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Monrovia approves purchase of 1892 Victorian at 222 E. Cypress for preservation
Summary
Council voted to buy a four‑parcel Victorian home at 222 East Cypress Avenue for $1.53 million, with a 10% contingency of $153,000; the seller may occupy the property until April 15 and the city will conduct a 30‑day due diligence review and present a planning‑commission general‑plan conformance finding.
The City Council approved a purchase and sale agreement on Jan. 21 to acquire a Victorian residence at 222 East Cypress Avenue for $1,530,000, with a contingency of 10 percent ($153,000) to cover closing and transaction costs. Staff said the purchase is intended to preserve the property's historic character.
Assistant city staff presented the property as a two‑story Victorian built in 1892 on a large lot (staff described the lot approximately 80 by 180 feet) that consists of four contiguous parcels. The home includes multiple bedrooms and a single bathroom; staff noted the property has extensive deferred maintenance, aging utilities and portions of historic fabric that would need repair or stabilization.
Staff recommended an "as‑is" acquisition with a 30‑day due diligence period for inspections, environmental review and plan checks. The seller requested — and staff recommended accommodating — occupancy through April 15 to allow the seller time to relocate. The agreement places a 2 percent escrow deposit upon execution and allows the city to withdraw from the transaction during the 30‑day due diligence window; staff warned the deposit could be forfeited if the city walked away after deposit terms.
Assistant staff said the city will seek Planning Commission findings on general plan conformance (a required step before finalizing acquisition for municipal uses) with the commission scheduled to meet after the due‑diligence window. The council approved the agreement by roll call: Bridal (yes), Jimenez (yes), Spicer (yes), Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Kelly (yes) and Mayor Shevlin (yes).
Why it matters: City staff and historic‑preservation advocates have identified the house as a candidate for landmarking; acquiring the property would allow the city to secure and stabilize the structure and then pursue preservation or appropriate reuse after required environmental and planning review.
