Historic Resources Board - July 10, 2025

Board recommends 271 University rehabilitation move forward

The Historic Resources Board recommended that the rehabilitation and accessibility project at 271 University Avenue be found consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and move forward as presented. The recommendation now goes to the director of Planning and Development Services. The motion carried, but the meeting record does not reliably establish the vote count or individual votes.

The application seeks 2,500 square feet of bonus floor area for work on the Category 2 historic resource, which was built in 1930. Staff said the project met eligibility criteria and agreed with a consultant’s finding that the plans conformed with federal rehabilitation standards. Board members discussed the requested bonus as transferable development rights that could be sold to an eligible receiver site rather than used on the property. An applicant representative said the incentive would help offset rehabilitation costs.

The board’s formal motion addressed compliance with rehabilitation standards and moving the design forward; the record does not show a separate board action granting the bonus floor area. Board members also supported retaining horizontal mullions in the replacement storefront, although the consultant said the design could be improved by removing them. Staff said the mullions did not create a compliance issue.

Canopy drainage remained under building review because water could otherwise flow over a public walking surface. Staff may address the issue through revisions, while substantial design changes would return to the board.

Work plan advances to City Council on 4-0 vote

The board voted 4-0, with one member absent, to approve its 2025-26 work plan and forward it to the City Council. Before the vote, members corrected a timeline cross-reference in Project Goal 4 that had incorrectly pointed to Goal 2.

Staff said most goals carried over from the prior work plan, with updated language and timelines for the new fiscal year and the addition of an awards goal. City Council consideration was tentatively scheduled for September.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet