Committee recommends approval of Ventura Avenue Apartments' historic‑design review with archaeological condition

The Historic Preservation Committee on June 11 recommended approval of the historic design review for a four‑story, mixed‑use building at 624 North Ventura Avenue, finding the proposal compatible with the nearby Casa De Anza landmark and asking that the applicant comply with HRG’s archaeological recommendations.

Case planner AJ Burnernhard described a 19,000‑square‑foot project with 20 rental units (three affordable), three ground‑floor commercial spaces and 18 parking spaces proposed under density‑bonus relief for parking. Staff and HRG found the design uses compatible materials and massing — notably a brick ground‑floor treatment, arched storefronts and a stepped‑back fourth floor to reduce bulk facing the historic resource.

"We took the project to the February 4th design review committee meeting and the DRC recommended a number of changes," Burnernhard said. The applicant reduced rooftop equipment footprint and replaced a metal screen with an integrated parapet; the team also added fully shielded, warm‑color lighting and a landscape maintenance condition. HRG’s memo found low archaeological potential but recommended a stop‑work condition if resources are encountered.

Stephen Schaefer of the San Buenaventura Conservancy supported the project at public comment, calling it compatible with the avenue and the adjoining landmark. Committee members praised the applicant’s responses to DRC comments; a motion to forward the recommendation to the decision authority with the HRG archaeological condition passed unanimously.

The recommendation will be forwarded to the decision‑making authority along with HRG’s memo and the DRC notes; any final entitlements (permits, conditions) will be processed through the city’s planning and coastal permitting channels.