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Historic board restores contributing designation for 924 Paseo De Peralta with narrowed primary facades
Summary
The Historic Districts Review Board voted to designate 924 Paseo De Peralta as a contributing building and to treat a set of identified street-facing facades as primary, reversing a prior split status. Supporters said the change clarifies administration and preserves character; opponents cited earlier designations but the motion passed 4–1.
The Historic Districts Review Board on Tuesday approved a motion to designate 924 Paseo De Peralta as a contributing property, adopting a list of primary facades staff urged be treated as protected when exterior changes are proposed. The motion, moved by Member Cherry and seconded by Member Degnan, carried in a roll call vote with four members voting yes and one no.
Staff planner Heather reminded the board that the property’s core structure dates to 1936 and that prior minutes and reports showed a mix of significant and contributing elements. Heather said the current recommendation was intended to simplify administration and ensure the historic core is preserved: “Facades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are the 1936 structure and those are recommended as primary,” she said.
Agent for the project, Mr. Padilla, asked the board to adopt the earlier staff motion as presented in the packet, arguing that doing so would make it easier for the owner, El Castillo, to move forward with needed repairs and adaptive uses. Public commenters including Elizabeth West urged a solution that protects the building’s historic fabric while allowing the property to be repurposed. West told the board she was “thrilled this is coming back” and favored a contributing designation that preserves key facades.
Member Cherry’s motion specified a set of facades to be treated as primary and excluded nonhistoric infill on certain elevations; the board debated which later additions should be considered nonhistoric. On roll call, Members Bienvenu, Cherry, Aguilar Medrano and Degnan voted yes; Member Beachside voted no. The chair confirmed the motion passed and the board moved on to its next case.
The board’s action changes the property’s regulatory treatment: primary facades on contributing buildings are subject to heightened review for openings, window treatment and other alterations. The decision does not itself approve any exterior work; applicants must return with specific plans or seek administrative review where permitted.
