HPAC Hearing Briefing Document
Titus House LLC requests Historic Design Review and Zoning Clearance approval to convert the Titus House (Category B Contributing historic resource, c. 1910-11) into Guesthouse Pantry—a neighborhood bakery and café. The project involves minor exterior modifications including deck expansion, repainting, and kitchen ventilation, while preserving the building's historic character. Staff recommends approval with one condition regarding paint color for the front shed structure. The project qualifies for parking exemption under California AB 2097 due to proximity to the Truckee train station (0.3 miles).
The focus of this Historic Design Review is preservation of the property and its history—not evaluation of the proposed commercial use. The café/bakery use has already been determined to be a permitted use under the DMU zoning. HPAC's role is to assess whether the exterior modifications preserve the building's historic character.
"Adaptive Reuse" of historic properties is explicitly recognized in the Historic Design Guidelines. The Guidelines state that historic structures can be reused or repurposed while respecting their architectural and historic significance. This project exemplifies that principle—giving new life to a 115-year-old structure while honoring its heritage.
The proposed exterior modifications are minimal and fully in line with the historic characteristics of the property. The deck expansion uses traditional wood materials consistent with Brickelltown porches. The hood vent is hidden behind the roofline. All utility equipment is screened from public view. Staff confirms compliance with all applicable Historic Design Guidelines.
The proposed use of the Titus House is designed to benefit the Truckee community—both residents and visitors—year-round. The Guesthouse Pantry will activate the western gateway of Downtown Truckee with a neighborhood gathering place, consistent with 2040 General Plan policies LU-6.2 (four-season economy) and LU-6.3 (local gathering places).
Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. No live entertainment or on-site alcohol consumption. Alcohol License: Type 20 (off-sale beer & wine only) for off-site consumption at affiliated Guesthouse properties.
Wood deck with wood railing painted white to match trim. Located at-grade (18" above) on south elevation. Defines entry consistent with Brickelltown porch character.
Titus House: Benjamin Moore "Saybrook Sage" HC-114 (historic color approved). Front Barn: Benjamin Moore "Carolina Gull" 2138-40 (requires HPAC approval—not considered historic). White trim throughout.
Roof-mounted at rear of structure, behind ridge line to minimize visibility. Painted grey, wrapped in board and batten siding matching existing dimensions and color.
Wood-framed shed roof on east side (3'-8" from property line) housing switchgear. Wood shingle roof to match existing. One can light mounted under roof.
New wood enclosure at rear west side for 64-gallon trash/food waste container. Painted to match Titus House body with sloped wood shingle roof.
Two 4'×4' concrete pads at rear of site for HVAC condenser units, screened from public view behind building.
Property purchased by Titus family from Truckee Lumber Company. Materials salvaged from "Ohio House," a 21-room stage stop. Architect possibly Walter Bliss (St. Francis Hotel, Geary Theater). Liz Donner, Donner Party survivor, stayed here c. 1916.
Originally associated with adjacent demolished residence at 10396 Donner Pass Road. Wood-framed front-gable with corrugated metal roof, ornamental stamped sheet metal siding (faux brick), paired barn-type doors.
| Guideline | Analysis | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ch. 6H: Rooftop Devices | Hood vent at rear, behind ridge, minimal visibility, painted grey | Compliant |
| Ch. 7: Wood Siding | Board and batten for hood enclosure matches existing | Compliant |
| Ch. 7: Paint Colors | Saybrook Sage is historic; Carolina Gull requires review | Conditional |
| Ch. 10: Utilities | Condensers and switchgear screened from public view | Compliant |
| Ch. 14: Porches | Expanded deck reinforces entry element per Brickelltown guidelines | Compliant |
"I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed improvements to the Titus House... The addition of the Guesthouse Pantry, commercial kitchen, and neighborhood bakery/café will meaningfully enhance the western gateway of Downtown Truckee."
— Jeff Brown, Owner, Tahoe Mountain Realty (Adjacent property owner to west; shares parking lot)| Stakeholder | Concern | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Joel Sherman, JLS Design (10374 Donner Pass Rd, east) |
Parking impact on neighboring lots from coffee shop traffic | AB 2097 exemption confirmed by Town Senior Planner Adam Petersen. No parking requirement legally enforceable. |
| Joel Sherman | Electrical equipment noise, drainage impact near property line | Switchgear enclosed with shed roof, 3'-8" from property line. Drainage contained on-site per plans. |
Staff asserts the following findings can be made in the affirmative:
Evaluate deck expansion, hood vent, electrical enclosure, and trash enclosure for consistency with Brickelltown Character Area guidelines.
Identify a compatible historic color to replace Benjamin Moore "Carolina Gull" 2138-40 for the front barn/shed structure.
Provide recommendation on whether Certificate of Appropriateness findings can be made in the affirmative.