Council approves purchase of 1892 Victorian at 222 E. Cypress to preserve historic home

The City of Monrovia approved buying a historic Victorian house and adjacent lots at 222 East Cypress Avenue to preserve the structure and control future use.

Staff presented a purchase-and-sale agreement for the property held by the Terry and Chari McAuliffe Living Trust. Staff said the home was built in 1892 and sits on four contiguous parcels with an approximately 180‑by‑180‑foot lot. The recommended purchase price is $1,530,000 with a 10% contingency equal to $153,000 for closing and associated costs.

Nut graf: After staff described the condition of the building and the preservation potential, council approved the purchase and directed staff to complete due diligence and return with recommendations for historic preservation and next steps.

Staff noted the home needs multiple repairs — exterior paint and trim, window sills, roof and foundation work, plumbing and electrical updates, and interior cleanup — and provided a contractor inspection that documented those items. The agreement allows the city a due diligence period (30 days) and requires a 2% deposit into escrow at execution. Staff also reported the seller requested to remain in the home until April 15; the city would secure the property and carry insurance during any seller occupancy.

During council discussion, Historic Preservation Commission experience and the city’s prior landmark efforts were cited as reasons to move forward. A motion to approve the purchase-and-sale agreement with the Terry and Chari McAuliffe Living Trust for $1,530,000 and to authorize a 10% contingency was made, seconded and approved by roll-call vote with all council members recorded as yes.

Ending: staff will perform the stated due diligence, coordinate the Planning Commission determination of conformance with the General Plan and bring back any required CEQA or preservation actions before any future change of use.