Arcata City Planning Commission approves design review for All Under Heaven at 725 and 735 8th Street

The Arcata City Planning Commission on April 28 approved a design‑review permit allowing interior and exterior renovations that will combine 725 and 735 8th Street into a single accessible commercial space for All Under Heaven.

Staff recommended approval based on findings that the project preserves the character‑defining features of the designated historic landmark at 735 8th Street, restores concealed 1917 transom windows and adds accessibility improvements at 725, and that the proposed changes are reversible. Staff said the historic‑landmark committee reviewed the proposal and recommended approval. The staff presentation noted the project would adopt a Class 31 historical‑resource categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for restoration and rehabilitation of a historic resource.

Applicants Tony and Gail Rossy told commissioners they have owned the property for decades and described the work as necessary to stabilize aging structures, replace roofs and foundations, remove asbestos, restore historic windows with custom replacements made in Arcata, and make at least one entrance accessible with a power‑assisted door. “Our endeavor is to do justice to the site to help revive that visual landscape,” Tony Rossy said, describing the intent to respect the plaza’s historic character. Architect Martha Jane provided design sketches showing a removable display window and tile element intended to maintain the recessed entryway’s appearance.

Staff and commissioners discussed interpretation of General Plan preservation policies cited in the report (HP1B, HP3B and HP3C). Staff said the policies require careful compatibility review for buildings within the Plaza Area Historic District but do not treat every non‑designated building as a full historic resource subject to Secretary of the Interior standards. Commissioners and staff emphasized that exterior changes to the designated landmark at 735 would be reversible and that removed steel security bars would be retained on site per a condition of approval.

Commissioners also debated delegating final review of signage and tile details to the Community Development Director as a minor modification to avoid requiring the applicants to return for a separate $700 permit for those cosmetic elements. Vice Chair Strickland recommended the delegation and the commission amended the staff recommendation accordingly.

A motion to approve the design‑review permit (file no. 256014DR), adopt the Class 31 CEQA exemption and approve the findings and conditions passed on a voice vote.