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Board reviews Empire House (119 Cayuga) restoration work, discusses training, grants and nominations; minutes approved
Summary
The Historic Resources Board was updated on Empire House (119 Cayuga), which staff said is listed on the National Register as locally significant and is undergoing an interior remodel with limited exterior restoration under an approved permit.
Staff reported that the building at 119 Cayuga (the Empire House) was listed on the National Register with a status of local significance and that the property recently changed ownership. Planning staff said the current project is primarily an interior remodel to continue office use; the owners removed a later exterior staircase, restored a window in that opening, and added a new deck and an ADA ramp or lift solution as part of the permitted work.
Planning staff said the current building permit for the work has been approved and that future exterior changes that are major (for example popping out windows, changing framing, or other exterior alterations) would return to the Historic Resources Board for a finding of consistency under the city’s historic resources code. Staff recommended improved internal flagging in the permit tracking system to ensure properties that are on the National Register or otherwise historic trigger review; staff said Monterey County and regional partners are developing training and a flagged‑property audit to address that.
Board members asked about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and historic preservation tradeoffs; a staff member said lifts and other mitigation can reduce visual impact while meeting accessibility requirements and that the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards provide guidance for differentiated additions.
Administrative items: staff summarized continuing education requirements for Certified Local Government recognition, saying the requirement in state guidance is “one training per year” and that the board may determine which trainings count as relevant. Staff also reported that the city has opened the nomination period for the board’s certificate of appreciation (application period opened April 1, closing April 25) and that approximately 10 nominations had been received so far; the awards will be presented at the May 5 meeting.
Staff noted community events and recent work: an open house for the combined 34/308 and 45 Soledad design concepts is being scheduled (community meeting at the Buddhist temple, late April or early May), the Asian Cultural Experience fair is scheduled for April 26, and the Fox Theater rear‑wall mural was approved by the board in July 2024 and is now installed. Staff also said the Republic Cafe remains boarded and staff are coordinating with other departments to address encampments in front of that building.
Votes: At the start of the meeting the board voted to approve the minutes from the March meeting. Board member Shin moved to approve; Board member Masgay seconded. During roll call Board member Munoz stated he had not been present at the prior meeting and did not vote; Board member Shim and Chair Hirahara recorded votes in favor. The motion carried and the minutes were approved.
