Cultural Heritage Committee Action Update

August 22, 2005                     Monday                                5:30 p.m.

ROLL CALL:      Chairperson Chuck Crotser, Vice-Chair Frank Scotti, Sandy Baer, Barbara Breska, Robert Pavlik, Lynne Landwehr, and Tom Wheeler.  

                              Vice-Chairperson Scotti was absent. 

STAFF:                Jeff Hook, Senior Planner. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:  There was no public comment on items not on the agenda. 

MINUTES:  The minutes of the July 25, 2005 regular meeting were approved as submitted. 

PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 

1.        728 Higuera Street.  ARC 119-05; Review of a seismic retrofit, addition, and façade modification of a Contributing historic building; C-D-H zone; Bill Hayes, applicant. 

Jeff Hook presented the staff report and noted that staff was generally supportive of the project, but concerned with the treatment of the rear brick façade.  Architect David Brannon and owner Bill Hayes explained the project.  There was no public comment.  CHC members complemented the applicant on the project and applauded plans to expose and restore the building’s original architectural details on the Higuera Street façade.  Committee members Wheeler, Breska, Landwehr expressed concerns about changes to the rear elevation, including partial demolition and reconstruction of the upper story façade with new brick veneer.  Committee members Baer, Pavlik, and Crotser liked the project and supported the effort to restore as much of the original building as possible.   

On a motion by Committee member Landwehr, seconded by Committee member Breska, the Committee voted 6:0 to determine that the proposed remodel is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and will not impact the historic, architectural or aesthetic significance of the Downtown Historic District.  The Committee referred the project to the Architectural Review Commission with a recommendation to approve the project as proposed. 

Committee member Landwehr suggested that the applicant include historic signage and/or photos in the building’s interior describing the building’s history and various uses, including its history as a saloon.  The applicant liked the idea and said he would plan to include such information in the new “Frog and Peach” pub.  

2.        890 Monterey Street.   ARC MI 145-05; Review of a seismic retrofit of a Contributing historic building; C-D-H zone; Feliciano Trust, applicant.  

Jeff Hook presented the staff report and noted that the project was before the Committee because the proposed design including infilling windows that were publicly visible on a historic building.  The CHC had requested that such projects come before the CHC for review.  Craig Smith, architect, explained the changes and described techniques for seismic strengthening of unreinforced masonry buildings.  

Committee members generally supported the proposed changes on the Monterey and Morro Street facades, but were concerned with the rear façade facing the alley.  Committee member Landwehr felt the brick on the rear façade should be preserved and cleaned up (paint gently removed; abandoned plumbing and electrical removed). She also felt that two small original windows on the ground story facing Morro Street should be reopened and restored to help add architectural interest to this fairly long and blank façade.  Mr. Smith indicated that the applicant would be receptive to that approach.  Other Committee member’s generally agreed with the above comments.   

Chairperson Crotser said he regretted the loss of the deep set upper story windows facing the street and asked if the windows infill would have a cold joint.  He agreed that it was important to preserve and restore the rear building façade and the original ground story windows along Morro Street.  Mr. Smith indicated that they would include cold joints and that the infill would be reversible.  Committee member Breska noted she supported the window change in this instance because it reinforced the Art Deco character of the building, which was also a historic architectural character which was different from the original character of the rear building façade. 

On a motion by Committee member Baer, seconded by Committee member Pavlik, the Committee voted 6:0 to determine that the proposed remodel is consistent with the City’s General Plan, the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines, and the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, provided that the following changes are incorporated into the project to ensure that it will not impact the historic, architectural or aesthetic significance of the historic property and the  Downtown Historic District.  The Committee referred the project to the Architectural Review Commission or the Community Development Director  with a recommendation to approve the project subject to these conditions: 

1. Window infill shall include cold joints to ensure that the work shall be reversible.
2. Original ground story windows along Morro Street shall be reopened and restored.
3. The rear building façade (facing the alley) shall be preserved and restored, including gentle (non-abrasive) removal of paint and removal of abandoned plumbing and electrical equipment.

3.        1306 Mill Street.  O 135-05; Request to nominate the historic Lind House for a Mills Act application; R-2-H zone ; Russell Berg, applicant.

Chairperson Chuck Crotser recused himself due to a possible conflict of interest.  Committee members selected Tom Wheeler as temporary Chairperson. 

Jeff Hook presented the staff report and noted that staff had toured the grounds and the interior of the house, and that interior rehabilitation/restoration is already underway.  The applicant’s daughter, Hillary Berg, explained the project and noted that he family had restored an old house in New England and were drawn to the Lind House because of its Eastern Shingle architectural character.  She said they wanted to return the house to its original appearance, including the use of clear-stained cedar shingle siding. 

Chuck Crotser, architect, explained the minor additions and remodel planned on the house’s rear elevation.  Neighbors Joy and Ralph Hanson expressed interest in the project and asked that the CHC carefully review changes to the historic building. 

Committee members generally liked the project but wanted additional time to review the proposed remodel work to the rear building façade.  They also asked the applicant to provide additional information regarding changes to the rear yard area, including possible demolition or relocation of the former garage/coach barn. 

On a motion by Committee member Wheeler, seconded by Committee member Pavlik, the Committee voted 4:1 (Baer) to continue the project to the September 26, 2005 CHC meeting.  

Chairperson Crotser rejoined the Committee. 

DISCUSSION ITEMS: 

4. City Wide.  CHC 94-04; prepare citywide resource survey; Cultural Heritage  Committee, applicant.  

Chairperson Crotser suggested that the Committee hold a special meeting, possibly a lunch meeting, during the first or second week in September to discuss this item.  Committee members agreed and discussed specific dates, locations and times.  Chairperson Crotser said he would with staff to firm up the date and get back with Committee members. 

5   Communications: 

a.        Agenda Forecast – Staff.  There was no agenda forecast. 

b.        Committee                    

Items to be scheduled for the September meeting: 

-1306 Mill Street.  O 135-05; Request to nominate the historic Lind House for a Mills Act application; R-2-H zone ; Russell Berg, applicant.      

The Committee ADJOURNED at 8 pm to the next regular meeting on Monday, September 26, 2005, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.