HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/17/2008, C7 - NOMINATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 750 PISMO STREET TO THE MASTER LIST OF HISTORIC RESOURCES counciL M.min Due
j ac Encu nepont
C I T Y OF S AN L U IS O B I S P O
FROM: John Mandeville, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Brian Leveille, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: NOMINATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 750 PISMO
STREET TO THE MASTER LIST OF HISTORIC
RESOURCES.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
As recommended by the Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC), adopt a resolution adding the
property at 750 Pismo Street to the City's Master List of Historic Resources.
DISCUSSION
Background
The applicants have requested that their property at 750 Pismo Street (Attachment 1, Vicinity
Map) be added to the Master List of Historic Resources. Historic designation as either a
Master List or a Contributing property requires a public hearing before the CHC, nomination
to the City Council and Council approval.
If the property is added to the Master List, the applicants have indicated their intent to apply
for a Mills Act Historic Preservation Contract in the future. To qualify for the Mills Act
program, the property must be on the Master List of Historic Resources.
Property Description
Address: 750 Pismo Street
Historic Name: Old Fire Station Building (proposed)
Owner: Robin Rossi Living Trust
Current Use: Office
Zoning: O (Office)
Status: not listed
Architectural/Historical Background
The current building was originally two separate structures that were constructed by the WPA
(Work Projects Administration). Construction began in 1941 and the cost of the building was
split between the City and the WPA. A fire hall was constructed in the larger building at the
corner of Pismo and Garden Streets. A notable feature of the building at the time was the
automatic folding doors equipped with electric motors that only required ten seconds to open.
C 7-1
C
Council Agenda Report — Mastef List Nomination, 750 Pismo Street Page 2
By 1943, the WPA was focused on the war effort and jobs were reduced. In July 1943, the
WPA and all the New Deal Agencies were eliminated. After the WPA vacated its building at
738 Pismo, the City moved in using the building as City Hall. The former WPA building was
utilized for offices of the Mayor and Councilmen, Assessor, Clerk, Collector, Commissioner
of Supplies and the Police Department. The Fire Department building also shared space with
other City offices.
Following relocation of City offices and Police headquarters to Palm Street and Santa Rosa
Street, plans were made in 1971 to join the two buildings and remove the center drive. The
addition joining the buildings allowed for expanded Fire Department operations. In 1996, the
Fire Department headquarters relocated to the new location at 2160 Santa Barbara Street and
the location at Garden and Pismo Streets was closed. In 1997, Robin Rossi purchased the
property and for the first few years, the building was shared with various tenants. The entire
building is currently occupied by Rossi Enterprises.
The above information is referenced in the Historic Resource Evaluation Report, prepared by
Bertrando and Bertrando Research Consultants, December 2007 for the applicant. The report
is available in the council reading file. In addition to the historical analysis, the report
contains interesting background information on the history of the Fire Department, WPA; and
use of the structure by various city offices. The CHC asked staff to make the report available
to the SLO County Historical Museum and the City-County Library.
Historic Listing Process
The process for historic listing involves several steps. An applicant may request that a
property be added to the Master List of Historical Resources or the Contributing Properties
List. The CHC, Architectural Review Commission, Planning Commission or City Council
may also initiate listing. The CHC then reviews the request to determine whether it merits
formal consideration. If the CHC finds a property merits consideration, a public hearing is
scheduled and the applicant and property owner are notified. In evaluating a property's
eligibility for the Master or Contributing Properties List, the CHC uses Council-adopted
criteria in the Historic Preservation Guidelines. Criteria for listing include: architectural
significance (style, design, age, and architect); association with important person or event;
environmental context or role as a community landmark.. Consideration shall include the
architectural integrity, context and condition of the structure. If the CHC finds the property
meets one or more of the eligibility criteria it forwards a recommendation to the City Council,
who makes the final decision on historic designation. In making these decisions, the City
Council considers the CHC's recommendations, public testimony and supporting
documentation. The Council's action is then final and if the property is designated historic,
its historic status and legal description are recorded with the County Recorder.
C7- 2
Council Agenda Report — Master List Nomination, 750 Pismo Street Page 3
Types of Historic Resources
There are two types of historic resources in San Luis Obispo. Individual buildings that have
significant historic or architectural value are called "Master List Properties". These are the
most unique and/or important historic resources and merit special recognition and protection.
A property may be listed as a Master List property if it meets any of the criteria in Historic
Preservation Program Guidelines.
The second type of historic resource is the "Contributing Property". A Contributing Property
is defined as a structure "'built before 1941 that has retained its original architectural style and
when viewed in the context of its surroundings, contributes to the historic character of the
area" (City Council Resolution No. 6424 (1988 Series). While most contributing properties
are located within historic districts, the CHC and the City Council have determined they may
be located anywhere in the City if they meet the above criteria.
Effects of Historic Listing
Once properties are added to the Master List, they are eligible to receive and display a
historic plaque and to participate in the Mills Act Historic Preservation Program. Exterior site
and building changes are possible, provided that such changes promote the structure's original
architectural style and character. Significant site and architectural changes are referred to the
CHC to determine whether the changes are consistent with City standards and to determine
the appropriate CEQA requirements.
Advisory Body Recommendation
At its April 28, 2008 meeting, the CHC held a public hearing on the property owners' request
to add the property at 750 Pismo Street to the Master List of Historic Resources. The
Committee determined (7-0 vote) that the property meets Historic Preservation Program
Guidelines for listing on the Master List of Historic Resources (Attachment 4, Meeting
Minutes) and recommended the City Council add the property to the Master List as the
historic "Old Fire Station Building". The CHC found the property meets the following
eligibility criteria from the City's Historic Preservation Program Guidelines:
Architectural Criteria
Criteria I. Architectural Style: The two-story WPA offices and Fire Station embody
traditional, vernacular and/or eclectic influences that represent a social milieu and period
of the community; and reflect the uniqueness of hybrid styles and how these styles are
put together. The structures have maintained their architectural integrity, based on an
assessment of alterations and their overall condition.
Criteria II. Architectural Design: The structures have notable attractiveness with
aesthetic appeal because of their uniqueness, artistic merit, details and craftsmanship.
C 7-3
Council Agenda Report — Mastdr List Nomination, 750 Pismo Street Page 4
Historical Criteria
Criteria VI. History-Person: The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department, comprised of
dedicated men, women, and fire horses (e.g. "Frank and Rowdy'), made contributions
which directly and indirectly,had a beneficial effect on the community.
Criteria VII. History-Event: Construction of the city's first "modem" fire station
represents a landmark, famous, or first-of-its-kind event for the city — regardless of
whether the impact of the event spread beyond the city.
Criteria VIII. History-Context: As a former, principal public building and fire station,
the structures are associated with early, first, or major patterns of local history, regardless
of whether the impact of the event spread beyond the city. The structures, built in 1941
and in continuous use for public purposes for over 55 years, occupy their original site on
their original foundations.
More detailed discussion of the project's ability to meet historic preservation criteria are
contained in the Cultural Heritage Committee staff report (Attachment 2) and the Historic
Resource Evaluation Report (available in council reading file).
FISCAL IMPACT
Nomination to the Master List of Historic Resources will not have any fiscal impact.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Continue the item for additional analysis or research.
2. Deny nomination of the property to the Master List of Historic Resources. This option is
not recommended since it would prevent the benefits of long term historical preservation
from being applied to this property.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity Map
2. CHC Staff Report, April 28, 2008 w/o attachments
3. CHC meeting minutes, April 28, 2008
4. Draft Council Resolution
Council reading file: Historic Resource Evaluation Report
G.•ICD-PLANIBLeveillelCHC28-08(750Pismo Streel)Fire Station/CHC28-08(750PismoStreet) Council.doc
e 7-y
PrA
VICINITY MAP Folle No. 28=08
750 Pisrno Street
Attachment 2
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE STAFF REPORT ITEM #2
BY: Brian Leveille, Associate Planner MEETING DATE: April 28, 2008
FROM: Kim Murry, Deputy Director, Long-Range Planning
PROJECT ADDRESS: 750 Pismo Street
SUBJECT: Consideration of request to nominate the Old Firehouse Building to the Master List
of Historic Resources; Office zone(0); Robin Rossi, Rossi Living Trust, Applicant.
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Forward a nomination to the City Council to add the Old Fire Station Building to the Master
List of Historic Resources.
BACKGROUND
The applicant has requested that their property be nominated to the Master List of Historic
Resources. The property is currently not on any list of City historic resources. As explained
below, historic designation as either a Master List or a Contributing property requires a public
hearing before the CHC, nomination to the City Council, and Council approval.
Historic Designation
Historic Listing Process
The process for historic listing involves several steps. Any person may request that a property be
added to the Master List of Historical Resources or the Contributing Properties List. The
Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC), Architectural Review Commission, Planning Commission
or the City Council may also initiate listing. The CHC then holds a public hearing to determine
if the property meets eligibility criteria for historic listing. In evaluating a property's eligibility
for listing, the CHC uses Council-adopted criteria. If, at a public hearing; the CHC finds the
property meets one or more of the eligibility criteria, it forwards a recommendation to the
Council which makes the final decision on historic designation. 'In making these decisions,
Council considers the CHC's recommendations and findings, public testimony, and supporting
documentation. Council's action is final, and if the property is designated historic, its historic
status and legal description are recorded with the County of San Luis Obispo Recorder's Office.
Alternatively, the CHC may determine, based on the Historic Preservation Program
Guidelines, that the property does not merit a change in its historic designation and take no
further action; or may continue the item for further discussion or information. Even if the
CHC determines the property does not meet eligibility criteria for nomination to the
Contributing or Master List, it should cite findings explaining why the property does not meet
C76
Attachment 2
CHC Agenda Report,750 Pismo Street
Page 2
the eligibility criteria. The Committee's determination is final unless appealed to the City
Council.
Architectural/Historical Data
The applicant has provided a Historic Resource Evaluation prepared by Betrando & Betrando
Research Consultants (Attachment 2). The Historic Resource Evaluation evaluates the historic
Significance of the Old Fire Station Building, and whether the Old Fire Station may merit listing
on the Master List of Historic Resources. The Report provides background history of fires in San
Luis Obispo and early attempts at organizing a Fire Company in San Luis Obispo dating back to
1874. At the conclusion of the evaluation, the Old Fire Station is recommended for nomination to
the Master List of Historic Resources based on meeting Historic Preservation Guidelines and
Public Resources Code criteria.
Types of Historic Resources
There are two types of historic resources in San Luis Obispo. Individual buildings that have
significant historic or architectural value are called "Master List Properties." These are the
most unique and or important historic resources and merit special recognition and protection.
A property may be listed as a Master List property if it meets any of the criteria in Historic
Preservation Program Guidelines. Criteria for listing include; architectural significance
(style, design, age, architect); association with important person or event; or environmental
context or role as a community landmark. Consideration shall include the architectural
integrity, context and condition of the structure.
The second type of historic resource is the "Contributing Property." A Contributing Property
is defined as a structure "built before 1941 that has retained its original architectural style and
when viewed in the context of its surroundings, contributes to the historic character of the
area." (City Council Resolution No. 6424 (1988 Series).
Effects of Historic Listing.
Once properties are added to the Contributing Properties or Master List, physical changes to
the property are possible, provided that such changes promote the structure's original
architectural style and character. Significant exterior architectural changes are referred to the
Cultural Heritage Committee to determine whether the changes are consistent with City
standards and to meet CEQA requirements. Under either list, the property is deemed
historically significant pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Demolition,
reconstruction, or relocation of historically significant structures may be considered a
significant adverse environmental impact. Significant adverse impacts can be avoided if the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines
for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and. Reconstructing Historic Buildings or the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating
Historic.Buildings (1995, Weeks and Grimmer) are followed.
7-7
Attachment 2
CHC Agenda Report,750 Pismo Street
Page 3
Unlike Master List Properties, Contributing properties are not eligible for the Mills Act
Program. As designated historic resources; however, they may be eligible for other
preservation incentives including flexible zoning and building standards, tax credits, and
historic rehabilitation loan programs.
Eligibility of 750 Pismo Street for historic nomination
The following is the Delineation of Historic Resource Criteria for Building Evaluation and
Recommendations from Appendix C of the Historic Preservation Guidelines followed by staff
analysis of each category. To qualify for the Master List, the property must meet at least one
of the following criteria:
Architectural Criteria
t. Style
Describes form of building such as size, structural shape and details within that form
(i.e. arrangement of windows and doors, ornamentation, etc.)
Building style will be evaluated as a measure of:
1. The relative purity of a traditional style (as compared to building styles in San Luis
Obispo);
2. Rarity of existence at any time in the locale; and/or current rarity although the
structure reflects a once popular style
3. Traditional, vernacular and/or eclectic influences that represent a particular social
milieu and period of the community; and/or the uniqueness of hybrid styles and how
these styles are put together
4. The degree to which the structure has maintained its integrity (i.e., assessment of
alterations and structural condition, if known).
Il. Desian
Describes the architectural concept of structure and quality of artistic merit and craftsmanship of
the individual parts. Reflects how well a particular style or combination of styles are expressed
through compatibility and detailing of elements.Also, suggests degree to which the architect(i.e.,
carpenter-builder)accurately interpreted and conveyed the style(s).
Building Design will be evaluated as a measure of:
1. Notable attractiveness with aesthetic appeal because of its uniqueness, artistic merit, details
and craftsmanship;
2. Overall attractiveness because of craftsmanship and aesthetic value, though not necessarily
unique;
3. An expression of interesting details and eclecticism among carpenter-builders, although the
craftsmanship and artistic quality may not be superior.
7— 4
-i Attachment 2
CHC Agenda Report,750 Pismo Street
Page 4
Staff Analysis (Style & Desi : The Historic Resource evaluation notes the two-story WPA
offices and fire station building was one of the last important brick structures to be built in
the City of San Luis Obispo. Though the two buildings were connected in 1971, the project
utilized the same style and materials. Staff believes that although the 1971 addition altered
the original structure and the building may not qualify for nomination to the Master List of
Historic Resources on this criterion alone, the building retains enough of the original
appearance and functional appearance of a fire station to support other listing criteria.
The building still retains the fireman pole leading from the second floor dormitory and the
original vault with iron doors. Many original casement windows are still in place and the
unpainted wooden rafters in the engine bay room are original.
4..
F
<y
I
Wooden rafters in engine bay room. Vault with iron doors
III. Age
1. Age is a measure of how relatively old a structure is in the context of the history of San Luis
Obispo, primarily Anglo-American history(circa 1850).
Criteria for Building Evaluations
Sta f Analysis: The structure was built in 1941 (67 yrs. old) and the eventual location of
the Fire Department at this location provides a connection to earlier City fire history and
the WPA.
IV. Architect
Describes the professional (an individual or firm) directly responsible for the building design and
plans of the structure.
The architect will be evaluated as a reference to:
1. A master architect(e.g.Wright)
-j Attachment 2
CHC Agenda Report, 750 Pismo Street
Page 5
2. A known architect who made significant contributions to the state or region (e.g. Julia Wright)
3. An architect who, in terms of craftsmanship, made significant contributions to San Luis
Obispo (e.g. Abrahams, who, according to local sources, designed the house at 810 Osos—
Frank Avila's father's home—built between 1927-30).
4. An early architect who is otherwise of no special significance but can be identified as a
professional (e.g. pioneer architects of the region as confirmed by AIA archival membership
records of California and the Central Coast).
Staff Analysis: The architect for the buildings was H.B. Douglas with Arly Gill as WPA
supervisor of construction. The Historic Resource Evaluation did not uncover any
additional information on Mr. Douglas.
V. Environmental Design Continuity
Describes the inter-relationship of structures and their relationship to a common environment.
Refers to the continuity, spatial relationship, and visual character of a street, neighborhood, or
area.
Environmental design continuity will be evaluated as a measure of the:
1. Symbolic importance of a structure to the community and the degree to which it serves as a
conspicuous and pivotal landmark (i.e. easily accessible to the public, helps to establish a
sense of time and place).
2. Compatibility of a structure with neighboring structures in its setting on the basis of period,
style (form, height, roof lines), design elements, landscapes, and natural features; and how
these combine together to create an integral cultural, historic, or stylistic setting.
3. Similarity to and/or compatibility of a structure with its neighboring structures which,
collectively, although of no particular aesthetic value, combine to form a geographically
definable area with its own distinctive character.
Staff Analysis: The Old Town Historic District is located just across Pismo Street from
the Old Fire Station Building. In the neighborhood there is a variety of small offices
and homes, most of which were constructed in the first half of the 20' Century. The
Old Fire Station Building still provides a connection to the past and is noticeable in the
neighborhood as a landmark.
Historical Criteria
VI. History—Person
Describes a person, group, organization, or institution that has been connected with the structure,
either intimately or secondarily, for at least two generations (i.e. 40 years).
Historical person will be evaluated as a measure of the degree to which a.person or group was:
1. Significant to the community as a public leader (i.e. mayor, congressman, etc.) or for his or
her fame and outstanding recognition—locally, regionally, or nationally.
Attachment 2
CHC Agenda Report, 750 Pismo Street
Page 6
2. Significant to the community as a public servant who has made early, unique, or outstanding
contributions to important local affairs or institutions (i.e. councilmen, educators, medical
professionals; clergymen, railroad officials).
3. Contributions which, though minor, directly or indirectly, had a beneficial effect on the
community (i.e. firemen, law enforcement officers, postal workers,
businessmen/shopkeepers, city employees, etc.).
Staiff Analysis: The City Fire Department utilized the building for over SS years and the
building was the first building designed and constructed for Fire Department use and
their mechanized equipment. Later the former WPA headquarters building served as
City Hall and the Police Department until other locations on Palm and Santa Rosa
were constructed. Clearly, all of these agencies had beneficial effects on the community
and involved public servants that made significant contributions to important local
affairs and institutions.
VII. History—Event
Associated with a social, political, economic, governmental, educational or other institutional event
that has been important to the community.
Historical event will be evaluated as a measure of:
1. A landmark, famous, or first-of-its-kind event for the city—regardless of whether the impact of
the event spread beyond the city.
2. A relatively unique or interesting contribution to the city (i.e. the Ah Louis Store as the center
for Chinese-American cultural activities in early San Luis Obispo history).
3. A contribution which, though minor, nonetheless was important to the community (i.e. local
interest groups); or, alternatively, a unique or interesting contribution only loosely connected
with the structure, object, site, or district.
Vlll. History-Context
Associated with and also a prime illustration of predominant patterns of political, social, economic,
cultural, medical, educational, governmental, military, industrial, or religious history.
Historical context will be evaluated as a measure of the degree to which it reflects:
1. Early, first, or major patterns of local history, regardless of whether the historical effects go
beyond the city level, that are intimately connected with the building(i.e. County Museum).
2. Secondary patterns of local history but closely associated with the building (i.e. Park Hotel)
3. Secondary patterns of local history but loosely associated with the building.
Historical context will also be evaluated on the basis of:
4. Whether or not a structure occupies its original site and/or whether or not the original
foundation has been changed, if known.
Staff Analysis. The building represents an important milestone in the City with the
building designed exclusively for the Fire Department and to contain mechanized
'Attachment 2
CHC Agenda Report,750 Pismo Street
Page 7
equipment. The building highlights the importance of firefighting as a top government
concern at the time of construction. The fire, police, and City offices went.to separate
agency locations. The building represents the beginning of an era with buildings
designed for more modem mechanized firefighting and the end of an era for the WPA,
and smaller scale City services before they had to branch out to separate agency
locations.
Summary
The property appears to merit Master List historic listing based on Historic Criteria as
discussed in the above analysis. The historic criteria are also well supported by Architectural
Criteria since the building can easily be recognized as a former fire station.
Alternatives
1. Determine that the Property does not meet Historic Preservation Program Guidelines
for Listing on the Master List of Historic Resources (List findings).
2. Continue the item for additional information or discussion. The Committee should list
the specific information needed.
RECONEIIENDATION
Recommend the City Council add the Old Fire Station Building to the Master List of Historic
Resources.
Findings:
1. The property qualifies for nomination to the Master List of Historic Resources based
on Historic Criteria (eligibility criteria VI.-VIII.) of the Historic Preservation
Guidelines.
2. With nomination to the Master List of Historic Resources the property located 1333 Mill
Street has been recognized as a historic asset in the community. As such, maintaining the
structure will meet the City's goals for historic preservation listed in policies 3.3.1 through
3.3.5 of the Conservation and Open Space Element..
ATTACIEWENTS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Historic Resource Evaluation for the Old Fire Station Building, December, 2007
3. Applicant request letter and list of improvements
/�2
Attachment 3
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES
Working Meeting of Tuesday, April 28, 2008
Oath of Office: City Clerk Audrey Hooper administered the oath of office to new
Committee member Katy Davis.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Committee Members Dean Miller, Elise Wheeler, Charles Crotser, Katy
Davis, Lynne Landwehr, John Fowler, and Chairperson Barbara Breska
Absent: None
Staff: Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not
on the agenda. Items raised are generally referred to staff and, if action by the
Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting.
The action of the CHC is a recommendation to the Community Development Director,
another advisory body, or City Council and, therefore, is not final and cannot be
appealed.
ELECTION: Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
Chairperson Breska nominated Committee Member Wheeler to the position of
Chairperson. The vote to appoint Committee Member Wheeler to the position of
Chairperson was unanimous. Committee Member Crotser nominated Committee
Member Fowler to the position of Vice-Chair. The vote to appoint Committee Member
Fowler to the position of Vice-Chair was unanimous.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Commissioners or staff may modify the order of items.
Hearing item #3 was changed to become item #2, and item #2 became item #3. Item
#5 became item #4 and item #4 became item #5. (The changes are reflected below.)
MINUTES: Minutes of March 24, 2008, regular meeting. The minutes were approved
as amended. The change came from page 4, under findings 1 and 2, changing
'roughouse' to 'rowhouse.'
I -
CHC Minutes Attachment
April 28, 2008
Page 2
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS:
1. 7 Buchon Street. ARCMI 35-08; Request to add a detached garage Wthe
historic anton House property; R-2-H zone; Michael and Dianne Draze, a icants.
(Phil Duns ore)
Phil Dunsmore, ssociate Planner, presented the staff report. Staff commended the
Committee deter ' e that the proposed new accessory structure . consistent with the
Historic Preservatio Program Guidelines and General Plan olicies regarding new
construction in histon districts, and recommended the ommunity Development
Director approve the pr " ct as Minor or Incidental ject to the recommended
conditions.
Michael Draze, applicant, stated t , t there was a eck that was attached to the house.
The proposed project would include uilding eck on top of the garage. He stated
that the parapet wall would never be ee He stated that, due to the difficulty of
maneuvering a car into the garage, he uld need to build a double-wide door. He
stated that, with a double-wide door on a rage, building requirements say that a 24
inch wall on both sides of the door i equired, ith a minimum of 18 inches. He asked
the Committee to change conditio in the staff ort from "2.5 to 3 feet" to "2 feet."
PUBLIC COMMENT:
There was no public co ent.
COMMITTEE CO ENTS:
On a motion Committee Member Breska, seconded by Commi a Member Crotser,
the Commi a voted 7:0 to determine that the proposed new acc sory structure is
consisten ith the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and Gene Plan Policies
regardi new construction in historic districts, and recommended the Community
Devel pment Director approve the project as Minor or Incidental subje t to the
recommended conditions with a change to condition 5 to read, "the paration tween
the garage and the residence shall be a minimum of 2 to 3 fee "
2. 38 uera Street & 120 Tank Farm Ro ARC 170-07; Review proposed
commercial deve o ton the historic Lo - onetti Ranch Property; M-SP zone;
Long Street Farm, LLC app i Phil D smore)
Phil Dunsmore, Associate Pla r, presented aft report. Staff recommended the
Committee determine app
a conceptual site plan, ecommended revisions, is
consistent with the stodnc Preservation Program Guidelines a adaptive reuse
plan for the pr erty and continue the item to a date uncertain to return with complete
project de s.
Attachment
CHC Minutes 3
April 28, 2008
Page 3
Carol Florence, Oasis Associates, stated that she is trying to determine if this property
is a part of the Mills Act Program, based on the property's approve Historic
Prese ation agreement. She stated that she would like to present a more ormal plan
to the Ci providing more information about the historical resources. Sh as provided
the Commi a with an updated site plan detailing the historic resource on the property.
She stated th the house and formal gardens will be rehabilitate_ , the barn will be
disassembled an e-built, but other historic buildings are not salt' eable and will need
to be reconstructed.
Ted Moore, applicant, sta that he had to reduce the size f the project to conform to
recommendations from staff. a stated that he will look the landscaping to see how
he can better preserve the i teria vine, Cypress tr es and other key landscape
elements. He stated that the barn ' currently stabilize , but in poor shape.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
COMMITTEE COMMENTS
Committee Member Landwehr stated th she wo d like to see the history of land use
on this property.
Committee Member Breska stated at she would like see it opened up more. She
expressed a desire to have the pl is preserved as much possible.
Chairperson Wheeler stated s e would like Building B move behind Building A and D
to preserve the landscape.
Vice-Chair Fowler stated at some of the agreements in the prese ation agreement
have not been followed. a stated that he does not feel the agreem t has been
honored. He stated thethe seven conditions staff has come up with f the applicant is
putting the plan into t e right direction. He expressed his appreciation h the
applicant's work on a site plan.
Committee Me er Crotser stated that the applicant has done a good job i roving the
site plan. He xpressed his desire to put the plan on hold until more detai d design
drawings wer available.
Committe Member Davis stated that Building B needs to be changed, but is no sure
how it sh uld be articulated.
On a otion by Committee Member Crotser and seconded by Vice-chair Fowler, t e
Co ittee voted 7:0 to determine that the conceptual site plan, with recomrT ce e
re 'sions, is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and the
CHC Minutes Attachment 3
April 28, 2008
Page 4
adaptive :use p c a e uncertain, with the
applicant retur owing project detai s.
3. 750 Pismo Street. CHC 25-08; Request to add the former Fire Station #1 to the
master list of historic resources; O zone; Robin L, Rossi Living Trust, applicant. (Brian
Leveille)
Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Staff recommended the
Committee forward a nomination to the City Council to add the.Old Fire Station Building
to the Master List of Historic Resources. He stated that this building was the first in the.
area to be devoted entirely to fire fighting. He stated its history and importance to the
City. He presented the historic resource criteria to the Committee. Fie stated that the
current owner hopes that the property will one day be under the Mills Act contract.
Donna Meyers, applicant, stated that the ivy on the building is less invasive than other
types. She stated that Mr. Rossi would like to put up a flag pole on the property
someday. She stated that Mr. Rossi tries to preserve the building's historical nature.
She stated that Rossi has sandblasted the paint off the building to expose the brick.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sharon Lovejoy, SLO, stated that the type of ivy on the building is non-invasive to the
building.
No further comments from the public.
COMMITTEE COMMENTS
Committee Member Landwehr stated that the report presented by historian Betsy
Bertrando is exceptional, and asked staff to make the report available to the County
Historical Museum and the San Luis Obispo City-County Library.
After a brief discussion, and on a motion by Committee Member Crotser and seconded
by Committee Member Breska, the Committee voted 7`.0 to forward a nomination to the
City Council to add the Old Fire Station Building to the Master List of Historic Resources
and include findings 1 and 2, and based on the following Master List Eligibility Criteria:
Architectural Criteria
L.Style
3.The two-story WPA offices and Fire Station No. 1 embody traditional, vernacular
and/or eclectic influences that represent a particular social milieu and period of the
community; and reflect the uniqueness of hybrid styles and how these styles are put
together.
CHC Minutes _ Attachment2Aril 28, 2008 J
Page 5
4.The structures have maintained their architectural integrity, based on an assessment
of alterations and their overall condition.
II. Design
The structures have notable attractiveness with aesthetic appeal because of their
uniqueness, artistic merit, details and craftsmanship.
Historical Criteria
VI. History— Person
3.The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department, comprised of dedicated men, women and
fire horses (e.g. "Frank and Rowdy"), made contributions which directly and indirectly,
had a beneficial effect on the community.
VII. History= Event
1. Construction of the City's first "modern" fire station represents a landmark,
famous, or first-of-its-kind event for the city — regardless of whether the impact of the
event spread beyond the city.
VIII. History— Context
1. As a former, principal public building and fire station, the structures are
associated with early, first, or major patterns of local history, regardless of whether the
historical effects go beyond the city level, that are intimately connected with the building.
2. The structures, built in 1941 and in continuous use for public purposes for
over 55 years, occupy their original site on their original foundations.
4. Monterey Heights Neiahborhood. CHC 94-04; Consideration of nominatipg
erties located at.285, 405, and 495 Buena Vista, 2102, 2122, 2140, 2160, a 190
Loom , 326 Santa Maria, 398 San Miguel, and 2243 Santa Ynez to the ' entory of
historic res es; R-1 zone; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. (Kevin aldron)
Kevin. Waldron, Planni Intern, presented the staff report. ff recommended the
Committee recommend the 't Council add 1) 285, 40 , and 495 Buena Vista, 398
San Miguel, 2102, 2122, 2160 omis, and 2243 anta Ynez to the Contributing
Properties List, 2) Determine that 2 Loo ' is Potentially Contributing, and 3)
Determine that 2140 Loomis and 326 San aria do not meet eligibility criteria for
historic listing due to significant chan s that a affected the properties original
historical nature. He provided th ommittee with istodcal background on the
area. He stated four reasons the purpose of historic listi He stated that staff did
not know if Julia Morgan a part of the construction of the 210 omis house.
Jeff Hook, Seni lanner, explained that being on the Master List usu applies
mostly to the terior of the building.
PUB COMMENT
CHC Minutes
April 28, 2008 Attachment 3
Page 6
Jeff Prostovich, San Luis Obispo, wanted to know if the property at 2102 Loomis was a
u I i a Morgan design.
S ron Lovejoy, San Luis Obispo, stated that she knows the owner at 326 San Maria
and els the house may have always had the same eaves as are on ther now and
would ' e to see more research done.
Star Jenkin San Luis Obispo, lives at 285 Buena Vista. Hestated at the insurance
company foun a crack on one of the chimneys and therefore it s been taken down
recently.
Bill Swanson, 2243 nta Ynez owner, he wanted to kn what was included with
being a part of the Mast List. He stated that the house s on two lots and wondered
if in the future the lot coul a split if it Was put on the M ter List.
There was no further public co ment.
COMMITTEE COMMENTS
Committee Member Breska stated that he rees with staffs recommendations on the
property.
Committee Member Davis is in agreem t wi staffs recommendations.
Committee Member Crotser stated at he feel 2243 Santa Ynez should be on the
Master List.
On a motion by Committee ember Crotser and se onded by Committee Member
Miller, the Committee voted 7.0 to accept staff recomme dations 1 to 3 with a change
under recommendation 1 th property 2243 Santa Ynez be Master List property.
5. Orcutt Area S ecifi Plan and EIR. SP/ER 209-98: Revi w and discussion of the
Orcutt Area Specific Pn and Draft EIR; Barbara Parsons, app ant. (continued
from March 24, 200 (Michael Codron)
Michael Codron, ssociate Planner, continued his presentation of th staff report. He
stated the Orc tt Area Specific Plan (OASP) goal, policy, and p gram. Staff
recommends survey be done to the trail areas before the area is open o the public.
Staff recom ends the following: 1) CHC update the draft GASP with a d cussion of
the histori significance of the Righetti Ranch House complex; 2) Dire staff to
incorpora anew policy into the GASP that will reference Section 4.30 ( 'tigation
Method — Avoidance) of the City's Archeological Resource Preservation Gui lines;
and 3 Add a policy to the specific plan to require consultation with tribal represent ives
as p rt of the process to create an open space management plan for Righetti Hill. ff
m on-site with Fred Collins, Northern Chumash Tribal Council Spokesperson, o
esday, April 22, 2008, to receive his recommendations for the site. He recommended
avoidance of archeological sites, view corridors to the hill top, and information regarding
C 7,IQ
CHC Minutes
Attachment 3
April 28, 2008
Page 7
the living history of Chumash settlers of the site. Tribal council meeting held onF��.
d staff is waiting for additional input from Fred Collins and members from the o cil meeting. Mr. Codron provided the Committee with historical backgroun
area, including information about Jacob H. Orcutt.
PUBLIC OMMENT
Andrew Mem Wallace Group, hopes to have walkways and cor i ors to incorporate
the overall char Iter of the property.
COMMITTEE COM ENTS
Committee Member La wehr stated that Jacob Orcutt's ace used to be called Laurel
Hill Farm. She stated tha s a connection to Mr. Orcu , it would be nice to plant Laurel
trees on the property.
On a motion by Committee Me ber Crotser d seconded by Committee Member
Breska, the Committee voted 7:0 t - 1) updat the draft OASP with a discussion of the
historic significance of the Righetti anch ouse complex; 2) to direct staff to
incorporate a new policy into the OA P at will reference Section 4.30 (Mitigation
Methods — Avoidance) of the City's Ar ological Resource Preservation Guidelines;
and 3) add a policy to the specific plan o r uire consultation with tribal representatives
as part of the process to create an o n spat management plan for Righetti Hill.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
6. Introduction to updated A haeological Resource reservation Program Guidelines.
(Jeff Hook)
Jeff Hook, Senior P nner, introduced the updated rchaeological Resource
Preservation Progra Guidelines and recommended the Co mittee review the Draft
Guidelines, discuss and provide comments or suggest change as appropriate, and
continue the item t the May 27, 2008, CHC meeting.
COMMUNICA ONS
a. Agenda orecast - Staff
Jeff Ho Senior Planner, provided an agenda forecast and overview of the it s to be
on the
h May 27, 2008, meeting agenda.
C mittee Member Landwehr asked that, when a property is presented to e
ommittee to be included under the Mills Act, the Committee be aware of how man
properties have been included in the Act to date.
�7-/9
CHC Minutes
Attachment 3
April 28, 2008
Page 8
Chairperson Wheeler announced that the Second Cultural Landscape Conference will
be on May 10, 2008, at the Historical Society and Old Edna.
b. South Broad Street/Little Italy Historic Survey Status update
c. Committee
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m..
Respectfully submitted by,
Michelle Lakey
Recording Secretary
Approved by the Cultural Heritage Committee on
Jeff Hook, Senior Planner
C - ' Attachment 4
0
RESOLUTION NO. XXXX (2008 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ADDING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 750 PISMO STREET TO THE
MASTER LIST OF HISTORIC RESOURCES
WHEREAS, in 1983 the City Council adopted Resolution No. 5197 establishing the
"Master List of Historic Resources", and in 1986 adopted Resolution No. 6097 establishing
historical preservation program guidelines, including procedures for adding properties to the
listing; and
WHEREAS, as provided by adopted procedures, the Cultural Heritage Committee held a
public hearing on April 28, 2008 to consider a request by property owner, Robin Rossi, Rossi
Living Trust, to add said property to the Master List of Historic Resources; and
WHEREAS, said property was being considered for historic status, in part; because of its
architectural style and design, and historic importance in San Luis Obispo; and
WHEREAS, at said meeting, the Cultural Heritage Committee reviewed the historical
documentation on the property and recommended that the City Council add the property to the
Master List; and
WHEREAS, this City Council considered this recommendation during an advertised
public hearing on June 20, 2008, pursuant to Historic Preservation Guidelines established by
Council Resolution No. 6157 (1987 Series).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo based on the Cultural Heritage Committee's recommendation, documentation for the
property on file in the Community Development Department, public testimony, the staff report,
and on the City's Historical Preservation Program Guidelines, as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings.The building located at 750 Pismo Street meets the Historic
Preservation Program Guidelines for historic listing as a Master List Property based on findings
of conformance with architectural and historical criteria.
SECTION 2. Addition to Master List of Historic Resources. The property and buildings
located at 750 Pismo Street, to be known as "the Old Fire station Building", are hereby added to
the Master List of Historic Resources, based on historic documentation on file in the Community
Development Department, as described in Exhibit A.
SECTION 3. Environmental Determination. The City Council has determined that the above
action does not constitute a project, as defined by Section 15378 of the California Environmental
Quality Act and is exempt from environmental review.
U Attachment 4
0
SECTION 4. Publish Revised Master List of Historic Resources. The Community
Development Director is hereby directed to amend the Master List of Historic Resources to
include the property listed above and to publish a revised Inventory of Historic Resources for
public distribution.
SECTION 5. Recording of Historic Properties. The Community Development Director is
hereby directed to record the property's historic designation with the County Recorder, pursuant
to State Law.
Upon motion of seconded by and on the following roll
call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Resolution was adopted this 12008.
Mayor David F. Romero
ATTEST:
Audrey Hooper, City Clerk
APPROVED:
Jonat an L ell, City Attorney
Exhibit A: Legal Description of Historic Property
Attac
hment 4
EXHIBIT A
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF HISTORIC PROPERTY
Following is a legal description of the property added to the City of San Luis Obispo's
Master List of Historic Resources, by City Council Resolution No. #### (2008 Series):
1. 748 & 750 Pismo Street. (Old Fire Station Building)
City of San Luis Obispo, Murry & Church's Addition, Block 88, Portion of Lots 7,
8, & 9 (Assessor's Parcel Number (APN#) 003-524-014). Owner. Robin Rossi
Living Trust.