Staff presents survey identifying 56 individually significant buildings and eligible historic district

Tim Frey, preservation planning staff, presented preliminary historic‑resource findings for the Transit Center District area plan. Frey said consultants Kelly and Verplank identified 56 individually significant buildings that are already listed on or eligible for the National and California Registers and preliminarily mapped a California‑eligible district that overlaps the Second & New Montgomery Conservation District and the Second & Howard National Register District.

Frey said the department released draft survey findings and a context statement on the area plan website in early August and that staff will present a resolution to the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board on Aug. 20 for recommendation to the commission. He noted that staff is reviewing data and is holding stakeholder workshops; no final decisions had been made at the time of the presentation.

Frey said staff is exploring modest expansions to the existing conservation district to capture additional buildings that contribute to neighborhood character and to preserve smaller parcels that tend to support neighborhood‑serving retail. He also described how historic designation can enable owners to sell transferable development rights as part of public‑benefit strategies.

Commissioners had no immediate questions at the end of the presentation and asked staff to return with visuals and further detail in subsequent hearings. The commission did not take formal action during this agenda item.