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CUP Nos. 2014 -11 & 2014 -12 <br />May 27, 2014 <br />Page 4 <br />Between these small -scale cyber cafes and the regional convention centers, the applicants have <br />identified a niche market for a mid -size venue dedicated to computer gaming and spectator viewing. <br />This market extends beyond a traditional cyber cafe, restricting broader access to the general <br />contents of the internet and typical computer services for downloading, printing, etc. Further, this <br />mid -size proposal eliminates the need for reserving superregional convention centers on a regular <br />basis, competing with other trade shows, traditional sports, concerts, and conventions. The <br />improvements proposed by the eSports Arena within the Ramona Building will dedicate the ground <br />and mezzanine levels to high - technology and computer -based hardware, keeping the building <br />flexible for a variety of configurations required for computer gaming. <br />Since its completion in the early 1920s, the Ramona Building has contained a variety of uses. Early <br />occupants included Remington Typewriters, Federal Finance, W. C. Natty Dry Goods, Shafer Music <br />Company, and the Irvine Company. A fire damaged significant portions of the building in 1984, the <br />same year it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributor to the Downtown <br />Historic District. As part of its rehabilitation, an interior mezzanine level containing 7,865 square feet <br />was added and retail and commercial uses subsequently located within. The next year, the <br />Ramona Limited Partnership and the Anaheim Historical Society recorded an easement to preserve <br />the historic fagade of the building, renowned as an example of Italian Renaissance Revival <br />architecture characteristic of many commercial buildings in Downtown Santa Ana. <br />The Ramona Building was recently purchased by Jack Jakosky of Ramona Building LLC, who has <br />also acquired several other prominent buildings in the Downtown area. Recently - completed tenant <br />improvements within the Ramona Building have resulted in the building's preparation for a variety of <br />new tenants, including the eSports Arena and anticipated creative offices on the top level. The prior <br />banquet use in the basement has also ceased operations and vacated; the property owner is <br />exploring a variety of potential, separate uses for that level. Tenant improvements have been within <br />compliance with all regulations meant to protect the historic elements of the Ramona Building and <br />will not affect any character - defining features of the building, such as exterior finishes, the parapet, <br />bay divisions articulated by piers and fenestration meant to resemble multiple storefronts, and <br />ornamental features. <br />General Plan and Zonina Consistency <br />The General Plan land use designation for the site is District Center (DC). District Center land -use <br />districts provide highly visible and accessible commercial development along the City's arterial <br />transportation corridors and provide important neighborhood facilities and services. The Downtown <br />District portion of the District Center serves as one of the County's major employment and <br />governmental operations centers complemented with a mix of residential, commercial, and services <br />uses to enhance its urban vibrancy. The project site and eSports Arena are consistent with this <br />General Plan land use designation. <br />RIUM <br />