Housing project to mimic historic home

Bulldozers and construction crews have begun grading the ground around the historic Hansen House on North McDowell Boulevard, but local preservationists can rest at ease. Unlike previous efforts to demolish the Petaluma landmark, Santa Rosa-based developer Hugh Futrell Corporation has agreed to preserve and fully rehabilitate the Hansen House, making it the centerpiece of the incoming North McDowell Commons subdivision.

In 2013, the Hansen House was officially designated as a local landmark by the City of Petaluma, and plans were approved for a housing project on the parcel, so long as the home was preserved. Those plans have taken course, and by late 2015, the Hansen House will sit in the center of 34 rental homes along North McDowell Boulevard, between Palo Verde Way and Capri Creek.

The Hansen House was built in 1906 by Danish immigrants Hans and Anna Marie Hansen. Upon settling in Petaluma, the couple purchased 23 acres of land on North McDowell to launch their chicken ranch, which was, at that time, on the outskirts of town. The house once served as a de facto community center for Danish immigrants, but since its heyday, the house has sat neglected along the roadside. Beyond years of disregard, mysterious fires have threatened the structure, along with an attempt of a previous developer to have the building demolished.

But developer Hugh Futrell Corporation has agreed to embrace the historic home by incorporating its preservation and rehabilitation into the North McDowell Commons subdivision plans. Surrounding the Hansen House will be eight detached single-family homes and 13 duplexes, each with two or three bedrooms. The units, which will rent for about $2,000 per month, will range from 1,612 square feet to 1,649 square feet and include a two-car garage. The subdivision will also have an outdoor recreational space, private play ground and bicycle parking.

Senior project architect Paul Gilger of Santa Rosa-based Hedgpeth Architects said one of the most exciting aspects of the subdivision is how the design of each home reflects the original style of the Hansen House, so the new construction won’t be incongruous. In terms of work on the historic house, Gilger said windows will be restored to original proportions, rotting elements will be replaced and the interior design will be reconstructed.

“There’s been a lack of maintenance over the years, so the first priority is stabilizing the structure,” he said.

As the project’s architect, Gilger said he’s honored to rehabilitate the house while preserving its status as an east side landmark. Two large palm trees guarding both sides of the building will be preserved, and the refurbished home will remain visible to commuters.

“It’s an important house for Petaluma and the history of Petaluma,” Gilger said. “It shouldn’t be an eyesore.”

Construction crews are currently working on grating and storm drainage on the land. Hugh Futrell said work on the rental properties will begin in January and all of the homes, including the Hansen House, will be completed and ready for occupancy by late 2015.

(Contact Allison Jarrell at allison.jarrell@argus courier.com)