REPORT TO THE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Proposed Project:
LANDMARK ALTERATION PERMIT: to allow exterior modifications to the front and rear facades and screening for rooftop equipment for a new restaurant (Zareen's).
Location: 135 South Murphy Avenue (APN: 209-06-005)
File #: PLNG-2025-0466
Zoning: DSP-2 (Downtown Specific Plan Block 2)
Applicant / Owner: Sa'id Eghbal (applicant) / Zareen Khan (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 modifications to the exterior fa?ade in the front and rear and the screening of rooftop equipment at 135 South Murphy Avenue. The existing building is one-story and formally occupied by a bar (Murphy's Law). The primary entrance faces South Murphy Avenue and the rear access is from the City-owned surface parking lot and an exterior courtyard space. 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 mailing area.
Previous Actions on the Site
The building was constructed in 1913, one year after the incorporation of Sunnyvale. 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 building has operated as a bar for decades.
In the 1980's, there were Planning approvals related to exterior modifications, interior improvements, landscaping and outdoor eating area. Most recently during the pandemic (2020), there was an approval for outdoor dining on Murphy Avenue.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
A Class 1 Categorical Exemption relieves this project from the California Envi...
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