HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/25/2023 Item 4a, Gray
Leveille, Brian
Sent:Monday, September 25, 2023 8:30 AM
To:CityClerk
Cc:Oetzell, Walter
Subject:Fw: 749-751 Higuera
Good morning,
Here is agenda correspondence from Committee Member Gray,
I have photos from him coming next and he has requested they be printed out for the committee. Thanks
Brian Leveille
Senior Planner
Community Development
Long Range Planning
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E bleveille@slocity.org
T 805.781.7166
slocity.org
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From: Sabin Gray <
Sent: Sunday, September 24, 2023 8:47 AM
To: Leveille, Brian <bleveill@slocity.org>
Subject: 749-751 Higuera
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
________________________________
Hi Brian-
Unfortunately I’m out of town today for a much needed vacation. When I saw this location on the agenda I just had to
comment.
Please read this out load at the Chab meeting on the 25th in my steed:
I had a temporary pop-up store at 749 Higuera so I am very familiar with this location.
The outside was done in the Spanish Colonial style with thick adobe like walls, courtyards with fancy Imported tiles,
huge vintage lite fixtures and elaborate iron gates. It is in good condition and very reminiscent of the style of
architecture seen along Front street in Santa Barbara.
It definitely should NOT be removed from the list.
1
I understood that the absentee owner plans for massive remodeling and destruction of the interior space to
accommodate a potential big brand retailer.
Furthermore, I’d like to find out if this board can declare an interior space as “historic” and worthy of preservation.
The interior space at 751 had been altered over the years and us not significant.
The interiors space at 749 is amazing! As the home of “Marshall’s Jewelers” for many years it still retains a feeling of
elegance even today. The interior was designed as an homage to the Mission. The dark wood and adobe line walls
reflect that. The pillars inside are exact replicas in size and style to those at the mission! Its domed ceiling with hand-
painted scroll work surround a gigantic Chrystal Chandelier that still radiates beauty. The thickly padded red carpet
makes you feel like you’re walking on a cloud. The expensive beveled mirrored glass walls with built-in illuminated
showcases look like they came directly from Liberace! In the back are separate offices with built in desks and bookcases,
a large workspace where jewelry was hand-crafted and a vintage walk-in safe!
It was designed by Clifford Chapman who was a significant historical figure in the local SLO Gay community. He and
his long time partner Don, contributed to many local non-profit arts organizations like the SLO symphony. They held
legendary fund raisers at their fantastic estate in Shell beach. That home was later donated to the city after their passing
and is now used for city functions and special events. Clifford’s expensive art collection is still housed there and is
available for public viewings.
Is there any way we as a board can protect the interior of this structure? Can the city buy it and make it into public
cultural space?
Thanks for sharing this with my fellow board members.
Sabin Gray
Sent from my iPhone
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