Los Gatos planning commission forwards Restoration Hardware gallery and restaurant to council after debate over preservation standards

The Los Gatos Planning Commission on Aug. 27 unanimously forwarded a conditional use permit and, by a 4–1 vote, recommended that the Town Council approve amendments to a Planned Development ordinance that would allow exterior changes for a Restoration Hardware (RH) gallery and an integrated restaurant with alcohol in an existing Old Town commercial building.

The project, submitted by RH representatives and described in staff materials as Planned Development modification p d-25-001, architecture-and-site application s-25-004, and conditional use permit application u-25-001, would remodel Building E in the town’s adopted historic district to a cohesive Mediterranean-inspired facade, replace sidewalk sections, and remove two trees. Staff noted the Historic Preservation Committee had recommended denial of the proposed exterior modifications but issued a clarification that the CUP review falls outside HPC purview and recommended the CUP for approval as the process moves forward to Council.

Gary Friedman, RH chairman and chief executive officer, opened the applicant presentation by framing the company’s design approach and investment record: “We’re here to do something…