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Monrovia agrees to buy 1892 Victorian at 222 East Cypress for $1.53 million to preserve historic home
Summary
Council approved a purchase and sale agreement to acquire a historic Victorian home at 222 East Cypress Avenue for $1,530,000 with a 10% contingency; staff said the property is structurally aged, includes four contiguous parcels and the seller may occupy until April 15.
The Monrovia City Council on Tuesday approved a purchase and sale agreement to acquire a Victorian home at 222 East Cypress Avenue for $1,530,000, plus a contingency not to exceed 10% of the purchase price for related costs.
Assistant City staff presented the property as an 1892 two‑story Victorian on a large lot (approximately 80 by 180 feet) that has been in private ownership for generations. Staff said the house contains eight bedrooms and a single bathroom, sits on four contiguous parcels and has significant deferred maintenance.
A pre‑purchase inspection identified multiple preservation and safety issues, including cracked foundation areas, deteriorated window sills, signs of knob‑and‑tube wiring and plumbing leaks. Staff recommended securing the property, advancing a 30‑day due‑diligence period for additional testing and requesting Planning Commission findings on general‑plan conformance during that window. The seller requested occupancy through April 15 to arrange relocation; staff said the agreement accommodates that occupancy and the city would secure and insure the property during the interim.
Assistant staff explained that the city’s intent is historic preservation. If council proceeds the city would return with options for future use; staff emphasized that no environmental review under CEQA has been completed and that any future use decisions will require separate environmental and planning actions.
Councilmember comments reflected support for preservation; one speaker noted experience as a historic preservation commissioner. The motion to approve the purchase and sale agreement passed on roll call. The agreement includes a 2% escrow deposit at execution and a 30‑day buyer due‑diligence period during which the city may cancel if needed.
Staff said they will expedite building and site inspections, coordinate Planning Commission review to confirm general‑plan conformance and return to council with recommended next steps for preservation and potential adaptive reuse.
