Cultural Heritage Committee Action Update

November 27, 2005                       Monday                                5:30p.m.

ROLL CALL:      Committee Members Sandy Baer, Dan Carpenter, Robert Pavlik, Lynne Landwehr, Tom Wheeler,  Vice Chair Barbara Breska and Chairperson Chuck Crotser  

All committee members were present.  

STAFF:  Cari Meyers, Planning Intern; Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner; and Jeff Hook, Senior Planner 

PUBLIC COMMENT:   

Brandon McAdams expressed concerns about the lack of maintenance of the Camphor Trees lining Mill Street.  He noted that the trees contribute to the character of the historic district and that they need regular maintenance and possibly, phased replacement to ensure the street’s character is preserved.  On a motion by Committee member Baer, seconded by Committee member Pavlik, the Committee directed staff to raise the issue of Mill Street Historic District street tree health and maintenance with the Tree Committee and City Council.  The motion carried, 7-0. 

MINUTES: Minutes of October 23, 2006 regular meeting. Approve or amend.  

The minutes of October 23, 2006 were approved as amended on a 7-0 vote.  

PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 

1.        968 Monterey Street.  ARC MI 158-06; Review of facade modifications in connection with seismic strengthening of a non-contributing building in the Downtown Historic District; C-D-H zone; Robert and Ann Tartaglia, applicants.  

Phil Dunsmore presented the staff report and Craig Smith, project architect, explained the request.   He noted that the applicant was trying to retain and where necessary, replicate the building’s original brick façade which may still exist below the existing plaster exterior.  They plan to remove brick storage wells at the rear of the building and use the brick to repair/restore the brick façade.   

Steve Sicanoff, 1720 Johnson Avenue, expressed support for the project. 

Committee member Pavlik liked the project and felt it was compatible with the Downtown Historic District.  The other Committee members agreed and felt the project was a big improvement over the building’s current appearance.  Committee Wheeler said he would like to have more historic information on the building, such as historic uses, tenants and photographs. 

On a motion by Committee member Carpenter, seconded by Committee member Baer, the Committee voted 6:1 (Committee member Wheeler) to determine that the proposed remodel was consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and will be compatible with the Downtown Historic District.  The Committee referred the project to the Community Development Director with a recommendation to approve the project. 

2.        1160 and 1190 Marsh Street, 1171 Toro Street. ARCMI 152-06; Review of stairwell renovation and new elevator for the historic Stover’s Sanitarium; O zone; RKE Properties II, applicant.  

Phil Dunsmore presented the staff report, and Rob Rossi, applicant provided background on the proposed remodel.  Craig Smith, Architect, explained how the project would meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Buildings and described the proposed design and materials.   Committee member Baer felt this was an interesting “funky” building with great interior spaces and wide variety of historic architectural features.  She generally supported the applicant’s request.  Committee member Breska felt this was generally a good solution and glass building connection did not bother her but felt the concrete block might be too contrasting.  With the proper color, however, the concrete block might be okay.  Committee member Landwehr liked the project and felt the neutral-appearing transition elevator building was appropriate to join the two historic buildings and was consistent with the Secretary’s Standards.

Other committee members agreed with above comments and on a motion by Committee member Landwehr, seconded by Committee member Baer, the Committee voted 7-0 to determine that the proposed addition is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines, and will not impact the historic, architectural, or aesthetic significance of the Master List historic property provided that the following refinements are incorporated into the project.  The project is hereby referred to the Community Development Director with a recommendation for approval with conditions to achieve specific design refinements, as follows:

1.                    The color of the concrete block shall be selected to harmonize with the building’s brick color, to the approval of the Community Development staff.

2.                    The Jacaranda tree adjacent to the building shall be preserved.

3.                    Applicant shall provide historic documentation of existing building conditions and architectural elements in the areas of the proposed work, to the approval of Community Development Department staff.   

3.        1342 Breck Street; 1013, 1015, 1240, 1255, 1265, 1345 #17 Ella Street; 1672 Fairview Street; 1026, 1043, 1127, 1205, 1215, 1234, 1236 George Street; 1136, 1139, 1140, 1204 Iris Street; 1985, 2105 Johnson Avenue; 907, 2056 Rachel Street; 1908 Ruth Street; and 2006, 2033 Swazey Street. CHC 94-04; Consideration of nominating properties in the East Railroad area to the Contributing Properties or Master List of Historical Resources; various zones; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant.   

Jeff Hook presented slides showing 26 individual properties in the “East Railroad Area” and explained the process for historic listing.  He noted that the CHC had reviewed these properties earlier in the year and the CHC had directed staff to provide additional research and bring these properties back to the Committee for possible historic nomination.  The Committee reviewed the slides and historic inventories for each property and took public testimony.  Chairman Crotser opened the public hearing and several property owners of the candidate properties spoke.  In response to property owners’ questions, staff explained the benefits and requirements of historic listing and noted historic listing would not change a property’s zoning nor preclude owners for maintaining, repairing, remodeling or adding onto historic properties provided that new work harmonized with and did not detract from the historic or architectural character of the original.  Adam Stanford expressed concern about historic listing and said he and his mother would prefer not have their property listed.  Steve and Eileen Sicanoff, owners of the historic Judge’s House, stated they have been able to work with the City on property changes and improvements and felt property owners shouldn’t fear listing; in their experience it was definitely beneficial. 

After discussing each property, on a motion by Committee member Pavlik, seconded by Committee member Breska, the Committe determined the following properties had architectural and/or historical significance and recommended the City Council add these properties to the Contributing Properties List: 

1342 Breck Street; 1013, 1015, 1240, 1255, 1265, 1345 #17 Ella Street; 1672 Fairview Street; 1043, 1127, 1205, 1215, 1234, 1236 George Street; 1136, 1139, 1140, 1204 Iris Street; 1985, 2105 Johnson Avenue; 907, 2056 Rachel Street; 1908 Ruth Street; and 2006, 2033 Swazey Street. 

The motion carried, 7-0. 

On a motion by Committee member Baer, seconded by Committee member Wheeler, the Committee continued consideration of 1026 George Street for further study.   The Community wanted to verify the building’s exterior wall material and where the building was originally moved from.  The motion carried, 7-0. 

DISCUSSION ITEM: 

4.        Mills Act Program Assessment.  Review status of Mills Act Program for various properties throughout the City and review results of property owner survey; various zones; City of San Luis Obispo.  

Cari Meyer presented the staff report and explained staff’s methodology and findings in reviewing historic properties under Mills Act contracts with the City.  She noted that with the exception of one property, all of the properties were in good condition with no major preservation concerns.  The Stanton House, located at 752 Buchon Street, appeared to have roof and porch condition issues that needed repair.  She also noted that survey results indicated property owners were pleased with the program and were meeting or exceeding the performance requirements in their contracts.  Chairperson Crotser opened the public hearing and several owners of Mills Act properties spoke in support of the program, including Steve and Eileen Sicanoff (Judge’s House), Dave Hannings (Hays/Latimer Adobe), Cathy Tait (Sandercock House), Mark Waters (Crosset House), Bob Schrage (Graves House), Bruce Hordes (Edward F. Bushnell House), Russ Berg (Lind House) and John Louch (George Miller House).  

Mr. Waters said his historical plaque needed replacement because the building’s historic name was misspelled; and Mr. Berg requested a historic sign for the Lind House.  Mr. Hook said he would have new signs made and get back with property owners.   Mr. Hannings and Ms. Tait disagreed with the condition notes in the staff report and explained recent repairs and their drought-tolerant landscape themes.   Chairperson Crotser thanked Ms. Meyer for her excellent work and commended the property owners on their preservation efforts and commitment to the program, and asked staff to correct and clarify the staff report notes on the Sandercock House and Hays/Latimer Adobe as discussed. 

The report was received and filed.  No CHC action was necessary. 

COMMUNICATIONS: 

a. Agenda Forecast – staff 

Staff reminded Committee members that next month’s meeting was earlier – on the third, rather than the fourth Monday – due to the Christmas holiday. 

b.  Committee    

ADJOURN to the next regular meeting on Monday, December 18, 2006, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.