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Commission reviews four‑unit townhome project that retains a historic bungalow on Crescent Avenue
Summary
Staff and the applicant presented a proposal at 434 Crescent Avenue to subdivide a 0.26‑acre parcel into five lots and build four three‑story townhomes while retaining and restoring a 1930 craftsman bungalow as a historic resource. Commissioners generally supported the design and requested minor clarifications and Heritage Preservation Commission review.
At the March 9 meeting the Planning Commission heard a study session on File 26‑0367, a proposal to redevelop a 0.26‑acre lot at 434 Crescent Avenue with four attached townhomes while retaining an on‑site historic single‑family bungalow.
Staff presentation: Senior planner Margaret Neto explained that the project proposes a tentative parcel map to create five residential lots and a common lot; a resource alteration permit would review impacts to the historic 960‑square‑foot bungalow, which staff said would be retained with like‑for‑like restoration consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards. The site is zoned R‑3 (medium density residential) with a density proposal of about 19 dwelling units per acre.
Applicant description and changes after outreach: Architect Gordon Wong and project representative Kevin described four three‑bedroom, three‑story townhomes, each with two‑car garages; twelve parking spaces are proposed (eight covered). The applicant said they had reduced the overall height by roughly 28 inches after a January outreach meeting to respond to neighbor concerns about height, privacy and construction noise, and proposed to relocate one large oak from the rear of the lot to the front of the historic home.
Commissioner comments and next steps: Commissioners generally praised the sensitive approach to the historic resource and the reduced height; staff confirmed the project will require Heritage Preservation Commission review for the resource alterations. Commissioners asked about ownership form (applicant said ownership units), tree relocation logistics and whether a stair lift could be accommodated; the applicant said the front historic unit restoration has already been completed and that the remaining matters would be addressed at public hearing.
Public comment: Remote commenters expressed support for preserving the historic house and the project’s design. Staff will return with finalized materials for a public hearing and Heritage Preservation Commission review as required.
