Historic Resources Board - November 13, 2025

Board establishes five-year preservation awards program

The Historic Resources Board adopted a new bylaw article establishing a preservation awards program on a five-year cycle, with the first presentation anticipated in May 2026. The board made wording revisions before adopting Article 8, including replacing references to “winning projects” with “awarded projects.”

In a separate 5-0 vote, the board directed staff to divide a candidate list covering projects from the previous 10 years among members for evaluation before the December meeting. Staff said it had reduced an initial list of 440 records to 159 candidates by removing duplicates, use-and-occupancy permits and non-substantive interior work. Staff will group assignments geographically where practical, screen for conflicts of interest and verify permit and planning statuses.

The board discussed possible recognition for preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, adaptive reuse, additions, accessory dwelling units, new construction, stewardship and smaller projects. Members did not select final categories or award recipients, and they will continue the discussion in December. The discussion generally favored focusing on permitted projects to avoid duplicating another local awards program, though members also considered recognition for stewardship and individuals.

Bryant Street downgrade is set for City Council review

City Council is scheduled to consider a requested historic-category downgrade for 1680 Bryant St. on its Dec. 1 consent calendar, staff told the board. The Historic Resources Board voted 3-1 in October to recommend retaining the property's Category 2 status rather than reclassifying it as Category 3.

Category 2 resources receive a higher level of review for substantial remodels and retain a local demolition delay. Staff said it would distribute the City Council report when available.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda