REPORT TO HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Initial Direction on the Study to Update the Heritage Resource Inventory to Include Potential Resources Associated with Technological Innovation (Study Issue CDD 19-05)
File #: PLNG-2024-0298
Environmental Review: The action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15306.
Project Planner: Momo Ishijima, (408) 730-7532, mishijima@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Sunnyvale has historically been at the center of Silicon Valley's advanced technological innovation and that history is not reflected in the current Heritage Resource Inventory. The City has selected Architectural Resources Group (ARG), a historical consultant, to conduct research, collect information, facilitate outreach meetings, and evaluate properties for potential nomination to the Heritage Resource Inventory as it relates to technological innovations and advancements. Staff requests initial direction on the study components before proceeding to next steps.
BACKGROUND
The Heritage Resources Inventory was created in 1979 and has been updated periodically. The most recent comprehensive study in 2007 included a citywide survey for consideration of new neighborhood districts and individual heritage resources. Two neighborhoods and five properties were identified and further evaluated in 2009. However, none of these properties and neighborhoods were ultimately added to the inventory. The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) has approved removal of several properties from the inventory over the years through requests by individual property owners when further study determined that they did not meet the City's standards for heritage designation.
The designation of resources is generally associated with architecture, early industry, historical events, and prominent individuals. Although some important technological innovation has originated in Sunnyvale, the City does ...
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