Soledad Street predevelopment: environmental testing and façade preservation work advance for Republic Cafe and adjoining parcels

City staff gave an update on predevelopment work in the Soledad Street/Chinatown area, including environmental testing for several parcels and structural and design reviews for the Republic Cafe block.

Grant Leonard said environmental testing is underway on one-story portions of 34–40 Soledad to check for lead and asbestos; prior remediation was noted for some parcels. He said TEF Design will conduct a field visit to inspect immediate structural needs and front-facade repairs for the Republic Cafe and adjacent buildings.

Leonard said the two historic parcels that were previously separate—37 and 39—have different designation histories: 37 is designated, while 39 is not. He said TEF Design will consider whether the parcels should be treated separately in design and rehabilitation work. “That’s a good point. I don't have an answer right now for you, but we'll work with TEF Design on that,” Leonard said.

Board members and staff discussed demolition plans for several even-numbered buildings on the east side of Soledad Street; the plan calls for salvaging and carefully removing front-facade elements where feasible for reuse or as templates for new facade work.

Staff said design work for 45 Soledad and 30–40 Soledad is moving forward and that the projects will be presented to the Salinas Downtown Community Board this week. No formal action was taken at the meeting.