RECORDING REQUESTED BY
AND WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza (M-30)
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Attn: Clerk of the Council
FREE RECORDING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 27383
HISTORIC PROPERTY PRESERVATION AGREEMENT
This Historic Property Preservation Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into by and between the City of Santa Ana, a charter city and municipal corporation duly organized and existing under the Constitution and laws of the of the State of California (hereinafter referred to as "City"), and Nicholas Steven Timmons and Laura Michelle Trudeau, Husband and Wife as Community Property with Right of Survivorship (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Owner"), owner of real property located at 1402 South Birch Street, Santa Ana, California, in the County of Orange and listed on the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties.
RECITALS
A. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana is authorized by California Government Code Section 50280 et seq. (known as the "Mills Act") to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historical properties to provide for appropriate use, maintenance, rehabilitation and restoration such that these historic properties retain their historic character and integrity.
B. The Owner possesses fee title in and to that certain qualified real property together with associated structures and improvements thereon, located at 1402 South Birch Street, Santa Ana, CA, 92707 and more particularly described in Exhibit "A," attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and hereinafter referred to as the "Historic Property."
C. The Historic Property is officially designated on the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 30 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code.
D. City and Owner, for their mutual benefit, now desire to enter into this Agreement which defines and limits the use and alteration of this Historic Property in order to enhance and maintain its value as a cultural and historical resource for Owner and for the community; to prevent inappropriate alterations to the Historic Property and to ensure that repairs, additions, new building, and other changes are appropriate; and to ensure that rehabilitation and maintenance are carried out in an exemplary manner.
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
1402 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Owner and City intend to carry out the purposes of California Government Code, Chapter 1, Part 5 of Division 1 of Title 5, Article 12, Section 50280 et seq., which will enable the Historic Property to qualify for an assessment of valuation as a restricted historical property pursuant to Article 1.9, Sec. 439 et seq., Chapter 3 Part 2 of Division 1 of the California Tax and Revenue Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Santa Ana and the Owner of the Historic Property agree as follows:
1. Effective Date and Terms of Agreement.
This Agreement shall be effective and commence on April 8, 2026, and shall remain in effect for a term of ten (10) years thereafter. Each year, upon the anniversary of the effective date of this Agreement, such initial term will automatically be extended as provided in California Government Code Sections 50280 through 50290 and in Section 2, below.
2. Renewal.
Each year on the anniversary of the effective date of this Agreement, a year shall automatically be added to the initial ten (10) year term of this Agreement unless written notice of nonrenewal is served as provided herein.
b. If the Owner or the City desire(s) in any year not to renew the Agreement, the Owner or City shall serve written notice of nonrenewal of the Agreement on the other party.
Unless such notice is served by the Owner to the City at least ninety (90) days prior to the annual renewal date, or served by the City to the Owner at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual renewal date, one (1) year shall automatically be added to the term of the Agreement as provided herein.
Within 30 days from receipt of City's notice of nonrenewal, the Owner may file a written protest of City's decision of nonrenewal. The City may, at any time prior to the annual renewal date of the Agreement, withdraw its notice to the Owner of nonrenewal. d. If either the Owner or the City serves notice to the other of nonrenewal in any year, the Agreement shall remain in effect for the balance of the term then remaining, either from its original execution or from the last renewal of the Agreement, whichever may apply.
3. Standards and Conditions for Historic Property.
During the term of this Agreement, the Historic Property shall be subject to the following conditions, requirements and restrictions:
Owner shall maintain the Historic Property in a good state of repair and shall preserve, maintain, and, where necessary, restore or rehabilitate the property and its character- defining features described in the "Executive Summary" and "Historical Property Description" attached hereto, marked collectively as Exhibit B, notably the general architectural form, style, materials, design, scale, proportions, organization of windows, doors, and other openings, textures, details, mass, roof line, porch and other aspects of the appearance of the exterior to the satisfaction of the City.
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MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
1402 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
b. All changes to the Historic Property shall comply with applicable City plans and regulations, and conform to the rules and regulations of the Office of Historic Preservation of the State Department of Parks and Recreation, namely the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Historic Preservation Projects. These guidelines are attached hereto, marked as Exhibit C, and incorporated herein by this reference. Owner shall continually maintain the Historic Property in the same or better condition.
C. A view corridor enabling the general public to see the Historic Property from the public right-of-way shall be maintained, and Owner shall not be permitted to block the view corridor to the property with any new structure, such as walls, fences or shrubbery, so as to prevent the viewing of the historic landmark by the public.
d. The following are prohibited: demolition of the Historic Property or destruction of character-defining features of the building or site; removal of trees and other major vegetation unless removal is approved by a rehabilitation plan approved by the Historic Resources Commission; paving of yard surface; exterior alterations or additions unless approved by the Historic Resources Commission and such alterations are in keeping with the Secretary of Interior's Standards; deteriorating, dilapidated or unrepaired structures such as fences, roofs, doors, walls, and windows; storage of junk, trash, debris, discarded or unused objects such as cars, appliances, or furniture; and other unsightly by decoration, structure or vegetation which is unsightly by reason of its height, condition, or inappropriate location.
e. Owner shall allow reasonable periodic inspection by prior appointment, as needed or at least every five (5) years after the initial inspection, of the interior and exterior of the Historic Property by representatives of the City of Santa Ana, the County Assessor, the State Department of Parks and Recreation, and the State Board of Equalization, to determine the Owner's compliance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. As part of the periodic inspection, Owner shall supply information in a format determined acceptable by the representatives of the City of Santa Ana, the County Assessor, the State Department of Parks and Recreation, and the State Board of Equalization information required to determine compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
f. Owner shall implement the rehabilitation and restoration work items as discussed in detail in Exhibit D, "Proposed Structure Improvements" or "Work Plan" and the City Council Historic Property Preservation Agreement (HPPA No. 2025-12) staff report dated April 7, 2026.
All work items shall be completed within the first ten years of the Mills Act Agreement, with specific items completed within the first five years including assessing horizontal plank siding for cracking and other damage and replacing or repairing in-kind with Planning Division staff approval; assessing condition of windows (two glass block windows and 2-over-2 double hung sash wood windows) and replacing in-kind, as necessary and with Planning Division staff approval; reroofing in-kind, with Planning Division staff approval; assessing condition of exposed rafters and repairing as necessary, with Planning Division staff approval; and assessing paint and stucco throughout the residence and repairing or replacing, as necessary and with Planning Division staff approval. Proof of completion, as requested by the City of Santa Ana, will be required in order to satisfy and maintain the Mills Act Agreement. Staff approval is required before items are amended or removed/replaced from the improvements list. - 3-
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
1402 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
4. Furnishing of Information.
The Owner hereby agrees to furnish the City with any and all information requested which may be necessary or advisable to determine compliance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
5. Cancellation.
a. The City, following a duly noticed public hearing by the City Council as set forth in Government Code Section 50280, et. seq., may cancel this Agreement if it determines that the Owner have breached any of the conditions of this Agreement, or has allowed the property to deteriorate to the point that it no longer meets the standards for a qualified Historic Property, or if the City determines that the Owner have failed to restore or rehabilitate the property in the manner specified in Section 3 of this Agreement. If a contract is cancelled for these reasons, the Owner shall pay a cancellation fee to the County Auditor as set forth in Government Code Section 50286.
This cancellation fee shall be a percentage (currently set at twelve and one-half (12 ½) percent by Government Code Section 50286) of the current fair market value of the property at the time of the cancellation, as determined by the county assessor, without regard to any restriction imposed pursuant to this Agreement.
b. If the Historic Property is destroyed by earthquake, fire, flood or other natural disaster such that in the opinion of the City Building Official more than sixty (60) percent of the original fabric of the structure must be replaced, this Agreement shall be canceled immediately because, in effect, the historic value of the structure will have been destroyed. No fee shall be imposed in the case of destruction by acts of God or natural disaster.
C. If the Historic Property is acquired by eminent domain and the City Council determines that the acquisition frustrates the purpose of this Agreement, this Agreement shall be cancelled and no fee imposed, as specified in Government Code Section 50288.
6. Enforcement of Agreement.
In lieu of and/or in addition to any provisions to cancel the Agreement as referenced herein, City may specifically enforce, or enjoin the breach of, the terms of the Agreement. In the event of a default, under the provisions to cancel the Agreement by Owner, the City shall give written notice to Owner by registered or certified mail, and if such a violation is not corrected to the reasonable satisfaction of the City Manager or designee within thirty (30) days thereafter, or if not corrected within such a reasonable time as may be required to cure the breach or default, or default cannot be cured within thirty (30) days (provided that acts to cure the breach or default may be commenced within thirty (30) days and shall thereafter be diligently pursued to completion by Owner), then City may, without further notice, declare a default under the terms of this Agreement and may bring any action necessary to specifically enforce the obligations of Owner growing out of the terms of this Agreement, apply to any court, state or federal, for injunctive relief against any violation by Owner or apply for such relief as may be appropriate. b. City does not waive any claim of default by the Owner if City does not enforce or cancel this Agreement. All other remedies at law or in equity which are not otherwise provided for in this Agreement or in City's regulations governing historic properties are available to City to -4-
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
1402 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
pursue in the event that there is a breach of this Agreement. No waiver by City of any breach or default under this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other subsequent breach thereof or default hereunder.
7. Binding effect of Agreement.
a. Owner hereby subjects the Historic Property, located at 1402 South Birch Street, Assessor Parcel Number, 013-171-15, and more particularly described in Exhibit A, in the City of Santa Ana, to the covenants, conditions, and restrictions as set forth in this Agreement.
b. City and Owner hereby declare their specific intent that the covenants, conditions and restrictions as set forth herein shall be deemed covenants running with the land and shall pass to and be binding upon Owner's successors and assigns in title or interest to the Historic Property.
Every contract, deed, or other instrument hereinafter executed, covering or conveying the Historic Property or any portion thereof, shall conclusively be held to have been executed, delivered, and accepted subject to the tenants, restrictions, and reservations expressed in this Agreement regardless of whether such covenants, conditions and restrictions are set forth in such contract, deed, or other instrument.
C. This property is listed in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties (Register).
In any real property transaction, the owner of this property or the owner's representative shall provide the buyer of this property with notice that the property is listed on the City's historic Register.
8. No Compensation.
Owner shall not receive any payment from City in consideration of the obligation imposed under this Agreement, it being recognized that the consideration for the execution of this Agreement is the substantial public benefit to be derived therefrom and the advantage that will accrue to Owner as a result of the effect upon the assessed value of the Property on the account of the restrictions on the use and preservation of the Property.
Notice.
Any notice required by the terms of this Agreement shall be sent to the address of the respective parties as specified below or at other addresses that may be later specified by the parties City: City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza (M-30)
Santa Ana. CA 92702
Attn: City Clerk
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MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
1402 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Owner: Nicholas Timmons and Laura Trudeau
1402 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
10. General Provisions.
a. None of the terms, provisions, or conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed to create a partnership between the parties hereto and any of their heirs, successors, or assigns, nor shall such terms, provisions or conditions cause them to be considered joint ventures or members of any joint enterprise.
b. The Owner agrees to and shall indemnify and hold the City and its elected and appointed officials, officers, agents, and employees harmless from liability for damage or claims for damage for personal injuries, including death, and claims for property damage which may arise from the direct or indirect use or operations of the Owner or those of his or her contractor, subcontractor, agent, employee, or other person acting on his or her behalf which relates to the use, operation, and maintenance of the Historic Property. The Owner hereby agrees to and shall defend the City and its elected and appointed officials, officers, agents, and employees with respect to any and all actions for damages caused by, or alleged to have been caused by, reason of the Owner's activities in connection with the Historic Property.
C. This hold harmless provision applies to all damages and claims for damages suffered, or alleged to have been suffered, and costs of defense incurred, by reason of the operations referred to in this Agreement regardless of whether or not City prepared, supplied, or approved the plans, specifications or other documents for the Historic Property. d. All of the agreements, rights, covenants, conditions, and restrictions contained in this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties herein, their heirs, successors, legal representatives, assigns, and all persons acquiring any part or portion of the Historic Property, whether by operation of law on in any manner whatsoever. e. In the event legal proceedings are brought by any party or parties to enforce or restrain a violation of any of the covenants, reservations, or restrictions contained herein, or to determine the rights and duties of any party hereunder, the prevailing party in such proceeding may recover all reasonable attorney's fees to be fixed by the court, in addition to court costs and other relief ordered by the court.
f. In the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable or invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by subsequent preemptive legislation, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions, or portions thereof, shall not be effected thereby.
g. This Agreement shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, with venue in Orange County.
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MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
1402 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
11. Recordation.
No later than twenty (20) days after the parties execute and enter into this Agreement, the City shall cause this Agreement to be recorded in the office of the County Recorder of the County of Orange.
12. Amendments.
This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part, only by a written recorded instrument executed by the parties hereto.
13. Effective Date
This Agreement shall be effective on the day and year first written above in Section 1. {Signature page follows}
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MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
1402 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
ATTEST: CITY OF SANTA ANA
JENNIFER L. HALL ALVARO NUÑEZ
City Clerk City Manager
OWNER
Date: 3/19/26 By:_
NCHOLAS S. TIMMONS
3/19/26 By: Laura Trudeau
Date:
LAURA M. TRUDEAU
APPROVED AS TO FORM: RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL:
SONIA CARVALHO
City Attorney
Bad the
BRANDON SALVATTERRA
Assistant City Attorney Executive Director
Planning and Building Agency
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MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
1402 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
EXHIBIT A
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA, COUNTY OF ORANGE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
LOT 2 OF TRACT NUMBER 1170, IN THE CITY OF CITY OF SANTA ANA, COUNTY OF ORANGE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 38, PAGE 36
OF MISCELLANEOUS MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OFTHE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY.
Assessor's Parcel Number: 013-171-015
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Exhibit B
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Joy House
1402 South Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
NAME Joy House REF. NO.
ADDRESS 1402 South Birch Street
CITY Santa Ana ZIP 92707 ORANGE COUNTY
YEAR BUILT 1947 LOCAL REGISTER CATEGORY: Contributive
HISTORIC DISTRICT N/A NEIGHBORHOOD Wilshire Square
CALIFORNIA REGISTER CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION C/3 CALIFORNIA REGISTER STATUS CODE 5S3 Location: • Not for Publication X Unrestricted
• Prehistoric X Historic • Both
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: Minimal Traditional
During the Great Depression through the immediate postwar years, the Minimal Traditional home rose in popularity as the preferred style for middle-class housing in the United States. This basic house type fulfilled both aesthetic and social needs: in terms of aesthetics, the form represented a stripped-down version of the historic-eclectic styles popular in the 1920s, in particular the Tudor and English Revival styles. In social terms, the Minimal Traditional home satisfied requirements in square footage and plan by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which launched a campaign in this period to expand home ownership. The Minimal Traditional home served as the prototype used by the FHA in its efforts to codify and manufacture "a standard, low-cost, minimum house that the majority of American wage earners could afford" (Greg Hise, Magnetic Los Angeles, p. 57). Minimal Traditional homes are typically rectangular in plan and one- story in height, often with a front-gabled wing and prominent attached chimney. In contrast with the English and Tudor Revival styles the one-story version sometimes mimics, the Minimal Traditional home is capped with a low or intermediate pitch roof with a hipped or side gable. Sheathing materials include stucco, brick, or wood, often accompanied by stone veneer accents. Fenestration generally consists of multi-light casement, double-hung, and picture windows with wood frames. The eaves and rakes of the Minimal Traditional home are typically shallow (in a departure from the later Ranch House style, which they often resemble). Although they have little applied ornament, many Minimal Traditional homes often display decorative wood shutters and porch-roof supports.
SUMMARY/CONCLUSION:
The Joy House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under Criterion 1 as an intact example of a Contemporary Modern-style home in Santa Ana. The recommended categorization is "Contributive" because it is a good example of the style and contributes to the historical and architectural character of its neighborhood (Santa Ana Municipal Code, Section 30-2.3).
EXPLANATION OF CODES:
• California Register Criteria for Evaluation: (From California Office of Historic Preservation, Technical Assistance Series # 7, "How to Nominate Resources to the California Register of Historical Resources," September 4, 2001.) 3: It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values. • It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values.
5S3: Appears to be individually eligible for local listing or designation through survey evaluation.
Exhibit B
State of California - The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
PRIMARY RECORD Trinomial
NRHP Status Code. _5S3.
Other Listings
Review Code Reviewer_ Date
P1. Other Identifier:
*P2. Location: •Not for Publication •Unrestricted *a. County Orange County *b. USGS 7.5' Quad: Tustin, CA 7.5-Minute Series Date: 2022 *c. Address 1402 S. Birch Street City: Santa Ana Zip: 92707 *e. Other Locational Data: Assessor's Parcel Number 013-171-15 *P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries) Located on a comer parcel in the Wilshire Square neighborhood, the Joy House consists of a one-story, single-family residence and detached garage constructed in the Minimal Traditional style (Figure 1). The parcel is bounded on the west by Birch Street and on the north by West Borchard Avenue. The residence is L-planned, with exterior walls sheathed in horizontal plank siding and stucco and a principally gable-on-hip roof clad in asphalt shingles. The open, moderately wide roof overhangs include exposed rafters with rounded ends (Figure 2). Facing South Birch Street to the west, the asymmetrical main façade is characterized by its recessed front porch (Figure 3), which includes a north-facing glazed wood front door (Figure 4) and paired 2-over-2 wood-sash double-hung windows situated under the main slope of the roof. Most windows throughout the house are of a similar design.
(See Continuation Sheet 3 of 6.)
*P3b. Resource Attributes: (list attributes and codes) HP2. Single-Family Residence *P4. Resources Present: Building •Structure Object Site District Element of District Other P5a. Photo P5b. Photo: (view and date)
(Figure 1) Primary (east) facade, view
southwest, October 2025
*P6. Date Constructed/Age and
Sources: historic
1947, Assessor data
*P7. Owner and Address:
Laura Trudeau and Nicholas
Timmons
1402 S. Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
*P8. Recorded by:
James Williams
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza M-20
Santa Ana, CA 92702
*P9. Date Recorded:
January 29, 2026
*P10. Survey Type:
Intensive Survey Update
*P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey
report and other sources, or enter "none")
*Attachments: None Location Map Sketch Map #Continuation Sheet Building, Structure, and Object Record •Archaeological Record District Record Linear Feature Record Milling Station Record Rock Art Record •Artifact Record •Photograph Record • Other (list)
DPR 523A (1/95) *Required information
State of California - The Resources Agency Primary #_
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#_
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
*Resource Name or #: Joy House
B1. Historic Name: Joy House
B2. Common Name: Same
B3. Original Use: Single-family residence B4. Present Use: Single-family residence *B5. Architectural Style: Minimal Traditional
*B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations):
*B7. Moved? •No DYes Unknown Date:_ Original location:_ *B8. Related Features: N/A
B9a. Architect: Unknown b. Builder: likely Coast Construction Company *B10. Significance: Theme Residential Architecture Area Santa Ana Period of Significance: 1947 Property Type: Single-family residence Applicable Criteria: C/3 (Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity) The Joy House is architecturally significant as an intact example of a Minimal Traditional-style house in Santa Ana. The original building permit indicates the property was constructed in 1947 as a house consisting of six rooms and a detached garage at a cost of $8,000.00. The original building permit does not identify an architect or contractor, though the property may have been constructed by Coast Construction Company, which is indicated as the original owner. The earliest known occupants are Carroll H. and Donna Aloen (nee Miller) Joy, who, city directory listings show, lived at the address by 1949 (Ancestry.com 2011). Prior to the Joy family's acquisition of the subject property, Carroll was a decorated pilot during World War II and, in civilian life, owned a service station, before entering a career as an insurance agent (Santa Ana Register July 8, 1944; Santa Ana Register November 20, 1947; The Register August 7, 1955). In 1953, the Joys constructed an addition to the rear (north) of the residence. Donna served as president of the Spurgeon Parent Teacher Association in Santa Ana in 1959 (The Register March 7, 1959). In June 1966, Donna passed away (The Register June 6, 1966). Within three years of Donna's passing, the property was owned by the family of Charles R Bryan. City building permits show the Bryan family constructed an addition to the detached garage in 1972. The property remained in the possession of the Bryan family until at least as recently as 2016, when city building permit records show Dolly Bryan was the owner. The current owners, Laura B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) *B12. References:
(See Continuation Sheet 4 of 6.)
B13. Remarks: None
*B14. Evaluator: James Williams, City of Santa Ana. Sketch Map *Date of Evaluation: January 29, 2026 BORCHARD AVENUE
120.08
TRACT 1 70-
120
(This space reserved for official comments.) STREET
-_2 120.06
3 120.051
185.05
BIRCH
Joy House
1402 S. Birch Street
ToT
State of California - The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
*Recorded by James Williams *Date January 29, 2026 [X] Continuation • Update DPR 523B (1/95) *Required information
*P3a. Description (continued):
The secondary north façade, which fronts West Borchard Avenue, consists mainly of a rear addition to the residence (Figure 5). Clad entirely in stucco, the exterior on this façade is punctuated by a series of 2-over-2 double-hung wood-sash windows in addition to a small glass block light (Figure 6). Two windows are situated in a recess near the junction of the addition with the historic portion of the house (Figure 7). The south and west façades face the property's backyard, where they form a court. The façades facing the backyard feature stucco siding and wood sash windows in 2-over-2 hung and inwardly opening hopper configurations. Entrances are located near the juncture of the west and south facades, where two glazed wood doors face west and south, respectively (Figure 8). In addition, a non-original sliding glass door covers most of the west side of the Situated at the far northern end of the parcel, the detached garage complements the historic appearance of the property (Figure 10). It is rectangular in plan, sheathed in stucco, and capped with gable-on-hip rood with exposed rafters and asphalt shingles. The non-original metal roll-up garage door faces a short driveway to the north, accessing W. Borchard Avenue. The property is landscaped with a front lawn, shrubs, palms, and various flowering plants. *B10. Significance (continued):
The Joy House is located in Wilshire Square, a neighborhood located south of the city center and bounded by West McFadden Avenue on the north, West Edinger Avenue on the south, South Main Street on the east, and South Flower Street on the west. This area remained agricultural in use into the early twentieth century, the landscape dotted with walnut and orange groves. The 1912 plat map of Santa Ana showed South Main Street and Fairview Avenue (now McFadden Avenue) as the only streets in the area, with the majority of the property held by a few landowners: N. Palmer, H. K. Hanson, O'Brien, Development of Wilshire Square began circa 1923, when newspaper advertisements for newly subdivided lots costing between $635.00 and $1,875.00 boasted "five foot sidewalks, curbs, electricity, gas, sewer, city water and ornamental trees." By 1923, all of Flower, Garnsey, Van Ness, Ross, and Borchard and portions of the remaining streets had been laid out.
Lathrop Junior High School, designed by architect Frederick Eley in 1921 (demolished circa 1970), was constructed on the southwest corner of Fairview and Main and became an anchor of the neighborhood. In 1925, over 65 homes had been built in Wilshire Square, according to a count of addresses listed in the city directories. A 1927 map indicated that the area was zoned for single-family residences, except the east side of Sycamore, which was set aside for "courts and apartments," apparently as a buffer for the "neighborhood business" zone on South Main Street. By 1930, maps of the City showed that, with the exception of a gap between Borchard and Edinger Avenues on Birch, Broadway, and Sycamore, all the streets in Wilshire Square were in place. Mapped by the Sanborn Company between 1931 and 1940, the neighborhood was substantially developed prior to the beginning of World War I.
Built in three phases, Wilshire Square primarly showcases the revival architectural styles popular during the tirst phase, circa 1923 to 1931, when 326 homes were built: variations of the Tudor Revival, the Spanish Colonial Revival, and the Colonial Revival. A handful of Craftsman bungalows completed the picture. A second phase, from 1935 to 1942, marked the recovery from the Great Depression and the war preparation years, and resulted in another 171 homes. The post World War Il building boom added 91 homes, many in the newly popular California Ranch style. Enhanced by the canopies of mature trees that line many of the streets, Wilshire Square developed as a middle class neighborhood of white and blue collar workers. Homes were both owner and speculator built, and, regardless of style, are unified by their one-story height, scale, common setbacks, and the placement of detached garages in the rear of each property. Retaining these qualities today (2003), the neighborhood was recognized for excellence in urban design by the Orange County Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 1997.
The Joy House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under Criterion 1 as an intact example of a Minimal Traditional-style home in Santa Ana. Located in Wilshire Square, the house was constructed in 1947. The recommended categorization is "Contributive" because it contributes to the overall character and history of its neighborhood and is a good example of period architecture (Santa Ana Municipal Code, Section 30-2.3). Character-defining features of the house's original 1947 Minimal Traditional-style construction include, but are not necessarily limited to, its asymmetrical main (south) facade composition; horizontal plank and stucco siding; gable-on-hip roof form; open eaves with exposed rounded rafters; historic glazed wood front door; recessed front porch; two glass block windows along north facade; and 2-over-2 wood-sash hung windows.
DPR 523L
State of California - The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial _
*Recorded by James Williams *Date January 29, 2026 X Continuation • Update *B12. References (continued):
1955.
https://www.newspapers.com/image/995296705/?match=1&terms=%22carroll%20joy%22.
Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
Col. Joy on Two Weeks Duty with Air Reserve, Santa Ana Register, November 20, 1947. https://www.newspapers.com/image/998137844/?match=1&terms=%22carrol1%20joy%22. "Donna Aloen Joy," The Register, June 6, 1966.
https://www.newspapers.com/image/996955189/?terms=%221402%20s%20birch%22. "Fiahter Pilot Wins Air Medal," Santa Ana Register, July 8, 1944, p. 2. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1001577973/?match=1&terms=%22carroll%20joy%22.
Marsh, Diann. Santa Ana: An Illustrated History. Encinitas, Heritage Publishing, 1994. "Mrs. Joy Heads Spurgeon PTA, " The Register. March 7, 1959. https://www.newspapers.com/image/996559394/?match=1&terms=%22carrol1%20joy%22.
DPR 523L
State of California - The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
*Recorded by James Williams *Date January 29, 2026 [X] Continuation • Update Additional Figures:
1402
Figure 3. Located on the primary (east) façade, the
recessed front porch features 2-over-2 hung wood-sash
windows and a glazed front door. Facing northwest.
Figure 2. The roof overhang on the primary (south)
façade is generally representative of the same element
throughout the property.
Figure 5. North and west façades of the 1953 addition to the residence. Facing southwest.
Figure 4. Front patio as viewed from the porch. Facing
north.
DPR 523L
State of California - The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #_
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
*Recorded by James Williams *Date January 29, 2026 X Continuation • Update Figure 6. Glass block window on the north façade. Figure 7. On the north façade, 2-over-2 hung wood-sash Facing east. windows open from a recess at the junction of the house's historic plan and the 1953 addition windows.
Facing southeast.
Figure 8. At the junction of the west and south façades, Figure 9. A non-original sliding glass door opens from the rear porch exhibits two glazed wood doors and two the interior-facing west side of the 1953 addition. Facing 2-over-2 hung wood-sash windows. Facing northeast. northeast.
Figure 10. Located at the property's northeast corner,
the detached garage many elements in common with the
residence, including a hip-on-gable roof, exposed rafters, and stucco siding. Facing southwest.
DPR 523L
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
1402 N. Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Exhibit C
Exterior work shall be reviewed by the Historic Resources Commission and subject to the U.S.
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings, as follows:
Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a property which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its environment, or to use a property for its originally intended purpose.
The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible.
All buildings, structures, and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged.
Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure, or site and its environment.
These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected.
Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure, or site shall be treated with sensitivity.
Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced, whenever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from the other buildings or structures.
The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken.
Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and reserve archaeological resources affected by, or adjacent to any project.
Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical, architectural or cultural material, and such design is compatible with -1-
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
1402 N. Birch Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood, or environment.
10. Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations need to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired. - 2 -
Exhibit D: Proposed Structure Improvements ("Work Plan") 1402 S. Birch Street
Item Year Improvement
1 2026 Assess horizontal plank siding for cracking and other damage; replace or repair in- kind with staff approval.
2 2026 Assess condition of windows (two glass block windows and 2-over-2 double hung sash windows); replace in-kind, as necessary and with staff approval. 3 2026 Trim vegetation on street-facing sides of the property to maintain a clear view of the property from the sidewalk.
4 2029 Reroof in-kind, with staff approval; assess condition of exposed rafters and repair as necessary, with staff approval.
5 2031 Assess paint and stucco throughout the residence and repair or replace, as necessary and with staff approval.
6 2032 Assess condition of hardscaping, including walkways, steps, porch, and other areas, and repair or replace with staff approval.