Historic Resources Commission approves rehabilitation plan for former Whittier Citrus Packing House

James Becerra, Chair of the Whittier Historic Resources Commission, presided over a 4–0–1 vote on June 11 approving Resolution No. HRC 2025-01 to authorize exterior rehabilitation and site improvements for the former Whittier Citrus Packing House at 12310 and 12320 Penn Avenue.

Ben Pongetti, the City’s Director of Community Development, introduced the project as Item 5.A and noted staff’s recommendation to adopt the attached resolution. The staff report included an environmental determination that "the project has been deemed categorically exempt, pursuant to Section 15331, Class 31 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)," meaning the work is treated as historical resource restoration consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

Alan Hernandez, Associate Planner, presented the project scope and said the work focuses on stabilizing and repairing deteriorating historic fabric while enabling reuse. Architect Jim Wilson of Thirtieth Street Architects summarized proposed work including patching and repairing historic materials, new paint, landscaping and site work intended to stop deterioration and to retain significant openings on primary elevations.

A CPA consultant told the commission their firm prepared the historic property treatment plan and concluded the project complies with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. The consultant described the property’s broad period of significance, noted some alterations on secondary elevations would be necessary for feasibility, said skylights would be replaced due to deterioration, and described a proposed removable deck addition intended to avoid adverse impacts to historic fabric.

Craig Atkins, the property owner, described a recent emergency roof repair and said the rehabilitation aims to beautify the buildings and attract visitors from the adjacent Greenway Trail. Several members of the public, including Andrew Rodriguez, Chuck Garcera, Mary Corman Sullens and Helen Rahder, offered comments during the public-comment period; Rahder also presented a small breadboard made from wood salvaged from the library’s holly oak tree as an example of local interest in salvaged historic materials.

During discussion, commissioners pressed staff and the project team on signage concepts, protection of existing murals, and code-enforcement safeguards to prevent the introduction of high-heat or flame-generating equipment. Chair Becerra specifically requested reconsideration of the proposed skylights, saying they "did not appear historic," and suggested considering an alternative at the rear that would open to the Greenway Trail.

Following discussion of colors, signage, and monumentation, Chair Becerra moved and Vice Chair Candi Nash seconded adoption of Resolution No. HRC 2025-01 approving Certificate of Appropriateness No. HRC25-0001 for rehabilitation of the former Whittier Citrus Packing House Buildings A–D. The motion carried on a roll-call vote, 4–0–1, with Commissioner Vanessa Ortiz absent.

Director Pongetti used the secretary's comments to announce several administrative items: the opening of Rodeo 72, an anticipated July opening of the Whittier Circuit (a parking-management initiative), availability of accessory-dwelling-unit (ADU) templates on the City website, and that Andrew Rodriguez is the new HRC commissioner. Assistant Director Luis Escobedo told commissioners they would receive draft reports and DPR forms for Central Park and Hadley/Greenleaf, that notices had been mailed to nearby property owners and preservation groups, and that Page & Turnbull will give a formal presentation in August or September prior to any formal HRC recommendation to City Council.

The commission adjourned at 7:24 p.m.