REPORT TO THE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Proposed Project:
LANDMARK ALTERATION PERMIT: to install two new awnings and replacement of two awnings at storefronts.
Location: 121-133 South Murphy Avenue (APNs: 209-06-003, 004)
File #: PLNG-2026-0211
Zoning: DSP-2 (Downtown Specific Plan Block 2)
Applicant / Owner: Portfolio Realty Management (applicant) / John W Hubbard (owner)
Environmental Review: Class 1 Categorical Exemption relieves this project from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions.
Project Planner: Momo Ishijima, 408-730-753, mishijima@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Report
BACKGROUND
Description of Proposed Project
The proposed project is to allow installation of two new awnings and replacement of two awnings at the four storefronts of 121 to 133 South Murphy Avenue. A Landmark Alteration Permit is required for any exterior modifications to buildings within the Local Landmark District with review and approval by the Heritage Preservation Commission.
See Attachment 1 for a map of the vicinity and noticing area.
Previous Actions on the Site
The building was constructed in 1939 and originally occupied by Seijo’s Bakery. The street was originally called Main Street and the 100 block of South Murphy Avenue make up the Murphy Station Heritage Landmark District (established in 1979). The bakery was divided into four tenant spaces and Leigh’s Favorite Books occupies 121 South Murphy Avenue, Bookasaurus occupies 125 South Murphy Avenue, Gelateria Bella Roma occupies 127 South Murphy Avenue, and Momo Grill occupies 133 South Murphy Avenue.
Over the years, there have been various permits related to signs and awning modifications, and additions in the rear of the property. There are no active Neighborhood Preservation cases.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
A Class 1 Categorical Exemption relieves this project from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions that include minor alterations to an existing facility (CEQA Section 15301).
DISCUSSION
Site Layout and Architecture
The project site is located on the west side, mid-block on South Murphy Avenue between West Evelyn Avenue and West Washington Avenue. The existing building is two-stories in the center and one-story on the sides. The primary entrances face South Murphy Avenue and the rear accesses are from the City-owned surface parking lot. The Design Guidelines for Murphy Station Heritage Landmark District identifies the modern with art deco influence building as a Primary Contributor to the district. The exterior is smooth stucco with light paint color.
Exterior Modifications:
The project proposes the following modifications to the front facade:
- Remove awnings from 125 and 127 South Murphy Avenue storefronts;
- Remove metal/plastic sign from awning at 127 South Murphy Avenue; and,
- Install new black canvas awnings at all four storefronts.
The project proposes no other modifications to the front or rear facades.
Applicable Design Guidelines
The following design guidelines from The Design Guidelines for Murphy Station Heritage Landmark District are applicable to the project:
Recommendations for Priority Improvements (as of December 13, 2018):
- Consider introducing awnings that are uniform in style, shape, size and materials at the three storefronts, colors may vary (if desirable).
- Remove “Italian ice cream” signage at awning; replace lettering on the awning, existing awning signage does not positively contribute to streetscape or building style
The proposed modifications to the awnings enhance the character-defining features of the historic building and provide a uniform style, shape, size and materials for the storefront awnings. The black color of the canvas awning ties into the existing trims and tiles, and the angles of the awnings will be consistent for the entire building. The proposed color palette is compatible with the modern with art deco influence architecture and adds positively to the Murphy Avenue streetscape. Similar black awnings have also been installed along Murphy Avenue.
Development Standards
There are no additions proposed to the building and the project meets all development standards of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code.
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACTS/COMPATIBILITY:
The proposed installation of new awnings at the business storefronts will enhance the City’s historic district with a variety of other retail stores, restaurants, and bars. Staff finds that the proposed awning upgrades are consistent with the applicable design guidelines and will not have a negative impact to the surrounding uses with the incorporation of the recommended conditions of approval for construction activities (See Attachment 3). Therefore, the neighborhood impact from the proposed project is expected to be minimal.
PUBLIC CONTACT
408 notices were sent to surrounding property owners and residents adjacent to the subject site. Staff has received no comments on the item. In addition, the notice of the Public Hearing was published in the Sun newspaper.
Public contact was made by posting the meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the Landmark Alteration Permit with recommended Findings in Attachment 2 and recommended Conditions in Attachment 3.
2. Approve the Landmark Alteration Permit with modifications.
3. Deny the Landmark Alteration Permit.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1. Approve the Landmark Alteration Permit with recommended Findings in Attachment 2 and recommended Conditions in Attachment 3.
Staff
Prepared by: Momo Ishijima, Senior Planner
Approved by: Noren Caliva-Lepe, Principal Planner
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity and Noticing Maps
2. Recommended Findings
3. Standard Requirements and Recommended Conditions of Approval
4. Awnings Plans
5. Project Description Letter
6. Murphy Station Heritage Landmark District Design Guidelines - Building Specific Excerpt