HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-06-2015 B1 ShannonCOUNCIL MEETING:
ITEM NO.:
Subject: FW: 742 Marsh St. (On the City Council Agenda for Tomorrow)
Attachments: Comments.docx
.JAN 0 5 2015
From: Ariel Shannon [ mailto :ariel(a)bluebirdsalon.com]
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2015 1:09 PM
To: Marx, Jan; Rivoire, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn; Carpenter, Dan; Ashbaugh, John; Cohen, Rachel; Dunsmore, Phil
Subject: 742 Marsh St. (On the City Council Agenda for Tomorrow)
Honorable Mayor Marx and Council Members,
Tomorrow you will be reviewing a business item for delisting 742 Marsh St. from the Historical Resources List.
I own Bluebird Salon, the business that occupies 742 Marsh St. On behalf of the 30 people whose livelihoods
are affected by the fate of this building, I am writing to ask for your support in delisting 742 Marsh St. from the
Historical Resources List.
I love downtown San Luis Obispo; I love the architecture, the heritage, and the culture. It is truly an honor and a
pleasure doing business here. Bluebird Salon has been doing business in downtown SLO for 7 years now. And,
the citizens of SLO love us too. We have over 14,000 clients, and have been honored with "The Best Salon in
SLO" by the Mustang Daily, and "Best Place to Get Your Hair Did, Runner Up" by The New Times for the last
couple years.
As you know, the health of a small business depends on its ability to attract a clientele. When Bluebird moved
into 742 Marsh St. 8 months ago, the building had sat vacant for 6 years. I believe this is largely due to the fact
that 742 Marsh St. is a very non - descript, vanilla looking building with little curb appeal. However, I saw
potential for it to be much more attractive and appealing, which is the very reason why I elected to move
Bluebird Salon to 742 Marsh St. when we were forced out of our previous building due to retrofit.
I have chosen beautiful reclaimed redwood that was milled locally for the design. This is nothing akin to T1 -11
plywood siding that my opposition claims I am using. There are several examples of similar finishes downtown
that turned out beautifully, such as SLO Physical Therapy on Monterey and PMSM Architecture. My design
emulates the buildings of the world class boutique, Anthropologie, which is known for its tasteful and appealing
architecture and aesthetic.
In addition to all the historical and architectural reasons that Phil Dunsmore will be presenting tomorrow, I ask
you to consider the impact this proposal will have on the 30 people who work at Bluebird. I sincerely believe
that our livelihoods will be negatively affected if 742 Marsh St. is not delisted from the Historical Resources
List so that we can improve the building's appearance.
In just three days, over 600 people signed a petition in support of our facade project, and dozens shared their
positive opinions of the changes we would like to make to the building. I am including those public comments
for your review.
Also, here is a link to the petition: https: / /www.chan e.or /the- city- of- san- luis- obispo- approve- bluebird-
salon-s-new-
facade ?share id= kGpEAsboCN &utin campaign =share button action box &utm� medium= facebook &utm sou
rce =share petition
I greatly appreciate your thoughtful consideration as your vote bears a significant impact on our business.
Please vote in favor of delisting 742 Marsh St.
Thank you!
Ariel Shannon
"Loveyour hair./"
Ariel Shannon
Oxner, BLUEBIRD SALON
(c) 805.215.6246
(b) 805393.0234
742 Marsh Street
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
bluebirdsalon.com
Community Comments on
Bluebird Salon's Proposed Reclaimed Rainscreen
"I really appreciate the sustainable aspects of the facade and I think it is beautiful. It will
add beauty to downtown San Luis Obispo." —Jenny Vick, SLO (4/1/14)
"Adding some beauty to the many cement block buildings in SLO is a positive change."
- Jennifer Church, SLO (4/1/14)
"This reclaimed wood project for the front of the new Bluebird Salon building would
only enhance the visual appeal of this street. This improvement will be very pleasing to
look at for both locals and visitors driving into downtown. The owner of Bluebird Salon
has a proven track record for creating beautiful, inviting spaces that enhance the
surrounding elements and bring people together. Let's continue to beautify SLO and
support local businesses who do it well, like Bluebird Salon!" -Sarah Twisselman, SLO
(4/1/14)
"It's a much - needed improvement to an otherwise drab block in downtown SLO. This
block is very close to the highway and is downtown, close to tourists - reasons it should
be aesthetically pleasing!" -E Dettwiler, SLO (4/1/14)
"I own a business downtown & know how important it is to improve the look & feel of a
business, especially there being so much competition. Let them improve their business
& improve the overall look of downtown." - Jessica Silvestre, SLO (4/1/14)
"This salon is beautiful inside and out and the building represents nature, beauty,
recycling, art, modern life... it's perfect and needs to stay. This new look adds so much
to the city. Love it!" - Vanessa Plakias, SLO (4/1/14)
"The facade livens up this building that's been vacant over 7 years! Please approve." —
Preston Thomas, SLO (4/1/14)
"This important because keeping buildings up and applying improving upgrades is what
makes a town and city. As an architecture student and dweller of many places, I know
that people enjoy nice and fresh looking buildings." - Ronald Richard, SLO (4/1/14)
"I believe in using reclaimed wood and beautifying our downtown!" - Alexander Wolfe,
MB (4/1/14)
"This will be one of the best looking buildings downtown." - Meghan Hollister, SLO
(4/2/14)
"The proposed facade is beautiful and helps move SLO in the direction of an integrated
downtown core rather than a single thoroughfare." - Matthew Sansone (4/1/14)
"I think this a great look and an obvious improvement." —Shane Clary, SLO (4/1/14)
"This facade seems in alignment with San Luis Obispo's creative and resourceful
community. I support the concepts of making the old new again. Using reclaimed wood
along with a community of friends to implement is the kinds of thing we as a community
need to be supporting." - Merideth Eades, Atascadero (4/1/14)
"As a SLO native, I see no reason to resist what appears to be a completely reasonable
attempt to improve the facade of this building. Considering revitalization efforts taking
place downtown already, this seems to be a fitting addition." -Ryan Tucker, Berkeley
(4/1/14)
"I live here in SLO and most of the design that gets approved in this city is, in my humble
opinion, subpar. Here's an example of self - starters contributing something different
and beautiful to the aesthetic landscape of Downtown (which is already cost - prohibitive
to most small businesses to get started) and it would be a shame to see it stopped due
to the soul crushing grind of bureaucracy." -Shea Somma, SLO (4/1/14)
"We need more local business people who are environmentally conscious and
community - builders. This is beautiful, eco- friendly and community - positive - a win every
way you look at it!" —Laura Albers, Templeton (4/1/14)
"Good design is key for a healthy business and healthy business is key for a thriving
city." - Reilly Newman, Paso Robles (4/1/14)
"It improves the aesthetics of downtown SLO." - Taylor Stevens, SLO (4/1/14)
"If the cultural committee was so concerned why didn't they say something when the
old 15 layers of paint were removed and you could see the original signage? Feel free to
contact me. I have had a front row seat for the whole thing since my office is directly
across the street upstairs. Tim 805 - 440 - 3401" -Tim Robinson, SLO (4/1/14)
"Just look how lovely it is looking." - Coleen Wolfe. SLO (4/2/14)
"It looks great and fits with the upscaling going on downtown in general." -Alton Brann,
SLO (4/2/14)
"I'm from the central coast, the new facade of the Bluebird Salon is a very nice
improvement to the look of the community." - Stephanie Dueck, Whitehall (4/2/14)
"It looks GOOD." - Russell Bellamy, Lemoore (4/2/14)
"It looks so much better!!! Continues to make SLO so unique. Classy and interesting."
Danielle Morrison, Escondido (4/2/14)
"It's beautiful and will be a positive addition to downtown slo. This salon ...has a great
loyal customer base and is a local business that had built it's roots in downtown slo.
Support local small business!!" - Jessica Micklus, SLO (4/2/14)
"I know the owner of this business and she has incredible taste. I've also seen the
pictures and the new fagade is a dramatic improvement." —Amy Duncan, San Jose
(4/1/14)
"Small business owners in San Luis Obispo should be encouraged to beautify our
downtown, not be impeded with expensive fees." -Tammy Allen, SLO (4/1/14)
"It is recycled material and makes the building look more natural. I think it is beautiful."
- Kristyn Moore, Oceano (4/1/14)
"It looks beautiful and I want my hair salon back!" - Kaylynn Crawford
"Beautiful and something to improve the look of downtown." -Pam Ward, Grover Beach
(4/1/14)
"Duh! It's Beautiful!" -Peter Ayer, SLO (4/1/14)
"It looks great and small business is the heart of our community!" -Matt Cross, SLO
(4/1/14)
"The beautification of downtown is important to me." -James Aproberts, SLO (4/1/14)
"Because it's gorgeous." - Barbara Moses, Shell Beach (4/1/14)
"Looks great and I'd like to encourage the use of reclaimed wood. Please waste no
more time or money holding them up." -Peggy Mesler, SLO (4/1/14)
"The city should want its aesthetic improved." -Tony Schaar, SLO (4/1/14)
"It is beautiful, and beautifully made." - Andrea Ortiz, Santa Maria (4/2/14)
"The building looks amazing!" —Susan Benton, Palo Alto (4/1/14)
"I think this siding improves the look of building and adds character to the
neighborhood." —Bond Walker, SLO (4/1/14)
"Keep the beauty!" - Virginia Marum, SLO (4/1/14)
"Enhances the atmosphere of downtown." — Maggie Blackburn, SLO (4/1/14)
"Bluebird will make that old building sing!" — Michael Allen, SLO (4/1/14)
"Anytime anyone takes recycled materials to beautify something for everyone to enjoy
by benefiting our area should be celebrated, not blocked by bureaucratic B.S." - Janice
Forrest, Oceano (4/2/14)
"Because it looks terrific. Why is fake brick getting approved on buildings but not this
very modern use of reclaimed wood ?" -Jesse Pereira, SLO (4/1/14)
"Love the look and the use of sustainable materials!" - Melanie Brain, SLO (4/1/14)
"It is a local business, give them a break!" -Sue Fiscalini, SLO (4/2/14)
"Positive change and update to an otherwise outdated downtown experience." -Chris
Vaughn, SLO (4/2/14)
"Looks great!" -Kasey Helt, SLO (4/1/14)
"The city of SLO needs updating and improving." -David Goldeen, SLO (4/1/14)
"I love beauty and support folks being able to move forward in a good way without a
too much cost and bureaucracy." —Marie McCree, Los Osos (4/1/14)
"To support a local thriving business that brings benefit to our growing community." -
Molly Hemler, SLO (4/1/14)
"The city makes you jump through these hoops to get your money and shuffle papers.
C'mon SLO, let's HELP a business flourish instead of throwing up road blocks." - Sandee
Hunt, Nipomo (4/1/14)
"Duh - cause beauty + stewardship matters and Bluebird is all about both! C'mon SLO
town ... let's get this done!" — Lindsay Pera, Templeton (4/1/14)
"This facade is not only attractive, but is a beautiful example of repurposing and
investing in local businesses." - Sharon Fleming, Cayucos (4/1/14)
"Obviously a beautiful improvement! And it is almost done .... let them finish!" -Tami
Guerrero, Ventura (4/1/14)
"Bluebird is an amazing salon, trying to keep it classy. This shouldn't offend anyone, and
they are freaking RECYCLING - using reclaimed wood that would be discarded otherwise.
Why on earth would you not want to encourage this ?!" —R. Harpain, AG (4/1/14)
"This looks great! Bluebird is so well decorated on the inside, and this would make it
look just as good on the outside! This is just the kind of upgrade that our eclectic
downtown should get behind. I hope it works out!" -Beth Leibovich, SLO (4/1/14)
"Ariel's vision is always amazing. Her facade will add interest and character to an
otherwise dull and boring space. We need more artistic flair and design aesthetic in this
town! I love this beautiful facade." -Lorna Teixeira, SLO (4/1/14)
"I think it will very much enhance and modernize this area of Marsh Street!" - Annette
Martin, SLO (4/1/14)
"It adds to the beauty and culture of San Luis Obispo." -John Paul Perez, SLO (4/1/14)
"I love San Luis Obispo, my hometown, and also am a fan of Bluebird salon. I think the
reclaimed wood exterior looks very natural and ties in well with downtown. It also
makes that beautiful tree pop!" - Gabriela Holland, SD (4/1/14)
"This building was (quite honestly) ugly to begin with and the wood siding brings so
much more visual interest! Please let Bluebird beautify this boring spot!" - Jennifer
Anton, Atascadero (4/1/14)
"What a great way to beautify downtown SLO ... approve it!" — Elijah Dobrusin, SLO
(4/1/14)
"The sign /facade is tasteful and in concert with SLO's culture and should be approved
without any further delay or expense to the business owner." —Donna Helete, SLO
(4/1/14)
"I love the look of the wood and all the hard work that has already gone into updating
the building. It looks beautiful and will add something new to San Luis Obispo that we
need." -Anna Schmidthues, SLO (4/2/14)
"They are truly making a building more beautiful. I love the look, love the idea, love the
volunteering and hard work." —Paige E, SLO (4/2/14)
"This is a beautiful design with class & style. As a SLO business owner, & a resident for
over 15 years now, I'd like to see these older (less attractive) buildings be re- imagined &
given new life. This is a perfect example! I believe it should be welcomed and will be
admired by all. Thank you for this opportunity to make downtown SLO a more
attractive and appealing place to visit, or to call home ... one improvement at a time."
— Amanda DeBello, SLO (4/2/14)
"Improving the siding adds to the community experience. It's the experience that draws
people to a town. Discouraging businesses from investing in their community is
counterproductive. I am in support of promoting progress that encourages community."
- Melinda Hudson, SLO (4/2/14)
"I would like to see Bluebird Salon's new facade of reclaimed wood be approved by the
Cultural Heritage Committee. It brings a positive improvement to this area of Marsh
Street, complementing the recent improvements from new businesses on the
neighboring garden street." -Jami Fawcett, Cayucos (4/2/14)
"This is a beautiful look that will accentuate the history of San Luis while bringing it into
the future." - Jerrica Shearn, SLO (4/2/14)
"I've been having my hair cut here for years. Ariel of Bluebird Salon creates the most
stunning displays and this is yet another example of her creativity that shouldn't be
hindered by city fees. The city of SLO should be proud that downtown local businesses
are making such unique improvements that will only increase revenue and appeal for
downtown!" — Stacey Cote, Los Osos (4/2/14)
"This local business is trying diligently to upgrade the face of its building -- plus the
reclaimed wood looks great!" —Susan Sparling, AG (4/1/14)