HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-15-2012 c4 request master list 1225 pismostcouncil .A acenba uEpout
C I T Y O F S A N LUIS O B I S P O
Derek Johnson, Community Development Directo r
Marcus Carloni, Planning Technicia n
ADDITION OF 1225 PISMO STREET TO THE MASTER LIST O F
HISTORIC RESOURCES .
RECOMMENDATIO N
As recommended by the Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC), adopt a resolution adding the propert y
located at 1225 Pismo Street to the Master List of Historic Resources .
SITE DATA
Meeting Date5 /5 / 1 2
Item Number C 4
FROM :
Prepared By :
SUBJECT :
William Casell a
R-2 (Medium-Densit y
Residential )
Medium Density Residentia l
7,000 square fee t
The site is developed with th e
main residence fronting Pism o
Street and an accessory garag e
at the rear of the lot .
Located within histori c
resources inventory surve y
area. Adjacent to Old Town .
Applicant
Zoning
General Plan
Site Area
Site Descriptio n
Historic Distric t
DISCUSSIO N
Backgroun d
The property owner of 1225 Pismo Street (Attachment 1, Vicinity Map) requested that his propert y
be added to the Master List of Historic Resources . The property is located just outside of the Ol d
Town Historic District but within an area that has recently been surveyed to identify potentia l
historic resources . The property is currently not listed on either the Contributing or Master List o f
Historic Resources . Historic listing as either a Master List or a Contributing property requires a
public hearing before the Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC), nomination to the City Council an d
Council approval .
There are two types of historic resources in San Luis Obispo . Individual buildings that hav e
significant historic or architectural value are called "Master List Properties ." These are the mos t
unique and/or important historic resources and merit special recognition and protection . A property
Council Agenda Report – Master List,1225 Pismo Street
Page 2
May 15, 201 2
may be listed as a Master List property if it meets any of the criteria in the Historic Preservatio n
Program Ordinance .1
The second type of historic resource is the "Contributing Property ." A Contributing Property i s
defined as a structure "built before 1941 that has retained its original architectural style and whe n
viewed in the context of its surroundings, contributes to the historic character of the area ."2 Whil e
most contributing properties are located within historic districts, the CHC and the City Council hav e
determined they may be located anywhere in the City if they meet the above criteria .
Architectural/Historical Backgroun d
The Transitional Craftsman Bungalow style home was constructed in 1907 by Walter Cushing,a
railroad Engineer . The property is kept in excellent condition with well-maintained landscaping an d
a front yard fence designed to match the home's decorative rafter tail design . The original footprint
of the residence has been maintained and there are no significant alterations to the primary floo r
plan or elevations other than removal of the wing walls at the entry and replacement of many of th e
windows with aluminum and vinyl inserts .
The home includes many of the characteristics common to a Craftsman, such as a low-hipped roo f
with a deep unenclosed eave overhang, exposed rafters, wood shingle siding, shingled porc h
railings, and some remaining wood windows . This home is an example of a "Transitiona l
Craftsman" constructed earlier than other Craftsman style homes in San Luis Obispo . The hom e
includes a pagoda roof, decorative rafter tails with a singular circular piercing, a shingled separate d
flared skirt, and a low-hipped roof dormer centered above the entrance .
1 Municipal Code Chapter 14 .0 1
2 City Council Resolution No . 6424 (1988 Series)
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Council Agenda Report – Master List, 1225 Pismo Stree t
May 15, 201 2
Previous Revie w
On February 27, 2012, the CHC reviewed the applicant's request to add the property located at 122 5
Pismo to the Master List of Historic Resources . Staff evaluated the project for consistency with th e
architecture, historic, and integrity criteria of the Historic Preservation Ordinance3 an d
recommended the property be added to the Contributing List because it did not appear to represen t
the most unique and important example of architecture in the City 4 (Attachment 2, CHC Staff
Report). At the CHC hearing, staff noted concerns with the integrity of the residence due t o
removal of the original wing walls at the entry, recently added gutters which obscure the rafter tails ,
and replacement of the original windows with vinyl and aluminum windows .
However, upon review and consideration of public testimony and the recommendation fro m
Historic Consultant Betsy Bertrando, the CHC found the property to merit Master List statu s4 base d
on architectural criteria for style and design (Attachment 3, CHC Minutes). It was determined th e
residence represents one of the earliest, and most unique, examples of a Transitional Craftsma n
Bungalow, pre-dating Craftsman kit home construction, and includes Victorian-era elements such a s
the decorative rafter tails . The adopted CHC resolution includes conditions of approval requirin g
restoration of the original features of the building in the event a Mills Act contract application i s
requested (Attachment 4, CHC Resolution No . 1001-12).
The Historic Preservation Ordinance specifies that resources need to exhibit a high level of histori c
integrity and satisfy at least one of the evaluation criteria in order to be eligible for designation .
The CHC, with a 7 :0 vote, found the property eligible for the Master List of Historic Resources ;
satisfying style and design architectural criteria (Attachment 3, CHC Minutes) as summarize d
below.
Architectural Criteri a
Architecture – Style :The structure represents one of the earliest examples of a Transitiona l
Craftsman Bungalow in the City, With Victorian-era elements such as the decorative rafter tails an d
pagoda style roof.
Architecture – Design :The Transitional style with Victorian-era and Craftsman Bungalow element s
is an expression of interesting details and eclecticism .
Integrity :
The structure occupies its original site and foundation .
The structure has maintained its historic character appearance to be recognizable as a n
historic resource and conveys the reasons for its significance with intact original buildin g
Historic Preservation Ordinance Section 14 .01 .070 Evaluation Criteria for Historic Resource Listing .
4 Historic Preservation Ordinance Section 1401 .050.A Master List resource definition .
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Council Agenda Report — Master List, 1225 Pismo Street
Page 4
May 15, 2012
materials and architectural details in the exterior and interior . As conditioned by th e
CHC, the residence will further its integrity by restoring original features of the buildin g
in the event a Mills Act contract application is requested .
The resource has retained its design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, an d
association .
CONCLUSIO N
At the February 27, 2012 hearing, the CHC considered public testimony, and the recommendatio n
from Historic Consultant Betsy Bertrando, and determined the residence clearly meets the style an d
design architectural criteria, as the residence was determined to be one of the most unique an d
earliest examples of the Transitional Craftsman Bungalow style of architecture important to th e
City's history . The physical features of the building convey the property's historic character, an d
addition of this residence to the City's Master List of Historic Resources will assure the long-ter m
preservation and restoration of this important historic resource .
Staff supports the CHC recommendation to add this property to the Master List of Historic
Resources, given determinations at the CHC hearing regarding uniqueness and importance of thi s
Transitional Craftsman Bungalow to the City .
FISCAL IMPAC T
Adding the property to the Master List will have no fiscal impact on the City .
If the property is added to the Master List, the applicant will have the ability to apply for a Mills Ac t
Historic Preservation Contract . Mills Act contracts require an application and fee of $3,691 ,
commitment to specific improvements, and/or maintenance of the property, review by the CHC, an d
final approval by the City Council . Fiscal impact analysis is included in the Council agenda report s
for Mills Act contracts .
ALTERNATIVES
1 Continue the item for additional analysis or research .
2 . Deny the request to add the property located at 1225 Pismo Street to the Master List of Histori c
Resources and designate it as a Contributing historic property instead .
ATTACHMENT S
1.Vicinity Ma p
2.Cultural Heritage Committee Staff Report, February 27, 201 2
3.Cultural Heritage Committee meeting minutes, February 27, 201 2
4.Cultural Heritage Committee Final Resolution No . 1001-12
Council Agenda Report — Master List,1225 Pismo Street
Page 5
May 15, 201 2
5.Ads Obispo Railroad Museum President :
6.DraftCouncil Resolutio n
Council Reading File :Historic [Resource l valpatton bylaetsy Bert ~ acdo
T:\Council Agenda Reportsl2012\2012-05-154Master List-1225 Pismo St (Johnson-Carloni)\Council Report, CHC 65-11 (1225 Pisrna).docx
Attachment 2
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISP O
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE STAFF REPORT ITEM #1
BY : Marcus Carloni, Planning Technician
MEETING DATE :Febmay 27, 201 2
FROM : Kim Murry, Deputy Director, Long-Range Planning Y-til
VIA Phil Dunsmore, Senior Planner, Long-Range Planning ?9
FILE NUMBER: CHC 65-1 1
PROJECT ADDRESS :1225 Pismo Street
SUBJECT :Consideration of request to nominate a property to the Master List of Histori c
Resources ; R-2 zone ; William Casella, Applicant .
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIO N
Recommend the City Council add the property located at 1225 Pismo Street to the Contributin g
Properties List of Historic Resources .
BACKGROUN D
The applicants have requested their property be added to the Master List of Historic Resources .
The property is not historically designated, but is within the area currently being inventoried b y
the Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC). As part of the CHC's inventory this property has been
preliminarily identified as eligible for listing . Inclusion on either the Contributing Properties Lis t
or the Master List of Historic Resources requires a public hearing before the Cultural Heritag e
Committee, nomination to the City Council and Council approval .
DISCUSSION
Site Description
The property is one block away fro m
the Old Town Historic District on th e
southeast side of Pismo Stree t
(Attachment 1, Vicinity Map). The
footprint of the residence closel y
matches that of the 1909 Sanborn Ma p
(Figure 1). The residence faces Pismo
Street with a street setback o f
approximately fifteen feet .
Architectural Backgroun d
The Craftsman Bungalow style home was constructed in 1907 by Walter Cushing, a railroa d
Engineer . In 1917, a 12 foot by 14 foot garage was constructed . In 2004/05, the current owners
74
Figure 1: 1909 Sanborn Map
Attachment 2
CHC 65-11(1225 Pismo Street )
Page 2
of the property, William and Mary Casella, demolished this garage, and constructed a new
garage at the rear of the property . The owners considered the original architectural style of th e
main house when designing the garage . The property is kept in excellent condition with well -
maintained landscaping and a perimeter fence designed to match the hom e 's decorative rafter tai l
design . The original footprint of the residence has been maintained and there are no significan t
alterations to the primary floor plan or elevations other than removal of the wing walls at th e
entry and replacement of many of the windows with aluminum and vinyl inserts .
The home includes many of the characteristics common to a Craftsman, such as a low-hippe d
roof with a deep unenclosed eave overhang, exposed rafters, wood shingle siding,shingled porc h
railings, and some wood windows.This home is an example of a "Transitional Craftsman "
constructed earlier than. many of the other Craftsman style homes in San Luis Obispo .Typically,
a Transitional Craftsman reflects many of the features of earlier Victorian or Colonial Reviva l
residences that were constructed in an earlier time-frame . The home includes a pagoda roof,
characteristic of the first Craftsman Bungalows . The home also includes decorative rafter tails
with a singular circular piercing, a shingled separated flared skirt, and a low-hipped roof dorme r
centered above the entrance . The home does not include triangular knee brace supports which ar e
commonly known to be a defining feature of the Craftsman style .
Ownership Histor y
Walter Cushing was the original owner and builder in 1907 . Mr. Cushing was the Southern
Pacific Railroad Engineer working out of San Luis Obispo . In 1917, the property was sold to a
local realtor who within a week sold the property to John J .Kelley.Three years later, Mr. Kelley
sold the property to Nellie K . McMillan. The residence housed five McMillan women over a
period of 83 years .
EVALUATIO N
Based on the architectural style of the residence and the fact that the majority of the property
remains intact and original, the property clearly qualifies for listing on the City's Contributin g
List of Historic Resources, however, architectural, historical, and integrity criteria need to b e
closely evaluated to see if this property should be elevated to the Master List of Histori c
Resources . To qualify for the Master List, structures should have retained their integrity and
meet one or more of the 'eligibility criteria . Additionally, the Master List is reserved for thos e
properties that are the most unique or rare examples of significant resources or history .
Following are the adopted criteria and a brief evaluation (in italics)of their relevance to the
property.
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Attachment 2
CHC 65.11 (1225 Pismo Stree t
Page 3
Figure 2 : 1225 Pismo c. 2012 Figure 3; 1225 Pismo c. 1907
Delineation of Historic Resource Criteria forBuilding EvaluationandRecommendation s
14.01 .070A . Architectural Criteri a
1 . Styl e
Describes form of building such as size, structural shape and details within that form (i .e.
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 style s
are put together .
Staff response:After 1900, housing design began to change from the high style of the Victoria n
Period and simpler Neo-classic Rowhouse that satisfied the need for worker housing durin g
1895 to 1915 into a more egalitarian view that emphasized Craftsman Bungalows . Th e
Craftsman style was in evidence from 1905 to 1925 and grew in popularity with the kit hous e
catalogues . The first residents of the 1200 block of Pismo Street represented the work force of
various commercial enterprises within the City including railroad workers . Walter Cushing,
Engineer, brought the construction materials for his home to San Luis Obispo from Sa n
Francisco by train on which he was serving as Engineer ,
The typical residence in this block reflects architectural styles that are common to the early
1900's during the introduction of the railroad. Commonly this style is referred to as "Railroa d
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Attachment 2
CHC 65-11 (1225 Pismo Street )
Page 4
Vernacular" which describes the simple, single story, Craftsman-like residence that typifies th e
blocks that surround the railroad. According to Ms .Bertrando's Resource Evaluation, this
residence represents one of the earliest examples of the Transitional Craftsman Bungalow style
remaining in the City of San Luis Obispo . However, there are other examples of transitiona l
"railroad vernacular" homes in the City, each of them with a slightly different style . In som e
cases this style includes elements from the Victorian-era, such as the decorative rafter tails and
small roof dormer along with the more typical Craftsman style elements . In this case, this
residence is a fine example of a Transitional Craftsman, however -it is not necessarily rare o r
particularly unusual.
2 . Desig n
Describes the architectural concept of structure and quality of artistic merit and craftsmanship o f
the individual parts . Reflects how well a particular style or combination of styles are expresse d
through compatibility and detailing of elements . Also, suggests degree to which the architec t
(i .e ., carpenter-builder) accurately interpreted and conveyed the style(s). Building Design will b e
evaluated as a measure of:
a.Notable attractiveness with aesthetic appeal because of its uniqueness, 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 .
Staff Response :The house is attractive and contributes to the historic character of its
neighborhood, however, it does not appear to have extraordinary craftsmanship or aesthetic
value that would set it apart from other similar Craftsman Bungalow homes in the City .
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 :
a.A notable architect (e .g ., Wright, Morgan), including architects who made significan t
contributions to the state or region, or an architect whose work influenced developmen t
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).
Staff Response:There is no evidence that the house was designed by an architect who is
significant at a national, state or local level . According to the Historic Resource Evaluatio n
prepared by Ms . Bertrando, the home was built by Southern Pacific Railroad engineer, Walte r
Cushing, who brought the materials down from San Francisco on the train he engineered ;a
building permit for this residence was not found.
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Attachment 2
CHC 65-11 (1225 Pismo Street )
Page 5
14.01,07013,Historical Criteria
1 . History — Perso n
Associate with the lives of persons important to local, California,or national history. Histori c
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).
Staff response:Walter Cushing, original owner and builder in 1907,was the Southern Pacific
Railroad Engineer working out of San Luis Obispo; it has been suggested that Mr. Cushing
brought the materials for constructing the home down from San Francisco on the train he
engineered. According to Ms . Bertrando, Walter Cushing was an important part of the railroa d
community serving in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and attending meetings
throughout the country.
-Although Mr. Cushing was an important member of the railroad community,his connectio n
with the property lasted 10 years and his time in San Luis Obispo only lasted 13 years . Historic
documentation does not indicate Mr. Cushing as a community leader who made outstandin g
contributions in City history.
In 1917, the property was sold to a local realtor who sold the property to John J. Kelley. Three
years later, Mr. Kelley sold the property to Nellie K McMillan . The residence housed fiv e
McMillan women over a period of 83 years . The most notable were Nellie, who served as Deput y
County Assessor, and Eleanor who served as Deputy County Clerk for a total of 66 years.
Historic documentation does not indicate Nellie or Eleanor McMillan as community leaders wh o
made outstanding contributions in City history .
2 . History— Event
Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local o r
regional history or the cultural heritage of California or the United States . Historic event will b e
evaluated as a measure of :
a.A landmark, famous, or first-of-its-kind event for the city regardless of whether the
impact of the event spread beyond the city.
b.A relatively unique, important or interesting contribution to the city (e .g. the Ah Loui s
Store as the center for Chinese-American cultural activities in early San Luis Obisp o
history).
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Attachment 2
CHC 65-11 (1225 Pismo Street)
Page 6
Staff response :Land sale in San Luis Obispo picked up significantly with the arrival of th e
Southern Pacific Railroad in 1894. According to Ms .Bertrando,the first residents of the 1200
block of Pismo Street represented the work force of various commercial enterprises within the
City including railroad workers.Walter Cushing, Engineer, was an important member of th e
railroad community . No known landmark event or unique contribution to the City occurred at
the subject location.
14 .01 .070C. Integrity :Authenticity of an historical resource's physical identity evidenced b y
the survival of characteristics that existed during the resource's period of significance .Integrity
will be evaluated by a measure o f
1.Whether or not a structure occupies its original site and/or whether or not the origina l
foundation has been changed, if known .
2.The degree to which the structure has maintained enough of its historic character o r
appearance to be recognizable as an historic resource and to convey the reason(s) for it s
significance .
3.The degree to which the resource has retained its design, setting, materials, workmanship ,
feeling and association .
Staff Response :The house occupies its original site (see Figure 1) and appears to occupy its
original foundation . The structure has maintained its historic character/appearance,retaining
many original exterior features (pagoda roof shingle siding, and decorative rafter tails) an d
interior features (interior trim, fixtures, hardware, removable stair tread used for storage).
However, the wing walls at the entrance have been removed, the majority of the windows have
been replaced with aluminum and vinyl (but are set into the original wood frames/trim);and
recently added gutters obscure the decorative rafter tails .
Conclusio n
Based on the above evaluation, the property clearly meets eligibility for listing as a contributin g
historic resource ; however it does not have the integrity, uniqueness or rarity to allow it to b e
eligible for the Master List of Historic Resources . In her Historic Resource Evaluation, Ms .
Bertrando points to the following two historic criteria to support a recommendation for placing
1225 Pismo Street on the Master List : architectural style, history-person . In response,staff make s
the following findings :
1 . Architectural Criteria – Style .The home is recognized as one of the earliest example s
of the Craftsman Bungalow style remaining in the City of San Luis Obispo . However, the
home does not represent the most unique and important resources in terms of
architecture, historical significance, and rarity as is reserved for Master List resources .
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Attachment 2
CHC 65-11 (1225 Pismo Street )
Page 7
2 .History — Person .The house is not associated with individuals who helped shape San
Luis Obispo's history because historic documentation does not indicate that Walte r
Cushing or Nellie/Eleanor McMillan were community leaders who made significan t
contributions in City history . Moreover, Mr . Cushing's connection with San Luis Obisp o
lasted only 13 years .
The home at 1225 Pismo Street is a well maintained Craftsman Bungalow and the applican t
William Casella has done a beautiful job of maintaining the property . Based on a review o f
eligibility criteria for the Contributing Properties List, staff finds the property at 1225 Pism o
Street .clearly meets the criteria to be added to the Contributing List of Historic Resources in tha t
it has retained its original architectural character, and it contributes to the historic character of th e
neighborhood in which it is located .
RECOMMENDATIO N
Adopt the attached draft Cultural Heritage Committee Resolution to recommend the Cit y
Council add the property located at 1225 Pismo Street to the List of Contributing Historic
Resources .
Alternative s
1.Find that the property has retained its original architectural character and that it meets one or
more eligibility criteria for the Master List, and adopt a resolution recommending the City
Council add the property to the Master List.A recommendation of addition to the Master Lis t
should include conditions to upgrade the aluminum and vinyl replacement windows t o
windows of wood construction, matching the original windows of the residence, and t o
restore the original wing walls at the entry .
2.Continue the item with specific direction to staff or, the applicant on additional informatio n
needed .
ATTACHMENTS
1.Vicinity Map with Historic District boundaries
2.Draft CHC Resolutio n
Historic Resource Evaluation by Betsy Bertrando : delivered digitally to the CHC members an d
available at the Community Development Department public counter .
G:1CD-PLANIMCARLONIICHC11225 Pismo\CHC 65-11(1225 Pismo)staff report .docx
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Attachment 3
SAN LUIS OBISP O
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTE S
February 27, 201 2
ROLL CALL :
Present :Committee Members Hemalata Dandekar, John Fowler, Jaime Hill, Buz z
Kalkowski, Bob Pavlik, Vice-Chair Enrica Costello, and Chairperson Jeff
Oliveira
Absent :Non e
Staff:Senior Planner Phil Dunsmore, Planning Technician Marcus Carloni, an d
Recording Secretary Anu Dhaliwa l
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA :The agenda was accepted as presented .
MINUTES :Minutes of January 23, 2012, were approved as presented .
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS :
There were no comments made from the public .
PRESENTATION :Dan Kreiger will discuss the history behind Terrace Hill .
Dan Kreiger, San Luis Obispo, discussed the history behind Terrace Hill . Mr. Kreiger
recommended historic or cultural category designation for Terrace Hill because of its
association with significant people and events of San Luis Obispo .
Chairperson Oliveira encouraged Mr . Kreiger to bring `additional information regardin g
the history behind Terrace Hill in the future to the Committee .
Committee Member Dandekar questioned if Mr. Krieger envisioned Terrace Hill as a n
Open Space designation or a site where visitors could hike and see views of the City .
Mr . Kreiger stated Terrace Hill could be a great location for viewing and directional sign s
can be located . on top of the hill to point where visitors are looking .
Committee Member Pavilk questioned if the top of Terrace Hill was previously mined o r
graded off. Mr . Kreiger stated it was once an "outpost for the Army Corps of Engineers
and some grading previously did occur on top of the hill .
Committee Member Dandekar questioned Staff if the City has any future plans fo r
Terrace Hill .Staff stated the City owns the land but there is no active plan fo r
development .
Eric Meyer, San Luis Obispo, suggested a land use designation change from Low
Density Residential to Open Space . Staff noted that the property is designated as open
space on the General Plan Map but that the zoning map is inconsistent by designating i t
as residential . Staff also noted the property is under a open space easemen t
associated with the development of the adjacent planned development .
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Attachment 3:Draft CHC Minutes
Fe arua'ry 27, 201 2
Page 2
On motion by Committee Member Dandekar, seconded by Committee Member Hill, t o
ask Staff to review the future opportunitiesforTerraceHill .
AYES :Committee Members Dandekar, Fowler, Hill, Kalkowski, Paviik, Costello ,
and Oliveira
NOES :None
RECUSED :Non e
ABSENT:None
The motion passed on a 7 :0 vote .
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS :
1 .1225 Pismo Street .CHC 65-11 ; Review of property for placement on the Maste r
List of Historic Resources ; R-2 zone ;William M .Casella, applicant.(Marcus
Carloni)
Marcus Carloni, Planning Technician, presented the staff report, recommending the Cit y
Council add the property located at 1225 Pismo Street to the Contributing Propertie s
List of Historic Resources, based on findings and subject to conditions which h e
outlined .
Committee Member Fowler questioned if there was a building permit on file verifying th e
built date of the home . Staff stated there is no building permit on file verifying the buil d
date but a report an the home states it was built around 1907 .
Committee Member Paviik questioned if Nellie McMillan, previous owner of th e
property, was related to the prominent Chandon or San Luis Obispo McMillan family .
Staff stated there may be some connection to the McMillan family .
Committee Member Kalkowski indicated Walter Cushing, previous owner of th e
property, was a prominent leader amongst railroad engineers in the early 20 th Century.
William Casella, applicant,indicated that railroad facilities in Santa Margarita were
named after property's previous owner, Walter Cushing . Mr. Casella emphasized th e
importance of Walter Cushing's significance on the property and presented news
periodicals and photos of previous owners which were found in the home .
Vice-Chair Costello asked the applicant if gutters and vinyl windows were installe d
recently and if the interior is original . Mr,Casella stated the vinyl windows were there
when the home was purchased, the gutters can be changed,and the interior of th e
home has not been altered significantly .
PUBLIC COMMENTS :
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Craft CHC Minutes
Attachment 3February 27, 201 2Page3
Eric Meyer, San Luis Obispo, discussed the evolution of railroad districts in the city o f
San Luis Obispo and indicated the similarity of the property to a Master List home o nMarsh Street .
David Kuykendali, San Luis Obispo, spoke in support of property's placement on th e
Master List of Historic Resources .
There were no further comments made from the public .
COMMITTEE COMMENTS :
Committee Member Hill stated the property owner's intent for the historic building is
important in Master List determination .
Committee Member Fowler stated Walter Cushing did not reside in the home lon g
enough to have a major impact on its historical significance.He indicated the propertydoesmeet the Historical Preservation Ordinance criteria for historical and architectura l
significance .
Vice-Chair Costello questioned if a person has a threshold of stay in a historic building .
Staff stated there is no threshold for stay .
Committee Member Dandekar stated historic people play a crucial role in th esignificance of an historic building .
Committee Member Kalkowski stated the home has unique history, the McMillan famil y
holds a prominent place in the County, and the vinyl windows should be changed tooriginal windows .
Chairperson Oliveira highlighted Mr . Casella's commitment to history of the home and
indicated people are important when they make contributions to the community .
Committee Member Pavtik agreed with Committee Member Kalkowski that the McMilla n
family is significant in the County . He recommended developing a "thematic approach "
that lists railroad worker houses which, were built around the same time in the City,
requiring additional context on railroad workers, and the significance of women ownin g
property during that time period .
Vice-Chair Costello noted the significance of Nellie McMillan and Walter Cushing's
significance to the property.
Committee Member Hill indicated the property is compatible with existing properties o n
the Master List .
Committee Member Dandekar voiced concern for the Committee's consistency with it s
recommendation and decision making . Staff stated the Committee should refer back to
the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance to remain consistent .
Staff presented the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance cr=iteria for the Committee t o
consider.
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Draft CHC Minute s
February 27, 201 2
Page 4
Attachment 3
Committee Member Hill stated the property meets the criteria in the Ordinance .
Committee Member Fowler stated there is not enough information for the home to
become a Master List property and the consideration should be continued .
Committee Member Pavlik stated the architectural criteria are satisfied enough for theproperty to be nominated to the Master List with conditions .
There were no further comments made from the Committee .
On motion by Committee Member Hill, seconded by Committee Member Costello, t o
recommendthe City Council add the , property located at 1225 Pismo Street to th e
Master List of Historic Resources, with conditions and/or considerations be given that ,
should this property return to the CHC for Mills Act inclusion, the qutters shall b e
replaced or removed as tonot impede the visibility of rafter tails,and vinyl windows shal lbereplaced to its original style wood windows on the main house, and wing wallsshal lberestored.
AYES :
Committee Members Dandekar, Fowler, Hill, Kalkowski, Pavlik,Costello ,
and Oliveir a
NOES :Non e
RECUSED :Non e
ABSENT:Non e
The motion passed on a 7 :0 vote .
C4-`17
Attachment 4
RESOLUTION NO. CHC-1001-1 2
A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTE E
RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL ADD THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1225
PISMO STREET TO THE MASTER LIST OF HISTORIC RESOURCES, CHC 65-1 1
WHEREAS, applicant Bill Casella, on November 28, 2011, submitted a complet e
application to add his residence to the Master List of Historic Resources ; and
WHEREAS, the Cultural Heritage Committee of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a
public hearing in the Council Hearing Room of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo ,
California, on February 27, 2012, for the purpose of considering adding property located at 122 5
Pismo Street to the Master List of Historic Resources ; and
WHEREAS, notices of said public hearings were made at the time and in the manne r
required by law ; and
WHEREAS, the Culltural Heritage Committee has duly considered all evidence, includin g
the testimony of the applicants, interested parties, and the evaluation and recommendations b y
staff, presented at said hearing .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Cultural Heritage Committee of the Cit y
of San Luis Obispo as follows :
Section 1 . Findings.Based upon all the evidence, the Cultural Heritage Committee makes th e
following findings :
Finding s
i . The house is eligible for the Master List of Historic Resources because it is a uniqu e
example of a Transitional Craftsman Bungalow that is at Ieast 50 years old, has retained it s
original architectural character, and contributes to the historic character of th e
neighborhood in which it is located .
The house is eligible for the Master List of Historic Resources because it satisfies the styl e
and design architectural criteria of Section 14 .01 .070 of the Historic Preservation
Ordinance.
3 . Historic listing is exempt from environmental review (CEQA Guidelines, Section 1530 3
(New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) & Section 15308 (Resourc e
Protection)).
Section 2 .Action .The Cultural Heritage Committee does hereby recommend the City Council
add the property located at 1225 Pismo Street to the Master List of Historic Resources subject to th e
following condition of approval .
C4-18
Attachment 4
Resolution No, CHC-I00I-I 2
Page 2
An application for Mills Act participation shall include restoration of the entry wing walls,
removal or replacement of the gutters to allow visibility of the rafter tails, and replacemen t
of the vinyllaluminum windows with wood windows to match the original windows of th e
residence .
On motion by Committee Member Hill, seconded by Vice-Chair Costello, and on the followin g
roll call vote :
AYES :
Committee Members Hill, Costello, Fowler, Kalkowski, Oliveira, Dandekar, an d
Pavlik
NOES :None
REFRAIN: Non e
ABSENT None
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 27th day of February, 2012 .
rG+~: z
Phil Dunsmore, Secretar y
Community Development Department
C4-19
Attachment 5
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISP O
FEB24201 2
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMEN T
San Luis Obispo Railroad Museu m
Post Office Box 13260, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406-326 0
2-23-1 2
City of San Luis Obispo
Cultural Heritage Committe e
Dear Committee Members ,
I have been in communication with Mr . Bill Casella, owner of a residence located at 122 5
Pismo St. San Luis Obispo . On his behalf, Mrs .Betsy Bertrando has discussed with m e
the possible inclusion of Mr. Casella's house on the Master List of Historic Properties .
Mr . Casella's residence was built and owned by a Mr . Cushing . Cushing worked for the
Southern Pacific Railroad, until his death due to a tragic railroad boiler explosion .
I have known of the railroad's Cushing siding, located in the Santa Margarita/Garde n
Farms area, for many years .This siding was named for Cushing.
The Cushing/Casella residence represents a typical railroad working class family home i n
the Historic Railroad District . The fact that it was built, owned and lived in by a
prominent railroad locomotive engineer,is an exceptional bit of information that adds to
the interest in this residence .
Although many people, and the City of San Luis Obispo, recognize residential areas nea r
the railroad as historically significant, I think it is important to now focus on what the
"average working man" was able to provide for his family .This typical home is that
which makes up those historic residential areas: And based on research, this is a very
identifiable and prime example of that typical home should be recognized .
I strongly urge you to place this residence on the Master List of Historic Properties . We
have some of the railroad work sites, recognized a historic structures . Now, we have th e
home that they workers went to, raised a family, and contributed to the betterment o f
their city.
C4-2 0
Sincerely,
Brad LaRose;Presicl~nt
San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, (805) 550-18361 blarose@eo .slo .ca .us
Attachment 6
RESOLUTION NO .
(2012 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ADDIN G
THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1225 PISMO STREET TO THE MASTER LIST O F
HISTORIC RESOURCES, CHC 65-1 1
WHEREAS, applicant Bill Casella, on November 28,2011,submitted a complet e
application to add his property to the Master List of Historic Resources ; and
WHEREAS, the Cultural Heritage Committee of the City of San Luis Obispo at a publi c
hearing held in the Council Meeting Room of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo ,
California, on February 27, 2012, and recommended the Council add the property located at 122 5
Pismo Street to the Master List of Historic Resources ; and
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a public hearing on May 15, 2012,for the
purpose of considering adding the property located at 1225 Pismo Street to the Master List of
Historic Resources (CHC 65-11); an d
WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all evidence, including the records o f
the Cultural Heritage Committee hearing, and the evaluation and recommendations by staff .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Lui s
Obispo as follows :
SECTION 1 . Findings .The Council makes the following findings of consistency wit h
Historic Preservation Program Ordinance eligibility criteria for Master List Historic Resources :
1.The residence is eligible for the Master List of Historic Resources because it is a uniqu e
example of a Transitional Craftsman Bungalow that is at least 50 years old,has retaine d
its original architectural character, and contributes to the historic character of th e
neighborhood in which it is located .
2.The residence is eligible for the Master List of Historic Resources because it satisfies th e
style and design architectural criteria of Section 14 .01 .070 of the Historic Preservatio n
Ordinance .
SECTION 2 . Action . The Council of the City of San Luis Obispo does hereby add th e
property located at 1225 Pismo Street to the Master List of Historic Resources as the histori c
"Walter T . Cushing House" with constructive notice of the following :
1 . An application for Mills Act participation shall include restoration of the entry wing
walls, removal or replacement of the gutters to allow visibility of the rafter tails, an d
replacement of the vinyl/aluminum windows with wood windows to match the origina l
windows of the residence .
C4-21
Resolution No . [ ]
Attachment 6
Page 2
SECTION 3 . Environmental Determination .The City Council has determined tha t
the above actions do not constitute a project, as defined by Section 15378 of the Californi a
Environmental Quality Act and are exempt from environmental review .
Upon motion of , seconded by , and on the following vote :
AYES :
NOES :
ABSENT :
The foregoing Resolution was adopted this day of , 2012 .
Jan Howell Marx, Mayo r
ATTEST :
Sheryll Schroeder, Interim City Cler k
APPROVED AS TO FORM :
Is!Christine Dietric k
Christine Dietrick, City Attorney
C4-22