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ITEM  4 Historic Preservation Commission      Development Services  Memo No. 26-002         Date: 03/25/2026 To: Historic Preservation Commission Thru: David De La Torre, Acting Planning Administrator From: Mikayela Liburd, City Planner Subject: PLH26-0007 Val's on Boston

Proposed Motion:

Move Historic Preservation Commission approve Architectural Plan Review, PLH26-0007 Val's on Boston, allowing demolition and reconstruction of a building and exterior renovations to an existing building for the development of a new bar and kitchen facility. Located at 118 and 108 W Boston Street (generally located west of the northwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Boston Street.)

Background/Discussion

This application requests approval for the demolition and reconstruction of two suites and exterior renovations to an existing building for the development of a new bar and kitchen facility. The initial request was for Architectural Plan Review approval to demolish two buildings and construct a new bar and kitchen facility. The applicant has since decided instead to renovate the building to the rear of the property rather than demolishing and reconstructing. Therefore only two buildings (108 and 118) are being demolished as part of this request.  The proposed bar and taproom will be approximately 3,050 square feet replacing the existing 1,600 square feet building along Boston Street frontage. The 875 square feet building on the north of the property, proposed for the kitchen facility, will not be expanded. The bar design exhibits a style of architecture that harmonizes with the City Center District's character through its scale and material palette choice. The new building's facade features terracotta tile and terracotta breeze block, stucco, steel panels and expansive and operable windows to create a welcoming connection to the active thoroughfare along Boston Street.  The renovated kitchen will be commensurate with the exterior design of the bar in materials and colors. Stucco is being proposed as the principal material and terra-cotta wall tiles and copper-colored metal panels as secondary materials.  The Zoning Administrator has determined that the additional parking demand generated by the proposed new building is negligible when compared to the parking demand from the existing buildings. As such, the minimal number of required parking spaces can be absorbed by the existing Oregon Street Parking Garage, located approximately 300 feet south of the subject property. Therefore, no additional on-site parking is required to support this proposal. Per the zoning code, Architectural Plan Review approval is required prior to redevelopment, structure construction or reconstruction, structural alteration or facade renovation of any property within the City Center District (CCD). Planning staff finds that the proposed new building and facade renovations do not detract from the area. While the proposed architecture does not mirror historic forms in and of itself, it is consistent from a massing standpoint and uses harmonious materials and is at a scale that staff finds appropriate. All signage will be reviewed through a separate permit and must conform to CCD sign provisions or go back to this commission for approval.  When considering the historic value of the subject buildings and whether they are worth preserving, there are three criteria that must be met in the code regarding significance, age and integrity.  Significance With respect to the first criterion, there have been persons of significance in the City of Chandler that have resided or worked in the buildings including the following:   Harold L. Kautz and his wife resided in 108 W. Boston St. Harold was the City Attorney for Chandler 1947-1960 and perhaps as late as 1963 when he was appointed as Phoenix City Magistrate. In 1960, he was involved in Chandler vs. Tempe regarding annexation issues. Suite 118 was Harold's office as City Attorney. By 1968, 108 was converted to retail.  Former city mayor Bert Lewis had his realty office located at 108 W. Boston St. In 1968, Walter D. Norris, City Attorney, had his office located at 118 W. Boston St. Age The subject buildings were built in 1950. Therefore, they meet the criterion regarding age. Integrity With respect to integrity, Planning staff finds that the existing buildings lack integrity of design, given that they do not share the historical vernacular of the early twentieth century that is embodied by the historical commercial square.  Further, the existing architectural design does not provide any distinctive architectural features or other characteristics that warrant historic preservation. National Register of Historic Places: The subject buildings are not listed on the National Register.     Recommendation: Upon finding the proposed bar/taproom and kitchen complementary to the surrounding Early Twentieth Century commercial style of architecture found in the surrounding City Center District (CCD), Planning staff recommends the Historic Preservation Commission approve PLH26-0007 Val's on Boston, subject to the following conditions: Development shall be in substantial conformance with the Development Booklet kept on file in the City of Chandler Planning Division, in file PLH26-0007 Val's on Boston.    Architectural Plan Review approval does not constitute Final Architectural Plan approval; compliance with the details required by all applicable codes and conditions of the City of Chandler shall apply.

Attachments PLH26-0007 Vicinity Maps PLH26-0007_Narrative PLH26-0007 Development Booklet PLH26-0007 Photo Exhibits

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