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Council overturns HDRB, downgrades two structures on West Houghton to noncontributing
Summary
After an appeal by the owner, the governing body voted to reverse the Historic District Review Board’s Nov. 26, 2024 decision and designate both the rear auxiliary structure and the residence at 1030 And A Half West Houghton Street as noncontributing to the Don Gaspar historic district.
The City Council reviewed an appeal by Francesca Banchi of the Historic District Review Board’s Nov. 26, 2024 decision to designate both a primary residence and an accessory structure at 1030 and 1030½ West Houghton Street as contributing structures in the Don Gaspar area historic district.
John W. Murphy, a historian who prepared a recent cultural property inventory, testified staff records and historic sources indicate the rear structure likely developed piecemeal after World War II and has limited architectural distinction. Murphy told the council he used aerial photos, deed and title records and local interviews to conclude the rear unit’s form and materials read as a later, vernacular addition rather than a distinctive historic building.
Appellant Francesca Banchi described the rear unit as poorly built, with low ceiling heights and no joists under some floorboards, and said decades of deferred maintenance and alterations have limited the building’s compatibility with the neighborhood and the feasibility of rehabilitation for long‑term rental housing. Relatives of the Romero family and neighbors provided history and context for the neighborhood; some urged preservation of the front house while others said the rear building lacks distinctiveness.
City staff had recommended noncontributing status in planning reports that referenced previous inventories and a 2024 cultural property inventory. At the Nov. 26 HDRB hearing, the board voted to designate both buildings contributing; the property owner appealed that decision to the governing body.
After discussion, the council voted to grant the appeal and designate both structures as noncontributing. The motion was supported by a majority of councilors; Mayor Alan Weber cast a dissenting vote. Staff was directed to prepare findings of fact and conclusions consistent with the council’s action.
Councilors noted the decision does not eliminate zoning, building code or historic‑design review requirements for future permits but changes the treatment required under the historic ordinance and the process for exceptions and design reviews going forward.
