HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2016 PC Agenda Correspondence Item 2 (Lakeman, Letter 1)Meeting: PC 1 -27' 2allo
Item:
Date: 01/27/16!
2
To: Members of the Planning Commission: Hemalata Dandekar, Michael Draze, John Fowler,
Ronald Malak, Michael Multari (Vice Chair), John Larson (Chair), William Riggs
Planning Staff: Michael Codron, Tyler Corey, Xzandrea Fowler, Kyle Bell, Brian Leveille
SOD:
RE: 1101 Monterey Street / King -Rossi Fremont Project
Regarding this proposed project as a wrap- around of the Fremont Theater, I am writing to object
to the far - reaching height of this structure as being completely out of character with the context
and the immediate buildings, in particular the main Landmark Buildings in downtown San Luis
Obispo, the J.P. Morgan building, diagonally across the intersection of Monterey and Osos Streets
and the Fremont Theater, When seen from a distance and in perspective the building will appear
to be the same height as the Fremont Marquee and maybe even taller than it. This should not be
allowed. The Marquee is a beautiful example of Art Deco and should be respected and left to
stand alone as it was designed to appear.
It seems that the King -Rossi facade on Monterey would also overpower the notable Buona Tavola
Restaurant that is only one- story. This area of downtown SLO is designated to allow new
building heights of 45 feet at the maximum. Therefore, it is imperative that this new structure be
reduced by two stories on all facades as stated in the `Conceptual Physical Plan for the City's
Center ", as stated, "Preserve in general the existing building height patterns of 2 and 3 stories ".
As designed this new structure would completely dominate this area of downtown and that is
not what is desirable as we attempt to protect the small historic nature of our downtown.
In viewing the prepared perspectives it is apparent that the new building has been squeezed into
the slot between the Sperry Building and the Fremont and the height has been exaggerated by
two too many stories. The Pasco walk- through measures 15 to 20 feet and less in some areas and
if bound by 60 foot high walls would not be an enjoyable space or place, The top two interior
residential floors of the building will be facing onto the old rooftop of the theater, not a favorable
immediate foreground view.
Viewing the architectural plans and front elevation facing Higuera Street it is apparent that the
new structure would be exactly in line with the front of the Fremont Theater, not showing any
respect to its lovely curved front facade and Art Deco Marquee. Instead the new structure should
have a setback of all stories next to the Fremont theater facade.
Sandra Lakeman
Author and Architect
Emeritus Professor of Architecture
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405