Historic Resources Board - February 12, 2026

Eight projects selected for first preservation awards

The Palo Alto Historic Resources Board selected eight projects for its first historic-preservation awards, drawing from 34 finalists narrowed from an initial 159 candidates. The awards cover the 2025 cycle and are to be presented in 2026, although no ceremony date was set.

Residential honors went to 215 Fulton for preservation; 501 Kingsley and 2510 Waverly Street for rehabilitation; 1143 Bryant for restoration; and 952 Kapper for a small project. The 215 Fulton residence was built in 1908 and was described as one of three remaining Palo Alto examples of its architectural style. Staff said the 1143 Bryant project retained its historic facade and features following fire damage, despite extensive interior and roof work.

In the commercial categories, the 900 High Street property was selected for preservation, Watercourse Way at 165 Channing Street for rehabilitation, and the Police and Fire building at 450 Bryant Street for adaptive reuse.

Members emphasized whether candidates were complete and ready for public use. They held off on recognizing the Palo Alto History Museum because its work was described as ongoing and questioned whether 526 Waverly Street was ready for an award because it remained vacant. The board also considered a Board’s Choice honor for the 1100 block of Ramona Street, including the Fowler Mansion, as a way to recognize preservation at a neighborhood scale.

Staff plans to contact the recognized property owners and associated architects or contractors and coordinate certificates, event space and an awards ceremony.

Voluntary seismic retrofits will receive separate recognition

The board also approved creating a public-recognition category for property owners who voluntarily completed seismic retrofits during the award cycle. Members favored acknowledging those projects collectively rather than comparing them with candidates in the standard preservation categories.

The new recognition does not yet have a name. The board plans to develop one as staff completes arrangements for the broader awards program.

Board calls for a clearer historic-property index

Board members called for improvements to the city’s online historic-resources information, including property lists organized by district, a clearer distinction between National Register and city historic districts, and links from street addresses to assessor parcel numbers and historic-resource sheets. Staff said it could address the requested changes, and members may submit written suggestions before an anticipated inventory update on a coming agenda. Staff also confirmed that Greenmeadows and Green Gables have Eichler design guidelines.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda