HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/21/1994, 4 - DESIGN CHARETTE FOR SAN LUIS OBISPO GATEWAYS II��IgI�NI�IyIIIII�III�IllllllvJ ITEM G ATE
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MICom COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Imo"'' NUMBER:
FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director; By: Jeff Hook;:Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Design Charette for San Luis Obispo Gateways
CAO RECOMMENDATION: Review the proposed charette workscope and study sites and
by motion, 1) Revise the workscope and/or study sites as appropriate; 2) Endorse the proposed
design charette; and 3) authorize the CAO to work with the AIA to refine study workscope and
products and to contribute up to $5,000 to the AIA Central Coast Chapter.
SITUATION
At its May 10, 1994 meeting, the Council referred this item to staff to be placed on an upcoming
Council agenda. As described in the letter from the Central Coast Chapter of the American
Institute of Architects (AIA), Exhibit A, the City is being asked to co-sponsor a one-day design
study, or "charette", at the intersections of Los Osos Valley Road and State Highway 101, and
at Tank Farm Road and South Higuera Street. A team of ten design professionals would work
at each site, evaluating aesthetic opportunities and constraints at these city "gateways."
An evening reception is proposed at the end of the one-day event, during which the studies'
findings and recommendations would be presented and discussed. The City is being asked to
provide meeting facilities at the City/County library, printing for announcements and charette
materials, audio/visual equipment, graphic supplies and a $4,000 donation to support
architectural scholarships. Dates being considered for the charette are Saturday, July 30th or
Saturday, August 6th, 1994.
DISCUSSION
The Council should address two key questions: 1) Would the proposed design charette assist
in planning land use or aesthetics at city "gateways"; and if so, 2) What type of support should
the City extend if it sponsors the design charette? The Council may also recommend changes
to the proposed workscope and study sites as appropriate.
Background
"Gateways" are visually prominent locations, sometimes (but not always) near the City edges,
where travelers first sense they are entering the City of San Luis Obispo. Examples include:
State Highway 1 near its intersection with Highland Drive, State Highway 101 just north of
Monterey Street, Foothill Boulevard just west of Los Cerros Drive, and Los Osos Valley Road
(LOVR) just north of Diablo Drive. Gateways aren't limited .to public roads -- they are also
located along bikeways, public trails, or at major arrival points like the Airport and Railroad
Depot. Gateways are important since their design and -appearance can shape visitors' and
residents' overall impressions of the City's character -- a key element of what urban designer
Kevin Lynch called "the image of a city."
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Staff Report
Page 2
General Plan Policy
The proposed study appears consistent with the Generaf Plan. Aesthetics at major entries to the
City is addressed in the Scenic Highways Element, Draft Circulation Element, and the adopted
Land Use Element. These policies guide public and private actions to avoid "visual clutter" and
to maintain a "sense of place" through appropriate site and building design. The City
implements these policies through architectural review. The Architectural Review Commission
evaluates new development projects along major entry corridors and at gateways for consistency
with the City's Architectural Guidelines on a case-by-case basis. There are, however, no
specific plans or guidelines that would help shape urban character at the city gateways. A set
of graphic guidelines, similar to the Downtown Physical Plan, may be desirable at the City's
most important gateways. Relevant policies include the:
■ Scenic Highways Element - Identifies vista points and roads of scenic value (Exhibit B),
and programs to preserve them. The proposed study locations are both located along
designated scenic corridors, and the LOVR at Highway 101 site is also designated a
"vista" point.
■ Draft Circulation Element -Includes an updated Scenic Roadways map showing 8 vista
or scenic roadway points, and policies and programs to preserve them (Exhibit Q. The
proposed study would analyze and make recommendations regarding two of these points.
One of the proposed Circulation Element programs is to revise the Architectural Review
Guidelines to protect views and vistas from scenic highways. The proposed AIA charette
could be a useful first step in that process.
■ 1977 Land Use Element- (p.20) Provides that "The City should emphasize the adequacy
of landscaping, signing and building design of service commercial uses which are situated
along entryways into San Luis Obispo. The Council should refer and the City comment
on the site planning and design of rural industrial uses within the urban reserve along
Highway 227, Tank Farm Road or South Higuera Street."
Study Scope and Cost
The AIA letter states that the charette will focus on "identifying problems and possibilities to
be considered or explored." It also states that "No formal recommendations will be part of the
format." This format and level of analysis may not justify the level of sponsorship requested.
However the Council should consider authorizing the full donation requested provided that the
charette's workscope meets City needs.
To provide public benefit, the charette should produce draft written and graphic design
recommendations or guidelines which could be incorporated into City documents.
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Staff Report
Page 3
Recommendationsshould be sufficiently detailed to guide building location, massing, scale,
character and site development, and should be presented in a format which could be easily
implemented. If successful, this proposal may serve as a pilot for future studies of other
gateways of equal or even greater importance to the City.
The proposed planning and design professional assistance, if retained by the City on a typical
time and materials basis, would cost considerably more than the proposed $4,000 donation.
However, given that the City is also being asked to provide work space, printing costs, audio
visual equipment and graphic supplies with an estimated "in-kind" value of$1,000, a monetary
donation of less than $4,000 may be appropriate. The Council should authorize the CAO to
work with the AIA to refine the workscope and expected products, and to donate up to $5,000
to the AIA, including in-kind City materials and services, in consideration for the public benefit
received.
FISCAL EMPACT
Possible City contributions
AIA Donation Up to $4,000
In-kind contribution (printing, supplies, etc.) 1.000
TOTAL $5,000
Possible Funding Source
CAO Ventures and Contingencies $5,000
ALTERNATIVES
1. Endorse the charette as proposed, and sponsor the event with "in-kind" support, but with .
no direct monetary donation.
2. Endorse the charette and sponsor the event at the requested level of support, but expand
the study workscope to include more gateways and/or more formal work product (eg.
design booklet or graphic exhibit).
3. Endorse the charette with the workscope and City support as proposed by the local
chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
4. Endorse the project concept but do not provide in-kind or monetary sponsorship.
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-I COl�NCIL AGENDA REPORT
Staff Report. _
Page 4
Attachments:
Exhibit A Letter from Peter Sterios, Central Coast Chapter of the American'Institute of
Architects
Exhibit.B:: "Designated Scenic Highways", Scenic Highways Element.
=Exhibit.C: "Scenic Roadways Map" and policies, Draft Circulation Element.
jh/L gateway.rpt
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earlEdwin S. Darden Associates, Inc.
ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING
April 20, 1994
Penny Rappa
City Counselor
City of San Luis Obispo
P.O. Box 8100
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
Dear Penny,
Please find enclosed a draft program for the proposed one day Charette to be held
sometime in late July or early August. Please make the necessary comments and
reply by FAX at 543-3716.
It is our hope that there will be approximately ten professionals on each team and the
outcome from the Charette will be graphically reproducible.
Our presentations will be directed towards identifying problems and possibilities to be
considered or explored. No formal recommendations will be a part of the format.
In exchange for materials provided by the Charette, the City will donate an amount of
$4000.00 to the AIA California Central Coast Chapter scholarship fund to be awarded
in twenty (20) S200.00 amounts based on demonstrated need and ability. A chapter
scholarship committee will interview the applicants and determine the awards.
We are excited about the outcome of the Charette and look forward to working with
you.
Should you have any questions, please call.
Sincerely,
Peter D. Sterios, AIA 1c04
President-Elect AIACCCC =A�
G�T� CCS �C. C'1
L15C
Edwin S.Darden FAIA/Edwin S.Darden Jr.AIA/Martin E Dietz AIA CCS/Edwin C.Goodwin AIA _J
1177 W.Shaw Avenue/fresno.California 93711.3704/209 222.7463/fax 209 222.1314 E X HIB IT A
987 Osos Street/San Luis Obispo.California 93401.3212/805 543.3965/Fax 805 543-3716
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4�Y 1994
May 6, 1994
COMMUNICATION ITEM #1
TO: Cuncil Colleagues
FROM: PeeRappa
i
SUBJECT: DESIGN HARETTE FOR SAN LUIS OBISPO
I would request that staff review and return to Council the proposal for a one day Charette
by the AIA of the Central Coast.
For the past several months I have been working with the AIA of the Central Coast on the
idea of providing an opportunity for public consensus. "Gateway Design Guidelines" is a
concept to explore ideas for the entrances to our City. Please review the attached materials.
Should you have any questions, please call.
PR:kk
Attachments
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The American Institute of Architects Central Coast Chapter and the City of San Luis
Obispo presents:
A one day Design Charette
"GATEWAY DESIGN GUILDLINES"
A vision for the planning and design of
retail and light industrial development at the
entrances to the city of San Luis Obispo
PLACE: San Luis City/County Library Community Room
Corner of Osos and Palm Streets.
DATE: Saturday (July 30 or August 6), 1994
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Charette
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Public wine and cheese reception and
presentation.
The areas chosen for study by the charette will include:
Area A: Los Osos Valley Road/U.S. 101 gateway
Overall visual image of the southern entrance to the city, including lot
coverage, building mass/height, landscaping, on and off-site parking and
utilities.
Area B: South Higuera/Tank Farm Road
Unified planning and aesthetic approach to a mixed use area of the City
including commercial, industrial, and high density residential.
Two teams of professionals will address each area, and will comprise of the following:
Area A: Los Osos Valley Road/U.S. 101 gateway
Bill Tuculet* Architect
Mary White Architect
David Main Architect
Alan Cooper Architect
Steve Caminiti* Landscape Architect
Andrew Merriam Planner
John Evans Civil Engineer
* Fifth Year Design Student
Whitney Mclivaine City of San Luis Obispo Planner
* County of San Luis Obispo Planner
Ken Schwartz* Advisor
* Property Owner
Area B: Tank Farm Road/South Higuera
Peter Sterios Architect
Vic Montgomery Architect
George Garcia Architect
Laura Joines Architect
* Landscape Architect
* Planner
Jeff Emerick Civil Engineer
* Fifth Year Design..Student
* City if San Luis Obispo Planner
* County of San Luis Obispo Planner
Ken Schwartz* Adviser
* Property Owner
DONATIONS IN KIND
Item: By:
Venue - (City/County Library) City of San Luis Obispo '
Refreshments (coffee, muffins, sand- Local merchants
wiches, soft drinks, wine and cheese)
Printing (Announcements/Flyers, Charette City of San Luis Obispo
instructions)
Press Releases AIACCCC
Professional Newsletters AIACCCC
AICRP
BIA
ASCE
AI LA
Participant's billable hours Individual professionals
(20 x $80.00 x 8hrs = $12,800)
Audio/Visual Equipment City of San Luis Obispo
Supplies
(Paper, felt tip markers) City of San Luis Obispo
(Drafting equipment) AIACCCC
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DESIGNATED SCEN I- C HIGHWAYS
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ROADS OF HIGH OR MODERATE SCENIC VALUE
OUTSIDE THE SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY LIMI-
San Luis OBISPO 22-42 m ROADS OF MODERATE SCENIC .VALUE
c- .-..,TMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10 Palm SL/P.O.Boa 321,San Luis Ooispa.CA 934084'3- WHOM ROADS OF H 1 GH SCEN 1 C VALUE q
051541.1000 .
17 EXHIBIT B
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FIGURE #6: SCENIC ROADWAYS MAP
jowffl�Bl V VISTA
- ROADS OF HIGH SCENIC VALUE
® ROADS OF MODERATE SCENIC VALUE
C17Y OF SAN LUIS CB1SPO "'•'•'••"' ROADS OF HIGH OR MODERATE SCENIC
VALUE OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
EXHIBIT C u_,,�
C. The p._ ..:ment of landscaping and street trees ild not block views from
Scenic Routes. Clustering of street trees along scenic roadways should
be considered as an alternative to uniform spacing.
D. Traffic signals with long mast arms should be discouraged along scenic
roadways.
14.5 The County should protect and enhance scenic roadways that connect San Luis
Obispo with other communities and recreation areas.
14.6 The City will promote the creation of Scenic Highways within San Luis Obispo
and adjoining county areas. This support can happen when:
A. Reviewin; draft county general plan elements or major revisions to them.
B. Reviewing changes to the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) as a
member agency of the San Luis Obispo Council Regional Transportation
Agency.
C. Reviewing development projects that are referred to the city that are
located along routes shown on Figure #6.
14.7 The City will advocate that the California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans) or the County designate qualifying segments of Highways 1, 101 and
227 as Scenic Highways.
Proararns
14.8 The City will participate with Caltrans, the county and other cities to establish a
program for enhancing the visual character of the Highway 101 corridor.
14.9 The City will revise its Architectural Review Guidelines to incorporate concern
for the protection of views and vistas from scenic roadways.
14.10 The City will adopt a street corridor landscaping plan for scenic roadways.
14.11 Both the City and the County should enforce an amortization program for the
removal of billboards along scenic roadways.
14.12 The City will amend its sign regulations to prohibit billboards along designated
scenic roadways.
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SCENIC ROADWAYS
LNTRODUCTION
e scenic importance of local roads and highways in the San
The following provisions address th
Luis Obispo area-
Policies
scenicresources
extent es major streets should be preserved and
14.1 Views of important
improved to the maximumpossible.
14.2 The route segments shown on Figure #6 are designated as scenic roadways.
14.3 Development along scenic roadways should not block views or detract from the
quality of views.
A. Projects in the viewshed of a scenic roadway should be considered as
"sensitive" and require architectural review.
B. Development projects should not wall off scenic roadways and block
views.
C As part of the city's environmental review process, blociang of views
along scenic roadways should be considered a significant environmental
impact.
D Signs along scenic roadways should not clutter vistas or views.
E. Street lights.should be low brscale anlight sfocus ttandards should be a oidedght at intersections where t
is most needed: Tall, type,"
Street lighting should be integrated with other street furniture at locations
where views are least disturbed. However, safety priorities should remain
superior to scenic concerns.
14.4 The City and other agencies should be encouraged to avoid cluttering scenic
roadways with utility and circulation-related equipment and facilities.
A. Whenever possible, s esta
nn the public right-of-way should be consolidated
on a single low-profs
B. Public utilities along scenic highways should be installed underground.
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