Item 23 - Approval of Historic Property Preservation Agreements

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HPPA No. 2023-13 – The Cooper House (801 N. Minter Street) March 7, 2024 Page 2 4 0 1 4 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 In 2002, the Historic Resources Commission placed the Cooper House on the Register and within the “Landmark” category as a representative example of the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural period, the eclecticism of the early twentieth century, and for its associating with Reverend J.H. Cooper, a prominent citizen of Santa Ana and Pastor of the First Congregational Church. Character-defining exterior features of the Cooper House that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to: materials and finishes; roof configuration and detailing; massing and composition; dormer; bays and projections; porches; doors and windows (including surrounds); architectural detailing (woodwork); and low concrete curb and step at the sidewalk. In 2009, Historic Exterior Modification Application (HEMA No. 2009-04) was approved by the Historic Resources Commission for the following modifications as stated in Resolution No. 2010-02: restore front porch; remove non-original features; reintroduce decorative window and add two new hung wood windows at south façade; add a new rear porch at the east façade and two new hung wood windows where previous windows have been infilled; and add new concrete foundation which requires moving the original decorative vent at the primary façade and adding new vents to the remaining facades, along with a new entryway and wood service door for basement access. These modifications also received Planning Commission approval Neighborhood Project Review No. 2009-04 in Resolution No. 2010-02. All exterior modifications were consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. It was noted during the 2023 site visit that all aforementioned items were implemented at the subject property. Additionally, during the 2023 site visit, staff noted some wood rot throughout the exterior of the house, specifically at the main entrance staircase, entry porch, and siding throughout. 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. Additional future improvements proposed by the homeowner during the initial ten years of the Mills Act Agreement include new landscaping, weatherproofing the exterior, electrical work, fence repairs, repainting, repair or replace the damaged siding, and general on-going maintenance. 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. Historic Resources Commission c – 2 3/7/2024