Ojai preservation panel reviews revised Lavender Inn plans as commissioners press for fuller historical record

The Ojai Historic Preservation Commission on April 10 reviewed a revised historic resources report for the Lavender Inn (historic landmark No. 14) and heard extended commissioner comments urging fuller historical documentation of a neighboring building at 214 East Matilija Street.

Commissioners were asked to provide comments to the applicant on the revised report prepared by Post Hazeltine; staff said the report concluded the proposed revisions would be “less than significant” to the landmark but recommended a different trim paint color, which the applicant revised. Architect Mark Whitman described design changes including removing dormers, adding a small corner tower element and consolidating two rental units into one two‑bedroom unit.

The discussion focused on whether the historic resources report fully captures the history and significance of 214 East Matilija Street. Commissioner Craig Walker said the draft omitted facts showing 214 (and the adjacent 216) were built in 1956–57 as a coordinated medical complex by Dr. James Nelson and Dr. Monroe Hirsch and that both buildings were listed as Category 1 in a prior citywide survey. Walker said the two structures were “mirror designs meant to be seen as one complex” and argued the report should reflect that context and the role the associated people had in Ojai’s post‑war development.

Staff and the chair repeatedly clarified the commission’s procedural role: the Historic Preservation Commission is reviewing the revised historic resources report and may make comments to the applicant; it is not acting as the final permit‑approving body for the design review permit. Staff also noted the revisions were reviewed against the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (Standard No. 9 was cited) because the project now ties new construction and revisions to a recognized landmark after a lot‑line merger.

Whitman, the architect representing owners Mark and Kathy Hartley, said the changes were intended to harmonize the smaller building with the Lavender Inn. “We eliminated that peaky element… and changing the stone to Ojai stone helps harmonize the two structures together,” he told commissioners.

Public commenters raised concerns about historical accuracy and about specific design elements such as ceiling structure and the project’s effect on the Inn’s character. Commissioners emphasized that the historic resources report will become part of the record and that corrections or additional context should be captured for future reference.

No formal land‑use decision or permit was taken by the commission at the meeting; commissioners were instructed to forward their comments to staff, who will relay them to the applicant and to the planning commission as appropriate.