will be subject to general maintenance and upkeep requirements including, but not limited to, replacement or restoration of damaged character-defining features, landscaping upkeep, painting, etc. These improvements will be subject to review and approval by staff. Upon consideration of the application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement. Historic Resources Commission e – 2 11/3/2022