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Historic Landmarks Commission accepts Phase I archaeological report for proposed State Street housing project
Summary
The Historic Landmarks Commission voted to accept a Phase I archaeological resources report for the proposed multi‑family development on State Street, noting a small number of disturbed shell fragments and directing a post‑demolition survey and standard worker awareness measures.
The Historic Landmarks Commission on Aug. 13 accepted a Phase I archaeological resources report for the proposed rental housing development at 3045/3845 State Street, directing a post‑demolition survey after buildings and paving are removed.
The acceptance clears the consultant report for the first review stage of the project, which proposes demolition of two commercial structures (a former Sears store and auto center) and construction of a 443‑unit rental housing development under the city’s Average Unit-Size Density (AUD) incentive program and state Senate Bill 330. The project description presented to the commission said the development would include two four‑story buildings with 31 studios, 189 one‑bedroom, 202 two‑bedroom, and 23 three‑bedroom units; 477 vehicle parking spaces and 443 bicycle spaces; and grading of roughly 46,000 cubic yards of cut and 44,600 cubic yards of fill in two phases.
Why it matters: the Phase I report is an early step under the city’s environmental and historic‑resources review. The consultant found evidence that required additional monitoring and follow‑up — not preservation constraints that would stop demolition — and recommended measures aimed at reducing risk to unknown buried resources during construction.
Ken Vitrano, senior cultural resources manager for Rincon/MarineCon Consultants (project consultant), told the commission the survey covered the area proposed for development and that, despite the property’s developed condition, "in a disturbed context in one of the planters there were approximately 10 to 12 pieces of shell." He said the consultant recommended a worker‑awareness program and a post‑demolition survey once paving and buildings are removed so crews can inspect exposed soils and, if additional cultural materials are found, proceed under the city’s MESA process.
Case planner Patsy Price clarified for commissioners that the Phase I study area covered the parcel proposed for the new development (the southern parcel in the tentative parcel map). She said the northern parcel that would remain with the existing mall is not proposed for development and was not the focus of the Phase I report.
The report also noted the usual statutory protections in the event of human remains: "the project is required to adhere to Public Resources Code procedures in case human remains are found," the consultant told the commission.
Commission action: a commissioner moved to accept the Phase I archaeological resources report; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll‑call vote. Commission roll call recorded every voting member as supporting the acceptance (Commissioners Dordon, Drury, Enzberg, Lundbeck, Lodge, Butler, Vice Chair Ullie, and Chair Grumbine; recorded vote: all Yes/Aye).
What happens next: the consultant’s recommended worker‑awareness program and a post‑demolition survey are intended to be implemented during demolition and early construction. If those follow‑up surveys reveal previously unknown archaeological deposits, standard city procedures for evaluation and mitigation would apply.
