Title
Approval of a Phil Gordon Threatened Building Grant - Leopoldo & Isabel Dominguez House, 927 North 8th Street (Ordinance S-53239) - District 8
Description
This report requests the City manager, or his designee, to enter into the necessary agreements and conveyances with Ran Holdings LLP related to a Phil Gordon Threatened Building grant of up to $250,000 to assist with the rehabilitation of the Leopoldo & Isabel Dominguez House at 927 North 8th Street in the Garfield Historic District. Further request for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The subject property is a single-story Craftsman-style brick bungalow constructed ca. 1913. Beginning in 1915, the house was occupied by Leopoldo Dominguez, a salesman at the Popular Dry Goods Company, and his wife Isabel. The Dominguez family continued to live in the home into the 1940s. Following World War II, the home was converted to a duplex.
In 2005, the property received HP zoning and was included in the Garfield Historic District. In 2022, the house suffered a fire resulting in significant damage. A demolition application was filed in October 2022, which was denied by the HP Office under the premise that the brick walls were still salvageable and the house was still a contributor to the historic district. By 2024, the property was owned by the current owner, Ran Holdings LLP, which initially considered demolishing the house. However, after discussion with HP staff, who encouraged the owner to apply for a threatened building grant, Ran Holdings LLP decided to pursue preservation, with the intention of building new housing at the rear at a later date.
On May 19, 2026, Sam Garcia submitted an initial grant application on behalf of the property owner. After review by HP staff, additional items and revisions were submitted on August 7 and August 10, 2026 completing the application. The itemized budget in the application specifies $357,240 in eligible expenses, which include masonry cleaning and repair, window repair and replacement, roof repair, foundation repair, painting, and other items. Architectural and engineering expenses are also included.
The project also includes $143,000 in ineligible work items, resulting in a total project cost of $500,240.
Staff recommends allocating the use of $250,000 in available Phil Gordon Threatened Building grant funds for this project.
If approved, the grant funds will be disbursed to the applicant on a reimbursement basis as work is completed and expenses verified.
Financial Impact
The requested amount is $250,000. In exchange for the grant funds, the City will receive a 30-year conservation easement. The easement will require the property be preserved, insured, and maintained in good repair once rehabilitation is completed.
Concurrence
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of this item on August 17, 2026, by a 8-0 vote.
Location
927 N 8th Street
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Planning and Development Department.