HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/20/2009, SS2 - STUDY SESSION ON THE CITY'S ADOBES councit M b,D. 1-20-09
j acenaa Report 1w.N�mb,
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck,Assistant City Manager?KAr
Prepared By: Brigitte Elke, Principal Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION ON THE CITY'S ADOBES
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a report on the three adobes owned by the City of San Luis Obispo.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of San Luis Obispo is the owner in fee of three master list historic adobes. The "health" of
each of the adobes is varied. All three have extensive maintenance and rehabilitation needs with two of
the three in need of immediate stabilization. As part of the 2007-2008 Mid-Year Budget review, and in
response to a letter from representatives of the Friends of Las Casas de Adobes (FOCA), Council
directed staff to study the status of the City owned adobes. Following facilitated community outreach,
staff (if possible) was to develop priorities for preservation, maintenance, or other treatment of the
adobes. The purpose of this report is to provide Council with information about the adobes including
the public's desires for their long tern treatment. Following the report Council may want to include
recommendations about the adobes in the 2009-11 Major City Goals.
Adobe Descriptions
1. The Butron Adobe—466 Dana Street
The Butron Adobe is located at 466 Dana Street.
Records show that it was originally constructed in 1861.
_ The structure was built during a time of transition in
California from Mexican to American law. The adobe
was built in the Hispanic tradition but has been
remodeled with"Yankee" additions and materials.
03
The City acquired this adobe by gift in 1989 from the
estate of Mary Gail Black. Initially, two non-adobe
portions of the structure were rented out as studio
apartments. The building has most recently been used for
the storage of archeological materials from the Palm I
Parking Garage construction. That use however is planned to come to an end in the near tern. Butron
suffered damage in the San Simeon Earthquake of 2003. It has been a frequent victim of vandalism due
spa-�
Adobe Report Page 2
to homeless habitation. However, most recently staff from Administration, Building Maintenance, and
Parks Maintenance have cleaned up the structure and the extensive garden grounds. The trees have been
trimmed, excess vegetation cleared, debris removed, and accumulated trash inside of the adobe disposed.
Additionally, Building Maintenance staff has secured the building to the best of their abilities by
boarding up potential entry points and adding security measures to prevent entry by unauthorized
individuals.
The La Loma Adobe— 1590 Lizzie Street
The La Loma Adobe is a two-story structure located at
1590 Lizzie Street. The exact date of original
construction is unknown, but is estimated to be sometime
in the 1840's. Architecturally, it is considered a
Monterey style adobe, a style which was common in
� \ California's first State capitol. It is the only two-story
adobe in the City and one of only a few such adobes
remaining in the State. Consequently, it has significant
" architectural and historical value.
1" The property was deeded to the City in 1995 by the
✓ Bowden family and the City purchased additional land to
the east of the house which preserved land associated with the adobe. Unfortunately, the adobe is in a
poor state of repair and a report commissioned by the Friends of Las Casas de Adobe in 1998 (Council
Reading File) described it as being in an emergency state. Since then, both the 2003 earthquake and the
elements have further taken a toll on the adobe. The property has been vacant for over 50 years which
has contributed to its poor and desolate condition. Over the years, steps have been taken to stabilize the
building, its walls, and foundation, but these have been "band aid" solutions and are insufficient to
preserve the adobe in the long term. The adobe needs stabilization in the short term and rehabilitation in
the long term to keep the structure from falling down. The cost is expected to be enormous due to the
complex nature of the structure.
The Rodriguez Adobe— 1341 Purple Sage
_ The Rodriguez Adobe is located at 1341 Purple Sage.
It dates back to 1841. It is a ranch house of modest
V•= size and typical of adobe buildings which once
provided homes to the "Califomios" and early settlers.
` The residence and surrounding property were donated
R1� to the City of San Luis Obispo in 1990 by Pacifica
Corporation. Mainly through the use of CDBG funds
�g and volunteer labor, the adobe's exterior has been
rehabilitated and the interior framework stabilized to
' . preserve the adobe. At this time, the interior of the
i� building remains in an unrenovated state. The
surrounding property is now parkland and is frequently used by the neighborhood surrounding the adobe.
5S Oq —C�-
Adobe Report Page
Summary of Process to Assess Public Interest in the Use of the City's Adobes
As directed by Council, staff undertook an effort to try and gauge the public's interest in the long term
use of the City's adobes. First, a staff team was assembled. It included staff from Administration,
Community Development, Building Maintenance, and Parks and Recreation. Staff created a project plan
to solicit public participation on this topic. Additionally, staff brought in Jesse Sostrin of Creative
Mediation(under and existing City contract) to assist in the facilitation of public participation.
In an attempt to gain an understanding of the community's desires for the long term use of the three
adobes a variety of forums for public participation were provided. The outreach can be summarized as
follows:
a. Internal staff meetings to identify key stakeholders and basic information about the adobes.
b. A meeting with individuals who had expressed interest in the La Loma Adobe, including Jamie
Hill and Bob Vessley.
c. Notice was sent to the neighbors to the adobes (over 600 residences) as well as to interested
individuals of a public input forum held at the Ludwick Center on November 13`x. At the forum
staff provided an overview on each adobe and Jesse Sostrin elicited written and verbal input.
d. Staff provided a brief overview of the outreach effort to the Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC)
at its November 2008 meeting and took input.
e. Members of the public who did not attend the forum but received written materials also
communicated with staff.
A
Public Interest Expressed
Creative Mediation's summary of the November 13`h public input forum (Attachment 1) provides
detailed information on what the 16 members of the community who attended the forum said about the
adobes. Although the volume of attendees was not as high as staff would have liked the quality of the
participants' input was very high. The participants had clear ideas about the use of the adobes in the
future and were also very aware of the practical realities facing the City in these unprecedented fiscal
times. Attachment 2 is the input sheet that was used at the forum and which was subsequently mailed
out to adobe neighbors and distributed at the CHC meeting to Committee members and the public in and
effort to gain additional public input. The input on each of the individual adobes at the forum is
discussed below.
1. The Butron Adobe. Unfortunately, the only neighbor to the Butron adobe had to leave the forum
early so no break-out group discussion was held on this adobe. However, as staff has been clearing the
grounds and doing deferred maintenance on the adobe in the past few months; several neighbors have
complimented the City's efforts.
2. The La Loma Adobe. Neighbors of the La Loma adobe discussed the opportunities for the structure.
Some of their creative ideas included use as a community orchard and involvement by high school
students on some sort of project to improve the adobe. There was however the acknowledgement that a
project of this scale might have to wait until the City's fiscal circumstances change..
3. The Rodriguez Adobe. Thi;neighbors to the Rodriguez adobe have spent considerable time working
amongst themselves at the breakout session and very clearly stated at the forum that they are happy with
the adobe's use remaining status quo. At this time, enhancements to the interior of the structure would
SS�-3
Adobe Report Page 4
not necessarily be welcomed by the neighborhood because residents enjoy the minimal public use of the
adobe and the surrounding parkland at Purple Sage and have concerns that increased usage may result in
possible traffic and noise impacts to the neighborhood. Attachment 3 was provided to staff at the
November 13`t'public input forum and reflects this position.
4. The Cultural Heritage Committee. Subsequent to staff s presentation to the CHC, the committee as
part of the City's major city goal setting process, expressed interest in serving a more active role in
determining for the future for all three adobes. The CHC has expressed that the adobes exist as
community-wide assets rather than solely serving their adjacent neighborhoods and should be considered
in a broad context, balancing multiple factors.
"Project" Constraints
As with all projects there are constraints. The principal constraint to rehabilitating the adobes is
financial. In addition to the significant costs associated with rehabilitating and maintaining three adobe
structures, there are simply very limited funds (grant or otherwise) available to address the "needs" of
the adobes. This has limited the City's ability to make needed improvements and prevent further
weathering and vandalism. Additional constraints include legal issues which may limit the ability for
private public/partnership; the nature of the two-story structure of La Loma which makes it particularly
complicated to rehabilitate; and the presumption that some neighbors do want to see the structures put
back into use.
So What Are Some Possible Options For the Use of the Adobes?
There are plenty of options for the adobes long tern use; unfortunately, funding limitations provide a
reality check on these options. A few of the options that came up in meetings or discussions with the
public and staff are as follows:
1. Rodriguez remains as is. Most comments supported maintaining the status quo, with no need to
further rehabilitate the interior at this time. The neighborhood has not expressed an interest in increased
use as a community facility by the adobe at this time.
Z. Use future CDBG allocations to rehabilitate the adobes. Over the years, staff has been unable to
identify significant grant funding for the adobes. However, future CDBG funding is a possible source to
rehabilitate the adobes. Because the nature and extent of rehabilitation of each of the adobes is so
varied, future requests for CDBG funds would likely be phased and focus on one adobe at a time. The
adobes however, will have to compete in the City's process for this funding and as Council is aware
there are many competing, high priority community interests, for these funds.
3. Change in Ownership of the La Loma adobe. In recent years, other communities have taken a
different tact with some of their historic resources and have sold or deeded them to a non-profit entity for
restoration and use. Legal restrictions mandating preservation, restoration, and specifying use can be a
part of such a transaction. The biggest challenge with this option is finding a well-capitalized entity
capable of taking on such an endeavor. The La Loma adobe lends itself to such an arrangement because
if rehabilitated it could readily serve as a residence or a museum as has been suggested in prior reviews
of the structure. Finally, the use of its grounds for community purposes, i.e. a community orchard, is
also a likely and complimentary prospect.
1
Adobe Report Page 5
4. Continue renewed maintenance efforts at the Butron adobe. In recent months, staff has made
significant progress on the long deferred maintenance of the Butron adobe. Further work is possible in
the near term. Currently, $110,200 in CDBG money is available to do much needed stabilization work
on this structure. For instance with this money, immediate action could be taken to address the roof in
order to preserve the adobe structure. Procedurally, this will require reprogramming these funds to
change the proposed use from making ADA improvements at the adobe to stabilization efforts
Next Steps
The January 20, 2009 Study Session on the City's adobes is intended to provide Council with basic
information about the adobes including the public's desires for their long term treatment. The historic
preservation of these precious resources remains a priority for our community, however, there was no
"clear winner"in ranking which adobe should receive treatment first and what exactly should be done to
each of the adobes (aside from status quo at Rodriguez). At this time, it seems that the best course of
action is for Council to analyze the adobes within the larger City budget context. Suggestions for
possible long term maintenance and use may become part of the 2009-11 Major City Goals, or may not
given other community and Council priorities.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Creative Mediation Meeting Summary
2. Participation Input Sheet
3. Rodriguez Adobe Neighbor Correspondence
4. Various Correspondence from Citizens on the Adobes
Reading File
1998 Condition Assessment and Preliminary Rehabilitation Study on the Adobes
�a_s
i
I L 1
ATTACHMENT 1
Meeting Summary
CREATIVE
MEDIATION
The City of San Luis Obispo
City Residents
Creative Mediation
265 South St., Suite P
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: 805-549-0442
Fax: 805-549-0654
Web: www.creativemediation.net
E-mail: infoOcreativemediation.net
MACHMENT 1
At the request of the San Luis Obispo City Council, Creative Mediation was engaged to facilitate
a community meeting. The primary objective of the meeting was to gather information about
community member needs and preferences as they relate to the potential future uses of the
three Adobes owned by the City of San Luis Obispo. Sixteen members of the community of San
Luis Obispo attended the meeting. The agenda for the meeting included the following:
1. Welcome and overview of purpose
2. Participant introductions
3. Historic overview of the Adobes by Shelly Stanwyck
4. Information sharing and discussion
5. Summary and next steps
The following is a summary of the collective input from the sixteen community members on a
questionnaire about the use of the three Adobes:
I. Rank the Importance of the Three Adobes
Of the three Adobes owned by the City of San Luis Obispo, how would you rank them in order of
importanceto you personally?
1. Most Important: 500/b Rodriguez (44% La Loma, 6% Butron)
2. Somewhat Important: 70% Butron (15% La Loma, 15% Rodriguez)
3. Least Important: 46% La Loma (31% Rodriguez, 23% Butron)
Of the three Adobes owned by the City of San Luis Obispo, how would you rank them in order of
importance to the historic nature of our community?
1. Most Important: 57% La Loma (36% Butron, 8% Rodriguez)
2. Somewhat Important: 42% La Loma, 42% Butron (16% Rodriguez)
3. Least.Important: 75% Rodriguez (8% La Loma, 8% Butron)
Of the three Adobes owned by the city of San Luis Obispo, how would you rank them in order of
priority and feasibility for restoration?
1. Most Important: 54% Butron (31% La Loma, 15% Rodriguez)
2. Somewhat Important: 500/b La Loma (30% Butron, 20% Rodriguez)
3. Least Important: 64% Rodriguez (27% La Loma, 9% Butron)
II. Rank the Priorities for the Intended Use of the Adobes
Please rank the following three priorities in order of greatest importance for the Rodriguez
Adobe:
Highest Priority:
69% Owned and managed by the City and used as a neighborhood or community center.
12% Owned by the City and operated in conjunction with neighborhood association.
0% Sold to a private entity and used for historic preservation purposes.
19% Other: Left it the way it is with no additional development.
Please rank the following three priorities in order of greatest importance for the La Loma
Adobe:
Highest priority:
50% Owned and managed by the City and used as a museum and residence.
S �—�
_ ATTACHMENT 1
18% Owned by the City and operated in conjunction with a non-profit organization.
19% Sold to a private entity and used for historic preservation purposes.
13% Other: Protected from further deterioration.
Please rank the following three priorities in order of greatest importance for the Butron Adobe:
Highest priority:
67% Owned and managed by the City and used as a community meeting room.
16% Owned by the City and operated in conjunction with neighborhood association.
17% Sold to a private entity and used for historic preservation purposes.
In general, please identify the three most interesting and potentially beneficial uses for the
Adobes:
56% Public Gardens
50% Community Orchard
50% Museum and Cultural Heritage Center
44% Community Event & Meeting Space
13% Experiential Education Center
6% Non-Profit Office Space
III. Comments
Several participants included additional comments and ideas for the Adobes:
• Concerning the Rodriguez Adobe:
1. "Rodriguez could be a neighborhood park."
2. "Very important to keep the lawn area maintained."
3. "Use as storage for grounds keeping."
4. "Owned by the association and managed by a paid staff person for activities."
• Concerning the La Loma Adobe:
1. "Should be sold to a private party who can build a private home on the land also."
2. "Restore structure and gardens."
3. "Use La Loma as a gateway to the hiking trail above. Community garden/orchard
is a good idea."
• Concerning the Butron Adobe:
1. "Include on downtown walking tour."
2. "I could see weddings on the grounds of the Butron Adobe."
3. "Best used in connection with downtown historical."
4. "Sold to a private party who is allowed to build a home on the land and maintain
the adobe."
Three groups were formed to reflect which Adobe each participant felt was most important.
However, those in the Butron group could not stay to contribute to this activity. The Rodriguez
and La Loma groups brainstormed opportunities and concerns for their respective Adobes:
Rodriguez:
1. Opportunities:
• Keep the structure as is
• Use as a storage facility
SSS-B'
" TACHMENT 1
2. Concerns:
• The neighborhood is happy with the current state of the structure
• Any big plans or changes could disrupt the neighborhood
La Loma:
1. Opportunities:
• Need for preservation but may need to wait until economy improves
• Could get emergency grant based on current state
• Get community proposals for use and maintenance
• Involve high school students
• Develop into a community orchard
2. Concerns:
• State of disrepair
• Needs watchful eyes—volunteers?
• Volunteer work may be inconsistent or slow
IV. Commitment and Contact Information
"I am willing to volunteer some time to plan for the future use of the Adobes."
Nate Maas, 541-8435, maasfamilyesbcglobal.net
James and Ravi Fishback, 441-4417
Craig Kaplan, 441-4063, chkaalan@yahoo.com
Gerald Fox, qdfoxc@gwest.net
Tom Kolby, 549-8789
Kathy Cohon, kcohonaauw(a)sbcglobal.net
Charles A. Knight, 594-0345
Merilee Wilhelm, mwilhelm@co.slo.ca.us
Carolyn Paige, 549-9277
"I am interested in co-managing the future use of the Adobes if they are converted to
community meeting spaces."
Sharon King, 545-8343 (H), 781-4272 (W)
Tom Kolby (see contact info above)
"Please contact me, I want to stay involved or have other ideas to share."
Steve Nelson, 544-7969, srnelson@ix.netcom.com
Virginia Kennedy, 546-8029, v-kennedv@sbcglobal.net
Craig Kaplan (see contact info above)
Nate Maas (see contact info above)
Kathy Cohon (see contact info above)
Charles A. Knight (see contact info above)
Merilee Wilhelm (see contact info above)
Ss� -q
..Participant Input.Sheet AI IACHIYIGIVI 2
Community Outreach - San Luis Obispo Adobes
Thank you.for attending this important community meeting! The purpose of the meeting is to gather
information about community member needs and preferences as they relate to the potential future uses
of the three Adobes owned by the City of San Luis Obispo. The goal is to take this collective input and
refine recommendations to City Council regarding consensus about future uses of the Adobes. Please
take a few moments to provide your input on the following three items:
I. Rank the Importance of the Three Adobes
A. Of the three Adobes owned by the City of San Luis Obispo, how would you rank them in order of
importance to you personally?
1. Most Important:
2. Somewhat Important:
3. Least Important:
(Butron on Dana St., La Loma off Johnson Ave., Rodriguez off Tank Farm Rd.)
B. Of the three Adobes owned by the City of San Luis Obispo, how would you rank them in order of
importance to the historic nature of our community?
1. Most Important:
2. Somewhat Important:
3. Least Important:
(Butron on Dana St., La Loma off Johnson Ave., Rodriguez off Tank Farm Rd.)
C. Of the three Adobes owned by the City of San Luis Obispo, how would you rank them in order of
priority and feasibility for restoration?
4. Most Important:
5. Somewhat Important:
6. Least Important:
(Butron on Dana St., La Loma off Johnson Ave., Rodriguez off Tank Farm Rd.)
II. Rank Your Priorities for the Preferred Use of Each Adobe
A. Please rank the following three priorities in order of greatest importance for the Rodriquez Adobe:
1 = Highest priority 2 = Moderate priority 3 = Low priority
Owned and managed by the City and used as a neighborhood or community center.
Owned by the City and operated in conjunction with a non-profit organization.
Sold to a private entity with provisions for historic preservation purposes.
Other:
SSS-Jb
Participant Input Sheet ' 'TTACHM 2
Community Outreach — San Luis Obispo Adobes
B. Please rank the following three priorities in order of greatest importance for the La Loma Adobe:
1 = Highest priority 2 = Moderate priority 3 = Low priority
Owned and managed by the City and used as a museum and residence.
Owned by the City and operated in conjunction with a non-profit organization.
Sold to a private entity, with provisions for historic preservation purposes.
Other:
C. Please rank the following three priorities in order of greatest importance for the Butron Adobe:
1 = Highest priority 2 = Moderate priority 3 = Low priority
Owned and managed by the City and used as a community meeting room.
Owned by the City and operated in conjunction with a non-profit organization.
Sold to a private entity with provisions for historic preservation purposes.
Other:
D. In general, please circle the three most interesting and potentially beneficial uses for the. Adobes:
1. Museum and Cultural Heritage Center 4. Non-Profit Office Space
2. Community Event& Meeting Space 5. Community Orchard
3. Public Gardens 6. Experiential Educational Center
III. Describe Your Level of Commitment to Support the Adobes
Check all of the following statements that apply:
❑ 1 am willing to volunteer some time to plan for the future use of the Adobes.
❑ I am willing to help raise funds to restore the Adobes.
❑ 1 am interested in co-managing the future use of the Adobes if they are converted to community
meeting spaces.
❑ Please contact me, I want to stay involved or I have other ideas to share.
My name:
My phone number and/or email:
Additional Comments:
Thank you for attending this community meeting. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to
contact April Richardson at 781-7123 or arichard@slocity.org.
Ssa-1 t
i
ATTACHMS
To: The City of San Luis Obispo
Re: The Rodriguez Adobe
We the undersigned, residents in the neighborhood of the Rodriguez
Adobe, are happy with the Adobe in its present state of restoration. We
like the large lawn and hope the city will maintain it as is.
1\I AJ r U )Ae-
. P _.
dw
i
MA 'EvrrtAno 442I 3MPI�LU l/JV 1( (J�bg
1-12, 'LrOE3
/P ph ZA cy
hem
Dv-r a qcn ►aa(o L'd -� ri �a a
S-qq _ ►z�
KG,-�h�e.�.-" M . Cr ��� I-3� 8 I ur nle Se-.u,. (,,, . S W i�• (� -b�l
[1312-c-0 �
ss�-lam
ATTANDIS
To: The City of San Luis Obispo
Re: The Rodriguez Adobe
We the undersigned, residents in the neighborhood of the Rodriguez
Adobe, are happy with the Adobe in its present-state of-restoration. We
like the large lawn and hope the city will maintain it as is.
I'\! A Me A�L� r eams
.P/7'0
- o - o
h d
-_TSA anal �+y�d geL4kr 12Ro ���er
I,G r(y a r�i qbL G�&V 6 1301 Alder 5f. ll/ 71 G 8
Y&f� /Z-7 -7 dUez,- Lt, l /-7/0,�
/�d
Alk-
� p
lin l I 13 i
SSa-13
,Stanw ckShell RnaCHN4
Stanwyck, y
From: norma frey[npfrey@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 11:00 AM
To: Stanwyck, Shelly
Subject: City adobes
Dear Ms. Stanwyck,
I am very sorry that I will be unable to attend the forum on Thursday, November 13, 2008. 1 will be out of the country but
am still very interested in the future of the City owned adobes. We have very little left of our Mission Era heritage and these
old structures have more than Mission Era history to share. They began as the Missions were closed down;their histories
represent the cultural, social and economic changes of the second half of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries.The
few remaining adobes are treasures that speak to our history here on the Central Coast. We rely on tourist dollars for
much of our income. These adobes can be part of our uniqueness as a tourist destination.
I live fairly close to the La Loma and have watched it "melt." I have worked to remove weeds and prune shrubs and
advocate fora roof and proper drainage at the Brunot. I have spent countless hours volunteering to preserve and maintain
the Dallidet adobe and gardens. It is amazing what directed volunteers can do! I hope our citizens and city planners can
realize that preserving some of our past is very important to our future as a community.
Sincerely,
Norma Frey
i
ATTACHN 4
Barbara Parsons
4650 Portola Rd.
Atascadero, CA. 93422
Telephone: (805)466-9457
November 7, 2008
Shelly Stanwyck, Asst. City Administrative Officer
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm St.
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401-3249
Re: Rodriguez Adobe-Nov. 13, 2008 (Public Input Forum)
Dear Ms. Stanwyck:
I recently received a letter which was addressed to "Dear Adobe Neighbors". I wish to advise
you that my parents, who are now both deceased, resided at the corner of Tank Farm and Orcutt
Rds., where my father had a small dairy and then later ran a few beef cows and calves. My
daughter and I still retain ownership of the property.
The Bettencourt Dairy(Rodriguez Adobe)was located adjacent to our property, I believe it
consisted of 200 acres, more or less and now consists of the Arbors development. The Frank
Diaz family lived at the adobe for many years as Mr. Diaz took care of the dairy and raised hay for
the cattle. Their family consisted of Frank Diaz, Rose Diaz and children-Rose Marie, Josephine,
Frank, Anthony and Pauline. Pauline Diaz Ward is the only one remaining in the area, and the
last address I have for her is 519 W. Taylor, #271, Santa Maria, CA. 93458. Frank Diaz died
February 1, 1998. The family all grew up there and we all rode the school bus together and our
families would visit back and forth and celebrate birthdays together.
During my youth I visited at the adobe and we used to play on the huge open porch that faced the
west (railroad tracks). The walls were probably almost two feet deep, there was no electricity
nor indoor plumbing in the house during this time. It was rather rustic, with boards on the floor.
The Diaz family used wood for heating, and gas for lighting. An ice box was used for keeping
food cold.
I really don't know much about the condition of the adobe, but understood that it deteriorate
quite a bit over the years, hopefully it can be repaired for sake of posterity and used in some form
for the public to view and enjoy as a park/museum.
Sincerely,
�
Barbara Parsons
2,1
I
AnACHM �
November 15, 2008
City of San Luis Obispo
Dave Romero, Mayor
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
RE: Adobe meeting 11/13/08
Dear Sir:
I attended the meeting on Thursday night and thought the presentation by the mediation pair was
well done. I was afraid to speak up as I saw the consensus of the group was to preserve the
adobes. My thoughts are totally 180 degrees from this group.
Do we really need that many(12) adobes in one county? In striving to maintain decrepit past
edifices are we hampering the city in providing for the current and future residents of this city?
I would like to see the following:
1. Collect the salvable artifacts from the Butron and La Loma adobes that are applicable to that
historic time period. Display these are the Mission or the Dalidet Adobe.
2. The city should sell the two parcels for residential/business use and designate that money for
restoring the Rodriguez adobe as follows:
1. Inside the building create one handicapped women/men restroom.
2. Kitchen area with refrigerator, oven, microwave and counter area
3. Storage area for supplies
4. Table and chairs
The city could make available the building and grass area for small group meetings.
A. The residents of Islay Hill would have first chance to rent the building at a nominal fee.
B. The building would only be rented on Saturdays only from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Two
groups could actually use the building, i.e., birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers,
small weddings, family reunions, anniversaries, etc., 10-2 or 3-7.
C. No groups would be allowed on Sunday to allow the community around the park to enjoy
it along with all city residents.
D. The limit for the rental would be 50 persons.
E. If the resident of Islay Hill rents it they must be present at the gathering for the entire time.
FROM
I live around the corner from the adobe and see it mostly used for neighborhood dogs and some
soccer groups/baseball groups use it now. I was hoping when I purchase my new home in June of
1998 that the Hertel Corporation would create a community center that would be used for so
many activities. Many people in this area have smaller homes and yards and with our great
weather it would be nice to use a large facility with that great lawn area for bigger family/friends
events. I certainly would be available to help maintain/track the rental of the unit since I do live
very close.
Thank you for letting me express my thoughts, for what they are worth. I realize people become
emotional about the past and strive to preserve as much as possible, but in reality, with the
economic times this city as well as so many others are facing I think it more practical to have
homes built on this land and have the city reap the property tax from this valuable land. Let's save
what we can and concentrate our efforts where we can see the most benefit for all.
Sincerely,
Sharon King
1399 Alder Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805)545-8343 Home
(805)781-4272 County of SLO,
Mental Health, Personnel
sa;?-
��
Report on City Forum to discuss city-owned adobes ATTACHMN4
Thursday, November 13, 2008, Ludwick Community Center
Location and condition of 3 adobes:
1. Butron (c.1861)-- 466 Dana St, next to IOOF Hall
Land has overgrown garden with large (grape) trellis
—Wooden structure; adobe walls are plumb
Not retrofitted
Inconsistent drainage on property, backs on creek
2. La Loma (c. 1850)—1590 Lizzie St, uphill from entrance to Adult School
Land is overgrown with low-profile plants
Two-story with porches under cover
Structure in very poor state of repair.
Rooms added on have settled and pulled away from structure.
3. Rodriguez(c.1840)—1341 Purple Sage Ln, off Brookpine, Islay Hill neighborhood
Land is a city-maintained park and zoned Public Facility.
Single story building is covered, retrofitted,with temporary roof
— No interior improvements
II.Attendees met in neighborhood groups to discuss each adobe and what should be done with each property.
Each group looked at their local adobe knowing that restoration funds may not/will not be available.
General consensus was to use any available moneys, limited as they might be, this way:
1. Butron Adobe - Protect, preserve, and repair Butron Adobe to make it available to use by the public because
of its location. Consider using it in conjunction with the Historical Walking Tour, Children's Museum, and/or
Historical Museum.
2. La Loma Adobe -Shield the existing building to lessen future deterioration. Evaluate the amount, the type,
and the cost of work needed.
3. Rodriguez Adobe—City of SLO maintain the city park and the exterior of the building. Make no further
improvements/upgrades such as additional parking, bathrooms,or BBQ pits. Keep additional traffic at a
minimum because of the limited site lines around the park and the building and the quiet nature of the
current use of the park. Perhaps use the building for storage of historical artifacts belonging to the city.
Reported by
Kathy Cohon
1358 Purple Sage Ln,SLO
805-594-1249
Next Meeting: Cultural Heritage Committee
Monday, November 24 5:30 PM
At Council Hearing Boom at City Hall, 990 Palm Ste
I'm going at 5 PM. Call me to car pool. Kathy Cohon 594-1249
Next presevwtat�ov6 - T"esdni ,Jawu.arl 6, 2009 at a�i:d C:ouv cU MeetLwg
ssa-1
-----Original Message-----
From: gary dwyer [mailto:gdwyer@calpoly.edu]
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 5:08 PM
To: Stanwyck, Shelly; slocitycouncil@slocitycouncil.org
Subject.: City Adobes
Dear Shelly Stanwyck,
This letter is in response to your request of 14 January regarding the
various city Adobes.
First, the City needs to be applauded in regard to their recent
trimming of the shrubs and trees of the Adobe located at 466 Dana
Street. It has made serious and substantial improvement on both the
adobe property and Dana Street itself.
However, as a twenty year resident of Dana Street, the above mentioned
work is the only activity I have ever observed at this property. It has
been sad, dilapidated and neglected for decades. Certainly it is
possible to engage in a renovation program similar to those that have
been conducted for other adobes in the city. This location has the
possibility of being a joint venture with the adjacent Odd Fellows Hall
as many of their events could make use of increased (green) exterior
space already nearly useable at the adobe.
The appended letter regarding a request for the repaving of Dana Street
more fully explains why increased attention to the street and its
amenities would further increase the utility and enjoyment of Dana
Street. The recent renovation of the The Salt Water Works Building and
the Children's Museum on adjacent Nipomo street indicate the value of
this neighborhood.
The renovation of the Adobe at 466 Dana Street (and and its gardens)
would increase the quality of the near downtown experience for the
large number of people who already use the street and perhaps increase
the viability of an already vibrant neighborhood.
Please consider this request in your deliberations.
Sincerely,
Gary Dwyer
415 Dana Street #5
(805) 545-9981
G'COUNCIL V CDD DIR
EFGAetirgMG,e E' FIN DIR
FI=B FILEITAGflfl45-yurymccG'"FIRECHIEF
- MEETING AGENDA C3'ATTORNEY L'-PW DIR
[3`CLERK/ORIGC'1 OLIC,E CHF
(DATE 20 0 Il E[:9 55a 0 DEPT HEADS C] REC 00
rte- Pl C`i UTIL DIR
_T2�8itN 2-HR DIR
N,6VVa745,r —COUaael-
G ITh /KG2