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Council designates two Craftsman homes as historic landmarks and approves Mills Act contracts
Summary
The council unanimously approved landmark designations and 10‑year Mills Act preservation contracts for 115 May Avenue (HL-172, MA-160) and 225 Highland Place (HL-173, MA-161), citing architectural integrity and associations with noted builders and architects.
Monrovia City Council voted unanimously June 16 to designate two early-20th-century Craftsman homes as local historic landmarks and to approve associated Mills Act contracts that provide property tax incentives in exchange for committed restoration and long-term maintenance work.
115 May Avenue (HL-172 / MA-160): Staff said the intact 1912 Tiffle-built Craftsman bungalow retains key character-defining features — low-pitched side-gable roof, tapered piers, exposed rafter tails and original wood shingles — and lies within the city's period of significance for Craftsman architecture. Staff and the Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval; owners Francisco and Rebecca Garcia spoke in support of a 10-year restoration plan that includes electrical upgrades, porch and roof repairs, and window restoration. Council adopted Resolution 2026-29.
225 Highland Place (HL-173 / MA-161): Staff described the two-story 1909 Craftsman residence as architecturally significant and associated with Arthur Roland Kelly; it retains porch stonework, a curved bay window and other distinguishing features. The proposed Mills Act improvements include seismic evaluation, roof replacement, electrical upgrades and exterior repairs. The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended approval and council adopted Resolution 2026-30.
Why it matters: The Mills Act contracts provide property tax incentives tied to legally enforceable preservation obligations, helping private owners fund long-term restoration of architecturally significant homes that contribute to Monrovia's historic character.
What comes next: Staff will finalize Mills Act agreements and owners will proceed with the preservation work under the contract terms; the council found the items categorically exempt under CEQA where noted.
