HomeMy WebLinkAbout778-786 Higuera (SLOMA) 04.27.2026 CHC HearingReview of New Exterior Façade on the “Network” Building
and Rehabilitation of 782 & 786 Higuera Street in the
Downtown Historic District (ARCH-0933-2025; 778-786
Higuera St)
Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC ) Hearing –April 27, 2026
Applicant: San Luis Obispo Museum of Art Representative: RRM Design Group
Recommendation
Recommend the Community Development Director find the proposed project consistent with
applicable historic preservation policies, standards, and guidelines.
Project Overview
New façade at 778 Higuera Street (“Network” building – noncontributor)
Rehabilitation of storefront at 782 & 786 Higuera Street (portion of
“Johnson Block” – Local Register Resource) to match with adjacent
façades
New rear entrance at 782 Higuera facing Mission Plaza
Patio renovation and creekside deck (reviewed separately)
Site Data
Address 778-786 Higuera Street
APN:002-243-041 & 002-243-049
Zone Downtown Commercial Zone
with Historic Overlay (C-D-H)
General Plan General Retail (G-R)
Site Area 22,000 SF (.51 AC) & 11,761 SF
(.27 AC)
Environmental
Determination
Categorically Exempt, CEQA
Guidelines § 15301 (Existing
Facilities)
778 Higuera St -
“Network”
782-786
Cultural Heritage Committee
Purview
(Municipal Code §14.01.030)
Compatibility of new façade at 778
Higuera Street (“Network” Building).
with historic district character
Rehabilitation of 782 & 786 Higuera
Street (portion of “Johnson Block”)
778 Higuera Street (“Network” Building)
•Removal of portions of existing
storefront façade
•Installation of new façade
design
•Materials include:
•Brick veneer
•Precast concrete bulkhead
trim
•Anodized aluminum window
framing
•New construction in a
historic district
782 & 786 Higuera (portion
“Johnson Block”)
•Rehabilitation of storefront at 782 Higuera Street
•Design reflects adjacent Johnson Block storefront pattern
•Incorporates:
•Tile accents consistent with neighboring façades
•Storefront and transom configuration aligned with adjacent buildings
782 & 786 Higuera (portion “Johnson Block”)
•Removal of existing door and window openings
•Installation of new door with surrounding windows
•Existing brick exterior walls retained
•Rear façade is a secondary elevation
CEQA (Environmental Review)
•Categorically exempt under Class 1 – Existing Facilities
•No expansion of use or floor area
•No substantial adverse change to historical resources
•No exception applies under CEQA §15300.2(f) (not
disqualified from exemption)
Recommended Conditions of Approval
DESIGN DETAILS
•Final design details for the storefront and transom system at 782 Higuera Street shall be provided at
the time of building permit submittal. The submitted details shall include proportions, configuration,
detailing, and material finish, and shall be consistent with and reflective of the adjacent Johnson
Block façades, including 786 and 790 Higuera Street.
ARCHAEOLOGY
•If archaeological materials are encountered during ground-disturbing activities, work in the vicinity of
the find shall be halted and a qualified archaeologist shall be retained to evaluate the discovery and
recommend appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
•Network façade compatible with historic district
•Johnson Block retains character-defining features
•Rear façade changes limited and secondary
•Project consistent with:
Historic Preservation Program Guidelines
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
General Plan policies
Recommendation
Recommend the Community Development Director find the proposed
project consistent with applicable historic preservation policies, standards,
and guidelines.
782 and 786 Higuera Street 790 Higuera Street
Recommended Conditions of Approval
Construction / Creek Protection Condition
Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall incorporate erosion and
sediment control measures and best management practices (BMPs) for work
occurring near the creek, consistent with City standards, to prevent discharge of
pollutants into San Luis Obispo Creek.
Biological Resources Condition
The project shall implement all avoidance and minimization measures identified
in the Biological Survey Results Technical Memorandum prepared by SWCA
Environmental Consultants (March 17, 2026), to reduce potential impacts to
sensitive biological resources to a less than significant level.
Lighting and Noise Condition (for bats)
Construction activities shall be limited to daytime hours, and no nighttime lighting
or construction noise shall be permitted in areas adjacent to the creek corridor.
Historic Resource
Evaluation for 778
& 782-790 Higuera
Street