Cultural Heritage Committee Action Update

May 23, 2005                                  Monday                                    5:30p.m.

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

                             Committee member Scotti was absent.

STAFF:                Pam Ricci, Senior Planner.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

There was no public comment on items not on the agenda.

MINUTES:  The minutes of 2-28-05, 3-14-05, & 4-25-05 were approved with minor modifications; the minutes of 3-28-05 were approved as submitted. 

PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS:

1.   481 Islay Street. ARC MI 60-05: Review of proposed detached structure with two studios and garages on a lot with a contributing historical residence; R-2 zone; Levi Seligman, applicant. (Buzz Kalkowski)

Buzz Kalkowski presented the staff report noting other significant properties in the vicinity. He pointed out two main discussion items for the CHC, which were the consistency of the types of windows and the treatment of the entries.

The public hearing was opened and the applicant Levi Seligman spoke in support of the submitted project.  He explained that the project was intended to provide a sustainable and historically accurate addition to the well-kept and historically significant neighborhood.  He indicated that he plans to use porous and decorative pavers for project hardscapes.  He noted his support for the staff’s suggestion of using all single-hung style windows and eliminating all sliders.  He felt that the balcony entries to the units were visible from the street and consistent with the Victorian architectural style.  He explained some more long-range contemplated changes to the front house such as removal of the enclosed porch.

Tom Wheeler asked about the proposed distance between the existing and proposed structures.  He also raised the potential issue of the new building’s height and it looming above the older structure.

Mr. Seligman explained that with the raised foundation and the relatively tall height of the front house that the new structure, with its slab on grade foundation, will only appear about five feet taller than the main house.  He clarified that the distance between structures complied with building codes and allowed for vehicle maneuvering.

Chuck Crotser asked about the prominent gable feature on the new building.  Mr. Seligman indicated that he had looked at a hip roof, but concluded that the gable was more consistent with the Victorian style. Committee member Crotser suggested that Mr. Seligman look at reusing the porch windows of the existing house in the new construction.  Mr. Seligman responded that it was a great idea, but he was concerned that the windows were of 1970s vintage (not historical) and not very energy efficient.

Jessica Steeley mentioned that the project was designed to be sustainable and takes into account the past resident Pearl Cockerell.

Jay Elder, adjacent neighbor, indicated that he liked the project, but had some concerns with the proximity of the side entries to the property lines and overlook issues with the proposed balconies.

The public hearing was closed and returned to the CHC for comment.

Tom Wheeler suggested substituting French doors for the sliding glass door or look at muntin inserts to create the look of French doors.

Lynne Landwehr mentioned that the sliding glass doors would not be visible from the street and that she did not feel that the building height of the new structure was an issue because of the existing house’s height.

Barbara Breska felt that the design fits with the neighborhood and that the removal of the porch enclosure on the front house was a good idea.  She recommended that there be some type of covered porches over the entries and windows be single-hung in style.

Sandy Baer noted that her only concern was that the windows be single-hung.

Bob Pavlik agreed that there needed to be some type of roof feature over the entries.

Chuck Crotser suggested that the covered porches over entries could be either shed or gable roofs.  He mentioned that the “sunburst” gable feature could be replaced with a single hip.  He noted that pairs of double-hung windows could be used where there were wider windows.  He felt it was important the trim width used on the new building match that of the existing structure.

On a motion by Committee member Breska, seconded by Committee member Baer, the Committee determined that the proposed project is consistent with the historical character of the 481 Islay “contributing” house and the historical neighborhood, consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines, and referred the project to the Community Development Director for action, subject to the following recommended CHC modifications:

1.       All windows to be either single-hung or double-hung.

2.       The entry doors shall be redesigned to create a small entry porch with either a shed or gable roof.

3.       The trim used on the new building shall be of the same size as that used on the existing structure.

The motion carried, 6-0-1 (Scotti absent).   

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

2.   Presentation by Dan Krieger on the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Bell Replacement project.

Dan Krieger provided a history of Roman Catholic bells.  He mentioned that metal was scarce in Mission era times and that the heavy bells were difficult to transport.  He noted how when the need for replacement of the Mission’s bells leaked out to the press that here was a barrage of consultants and other experts that wanted to provide their input.  He indicated that the main issue with the old bells was the public health and safety hazard.  He submitted an exhibit that showed how the old bells would be preserved and displayed in the garden (without the clappers).  He offered to provide a tour for the CHC and mentioned that a special program was planned on July 16th and that Huell Howser, host of the PBS television program “California’s Gold”, would be filming an episode in conjunction with the event.

Matt Herrera, bell ringer at the Mission, described the process of installing the new bells.

Bob Vessley, structural engineer for the project, indicated that the tower had been previously reinforced and additional work was not necessary to accommodate the installation of the new bells.

3.   Upcoming Special Potluck Dinner Meeting at the Jack House Gardens, Wednesday, June 15, 2005.

Pam Ricci noted that invitations had been sent out with a response date of June 8th noted.

4.    Communications.

a.    URM permits update – Staff.

Pam Ricci mentioned that no new projects had been permitted since the CHC had been last updated.

b.    Agenda Forecast – Staff.

Pam Ricci provided an agenda forecast.

c.    Preserve America – Staff

Pam Ricci described a White House initiative program called “Preserve America” affiliated with several federal agencies that provides recognition to communities for their preservation efforts. Given the promotional aspects of the program, the CHC felt that it was more in the arena of the Promotional Coordinating Committee and suggested that this be referred to them. 

d.    Committee

Barbara Breska noted that she saw a large stone wall that had been built in front of 1242 Buchon, questioning its height and location close to the street.  The Committee then generally discussed concerns with the walling off of neighborhoods.                  

The meeting ADJOURNED around 7:30 p.m. to the special CHC potluck dinner meeting on Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at 6:00 p.m., at the historic Jack House and Gardens, 536 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo.