HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3 - HIST-0091-2021 (531 Dana)Meeting Date: April 26, 2021
Item Number: 3
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: A request to include the property at 531 Dana Street in the City’s Inventory of
Historic Resources as a Master List Resource (Dana/Barneberg House)
ADDRESS: 531 Dana Street BY: Walter Oetzell, Assistant Planner
Phone: 781-7593
FILE #: HIST-0091-2021 E-mail: woetzell@slocity.org
FROM: Brian Leveille, Senior Planner
1.0 BACKGROUND
The owner of the property at 531 Dana Street,
Brian Tuohy, has requested that the property be
designated as a Master List Resource in the City’s
Inventory of Historic Resources as the
Dana/Barneberg House, and has provided an
evaluation of the property and its eligibility for
historic listing (Historic Resource Evaluation,
Attachment 1). As set out in the City’s Historic
Preservation Ordinance,1 the Committee will
determine if property meets eligibility criteria for
listing to a degree that warrants designation of the
property as a Master List Resource, and forward a
recommendation to City Council, for final action
on the application.
2.0 DISCUSSION
2.1 Site and Setting
The property is on the south side of Dana Street, about 400 feet west of Nipomo Street, in a
Medium-High Density Residential (R-3) Zone, an area characterized by single-family dwellings.
It is within a smaller residential section the Downtown Historic District that includes a spectrum
of settlement from the mid-19th century to the 1920s (see Attachment 2). Several properties in the
vicinity are included in the City’s Inventory of Historic Resources.2 The dwelling that is the subject
of this evaluation was originally constructed (architect unknown) in the late 19th Century, from
about 1887, on property across Dana Street (at 550), and moved to the subject site in 1914.3 The
property (531 Dana) appears as a “Contributing Property” on the listing of historic properties
adopted by the City Council in 1988 (by Resolution No. 6424).
1 Historical Preservation Ordinance § 14.01.060
2 13 properties are included in the Inventory (3 Master, 10 Contributing List), 400 & 500 blocks of Dana St.
3 See description of building history, from page 17 of the Bertrando Historic Resource Evaluation (Attachment 1)
Figure 1: 531 Dana Street
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2.2 Building Architecture
As described in the applicant’s Historic Resource Evaluation, the dwelling reflects Victorian
vernacular architecture,4 sheathed in shiplap siding, with several distinctive elements:
▪ Unusual mix of roof lines, including flat front and gable with two-patterned shingle
▪ Square bays on front façade, with ins-set columns at corners and continuous sill
▪ Recessed porch with flat sawn balusters, wood railing, and saw cut border of circles above
The City’s Historic Context Statement describes the representative forms and styles of late
19th-Century Residential Development, including cottages and Folk Victorian (see excerpt,
Attachment 3). The specific architectural and historical characteristics of the building are more
fully discussed in the Historic Resource Evaluation submitted with this application, and
summarized in the Evaluation section of
this report, below.
2.3 John Wesley Barneberg and
Grace Barneberg
The applicant’s Historic Resource
Evaluation also provides biographical
details about John Wesley Barneberg
and his daughter Grace, who are most
closely associated with the property.
John Wesley Barneberg, born in Iowa,
had been farming in Arroyo Grande and
relocated to Dana Street after marrying
Sarah Elizabeth Anderson in 1873. As
more fully described in the Historic
Resource Evaluation, he was active in
the community, running a foundry and
machine shop and a hardware store, serving as City Tax Collector, and involved in many civic
committees, later becoming president of two local banks, and having some success in exploration
and development of oil resources in the region. His daughter Grace lived much of her life in the
house, up until the time of her death. She taught high school, having been educated at Stanford
and Berkeley, was one of the founders of the Monday Club, and was active in several local
organizations and boards. She also helped her parents raise her brother’s two children, Helen
Maxine and Jack Barneberg, grandchildren of Charles William Dana, who, in turn, was the son of
William Goodwin Dana. Further detail on which this summary is based, including discussion of
the intertwined relationship between the Dana and Barneberg families, is provided from page 11
of the applicant’s Historic Resource Evaluation (Attachment 1).
4 Bertrando, Historic Resource Evaluation (Attachment 1), from pg. 23.
Figure 2: 531 Dana St. (1995 View)
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3.0 EVALUATION
To be eligible for listing as an historic resource, a building must exhibit a high level of historic
integrity, be at least 50 years old, and meet one or more of the eligibility criteria described in
§ 14.01.070 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance (see Attachment 4). Those resources that
maintain their original or attained historic and architectural character, and contribute either by
themselves or in conjunction with other structures to the unique or historic character of a
neighborhood, district, or to the City as a whole may be designated as a “Contributing List
Resource” (HPO § 14.01.050). The most unique and important resources and properties in terms
of age, architectural or historical significance, rarity, or association with important persons or
events in the City’s past may be designated as “Master List Resources.” The applicant’s Historic
Resource Evaluation (Attachment 1) provides, from page 26, an evaluation of the eligibility of the
property for designation as a Master List Resource, following the City’s Edibility Criteria).
3.1 Architectural Criteria
As described in the applicant’s Historic Resource Evaluation, the dwelling exhibits many
characteristic features of Victorian vernacular examples form the late 19th Century, in a manner
that expresses interesting details with notable attractiveness, consistent with listing criteria for
“Style” and for “Design”:
The 1880s architectural style of the Dana/Barneberg House used an abundance
of elements that were popular with the prominent citizens of San Luis Obispo at
that time. Using elements found on Queen Anne cottages such as the squared bay,
panels under the windows, and shingle work under the gables, it also represents a
composite of borrowed elements. The saw cut balustrades and scroll sawn border
under a narrow front facing gable behind a shed roof belie other aspects of
design. […] (pg. 26)
3.2 Historic Criteria
The Historic Resource Evaluation provides a summary (pp. 26 & 27) of the local activities in
which John Wesley Barneberg and his sister Sarah, were engaged, illuminating their contributions
to the local community, and notes the association of the Barnebergs with the Dana family, to
demonstrate the association of this property with the lives of persons important to local history, as
described by listing criteria for “History – Person.”
3.3 Integrity
To demonstrate satisfaction of listing criteria for “Integrity,” the Historic Resource Evaluation
notes the retention of the original design, footprint, and character-defining elements of the home
intact in moving to its current site from its original site across Dana Street, the lack of significant
alteration of the building, and its sensitive restoration in 2006, overseen by Darryl Joseph “Joe”
Shauerman, a local glazer and craftman (pp. 20-21, pg. 28).
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Overall, the house retains more than enough of its character to communicate its
significance as an innovative, abstracted example of Minimal Traditional
architecture with some extraordinary interior features. (pg. 24).
3.4 Conclusion
The information in the Historic Resource Evaluation prepared for this application, documenting
the architectural character and integrity of the house, and describing the people associated with the
property, provides a basis for the Committee to find that the dwelling satisfies Architectural
Criteria for Style and Design (§§ 14.01.070 (A) (1) & (2)), Historic Criteria for “History-Person”
(§14.01.070 (B) (2)), and Criteria for Integrity (§§ 14.01.070 (C) (1) & (2)), to a degree that
qualifies the property for designation as a Master List Historic Resource. As the Historic Resource
Evaluation concludes:
As a result of this current study, the Dana/Barneberg House qualifies for its age,
design, integrity, as well as the people important to our history that were associated
with the house. It is strongly recommended that the residence be upgraded and
added to San Luis Obispo's Master List of Historic Properties
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA). Inclusion of the subject properties on the City’s Inventory of Historic Resources
does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, and so is covered
by the general rule described in § 15061 (b) (3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
5.0 ALTERNATIVES
1. Recommend to the City Council that the property be designated as a Master List Resource in
the City’s Inventory of Historic Resources, noting the elements of the property which satisfy
Evaluation Criteria to a degree warranting such designation, as being among the most unique
and important resources and properties in terms of age, architectural or historical significance,
rarity, or association with important persons or events in the City’s past.
2. Continue consideration of the request with direction to the applicant and staff on pertinent
issues.
3. Recommend to the City Council that the property should not be designated as a Master List
Resource, based on finding that the property does not satisfy Evaluation Criteria for historic
listing to a degree warranting such designation. This alternative is not recommended because
the applicant has provided an Historic Resource Evaluation supporting a conclusion that the
property meets the applicable Listing Criteria set out in the City’s Historic Preservation
Ordinance to a degree warranting designation as a Master List Resource.
6.0 ATTACHMENTS
1. Historic Resource Evaluation (Bertrando & Bertrando Research Consultants)
2. Downtown Historic District (Historic Preservation Ordinance)
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3. Late 19th-Century Residential Development (Context Statement)
4. Evaluation Criteria (Historic Preservation Ordinance)
5. Queen Anne and Residential Vernacular Styles (Context Statement)
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5.2.2 Downtown Historic District
Setting
The Downtown Historic District encompasses the oldest part of the City of San Luis Obispo and
contains one of the City’s highest concentrations of historic sites and structures. The historic
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is at the geographic and historic center of the district, which
is bounded roughly by Palm and Marsh Streets on the north and south, Osos and Nipomo Streets
on the east and west, plus Dana Street as the northwest corner. Although some structures date to
the Spanish and Mexican eras (1772-1850) and the American pioneer settlement era (1850s-
1870), the majority of surviving structures date from the 1870s to the 1920s. The district is
comprised of two subdivisions: the Town of San Luis Obispo, recorded 1878 and the Mission
Vineyard Tract recorded in March of 1873. The Downtown Historic District has an area of 61.5
acres and in 2010 includes 98 designated historic structures.
The Downtown Historic District was developed along the City’s earliest commercial corridors
along Monterey, Higuera, Chorro, Garden and Marsh Streets, and has retained its historical use
as San Luis Obispo’s commercial and civic center. Commercial structures were laid out in a
regular grid pattern, with buildings set at the back of sidewalks and relatively narrow (60 foot
right-of-way) streets. The resultant narrow streets and zero building setbacks reinforce the
district’s human scale and vibrant Main Street image.
Site Features and Characteristics
Common site features and characteristics
include:
A.Buildings located at back of sidewalk
with zero street and side setbacks
B.Finish floors at grade
C.Recessed front entries oriented toward
the street
D.Front facades oriented toward the
street
E.Trees placed at regular intervals along
the street
Architectural Character
Built during the San Luis Obispo’s boom time circa 1870s-1910s (when the Town’s population
increased over 800 percent from 600 people in 1868 to 5,157 in 1910), the district’s commercial
architectural styles reflect the increasing wealth of the times. Architectural styles present in the
Downtown District include examples of Classical Revival, Italianate and Romanesque structures,
and more modest early American commercial. Although a few structures were designed by
outside architects (specifically from San Francisco and Los Angeles), the majority of Downtown
buildings were designed and built by local builders, including the Maino family, John Chapek,
721, 717 and 715 Higuera Street, North
Elevation
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Doton Building, 777 Higuera
Street, North Elevation
and Frank Mitchell.
Predominant architectural features include:
A. One to two stories (occasionally three)
B. Flat or low pitched roof, often with a parapet
C. Wide entablature or projecting cornice that often
includes classical architectural details such as
dentils, brackets and molding
D. First floor windows are horizontally oriented
storefront windows, often with display space
facing street. In multi-story structures, windows
are vertically oriented, typically with double
hung, wood sashes, and symmetrically arranged
so that they are dimensionally taller than their
width
E. Structures follow simple rectilinear or “boxy”
buildings forms
F. Masonry or smooth stucco wall siding
G. Contrasting bulkheads along base of street façade
H. Use of awnings, historic signs, second-story
overhangs and canopies
I. Use of transom windows above storefronts
Individually Contributing Elements in the Downtown District
Not all historic resources in the Downtown Historic
District were built during the district’s period of
significance of 1870-1930. These buildings generally do
not exhibit the signature architectural elements described
above but do contribute to the historic character of San
Luis Obispo in their own right based on age, architectural
style or historical association. By virtue of their
significance, these resources also merit preservation.
For example, the Doton Building is an example of
Streamline Moderne architecture from the 1930s. This
building was placed on the Master List as a significant
resource due to its craftsmanship and the rarity of this
particular style in San Luis Obispo. Additional examples
include the Laird building at 1023 Garden. Built in the
1880s, the Laird building is one of the City’s last
remaining Pioneer False front buildings. The Golden State
Creamery building at 570 Higuera is historically
significant to San Luis Obispo for its association with the
Smith Building and Union
Hardware Building, 1119 and
1129 Garden Street, East
Elevation
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dairy industry, an industry integral to the City’s development.
Non-Contributing Elements in Downtown
Non -contributing buildings are those that both do not meet the criteria outlined above and have
not achieved historical significance. Most of the post—1950 contemporary buildings in the
district fall into this latter category.
Non-contributing architectural styles,
materials or site features include:
A. Buildings setback from street or side
property lines
B. Building height, form or massing
which contrasts markedly with the
prevailing 2-3 story pattern
C. Wood, metal or other contemporary
material siding, or “faux”
architectural materials or features.
D. Asymmetrical arrangement of doors
and windows
E. Raised, non-recessed or offset street
entries to buildings
Residential
Although the majority of the Downtown District is commercial, within the district is a smaller
residential section, primarily along Dana Street and also down Monterey Street to the west of the
mission. This subsection includes a spectrum of settlement from the mid 19th century to the
1920s. Lots were generally platted in regular grids, although curved along Dana to accommodate
the creek.
Site features and characteristics- Residential:
A. Street yard setbacks of 20 feet or
more, often with low walls (2 feet) and
fences at sidewalk
B. Coach barn (garage) recessed into rear
yard
C. Front entries oriented toward the street
with prominent porch and steps
D. Front facades oriented toward the
street
The architectural styles in the residential area
of the Downtown district are varied and 756 Palm Street, South Elevation
1010 Nipomo Street, South and West
Elevations
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represent several different periods of development in San Luis Obispo. The oldest, vernacular
Adobe, dates back the early pioneer period. The Rosa Butrón de Canet adobe at 466 Dana is
from this period and is one of the few surviving adobes in San Luis Obispo. Folk and High
Victorian structures built during the population influx at turn of the twentieth century. Finally,
Spanish Revival, a style that achieved popularity in San Luis Obispo during the housing boom of
1920s and 1930s which was itself funded in part by the maturation of war bonds from World
War I.
Architectural features- Residential:
A. One and rarely two story buildings
B. Gable and hip roof types predominate
C. Traditional fenestration, such as
double-hung, wood sash windows,
ornamental front doors, wood screen
doors
D. Painted wood or smooth stucco
siding.
469 Dana Street, North Elevation
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***
Murray Adobe, 474 Monterey Street; Anderson House, 532 Dana
Street; Hotel Wineman, 849 Higuera Street; 762 Higuera Street
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City of San Luis Obispo Historic Context: Late 19th Century
Citywide Historic Context Statement
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THEME: LATE 19TH CENTURY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Residential properties constructed in the last decades of the 19th century represent San Luis Obispo’s
establishment as a City. When the county was first organized, San Luis Obispo was the only
settlement in it, with a few small adobe buildings clustered around the Mission. By the early 1850s,
the main road running through the San Luis Obispo pueblo ran northeast to southwest, crossing San
Luis Obispo Creek below the Mission, at the end of what is now Dana Street. The pueblo became
part of the earliest neighborhoods during Americanization in the late 19th century. Neighborhoods
from this period are located close to the downtown commercial center, and many have already been
recognized by the City as historic districts.
Although adobe construction was still common, by the 1860s, wood frame construction was
becoming more prevalent. Although San Luis Obispo has a collection of high style residences
constructed in the late 19th century, most wood frame residences in San Luis Obispo during this
period were being designed within the vernacular vocabulary. The Mission Orchard Tract, which was
laid out in 1888 on land that originally belonged to the mission, is an example of a late 19th century
neighborhood largely developed with more modest housing, including cottages and Folk Victorian
examples. This period also saw the construction of prominent residences erected in architectural styles
representative of the period. Captain W. G. Dana erected the first frame building in the county on
Snyder House, 1406 Morro Street, 1885.
Photo 2013; source City of San Luis Obispo.
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Monterey Street from material brought from Chile. Captain John Wilson soon after erected a two-
story frame building on the lot where the public library now stands.
Railroad workers settled in San Luis Obispo and became the impetus for new residential development
in the city in the late 1880s. Although many workers opted to live in downtown San Luis Obispo,
development in general shifted towards the eastern and southern boundaries of the city and focused
on tracts adjacent to the Southern Pacific right-of-way. The Loomis, McBride, and Homestead tracts,
developed in 1887, were especially popular with railroad workers due to their proximity to the
Southern Pacific rail yard and service facilities.38
As railroad activity expanded toward the end of the 19th century, the needs of the growing employee
population sparked a demand for increased worker housing. The neighborhoods immediately adjacent
to the railroad station were developed with relatively modest single-family residences to accommodate
the growing influx of workers.39 A popular area was the Imperial Addition tract, which was developed
in 1891 and was conveniently located near the Southern Pacific roundhouse. The neighborhood
eventually became known as “Little Italy” due to the high concentration of Italian railroad workers
who resided there.
In order to continue railroad expansion during this period, many prominent land-holders along the
railroad route granted rights-of-way; this included the Dana family in San Luis Obispo. Establishing a
right-of-way for the railroad significantly impacted the landscape of San Luis Obispo. While many new
subdivisions were developed, existing subdivisions were drastically altered and streets and other access
routes were destroyed to create at-grade crossings. The existing configuration of the city was essentially
cut in half, and several subdivisions had to be re-platted, including the Central Addition and the
Loomis tract.
38 Hemalata Dandekar and Adrianna Jordan, “The Railroads and San Luis Obispo’s Urban Form,” Focus, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Volume
XVII, 2010, 48.
39 Robert Pavlik, “A Railroad Runs through It: The San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District,” n.d. Website:
http://www.heritageshared.org/docs/essays/roadscholars/roadscholars.html. Accessed March 2013.
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1. Phillips Addition (1874)
2. Deleissigues Tract (1876)
3. Buena Vista Tract (1885)
4. Loomis Tract (1887)
5. Deleissigues Subdivision (1887)
6. McBride Tract (1887)
7. Homestead Tract (1887)
8. Hathway Addition (1887)
9. Buena Vista Addition (1887)
10. Fairview Addition (1887)
11. Deleissigues Addition (Block 5)
(1887)
12. Central Addition (1888)
13. Maymont Addition (1889)
14. Schwartz Addition (1889)
15. South Side Addition (1891)
16. Imperial Addition (1891)
Map showing land annexations along the proposed right-of-way for the Southern Pacific Railroad, 1874-
1891.
Source: Adrianna Jordan, The Historical Influence of the Railroads on Urban Development and Future Economic
Potential in San Luis Obispo, online version, p. 35.
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City of San Luis Obispo Historic Context: Late 19th Century
Citywide Historic Context Statement
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Most residences constructed in San Luis Obispo during this period were examples of vernacular
hipped roof cottages or Neo-classical cottages. There are also examples of more elaborate, high style
residences, although they are not the most prevalent type during this period.
In 1875, San Luis Obispo attorney De Guy Cooper wrote:
We can boast of some very fine private residences. Heretofore, the style of architecture has
been of a rather primitive nature; but latterly there has been a marked improvement in this
particular area, and buildings erected within the past year have been of a better nature, and of
a more permanent character.40
Residents who were building more opulent homes during this period often chose styles that were
popular in other parts of the country, including Queen Anne, Eastlake, and Italianate styles. These
large two- and three-story homes often had elaborate scrollwork and other decorative details. They
were constructed beginning in the 1870s, and these styles remained popular until the turn of the 20th
century. Local architects associated with this period include William Evans, Hilamon Spencer Laird,
W.C. Phillips, and Alfred Walker.41
40 De Guy Cooper, “Resources of San Luis Obispo County,” reprinted in A Vast Pictorial Domain: San Luis Obispo County in the 1870s,
1993, 17. Quoted in Robert C. Pavlik, “Historical Architectural Survey Report for the Cuesta Grade Project,” California Department of
Transportation, October 1994.
41 The vernacular nature of most residential development during this period indicates that most homes were designed without the use of an
architect. The architect identified in this section is based on information available in existing surveys; additional research should be conducted
to identify other architects from this period.
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Late 19th Century Residential Development: Associated Property
Types, Integrity Considerations & Eligibility Standards
Property Type
Single-family Residence; Historic District
A residential property from this period may be significant:
As an increasingly rare example of late-19th century residential development -- Criterion A/1/B.2
(Event).
For its association with a significant person in San Luis Obispo’s early history -- Criterion B/2/B.1
(Person).
As a rare remaining example of adobe residential construction -- Criterion C/3/A.1,A.2
(Design/Construction).
As a good or rare example of a particular architectural style associated with the period -- Criterion
C/3/A.1,A.2 (Design/Construction).
A collection of residences from this period that are linked geographically may be eligible as a
historic district.
Integrity Considerations
In order to be eligible for listing at the federal, state, or local levels, a property must retain sufficient
integrity to convey its historic significance under the Late 19th Century Residential Development
theme.
Residential properties from this period eligible under Criteria A/1/B.2 (Event) should retain
integrity of location, design, feeling, and association.
A residential property significant under Criterion B/2/B.1 (Person) should retain integrity of design,
feeling, and association, at a minimum, in order to convey the historic association with a significant
person.
Residential properties significant under Criterion C/3/A.1,A.2 (Design/Construction) should retain
integrity of location, materials, workmanship, and feeling. Any remaining examples of adobe
construction from this period with fair integrity would likely be eligible. In general, the adobe walls
should remain largely intact and the residence should retain the majority of the character-defining
features associated with an adobe structure of its age. Alterations that are consistent with upgrades
typically seen in early adobe structures, including later additions constructed with wood framing
and replacement windows within original window openings, are acceptable. It is expected that the
setting will have been compromised by later development. Wood frame buildings from this period
should retain good integrity, although minor alterations are acceptable.
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Eligibility Standards
To be eligible, a property must:
date from the period of significance;
display most of the character-defining features; and
retain the essential aspects of integrity.
Extant Examples
Hays-Latimer Adobe, 642 Monterey Street, 1860.
Left image: Date unknown; source Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Special Collections.
Right image: 2013; source City of San Luis Obispo.
Dallidet Adobe, 1185 Pacific Avenue, 1860.
Left image: Date unknown; source San Luis Obispo County Historical Society.
Right image: 2013; source City of San Luis Obispo.
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Railroad Cottage, 1127 George Street, 1900.
Photo 2013; source Historic Resources Group.
Baker House, 1636 Morro Street, 1900.
Photo 2013; source City of San Luis Obispo.
Righetti House, 1314 Palm Street, 1877.
Photo 2013; source City of San Luis Obispo. Anderson House, 532 Dana Street, 1898.
Photo 2013; source City of San Luis Obispo.
Mancilla/Freitas Adobe, 868 Chorro Street, c. 1800-
1850. Photo of rehabilitation 2014; source City of San Luis
Obispo.
Rosa Butron Adobe, 466 Dana Street, 1860.
Photo 2013; source City of San Luis Obispo.
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Zoning, or remove the property from historic listing if the structure on the property no longer
meets eligibility criteria for listing, following the process for listing set forth herein.
14.01.070. Evaluation Criteria for Historic Resource Listing
When determining if a property should be designated as a listed Historic or Cultural Resource,
the CHC and City Council shall consider this ordinance and State Historic Preservation Office
(“SHPO”) standards. In order to be eligible for designation, the resource shall exhibit a high
level of historic integrity, be at least fifty (50) years old (less than 50 if it can be demonstrated
that enough time has passed to understand its historical importance) and satisfy at least one of the
following criteria:
A. Architectural Criteria: Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or
method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values.
(1) Style: Describes the form of a building, such as size, structural shape and details
within that form (e.g. arrangement of windows and doors, ornamentation, etc.). Building
style will be evaluated as a measure of:
a. The relative purity of a traditional style;
b. Rarity of existence at any time in the locale; and/or current rarity although the
structure reflects a once popular style;
c. Traditional, vernacular and/or eclectic influences that represent a particular social
milieu and period of the community; and/or the uniqueness of hybrid styles and how
these styles are put together.
(2) Design: Describes the architectural concept of a structure and the quality of artistic
merit and craftsmanship of the individual parts. Reflects how well a particular style or
combination of styles are expressed through compatibility and detailing of elements.
Also, suggests degree to which the designer (e.g., carpenter-builder) accurately
interpreted and conveyed the style(s). Building design will be evaluated as a measure of:
a. Notable attractiveness with aesthetic appeal because of its artistic merit, details and
craftsmanship (even if not necessarily unique);
b. An expression of interesting details and eclecticism among carpenter-builders,
although the craftsmanship and artistic quality may not be superior.
(3) Architect: Describes the professional (an individual or firm) directly responsible for
the building design and plans of the structure. The architect will be evaluated as a
reference to:
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13
a. A notable architect (e.g., Wright, Morgan), including architects who made
significant contributions to the state or region, or an architect whose work influenced
development of the city, state or nation.
b. An architect who, in terms of craftsmanship, made significant contributions to San
Luis Obispo (e.g., Abrahams who, according to local sources, designed the house at
810 Osos - Frank Avila's father's home - built between 1927 – 30).
B. Historic Criteria
(1) History – Person: Associated with the lives of persons important to local, California,
or national history. Historic person will be evaluated as a measure of the degree to which
a person or group was:
a. Significant to the community as a public leader (e.g., mayor, congress member,
etc.) or for his or her fame and outstanding recognition - locally, regionally, or
nationally.
b. Significant to the community as a public servant or person who made early, unique,
or outstanding contributions to the community, important local affairs or institutions
(e.g., council members, educators, medical professionals, clergymen, railroad
officials).
(2) History – Event: Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to
the broad patterns of local or regional history or the cultural heritage of California or the
United States. Historic event will be evaluated as a measure of:
(i) A landmark, famous, or first-of-its-kind event for the city - regardless of whether
the impact of the event spread beyond the city.
(ii) A relatively unique, important or interesting contribution to the city (e.g., the Ah
Louis Store as the center for Chinese-American cultural activities in early San Luis
Obispo history).
(3) History-Context: Associated with and also a prime illustration of predominant
patterns of political, social, economic, cultural, medical, educational, governmental,
military, industrial, or religious history. Historic context will be evaluated as a measure
of the degree to which it reflects:
a. Early, first, or major patterns of local history, regardless of whether the historic
effects go beyond the city level, that are intimately connected with the building (e.g.,
County Museum).
b. Secondary patterns of local history, but closely associated with the building (e.g.,
Park Hotel).
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HIST-0091-2021 (531 Dana)
Designation of 531 Dana Street as a Master List Resource in on the
City's Inventory of Historic Resources (Dana/Barneberg House)
Master List Resource
Designation which may be applied to the most unique and
important historic properties and resources in terms of
•Age,
•Architectural or historical significance,
•Rarity, or
•Association with important persons or events in the City’s past
(Historic Preservation Ordinance §14.01.020)
Evaluation
Victorian Vernacular
(Bertrando Evaluation)
Unusual mix of roof lines, including flat front and gable with
two-patterned shingle
Square bays on front façade, with ins-set columns at corners
and continuous sill
Recessed porch with flat sawn balusters, wood railing, and
saw cut border of circles above
Listing Criteria (§14.01.070)
Architectural criteria
(1)Style: relative purity of a traditional style; rarity; traditional, vernacular, eclectic
influence; uniqueness of hybrid styles
(2)Design:architectural concept; artistic merit and craftsmanship; accurate
interpretation and expression of style; compatibility and detailing of elements
Historic Criteria
(1)Person: significantly important to history (public leader; fame, outstanding
recognition; early, unique, or outstanding contributions)
Integrity:
Authenticity of physical identity; original site, foundation; retention, survival of design,
setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, association, characteristics of period of
significance; recognizable, conveying reasons for historical significance
HIST-0091-2021 (531 Dana)
Designation of 531 Dana Street as a Master List Resource in on the
City's Inventory of Historic Resources (Dana/Barneberg House)