HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-27-2026 CHC Action Update
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Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes
April 27, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Cultural Heritage
Committee Members
Present:
Member Benjamin Arrona, Member David Blakely, Member
Sabin Gray, Member Ivan Simon, Vice Chair John Ashbaugh,
Chair John Tischler
City Staff Present: Principal Planner Brian Leveille, Deputy City Clerk Sara Armas
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1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage Committee was
called to order on April 27, 2026 at 5:32 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City
Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Tischler.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
James Papp
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 2026 CULTURAL
HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES
Motion By Member Blakely
Second By Vice Chair Ashbaugh
To approve the Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of February 23,
2026.
Ayes (6): Member Arrona, Member Blakely, Member Gray, Member
Simon, Vice Chair Ashbaugh, and Chair Tischler
CARRIED (6 to 0)
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4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.a REQUEST TO DESIGNATE THE PROPERTY AT 207 BROAD STREET
AS A LANDMARK IN THE CITY’S INVENTORY OF HISTORIC
RESOURCES. THE PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY LISTED AS A LOCAL
REGISTER RESOURCE.
Committee Member Blakely and Vice Chair Ashbaugh noted their Ex Parte
Communications regarding the project.
Assistant Planner Eva Wynn presented the staff report and responded to
Committee inquiries.
Applicant representative James Papp and property owner Richard Silva
provided a brief overview of the project and responded to questions
raised.
Chair Tischler opened the Public Hearing
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Tischler closed Public Comment
Motion By Vice Chair Ashbaugh
Second By Member Gray
Recommend the City Council elevate the property at 207 Broad Street,
whose name is also recommended to be referred to as the "Gary Cully
House and John Wilshusen Patio", to Landmark status in accordance with
the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance based on the following findings:
• The architectural significance of the exterior's Tudor Revival style,
specifically described as Lutyensesque Revival, and distinctive
brick veneer siding
• The architectural significance of the exterior stonework on the
patio, and potential significance of the steps leading to the property,
crafted by John Wilshusen who notably contributed the renowned
stonework at the Madonna Inn, another Landmark property in the
City’s inventory.
• The property's association with Gary Cully, a local craftsman whose
notable work includes the ironwork on the Madonna Inn, the
parabolic wave roof at the Santa Maria Airport, and the ironwork
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framing the courtyard at 749 & 751 Higuera (Local Register
Resource).
Ayes (5): Member Arrona, Member Gray, Member Simon, Vice Chair
Ashbaugh, and Chair Tischler
Noes (1): Member Blakely
CARRIED (5 to 1)
4.b REVIEW OF NEW EXTERIOR FAÇADE ON THE “NETWORK BUILDING”
(778 HIGUERA STREET - NOT A LISTED HISTORIC RESOURCE) AND
REHABILITATION OF 782 & 786 HIGUERA STREET (LOCAL REGISTER
HISTORIC RESOURCE) IN THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT.
Project Planner Ivana Gomez presented the staff report and responded to
Committee inquiries.
Randy Russom, representative from RRM Design Group, provided a brief
overview of the project and responded to questions raised.
Chair Tischler opened the Public Hearing
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Tischler closed Public Comment
Motion By Member Blakely
Second By Vice Chair Ashbaugh
Recommend the Community Development Director find the proposed
project consistent with applicable historic preservation policies, standards,
and guidelines, with a request for the applicant to consider additional
period-appropriate details on the fenestration and rear door opening.
Ayes (6): Member Arrona, Member Blakely, Member Gray, Member
Simon, Vice Chair Ashbaugh, and Chair Tischler
CARRIED (6 to 0)
5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a STAFF UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
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Principal Planner Brian Leveille provided the following updates:
• The next regularly scheduled meeting is May 25th, but due to the
Memorial Day Holiday it will be rescheduled to May 18th. There are
no items currently scheduled for that meeting
• Both items approved by the CHC at the February 23rd meeting
were approved by the City Council at the April 21st meeting
• The upcoming California Preservation Foundation Conference in
Riverside will be attended by Members Blakely, Gray, and Vice
Chair Ashbaugh
• The Fremont Theater sign is expected to be restored after analysis
by structural engineers
Vice Chair Ashbaugh updated the Committee regarding the status of
replacement efforts for the DeAnza expedition sign.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m. The next rescheduled Regular Meeting
of the Cultural Heritage Committee is scheduled for May 18, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. The May
25, 2026 Regular Meeting will be cancelled due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
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APPROVED BY CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE: XX/XX/202X