Item 16 - Historic Property Preservation Agreements

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HPPA No. 2024-03 — The Levengood House (1205 South Birch Street) May 8, 2024 Page 2 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 2003, the Historic Resources Commission placed the Levengood House on the Register and within the "Contributive" category as a representative example of the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural period, and because it contributes to the overall character and history of Wilshire Square and is a good example of period architecture. Character -defining exterior features of the Levengood House that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to: materials and finishes (stucco, wood, tile); roof configuration and treatment; massing and composition; original doors and windows; porch; and architectural detailing (porch posts, brackets, and beam). In 2011, a permit was issued to remove a non -original garden window in place of a wood casement window with three divided lights on the upper portion of the window. The exterior modification was consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. It was also noted during the 2024 staff site visit that the aforementioned item was implemented at the subject property. Additionally, during the 2024 site visit, staff noted the Hollywood driveway paving requires repair, and that some rear and side windows that have been replaced over time with non - compatible windows, requiring restoration of wood windows with ogee lugs. 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 reroof, garage wall repair, dry -rot removal from walls, termite treatment, window rehabilitation, repaint exterior, front porch flooring rehabilitation, and general on -going maintenance. Staff will ensure that the proposed work will be performed sensitively and will maintain the property's character -defining features as part of the Mills Act Agreement for this property. As part of the Mills Act approval process, staff will work with the applicant to ensure that a bronze plaque is installed honoring and recognizing the structure. The plaque will include the historic name, address, year built, and local historic register designation. Lastly, the site will be subject to general maintenance and upkeep requirements including, but not limited to, replacement or restoration of damaged character -defining features, landscaping upkeep, painting, etc. These improvements will be subject to review and approval by staff. Upon consideration of the application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement. Historic Resources Commission c-2 5/8/2024