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Board upgrades main house at 515 Paseo de Peralta to ‘significant,’ reclassifies outbuildings and retaining walls
Summary
After research and site visits the Historic District Review Board retained a ‘significant’ designation for the brick Segal house at 515 Paseo de Peralta, moved the small historic shed to non‑contributing, designated the garage non‑contributing, and elevated the main south retaining wall to contributing (board vote recorded).
The Historic District Review Board on Tuesday reviewed new documentation for 515 Paseo de Peralta and reaffirmed the main brick house’s significance while reclassifying later additions and outbuildings.
Senior planner Amanda Romero told the board the two‑story brick main residence dates to 1889 and retains the building’s defining elements — brick coping (now stuccoed), tall arched windows, rubble‑stone foundation and the building’s form. Staff reported the structure had been documented as significant by historic‑preservation staff even though a GIS database had not been updated since 1997. Romero recommended maintaining the main house as “significant,” designating the early 20th‑century shed as significant or contributing and determining the garage and some later additions as noncontributing.
Applicant representatives and members of the public emphasized preservation of the house; the applicants noted that some outbuildings and garages are in advanced disrepair and historically performed service functions (coal shed, vehicle storage).
After public comment and discussion, the board made four separate motions: - The board retained the main house’s designation as significant, excluding facades identified in the packet for later additions. (Motion passed by roll call.) - The small shed north of the house was designated noncontributing (motion passed 4–1). - The garage was designated noncontributing (motion passed unanimously). - The south retaining wall and entry steps were designated significant after board amendment; two lower retaining walls were left as noncontributing (motion passed by roll call).
Board members said their goal was to protect the character‑defining features of the original 1889 house while recognizing that later additions had distinct materials and lower integrity. Staff and the applicant agreed the condition and structural integrity of the noncontributing outbuildings can be addressed later during any proposed rehabilitation.
What’s next: The determinations establish which facades and elements the board will treat as protected in any future permit review. Work that would alter the significant facades or the newly designated south retaining wall will require subsequent HDRB review.
