TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: BRAD JOHNSON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
DATE: DECEMBER 9, 2025
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
HISTORICAL PROPERTY (MILLS ACT) AGREEMENT #25-MA01, BETWEEN THE CITY OF CLAREMONT AND DAVID MEDAK AND ELENA ESQUIBEL, PROPERTY OWNERS OF 611 WEST EIGHTH STREET
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SUMMARY
The owners of the property, including a residence and garage constructed of adobe bricks, at 611 West Eighth Street have submitted a request to enter into a Historic Property (Mills Act) Agreement with the City. The Mills Act is a preservation tool enacted by the state legislature to ensure the long-term preservation of eligible historic properties and other significant site features of such properties. In return, property owners receive a tax reduction, which helps finance the necessary repairs and renovations for the property. On October 29, 2025, the Architectural and Preservation Commission reviewed the proposed agreement and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the subject Mills Act request. The City Council is the decision-making body for Mills Act requests and is asked to take final action on the agreement at this meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council:
A. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Historical Property (Mills Act) Agreement between the City of Claremont and David Medak and Elena Esquibel, property owners of 611 West Eighth Street; and
B. Find this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Continue the discussion and request additional information.
B. Make revisions to the proposed Mills Act Agreement and approve the agreement as revised.
C. Deny Mills Act Agreement #25-MA01.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The costs associated with the review of this application have been borne by the applicant.
Upon approval of a Mills Act historical property contract (Attachment A), the value of the subject property is reassessed based on a formula that considers the rental income that could be expected from the property, the Federal home loan interest rate, a historic property risk component, and an amortization component to result in a special Mills Act capitalization rate. The total tax savings for the property owners is determined by using the formula outlined in Attachment B, which also estimates the anticipated tax savings for the property owners/applicants. With approval of a Mills Act contract, the value of property tax savings must be put towards the scope of work identified in Attachment A, to preserve or rehabilitate the historic character-defining elements of the property and ensure its ongoing historical and structural integrity. Approval of a Mills Act contract will also result in a minor loss of tax revenue to the City. This loss represents the City’s contribution to ensuring the property’s preservation for the benefit of the community.
Staff has prepared estimates of the anticipated tax savings (Attachment B) for the owners and the loss in tax revenue to the City if the Mills Act agreement is approved. The calculations estimate a potential tax savings to the owners of $6,661 per year ($66,605 for ten years), and a potential loss to the City in tax revenue of $773 per year. In addition to the loss of revenue to the City, the contract will also result in a loss of tax revenue to the other local, regional, state agencies, and districts that receive a portion of property taxes paid.
ANALYSIS
Background
What is the Mills Act?
The Mills Act is a preservation tool created by the California state legislature in 1972 to encourage the preservation and restoration of historic properties. The act enables cities to enter into historical property agreements with owners of qualifying properties to reduce owners’ property taxes in order to incentivize investment in their historic properties. While resulting in some lost tax revenue, the agreements provide benefits to cities in that they ensure preservation, high-quality rehabilitation, and maintenance of historic properties that represent important cultural resources.
As provided for by State law, the Mills Act is administered and implemented by local governments. Mills Act contracts are executed between the property owners and the local government granting the tax reduction. Cities have considerable discretion in evaluating Mills Act requests and are not mandated to approve historical property agreements. Each local government establishes its own eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the number of contracts to allow within its jurisdiction. The California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) does not participate in the contract negotiations, is not a signatory to the contract, and has no authority over the administration of the Mills Act program.
City’s Mills Act Program
In October 2000, the City Council approved procedures and review criteria for agreements for properties in Claremont. Initially, the program was restricted to historic properties suffering severe deterioration and in danger of near-term demolition or eventual demolition due to long-term neglect. In January 2009, the City Council revised the review criteria to include all residential properties listed in the City’s Register of Structures of Historic and Architectural Merit of the City of Claremont (Register). In addition, the Council limited the maximum number of Mills Act contracts that can be approved to six per year.
On October 9, 2012, the City Council amended the program once more to provide clarification to one of the review criteria and to establish an annual compliance review fee. These newly revised criteria and procedures are included as Attachment C (City Council Resolution 2012-75).
Property Description
The subject property is located on the north side of West Eighth Street, on the block situated between North Cambridge Avenue and Oxford Avenue. It is located in the neighborhood identified in the Claremont General Plan as “Old Claremont”. The property has a General Plan Designation of Residential 6 and is zoned Single-Family Residential- 8,000 square foot lot size (RS 8,000).
Constructed in 1948, the Ordway House, located at 611 West Eighth Street, is a rare and well-preserved example of adobe residential architecture found in Claremont. The character-defining features of both the exterior and interior of the home were identified through a site visit to the property. The primary residence is a one-story, low-profile Ranch-style structure with a rectangular floor plan and a front-gabled roof oriented parallel to the street. Its exterior walls are composed of handmade adobe brick, and the roof is finished with traditional, handmade clay tile. Distinctive features include a columned front porch and porte-cochere on the east façade, both supported by repurposed palm tree trunks salvaged by the original owner, Philip Ordway, following the City’s post-World War II street improvements along Yale Avenue. A large picture window in the living room faces the rear patio and heritage oak tree, while original metal casement windows are present throughout the home. The home features polished concrete floors, open wood-beam ceilings, and an early, now-inactive, galvanized copper radiant floor heating system. The focal point of the interior is a custom brick fireplace lined with Native American decorative tiles, each depicting a unique animal motif. The rear covered patio, supported by additional palm trunk columns, features concrete slab flooring with unique wood infill strips. The grounds include a mature landscape of significant trees, notably a heritage Coast Live Oak estimated to be over 100 years old, two mature olive trees approximately 60 years old, and a large pepper tree along the east property line. The detached two-car garage is in keeping with the main house, as it is constructed with handmade adobe clay, features exposed wood-beam ceilings, and polished concrete floors.
The home is in relatively good shape and, with appropriate restoration and repair, can continue conveying its historical appearance and significance.
Proposed Work Plan
The applicants have proposed a sensible work plan that addresses both the home’s exterior and interior and will preserve and rehabilitate some of the home’s character-defining features while also enhancing the structural integrity of the property. A detailed summary of the proposed improvements is included in the Draft Mills Act Contract (Attachment A) with a summary provided here. With approval of a Mills Act Contract, the applicant would first grade and level the driveway and rear of the property to minimize water accumulation at the rear of the home and on the driveway. The character-defining concrete squares with wood inlay will be maintained or restored as necessary throughout the property. Then, the character-defining adobe bricks will be properly sealed, repaired, and resealed as needed to preserve the integrity of the home. Next, the work will proceed with interior work, such as updating the electrical panel as it is not currently sufficient for current appliances and needs, repairing and relocating portions of the sewage line that have been damaged by roots, as well as installing a new disposal system, and repainting and sealing the interior walls and bathrooms that have already been painted. Additionally, the concrete floors will need to be repaired, ground down in areas, refinished, and resealed to address issues related to cracking and heaving from roots and flooding. Lastly, other exterior work involves installing a period-appropriate garage door and addressing insect damage to the historic olive trees in the front yard. These eight items would well exceed the cost of property tax savings over ten years. Additionally, some roof repair work is required, as a new leak has become evident. During its review of this Mills Act proposal, the Architectural and Preservation Commission recommended that the roof leak repair be prioritized to minimize any damage.
Qualifying Criteria and Staff Evaluation
Pursuant to Section 130 of City Council Resolution No. 2012-75, a historical property contract may be approved only if each of the following five criteria (in italics) are met. Each criterion (A-E) is followed by staff’s rationale on why it is being met.
A. The subject property meets the eligibility requirements for a Mills Act contract pursuant to California Government Code Section 50280.1 in that it is a privately owned property which is not exempt from property taxation, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, located in a National Register or local historic district, listed in a state or county official register of historic or architecturally significant sites, places or landmarks, or listed in the Register of Structures of Historic and Architectural Merit of the City of Claremont.
The subject property is privately owned by the applicants (David Medak and Elena Esquibel) and is not exempt from property taxation. The subject property is concurrently under review for listing in the City’s Register of Structures of Historic and Architectural Merit. On October 29, 2025, the Architectural and Preservation Commission recommended approval of the Register Listing application. This recommendation is included in Attachment F, which contains the Commission’s approval resolution. The City Council is likewise being asked to approve this designation under a separate application. The property is eligible for listing in the Claremont Register of Historic Resources as a rare and well-preserved example of postwar adobe construction and mid-century Ranch-style residential architecture. It embodies distinctive characteristics of handmade adobe craftsmanship and retains a high degree of historic integrity. The property’s architectural and historic significance, coupled with its association with prominent civic figures Philip and Ruth Ordway, satisfies the Mills Act eligibility requirements.
B. The subject property contributes significantly to the quality, diversity, historical interest, and ambience of the community.
The Ordway House contributes significantly to the quality, diversity, and historical ambience of Claremont. Constructed in 1948, the residence represents a rare example of mid-century adobe architecture, one of very few adobe homes in the City and the only one featuring palm tree columns. Beyond its unique architectural value, the home’s original owners, Philip and Ruth Ordway, played pivotal roles in shaping Claremont’s civic and social development. Philip served on the City Council and chaired the committee responsible for the creation of Memorial Park, while Ruth co-founded the Intercultural Council and led local efforts for cultural integration. The couple were also instrumental in establishing Claremont’s City Manager/City Council form of government. While serving on the City Council, Philip advocated for the change, and Ruth, then president of the League of Women Voters, led the League’s study supporting it, which was commissioned by the City Council at the time. Their efforts culminated in the Council’s 1948 adoption of the city-manager system. Together, their legacy and the home’s preservation enrich Claremont’s community identity and historical narrative.
C. Significant features that defined the historical character of the subject property, and its buildings have not been destroyed or can be restored based on documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.
The Ordway House retains all significant features that define its historic character. The handmade adobe brick construction, handmade clay tile roof, original metal casement windows, polished concrete floors, open wood-beam ceilings, and custom fireplace lined with animal-motif tiles remain intact. The property’s original mid-century kitchen cabinetry, detached adobe garage, and mature landscape of heritage oaks and olive trees further preserve its authenticity. The home exhibits a high level of integrity in design, materials, workmanship, and setting-ensuring that its historic character has not been lost and, where necessary, can be restored using documentary and physical evidence such as that found in Attachments E, G, and H.
D. The owner of the subject property proposes to make improvements that are related to preservation and/or rehabilitation of character-defining elements and/or historical and structural integrity of the property. Additionally, the cost of such improvements must be equal to or greater than the expected property tax savings for the first ten years, which needs to be distributed into two five-year periods.
The current owners intend to undertake continued preservation and rehabilitation efforts that focus on maintaining and restoring character-defining elements, such as the handmade adobe masonry, original concrete floors, original outdoor concrete paving with wood inlay, and clay roof materials. Planned improvements include maintenance of the adobe walls of the residence, updating/repairing the electrical and sewage systems, and painting and resealing original paneling and wood features, as well as minor grading and landscape changes necessary to preserve the home’s structural and material integrity and prevent ongoing flooding issues.
In completing the proposed work items with the benefit of a historical property contract, the property’s ability to continue contributing to the historical interest and ambiance of the Claremont community will be enhanced. The applicant has proposed a sensible work plan that would help ensure the home’s long-term livability, restore some of its key historic features, and maintain its original historic character.
These repairs and installations would enhance the building’s lifespan and update the home without damaging the character-defining features, making it more usable for the property owner and future residents. Based on estimates provided by the applicant, the total cost of the proposed scope of work is approximately $100,978, which is $34,373 more than the estimated tax savings of $66,605 that would result from the historical property contract over a 10-year period. With the signing of the historical property contract, the applicant would be required to invest the avoided property tax into the work outlined in Attachment A. Additionally, based on the proposed scope of work, the applicants would be contributing more of their own funds into the proposed work than they would be saving through their reduced property taxes.
E. The subject property is residential.
The subject property is a single-family residential property located in the RS 8,000 zoning district. The property remains in residential use, consistent with the Mills Act’s residential eligibility criteria.
COMMISSION REVIEW
The Architectural and Preservation Commission reviewed and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the agreement on October 29, 2025. The Commission’s resolution is Attachment F.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the proposed Historical Property Agreement.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it does not relate.
CEQA REVIEW
The proposed scheduled improvements within the contract are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15331 in that these improvements are for the restoration and rehabilitation of a historic resource, will be conducted in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards of the Office of Historic Preservation of the Department of Parks and Recreation, United States Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties, and the State Historical Building Code and will be subject to applicable City permitting requirements. Therefore, no further environmental review is necessary.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Brad Johnson Jordan Goose
Community Development Director Assistant Planner
Reviewed by:
Christopher Veirs
City Planner
Attachments:
A - Draft Mills Act Contract
B - Estimated Tax Savings Calculations
C - City Council Resolution No. 2012-75
D - Schedule of Improvements
E - Photo Survey
F - Architectural and Preservation Commission Resolution No. 2025-15
G - Excerpts from Women of Claremont by Judy Wright
H - 2010 Primary Record by Ginger Elliot of Claremont Heritage