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Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved forAugust 26, 2025 calendar
AGENDA ITEM
CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Report: The Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project
1. Resolution adopting the Specification for the Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project, Specification No. 4024; and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids.
COUNCIL ACTION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Shoseian Tea House, a cultural landmark in Brand Park, requires exterior rehabilitation due to aging and weather-related deterioration. The project will include roof repairs, wood restoration, repainting, and drainage improvements, all in accordance with historic preservation standards. The proposed work will help preserve the structure’s integrity and enhance public use. The intent of this item is for the City Council to adopt the project specification and authorize the City Clerk to advertise for bids.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Resolution to adopt the Specification for the Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project, Specification No. 4024; and direct the City Clerk to advertise for bids.
ANALYSIS
The Shoseian Tea House, located in Brand Park, is a traditional Japanese structure gifted to the City of Glendale in 1974 as a symbol of friendship with its sister city, Higashiōsaka, Japan. Over the years, the structure has become an important cultural and educational resource, hosting tea ceremonies, public programs, and community events.
Due to prolonged exposure to the elements and limited repairs over time, the Tea House now exhibits signs of exterior deterioration. A recent site evaluation revealed several issues requiring attention, including cracked and weathered roof tiles, rotted wood beams, peeling paint, and poor drainage conditions that have contributed to moisture damage around the foundation.
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2 The proposed rehabilitation project aims to address these deficiencies and preserve the structure’s integrity.
The scope of work includes:
Repair or replacement of damaged wood elements such as posts, beams, and fascia;
Roof tile replacement using historically appropriate materials; Repainting of exterior surfaces to match original color schemes; Replacing roof gutters;
Grading and drainage improvements around the perimeter to divert water away from the structure.
All work will adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to ensure historical accuracy and long-term preservation. Where possible, materials will be salvaged and reused to maintain authenticity.
By undertaking this project, the City will preserve a significant cultural landmark, enhance safety and usability, and ensure the continued enjoyment of the Tea House by residents and visitors. Upon approval, staff will proceed with final design and construction coordination to minimize disruption and complete the work efficiently.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
The work will be coordinated with the contractor and Community Services & Parks Department (CSP) staff to minimize any disruptions to operations and the public.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report, at this time. The current Engineer’s estimate for the construction of this project is $150,000 which was included as a part of the FY 2025- 26 budget. Staff will return to council to award the contract, at a later date.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This project is Categorically Exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §15301, existing facilities. The existing facilities exemption applies to “the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.” (CEQA Guidelines §15301).
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements. 4b
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3 ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Do not approve the Resolution adopting the project specifications, thereby delaying the proposed improvements and preserving the current conditions and use of the facilities.
Alternative 2: Consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Daniel Hernandez, Director of Public Works
Prepared by:
Arthur Asaturyan, Senior Project Manager
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None.