Heritage Office reports grant program activity; England House stabilization and other projects moving forward

Heritage Preservation staff told the commission the historic signs and facades grant program wrapped several projects at the end of fiscal 2025 and that the office has new funds available for awards in the current fiscal year.

Staff reported four recent inspections and said the program closed and paid out three projects with fiscal‑year‑2025 funds. Two awards from last year remain active: work at 61 West Cherry has an approved extension and lumberjack pizza (104 E. Route 66) has completed work but awaits owner reimbursement paperwork. The city has approximately $140,000 available for awards at the start of the fiscal year; after tonight’s $10,000 award the balance is roughly $130,000.

Staff presented status photos and summaries: foundation stabilization work at 803 1/2 West Aspen (completed); window replacement at 615 West Cherry (completed and reimbursed); England House (614 W. Santa Fe) where foundation replacement under a rear porch and other stabilization work were done and the contractor is securing custom replacement windows; and Lumberjack Pizza, where exterior repairs are finished but the owner must submit final proof of payment for reimbursement. Staff also confirmed the Los Tapatios interpretive plaque and sign permit have been approved and noted the plaque will be installed adjacent to an existing mural.

Staff said one recent project used stone salvaged beneath a porch and that finding local salvageable materials can change project budgets and outcomes. The commission discussed salvage feasibility and the technical limits of reusing Malpais stone; staff noted salvaging volcanic stone can be difficult and sometimes replacement with visually similar stone is proposed when salvage is infeasible.

No additional awards were made beyond the 123 South Beaver approval at the meeting, and staff said they will continue to inspect and process reimbursements.