Willow Glen Resident
News
Owners of Fleming Home continue preservation quest
By Emilie Crofton
Pam and Keith Shukait have taken a step forward to protect the past, and in doing so their Queen Ann Victorian Home in Willow Glen has become the city's 157th historic landmark.
The San Jose City Council unanimously approved the historic-landmark designation of the Fleming home on Oct. 25.
The 120-year-old property at 1023 Bird Ave. was owned by George and Charles Fleming, brothers who were part of the fruit-drying industry.
"We're ecstatic," Pam Shukait says. "It has given us a boost to continue with the process, which now is really just the beginning."
The Shukaits will now focus on the past, tracking down the home's history, including past residents. They would like to have historic photographs and documents framed to line the hallway of the home.
The only construction they will be doing to the home will be to restore it to "period correctness," Keith Shukait says.
When a reckless driver took out their front porch in March, the Shukaits had it replicated in the proper style.
In order for a home to be considered a historic landmark, it needs to meet one of five criteria: an important architect built it; it exemplifies a particular style of architecture; it is of historic significance; the original owner of the home is historically important; or the house was part of a historic event.
It has not been an easy road for the current homeowners. The Shukaits suffered a setback when they were cited for having an illegal secondary unit that came with the house when they bought it. They have since torn it down, and the area is now considered by the city as a permitted storage space.
With the council's decision, the Shukaits have overcome a large hurdle, but there are still years of work ahead.
Although they know it will be costly, the Shukaits want to renovate and preserve as much of the original structure and design as possible.
"Restoring this house will be a lifelong hobby," Keith Shukait says.
In their quest for authenticity, the Shukaits would like anyone with historical information or photographs of the home to contact them at 408.297.4388.
Mayra Flores De Marcotte contributed to this article.
