HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/25/1999, Agenda ACTION UPDATE council agenda
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET
Thursday, February 25, 1999
Action Update
9:30 A.M. TOUR Adobes and
Cal Poly Archaeology Lab
9:30 a.m. Leave for Rodriguez Adobe located at the end of Brookpine, off
Tank Farm Road.
10:00 a.m. Leave for La Loma Adobe located at 1590 Lizzie Street.
10:30 a.m. Leave for Butron de Canet Adobe located at 466 Dana Street.
11:00 a.m. Leave for archaeological lab located at Cal Poly in the old poultry
unit off Highland.
11:30 a.m. Return to City Hall.
12:00 p.m. Lunch recess.
ACTION. Tour Completed.
12:30 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING Council Hearing Room
.990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Allen K. Settle
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL: Council Members John Ewan, Jan Howell Marx, Ken
Schwartz, Vice Mayor Dave Romero, Mayor Allen K. Settle
Council Agenda Action . .ate Thursday ,..1bruary 25, 1999
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA) (not to exceed 15 minutes total)
The Council welcomes your input. You may address the Council by completing a speaker slip and giving
it to the City Clerk prior to the meeting. At this time, you may address the Council on items that are not
on the agenda or items on the Consent Agenda. Time limit is three minutes. State law does not allow
the Council to discuss or take action on issues not on the agenda, except that members of the Council or
staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public
testimony rights(Gov. Code Sec. 54954.2). Staff may be asked to follow up on such items. Staff reports
and other written documentation relating to each item referred to on this agenda are on file in the City
Clerk's Office in Room 1 of City Hall.
Peggy Koteen, Angie King, Hank Alberts, Laura Hutson, Marian Schaeffer and
Rachel Hervey urged Council to terminate the lease agreement with the Boy
Scouts of America.
Bill Mueller asked the Council to consider county-wide ramifications of Y2k.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE UPDATE. (STATLERl104-06 - 30 Minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: 1) Review and discuss the City's efforts to ensure Year
2000 compliance. 2) Review and discuss the City's Y2k disaster preparedness
efforts. 3) Adopt the Year 2000 Master Plan. 4) Approve funding in the amount
of$207,000 for Y2k disaster preparedness and response resources as part of
the mid-year budget review.
ACTION: Approved as recommended.
2. MID YEAR BUDGET REVIEW 1998-99. (STATLER/410-03 - 1 Hour)
RECOMMENDATION: 1) Consider the mid-year budget review of 1998-99.
2) Approve mid-year budget requests for operating programs and capital
improvement plan (CIP) projects totaling $1,147,300.
ACTION: Approved as recommended.
A. ADJOURNED.
C
2
tllJ.Cllua LLa L-L.Luuuion List
(91298)
I. __paid Subscriptions:
(All mtgs.unless o/w noted)
AIA President
1 council apenba ABI President
BIA /Deborah Holley
C ITY OF SAN LU IS OB IS P O ' Chamber of Commerce
CITY HALL, 9 9 0 PALM S T R Cuesta College / K. Roberts
I B. Thoma / Chamber of Comm.
Co. Board of Spvrs.
Paul Hood, Co.Administration
Housing Authority
Thursday, February 25, K oY
KCPR: (2) Gen.Mgr. & News Dir.
KDDB
9:30 A.M. TOUR KEYT
KGLO
KKJG
KSBY
KUHL
9:30 a.m. Leave for Rodriguez Adobe located) SEC
Tank Farm Road. Library (front desk)
Mustang Daily
New Times (front desk)
10:00 a.m. Leave for La Loma Adobe located al Pac.Bell / V. Montalban
Pac. Gas & Elec. / B.Burke
Planning Comm. (W Comm. Dev.)
10:30 a.m. Leave for Butron de Canet Adobe IC So. Calif. Gas / V. Sterling
Council of Govts / R. DeCarli
League of Women Voters
11:00 a.m. Leave for archaeological lab locates velegram-Tribune (front desk)
unit off Highland. Public Interest Action Ctr.
ECOSLO / Geoffry Land
Res.forQual.Neigh / C.Sanders
11:30 a.m. Return to City Hall. Sierra Club / Gary Felsman
SLO Property Owners Assoc.
Fred Strong (The Citizen)
12:00 p.m. Lunch recess. Sonic Cable/Jackie
UNOCAL/J. Bray
Telegram Tribune/S.Lyons
Peg Pinard/SLO County
12:30 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING Capps
II.Subscriptions Paid or
Env. Provided
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Allen K. Settle (reaXn
mtas.only) :
Joh 'ley esq.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Easents, I
IMSauthe'
IDAg Dev. Assoc.)
ROLL CALL: Council Members John E Ellrg pial Corp.
Linach
Schwartz, Vice Mayor Dave I Locove nt Services
RRMign r p / LeeAnne
Visnfo t n Services
® Wal , ohn L. & Assocs.
WalB s. Con truction Co.
A. Diani onstruction
Regular City Council meetings are broadcast on KCPR,91.3 FM. TheCit FugClellandthe disabled in all of its services,programs,and activities. Telecommunications Dei CanAssoc.to the City Clerk prior to the meeting H you require a hearing amplfication device. Fti SLOoc of Realtors
Horne Oaks Bank
Council Agenda Thursday, . ;bruary 25, 1999
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA)(not to exceed 15 minutes total)
The Council welcomes your input You may address the Council by completing a speaker slip and giving
it to the City Clerk prior to the meeting. At this time, you may address the Council on items that are not
on the agenda or items on the Consent Agenda. Time limit is three minutes. State law does not allow
the Council to discuss or take action on issues not on the agenda, except that members of the Council or
staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public
testimony rights(Gov. Code Sec. 54954.2). Staff may be asked to follow up on such items. Staff reports
and other written documentation relating to each item referred to on this agenda are on file in the City
Clerles Office in Room 1 of City Hall.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE UPDATE. (STATLERR04-06 - 30 Minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: 1) Review and discuss the City's efforts to ensure Year
2000 compliance. 2) Review and discuss the City's Y2k disaster preparedness
efforts. 3) Adopt the Year 2000 Master Plan. 4) Approve funding in the amount
of$207,000 for Y2k disaster preparedness and response resources as part of
the mid-year budget review.
2. MID YEAR BUDGET REVIEW 1998-99. (STATLER/410-03 - 1 Hour)
RECOMMENDATION: 1) Consider the mid-year budget review of 1998-99.
2) Approve mid-year budget requests for operating programs and capital
improvement plan (CIP) projects totaling $1,147,300.
A. ADJOURNMENT.
2
council ac.Enaa
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET
Thursday, February 25, 1999
9:30 A.M. TOUR Adobes and
Cal Poly Archaeology Lab
9:30 a.m. Leave for Rodriguez Adobe located at the end of Brookpine, off
Tank Farm Road.
10:00 a.m. Leave for La Loma Adobe located at 1590 Lizzie Street.
10:30 a.m. Leave for Butron de Canet Adobe located at 466 Dana Street.
11:00 a.m. Leave for archaeological lab located at Cal Poly in the old poultry
unit off Highland.
11:30 a.m. Return to City Hall.
12:00 p.m. Lunch recess.
12:30 PAL SPECIAL MEETING Council Chamber
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Allen K. Settle
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL: Council Members John Ewan, Jan Howell Marx, Ken
Schwartz, Vice Mayor Dave Romero, Mayor Allen K. Settle
® Regular City Council meetings are broadcast on KCPR,91.3 FM. The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include
the disabled in all of its services,programs,and activities. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf(805)781-7410. Please speak
to the City Clerk prior to the meeting if you require a hearing amplification device. For more agenda information,call 781-7103.
Council Agenda Thursday, February 25, 1999
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (FOR,ITEMS NOT ON-THE AGENDA)(not to exceed 15 minutes total)
The Council welcomes your input You may address the Councl by completing a speaker snip and gf in j
it to the City Clerk prior to the meeting. At this time,,.you may address the Council on items that are not
on the agenda or.items on the Consent Agenda. Time limit is three minutes. State IaW does not allow
the Council to discuss or take action on issues not on.the agenda, except that members of the Councils or
staff may briefly respond to statements made'or questions posed by persons .exercising their public
testimony rights(Gov..Code Sec,54954.21. Staff maybe asked to follow up on such items. Staff reports
and other written documentation relating to each item referred to on this agenda are on flue in the City
Clerk's Office in Room 1 of City Hall
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE UPDATE. (STATLER/704-06 - 30 Minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: 1) Review and discuss the City's efforts to ensure Year
2000 compliance. 2) Review and discuss the City's Y2k disaster preparedness
efforts. 3) Adopt the Year 2000 Master Plan. 4) Approve funding in the amount
of$207,000 for Y2k disaster preparedness and response resources as part of
the mid-year budget review.
2. MID YEAR BUDGET REVIEW 1998-99. (STATLER1410-03 - 1 Hour)
RECOMMENDATION: 1) Consider the mid-year budget review of 1998-99.
2) Approve mid-year budget requests for operating programs and capital
improvement plan (CIP) projects totaling $1,147,300.
A. ADJOURNMENT.
2
MEETAGENDA
DA LL- 5'Qq ITE # loll Z
Soy wh do . e obes
vAeed Fv&iends/ anywct
BOARD OF San Luis Obispo and its surrounding areas are fortunate in that they
DIRECTORS still are home to many historic adobes.And while some adobes are
Dean Miller occupied and well maintained,many are not They are threatened by
Ann C ulkshanks weathering,termites,neglect,vandalism,poor drainage,flooding,and
Augie Barre seismic hazards.Recognizing this,the City's Cultural Heritage Committee
Jeanne smith . set out,as its primary goal of 1995-96,to protect the City's threatened
Stephen Made adobes.
Diller Ryan Toward that end,on October 30, 1995 the Mayor and City staff met
Astrid Gallagher with representatives of the County Historical Society and Land
Carol McPhee Norton Conservancy to discuss the pending dedication of the Bowden-La Loma
Ann FitzGerald adobe to the City.Those present were Mayor Settle, John Dunn,Arnold
Charles Silva Jonas,Dan Krieger,Astrid Gallagher, Ray Belknap,Valerie Endres, and Jeff
Jennifer Silva Hook.It was the consensus of the group that City ownership can assure
Jerry Snbo1 the continuing public benefit and long-term preservation of the La Loma
Wes Armstrong and other adobes.With city leadership and the help of a new community
.obe*�� r tthew v essely lesey group,the preservation,restoration and development of reuse plans for
Luther Bemnndo the adobes could proceed.
Bettie Bertrando The Mayor noted that the City already owned two adobes at that
Carolyn Paige time(the ButrGn Adobe and the remaining portion of the Murray Adobe),
Roger Marshall and expected to own two more in the near future—.the Rodriguez and
Myron Graham Bowden-La Loma adobes-and that all but the Murray Adobe were in
Pia Graham poor condition and in need of restoration.He emphasized the need for
Jim Fickes community members with interest or expertise in historical and
Mary Ficla s architectural conservation to come forward to help the City preserve the
adobes since the City did not have the resources to do the job alone.A
1998 OFFICERS group from the community interested in the historic adobes met and
Astridngizer
formed with the help initially of the Land Conservancy until By-Laws
could be created for the fledgling organization that finally became the
Matthew Whittlesey Friends of Las Casas de Adobe.
Y"'e-Chok The adobes need help in many ways:cleanup,repair,historical
Robert�y evaluation, fund-raising, publicity,construction/restoration,planning,
Treaeducation and on-going operations.This is where the Friends come in.By
u`S av helping to preserve and reuse San Luis Obispo's adobes,Friends of Las
Jeanne Smith Caws de unity to be shared by citizens
r ..�,,,�„y �y andvisi ��.andby�o ocome. RECEIVED
0 ❑FIRE CHIEF
RNEY
RWORIo RNEY 0 OUCECHIF FEB Z 3 1999
011011 AY D REC OIR
ournJIR SLO CITY CLERK
a o Pals OM
1998 Condition Assessment and Preliminary Rehabilitation study
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BUTRON ADOBE
l,'.�"�� 1�'u . PAGE 43
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RODRIGUEZ ADOBE
South and West Elevations
1/1/98 M.B.Whittlesey
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RODRIGUEZ DOBE
SUMMARY DESCRIFnON
AND CHRONOLOGY
The residence comprises a 63 ft.1:
by 23 ft.wide main section with a 12.. -
by-19 ft.kitchen attached.The building
walls are in fair-W-good condition except
for a section of kitchen wall which re-
cently collapsed as a result of vibration
from heavy grading equipment Most of
the identified problems are associated
with modifications made by the many
renters over the years and later,vandals.
The building is not retrofitted to resist
earthquake forces.
The residence is believed built by
members of the Villa family in the early
• . : 1850s. The roof firming members are
split and broad-axed, a type which pre-
dates early pit(or sash-)sawn or circular-sawn members.Hand-hewn timber fram-
ing usually predates 1850. The use of 10-11 in. wide adobe bricks and 22 in.-thick
adobe walls—modules of the Spanish system of measurement, the vara system—is
also consistent with Mexican-period construction and suggests a construction date
earlier than 1850.The adobe structure could have been built at any time after 1841
(when the Conal de Piedra was granted to Jose Maria Villavicencia and his wife
Rafaela Rodriguez)by the grantees or the next generation of their family.
SIGNIFICANCE
The Rodriguez Adobe, a ranch house of modest size, is one of less than a dozen
historic adobes remaining in the county.It is typical of the hundreds of adobe bu ila
ings which once provided homes to the Californios and other early settlers.Seven
the inhabitants,such as Henry Amos Tefit and the daughter of William Dana,ha.,c
been from families which later influenced San Luis Obispo's history.
The residence retains a great deal of historic fabric which exemplifies the His-
panic method of building:elements such as adobe walks with soil plaster and a hewn
timber roof frame with lapped and pegged rafters.The early redwood exterior siding
may have been added at a later period than the original construction of the adobe
walls,along with the board partition walls.The lath-and lime-plastered ceiling was
probably added later(lime plaster came into use 1860s through 1890s).
There is no strict period of significance for this building,but rather a recommen-
dation to preserve it as an example of a rand house during the late Mexican period
and early American period of history. The exterior of the residence will retain its
appearance during the early American period,using the one historic photograph as
evidence of doors and windows (which are now missing). The building can be re-
turned to a new use which will contribute to ensuring its rehabilitation, protection
and maintenance over the years.A great deal of historic fabric will be preserved even
in the adaptive reuse.
REHABILITATION RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY
It is possible to rehabilitate the residence for a new use as a neighborhood or
community meeting room while, at the same time, preserving the valuable mid-
19th-century historic fabric it contains.The ranch house can serve a new use for the
neighborhood as a gathering place while educating newcomers about a portion of
San Luis Obispo history. Interpretive panels, oompymg only wall space, can tell the
story of the Mexican land grant lands,ranching and later agricultural pursuits in the
area.
A barbecue and picnic area will allow the surrounding area to be utilized
family and-group gatherings, while preserving the ranch ambience of this ac
and setting.Community gardens could be placed near the railroad track,continuu.,y
the agricultural tradition of the property.
4 1998 Condition Assessment and Preliminary Rehabilitation study
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Adobe and Outbuildings
1967 former resident
or
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RO G Z ADOBE
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RODRIGUEZ ADOBE
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The following tasks are recommended during the next three years for the Rod-
riguez Adobe.See pages 32-33 for a combined five year plan comparing the rehabili-
tation phases of the Butron, Rodriguez and La Loma adobe buildings.
1998
1. Preliminary Condition Assessment and Use Study made.
2. Complete a hazardous materials survey and abatement program prior to any
work being conducted on the building.
3. Consultant Architect or FOCA Architect/Engineer prepares Preliminary
Drawings Sufdent for Architecture Site Review and CHC Review process and
initiates process.Prepare a Cost Budget.
4. Plan/Assign Workday Projects
•Cut and carefully remove overhanging limbs.
•Reconstruct collapsed wall at Kitchen(Architect and Volunteers).
•Architect investigates and prepares simple drawings of east wall repair
project Contractor straightens wall and strengthens corner connections,
applies netting over comer;and replasters with soil plaster and whitewashes.
S. Work with City toward an Owner/User contract with neighborhood group.
6. Consider hiring a professional fund-miser to draw up a Master Fund-raising
Plan for all three adobe projects.
7. Architect conducts a detailed building investigation and prepares working
drawings for City to put out to bid.
1999
8. FOCA plans archeology work prior to construction and during.
9. When working drawings are completed,begin bidding process, select general
contractor and prepare contract Acquire building permits.
10. Construction begins in June and continues for seven months.
2000
11. Open doors for neighborhood meetings in the Adobe.
12.Landscape Architect begins prepamtion of site improvements drawings.
13. Site improvements go out to bid,and rehabilitation construction begins.
14. Historic Architect writes maintenance plan for building and immediate site.
15. Interpretive Designer plans panels and installs them during summer.
Gil Sanchez. FATA.and narvl Allen-Sanchez Architect Inc.- Santa Cruz 19
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BUTRON ADOBE
Front, East Side
1/1/98 M.B.Whittlesey
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BUTRON A' )BE
SUMMARY OF DESCRIPTION
AND CHRONOLOGY
The residence comprises a 30 ft. l'
s 17 ft.adobe section which is surroun&
by very old wood additions The adobe
portion of the building is basically in
good condition. Most of the identified
problems are associated with contact
with ground moisture,both in the adobe
walls at the bases and in the wooden sill
plates and floor joists of the board wall
addition. Over the years the grade has
built up around the building so that
groundwater aollec s at the building base,
the moisture encouraging deterioration
from rot and insects at the floor level of
the east and west frame additions.The
building is not retrofitted to resist earth-
• • : quake fords.
• The adobe-walled section of the resi-
dence was probably built during Cant's period of ownership in the 1840s. It is as-
sumed that Rosa Butrbn de Canet and J. J. Simmler improved the adobe house by
adding wood walls and a fireplace after their purchase of the property in 1865 be-
cause the building materials and methods are consistent with this period.At some
time after the tum of the century, a room was added onto the northeast comer,
possibly by Simmlees second wife or by new owner J. W. McMillan. The other two
apartlnents were added in the late 1940s or 1950s and are architecturally undistin-
guished.
SIGNIFICANCE
The years from 1840 to 1870 were years of transition from Mexican legal an,
social traditions to the American system. The small residence reflects the changes
undergone in the San Luis Obispo area from the time the adobe was built in the
Hispanic tradition, to the role it played in the early downtown area after it was re-
modeled by Yankee methods and materials.Later owners valued and preserved the
house through the years.
The period of significance,during which the residence evolved to reflect the above
changes, is from 1865 to 1906, the beginning of Simmler and Butrdn's occupancy
and ending with his death.
It is not yet known exactly when the back bedroom and barn were added,but it
was there by 1926. The main portion of the residence is little altered and retains a
great deal of historic fabric such as adobe walls with soil plaster,historic wallpaper,
early redwood siding, an original front door with a parlor doorbell and many other
intact original doors and windows.The additions made to the rear of the building,
whether removed or rehabilitated,do not obscure the appearance of the front view of
the adobe house.
REHABILITATION RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY
It is possible to rehabilitate the residence for a new use as a community meeting
room while, at the same time, preserving the valuable mid-19th century historic
fabric it contains. It is recommended to remove the additions to the rear which are
less than fifty years old,because they do not contribute to the period of significance
and are in very poor condition
The charming residence can serve a new use for the community as a meeting
room while educating newcomers about a portion of San Luis Obispo history. Inter-
pretive panels,occupying only wall space,can tell the stories to visitors of Rosa Butrdn
de Canet, judge Simmler, the Waterman and Miss Mary Gail Black. An annw
event with costumed persons using story telling methods can dramatize the changL
the town has undergone during this house's existence (one of many fund-raising
events, of course).
1998 Condition Assessment and Preliminary Rehabilitation Study
1i
BUT11L ADOBE AN
6s
HISTORICAL CHRONOLOGY
e following information is based on research material from FOCA's files.)
1861 Blas Castro takes ownership of subject property which was on land previ-
ously owned by the mission.
The most likely scenario is that the adobe-walled portion was built during the
Canet period of ownership or possibly by Blas Castro,as a simple,utilitarian
dwelling (Configuration 1). See Contruction Chronology Configurations,
page 24.
1859 J.J.Simmler marries Rosa Butr6n de Cant, now widow of Vicente Canet.
1865 J.J.(judge)Simmler purchases Dana Street property,and presumably he and
Rosa move to subject residence.
Based on dating of building materials and common.practices of the day,the
most likely scenario is that J. J.Simmler and Rosa Butr6n de Canet built the
present earliest structure over existing adobe walls(Configuration 2).
1890 Rosa dies at age of 81 and Judge Simmler marries Mary Lafranchi a few years
later.
c.1903 As recorded in a 1903 Sanborn map, frame additions on three sides are in
place, but an extension has not yet been added.A small carriage house or
garage has been built to the west of the residence(same location as the present
3 car garage/apartment).
1907 J. j.Simmler dies in 1906 and Mary Simmler, second wife of Judge Simmler,
inherits property.
1926 J.W.McMillan is now owner.Sanborn map dated 1926 records the bedroom
addition to the northeast corner and a shed or barn to the north of it See
Contruction Chronology Configurations,page 24.
likely scenarios are that Mary Simmler built the north bedroom and barn,or
possibly J.W.McMillan built it Physical examination of roof framing (now
hidden)may shed light on the date of this addition.
1927 W.R and Emma Waterman take ownership.TheirdaughterMildred Waterman
inherits the property in 1935.
1948 A building permit is acquired from the City,but it is not clear for which addi-
tion it was issued.Most likely it was for the northeast barn/apartment addi-
tion which was reportedly completed in 1950(Letter from Ron Hanson,Build-
ing Inspector,dated 8/20/90).
c.1950 According to an oral history source,the barn was moved a few feet south and
connected with an atrium to form an apartment by Mary Gail Black.
(telephone communication with Edna Simpson,niece of M.G.Black).
c.1952 Existing garage/carriage house expanded and apartment was built over it
(telephone communication with Edna Simpson, niece of M. G. Black). See
Contruction Chronology Configurations,page 25.
A likely scenario is that the apartment(now Laundry Room) addition to the
northwest comer was built at this time as the building materials are similar.
The brick barbecue and paved patio were probably installed during 1950s.
The patio was originally open to the elements and was later closed in with a
roof and walls(telephone communication with Edna Simpson,niece of M.G.
Black).
c.1957 Sanborn map records the presence of the Apartment/Laundry Room addi-
tion and expansion of present apartment over three-car garage. Patio is not
yet roofed over.
1958 Mary Gail Black becomes legal owner upon Mildred Waterman's death.
19^^ Mary Gail Black dies and leaves residence to City of San Luis Obispo.
1. Friends of Las Casas de Adobe sponsor an Open House and dedicate the resi-
dence to Rosa Butr6n de Canet.
1998 FOCA retains Gil Sanchez Architect to conduct first Preliminary Study and
cost estimates for rehabilitation.
Gtr Sanchez.FAIA,and Daryl Allen-Sanchez Architect Inc.- Santa Cruz 23
BUTR45N ADS 'E
IF
BUTRON ADOBE
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The following tasks are recommended during the next four years for the Butr6n
Adobe.See pages 32-33 for a combined five year plan comparing the rehabilitation
phases of the Butr6n, Rodriguez and La Loma adobe buildings.
1998
1. Preliminary Condition Assessment and Use Study.
2. Complete a hazardous materials survey and abatement program prior to any
work being conducted on the building.
3. Plan/Assign Workday Projects.
•Temporary gutters and downspouts.
• Lower grade at base of walls. Relocate plants.
•Trim overhanging branches.
•Temporary patches to roof and southeast comer.
4. Continue research and begin Historical Context.
5. Begin preparation of National Register Nomination Form including
photographs.
1999
6. Preliminary Drawings for Rehabilitation.
7. Prepare application and present for Cultural Heritage Commission.
8. Apply for Architectural Site Approval.
9. Compile detailed building investigation
and begin preparation of Working Drawings.
10. Archeological studies as needed.
2000
11. Bidding and permits process should begin.
12. Begin preparation of Use Plan and Operational Plan for Garden.
13. Rehabilitation construction should begin.
2001
14. Move in.
15. Prepare Maintenance Plan.
16. Plan and install Interpretive Panels.
42 1998 Condition Assessment and Preliminary Rehabilitation Study
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LA LAMA ADQU
I
SIGNIFICANCE
This two-story adobe residence with porches at two levels recessed under the roof
mchitecturally significant as a unique adaptation of the Spanish Colonial style.
most likely,the major portions of the building were constructed in the 1850s,further
research may conclude that certain rim floor rooms were built earlier.The residence
contains a great deal of historic fabric from the 1850s, including doors, windows,
moldings,possibly hardware and a certain amount of wallpapered lath-and-plaster
walls from the latter part of the 19th century.
Some work has been done on the chain of title for the land grant"La Vma,"but
all the owners of the parcel on which the residence is located are not yet clearly
identified It will be important to clarify the chain of title for the lot on which the
house sits and then identify the various residents of the house through the years.It is
known that Maria ConcepdGn Boronda lived here with her families and may have
built the house,but dates of tenancy have not yet been identified Further research
may yield information about the uses of the site and building during the early 20th
century, such as dairy farming. The site is impressive and possesses integrity in its
setting as a grand 19th century residence. Family tradition holds that many people
important in the community of San Luis Obispo lived in and visited the residence.As
the residents of the building are known,the individuals can be researched to desadbe
the persons and gain an understanding of the role they(and possibly the residence)
played In the community and how they related to the contextual themes of the area. •
When this is done it will be possible to
write a statement about the site's cultural : � .
SigIliQcancie.
USE RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended to rehabilitate the
first floor for historical exhibits if there is
organization with the resources to `
aloe it,staff it and utilize it as a mu-
seum.If not,it is recommended to adapt
the building as offices for non-profit cul-
tural groups. The second floor can be
adapted as a living unit so there will be
someone at the site for security reasons.
r
Gil Sanchez,FAIR,and Daryl Allen-Sanchez Architect Inc.- Santa Cruz 47
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LA LOMA ADOBE
North Elevation / 1 '• 1 •..
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l ' LA LOMA ADOBE -A
1851 Aorordhhg to the 1948 newspaper account,judge Munoz and Sefiom Boronda
homesteaded a quarter section of land surrounding La Loma and received a
government patent from the United States in 1870. It should be possible to
locate a record of this transaction.
It is said five of the nine children were married in ceremonies at the residence.
Records of these marriages should be available in the County records.
1874 judge Munoz dies in a shipwreck off Cabo San Lucas, Mexico(Genealogical
records from Monterey County Historical Society Archives).According to the
newspaper article, Maria Concepat6nis son began subdividing the property
after the untimely death of judge Munoz and opened up Lizzie Street.
Here the chain of title needs work because, as the larger property is subdi-
vided,it is difficult to keep track of the La Loma properly lot
1902 The property passes to Charles Bowden and stays in their family until re-
1953 Building becomes vacant
The land-title search shows that Isabel Bowden sold off several lots, but it is
not clear on which lot the La
Loma Adobe sits. LA LomA ADOBE
West Elevation
1995 Property with house on it is Deteriorated
deeded to City of San Luis Obispo
and City of San Luis Obispo pur- at
DairyAddition
chases the lot to the east of the 1/98 C.Sanchez
residence. r
1998 FOCA retains Gil Sanchez Archi-
tect to conduct first preliminary
study and cost estimates for re-
habilitation.
SUMMARY
The accounts(secondary sources)of
the important people who visited the resi-
dence, the age of the building, and the
events which occurred at La Loma must
be supported by documentary evidence
or more direct means such as letters or
diaries.The local newspaper reporting an
actual event such as a wedding would
accurately report the date the event oc-
curred and the names of bride's and
groom's families and of important guests,
but articles which run in newspapers are
often quickly researched and notoriously LA LOMA ADOBE
inaccurate.As historical research contin-
ues,it Is hoped owners and residents can .
be verified If the residence was indeed t. .
used as an inn and a trading post (as
stated in Helen Giff m's Casas and Corot s
yards),there must be a record of it some-
where. The interesting stories of visitors
and of the building's mission-period ori-
gins can be passed on as part of the folk-
lore of the place until they can be veri-
fied.
GilSonehP.7 FAT ....an.._..t •n.._
LA )MA ADOBE
LA LOMA ADOBE
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The following tasks are recommended during the next five years for La Loma
Adobe.See pages 32-33 for a combined five-year plan comparing the rehabilitation
phases of the Butr6n, Rodriguez and La Loma adobe buildings.
1998
1. Preliminary Condition Assessment and Use Study is completed.
2. Plan/Assign Workday Projects:
•Remove adjacent tree stumps and roots.
• Regmde site on the north and east sides of the building and install an
underground drainage system.
• Repair bases of adobe walls and fill crocks over 1/4 in.where they occur.
Northwest comer at base will need slowly building up in addition to filling.
• Restore/reconstruct adobe wall at kitchen comer where it is collapsed.
•Dismantle and reconstruct two adobe walls at the southwest comer
(Dairy addition).
• Install netting at the exterior and interior of the walls where the repairs occur.
Plaster over with a modified mud plaster and whitewash.
•Optional:Fill cracks in all building walls up to roofline and replaster
complete building with mud plaster(if funds are available).This would protect
the building walls until further rehabilitation is completed.The cost for this is
not included in the budget cast plans.
3. Work toward identifying a building user or have City issue a Request for
Proposals for an agency or group to use building.
4. Identify funding agencies which are appropriate for this type of project and
begin preparing grant applications.
S. Begin with fundraising plans by hiring a fundraiser consultant.
1999
6. Complete historical research and a written background history. Complete a
detailed building investigation including Existing Conditions drawings so that
the building chronology can be established.
7. Complete National Register nomination form and apply to State Office of
Historic Preservation.
8. Prepare a Maintenance Plan to maintain building and site in its present state.
2000
9. Prepare Preliminary Drawings for Structural Upgrading.
10. Submit to Cultural Heritage Commission and Architectural Site Approval.
11. Refine the Constriction Budget based on Preliminary Drawings.
2001
12. Prepare Construction Drawings and specifications(working drawings)for
Structural Upgrading and put drawings out to bid.
13. Begin Preliminary Planning for Interpretive displays.
2002
14. Begin construction for Structural Upgrading.
1S. Begin Construction Drawings and specifications for Rehabilitation and Site
Work which will be let out to bid, with construction to begin
in the summer of 2003.
Gil Sanchez,FAIR,and Daryl Allen-Sanchez Architect Inc.- Santa Cru 63
MEETING AGENDA
DATE 61 -a5--22 ITEM # Tdu2
Dear Council;
The Friends of Las Casas de Adobe look forward to our tour with you folks
on February 25'. Some of you have visited all the sites and for some,it will be
a fresh chance to become acquainted with one or another of these venerable
structures from our City's past.
Adobe structures present some unique problems and the tour will give
you a chance to see at first hand the disrepair, understand the proposed
remedies and help us visualize their final usage by the people of San Luis
Obispo.
The accompanying pages are designed to give you an appreciation of some
important factors that hasten the deterioration of an adobe. Some of these
factors are exacerbated by"remedies" people have made in the past when they
tried to help these structures.
We hope that after viewing the La Loma, Rodriquez and Butron adobes, a
later visit to the Murray adobe will help you better evaluate the money now
budgeted to make useable that important element of the Mission Plaza. We're
prepared to make recommendations we feel would be of more long term
benefit to that structure.
Welcome and we hope the tour informs.
FOCA
COUNCIL ❑CDD DIR
MAO ❑FIN DIR
2%CAO ❑FIRE CHIEF
Li7MORNEY ❑PW DIR
EkCLER1 IOM ❑POLlC9 CI'.F
❑NOMT TEI.J ❑REG DIR
pi 11 ❑UTIL DIR
❑ V �+ ❑PERS DIR f
RECEIVED
FFB 33 1999
Seo CITY WUNCIL
A Primer on Adobe Preservation
Earthen Structures have been widely used in European,Asia Minor and Asian
vernacular architecture for hundreds of years and newspaper reports to the contrary,
continue to serve. Unlike more commonly used building techniques, they depend upon
wall mass for durability. Our Mission is said to have a wall thickness of 5 feet. Moisture
is their great enemy; they don't wash away as much as they slump and spall.away.
Weakened by moisture, they become prey of seismic forces.
Recipe for Adobe failure
-stone or fired brick retain most of their strength when water saturated, however..
-adobe loses 90% of its strength by the time it is only 12010 dampened.
-as adobe becomes saturated, it can deform(slump) or fail altogether
-with normal evaporation, capillary action within adobe can carry water to height of
24 inches
-an impervious pordand cement plaster surface applied on adobe, can...
1) double height to which moisture is moved by capillary action
2) prevent evaporation, with the retained water reducing strength of adobe.
-also, as water evaporates, mineral salts are left behind.They weaken, break down,
the adobe's structural integrity. Surface of adobe also slowly erodes.
-"coving" at the wall base due to `splash', reduces the mass of wall resisting
vertical compressive forces
-as parts of wall fail, the undercut wall is less able to resist compressive forces and
fails by slumping
Water,Water Everywhere
-over time,planting and vegetation raises level of soil surrounding adobe
-water is directed toward structure, not away
-roots and humus retain moisture
-modern convenience of drip systems delivers-water to...
-plantings as well as base of walls
Prescription for Strength and Preservation of Adobes
-keep wall footings dry; protect from the rain and irrigation
-allow for evaporation of ambient soil moisture
-allow for evaporation of ambient wall moisture created by inhabitants inside the
structure. (e.g. Cooking and breathing create surprising amounts of moisture)
-protect and replace surface with adobe or lime plasters that facilitate evaporation
Nbh.by m•' -'.mie■eyall.of nrume•mec.
i
RAIN EROSION
WIND EROSION
t
RAINWATER SPLASH
ri
COVING
RAIN EROSION
Sketch showing some of the causes of the decay of an adobe
I WIND EROSION
Portland stucco usually
~� with nails and screen
RAINWATER SPLASH
n
Ek
F n Su s
Sketch showing well intentioned repair