Mills Act Historic Property Contract
Property Address: 1261 Jackson Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050 Owner: Xi Yang
Historic Name: Queen Anne Cottage at 1261 Jackson Street Estimated Date of Construction: Circa 1890
Historical Significance and Context
The subject property, located at 1261 Jackson Street, is a designated historic resource listed on the City of Santa Clara’s Historic Resource Inventory (HRI). It is an outstanding and well-preserved example of a Queen Anne cottage, a residential architectural style that was highly prevalent and culturally significant in Santa Clara during the late 19th century (1890s).
Architectural Merit
The property retains its high degree of architectural integrity, featuring several hallmark characteristics of the Queen Anne style:
• Structural Design: The home is a one and one-half story residence featuring a distinctive slanted bay projecting from the left side of the front facade. • Roofing: The slanted bay is prominently topped by a gabled roof, creating a complex and aesthetically pleasing roofline.
• Ornamentation: The exterior is adorned with original gingerbread trim, ornate crown moldings, and high ceilings that reflect the craftsmanship of the era.
• Streetscape Contribution: The property is specifically noted in city records for its contribution to a "pleasant streetscape" along Jackson Street, working in visual harmony with the adjacent historic property at 1295 Jackson Street.
Justification for Reassessment
The requested Mills Act contract and subsequent property tax reassessment are necessary to offset the substantial costs associated with the specialized maintenance required for such a significant resource. While the owner has recently invested in a comprehensive interior and window restoration to preserve the home’s historical functionality, the exterior siding now requires urgent professional remediation to address peeling paint and prevent wood rot.
Approval of this contract will ensure the long-term preservation of 1261 Jackson Street, allowing it to remain a centerpiece of the Jackson Street historic corridor and a testament to Santa Clara’s late-Victorian architectural heritage.