HARB Review of 203 North Sycamore Restoration Plan

Meeting	Project	Outcome
Historical Architectural Review Board	203 North Sycamore Street redevelopment	Conditional recommendation for approval

For background and details regarding this project, view the video “A New Saloon Restaurant: 203 N Sycamore Restoration.” View the plan submitted to HARB.

Executive Summary

On June 10, 2026, the Historical Architectural Review Board reviewed a revised application for a Certificate of Appropriateness regarding the redevelopment of 203 North Sycamore Street. The project aims to transform the site—formerly known as the Guru’s Indian restaurant and “the saloon”—into a modern restaurant while preserving its 200-year historical significance.

The applicant presented significant revisions based on previous board feedback, including a transition from contemporary trellis designs to pitched roofs, the reintroduction of historic signage, and the use of authentic wood materials. While the board expressed strong support for the project’s overall direction and the applicant’s commitment to community legacy, approval was granted conditionally.

Primary Concern	Board Direction
Upper-deck columns appear too heavy	Make them leaner, more ornate, and more compatible with the historic vernacular
Window trim appears too dark or modern	Use softer gray or lighter brown tones

Project Overview and Vision

The redevelopment of 203 North Sycamore Street is led by advocate Adam Baratta, who intends to operate a family-oriented restaurant at the location. Mr. Baratta is the founder of Advantage Gold and a California restauranteur. The project is framed as a “legacy” endeavor intended to serve the community for the next century.

Core Objectives

• Historical Integration: The design seeks to pay tribute to the building’s history, specifically leaning into its past as the “F.B. Wentworth General Merchandise” store.
• Structural Rehabilitation: The building is currently in significant disrepair, with undersized support posts and a floor that drops seven inches from the edge to the center.
• Operational Modernization: The project involves leveling floors, adding ADA-compliant bathrooms, and installing code-compliant fire stairs.

Architectural and Design Revisions

The current submission reflects several major changes from the previous version, responding to the Board’s earlier suggestions regarding the “macro look” and material choices.

Design Area	Revision
Footprint and Addition	Maintains the existing footprint but adds approximately 550 square feet over the existing deck.
Roofline	A previously proposed flat roof trellis, deemed “too contemporary,” has been replaced with a pitched roof that mimics ADR rooflines.
Window Bay	A historic bay on Jefferson Street will be highlighted, with projection limited to six inches.
Internal Volume	Much of the second floor in the main dining area will be removed to create an open “a-frame” feel.

Materials and Aesthetics

• Wood Materials: The applicant moved away from alternative materials to wood panels and siding. Trim will be true exterior wood or cedar.
• Historic Lettering: The building will feature signage inspired by the original F.B. Wentworth’s store.
• Window Finishes: The applicant proposed “straight lead” colored windows to complement the dark brown found on existing historic frames.

Board Analysis and Contested Elements

Issue	Board Concern	Suggested Refinement
Columns	Too plain, massive, and heavy; described as “Brick Revival.”	Feather down or turn columns with caps, bases, and more slender profiles.
Window Trim	Black trim appears too modern and may make windows look like “black holes” at night.	Use softer gray or lighter brown for a more vernacular feel.

Preservation and Community Context

The “White Hall” Bar

The board inquired about the fate of a historic bar/back bar originally from the White Hall Hotel that had been housed in the building.

• Current Status: The applicant reported that the bar was unusable, having been covered in vinyl and laminate over the years. It was removed during demolition to allow for structural floor repairs.
• Community Reaction: Board members noted that local citizens had expressed interest in repurposing the bar elsewhere, though the applicant stated it was largely destroyed during the necessary structural work.

Documentation and Incentives

• Docuseries: The applicant is filming a seven-part docuseries documenting the building’s history and redevelopment process.
• Tax Credits: The project is being designed to qualify for state and local historic tax credits, a process that requires high-fidelity preservation but can take up to 18 months for approval.

Final Determination and Conditions

The board moved to conditionally recommend approval of the application. The recommendation proceeds to the Court of Supervisors and the Joint Historic Commission with the following requirements for the applicant:

Condition Category	Required Amendment
Demolition	Subject to final approval by the Joint Historic Commission.
Upper Columns	Redesign the four pillars of the upper roof addition to be leaner and more ornate as discussed.
Window Trim	Amend the coloring of the muttons and trim to a lighter, less “modern” black, such as soft gray or brown.
Administrative Review	The applicant may submit revised versions for administrative approval by the board chair to avoid further meeting delays.

Final Vote: The motion was carried with an “enthusiastic” unanimous vote.