HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-16 CHC Correspondence - Item 1 (Krieger)REGI=IVSD
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
JUN 2 7 2016
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Meeting:``
Item:
Cultural Heritage Commission c/o Brian Leveille
City of San Luis Obispo
City Hall, 990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, California
93401
Dear Cultural Heritage Commissioners:
Daniel E. Krieger, Ph.D.
662 Islay
San Luis Obispo,
California 93401
(805)543-9611
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June 27, 2016
I regret that I am unable to attend tonight's meeting in person. I was a member of the San Luis Obispo
Cultural Heritage Committee in 1983 when the 1895 Sandford House was placed on the Master List of
Historic Resources. Members of the committee, including myself, contacted the Delta Tau House and
surveyed its condition. We shared our concern for the preservation of the structure with city officials and
staff. We were also concerned that the R-4 zoning would invite its destruction through "creative neglect."
Thirty-three years later, little has been done to protect this late Victorian treasure. I am writing as a friend
of that resource. The LR Development Group's proposal to relocate and rehabilitate the Sandford House
appears to me the last, best chance for its preservation. While I would prefer to see the structure remain
where it stands, the projected appearance in its new location would enhance the house's "gift to the
street."
I believe that the house would survive the short move. I am not an architectural historian but I have
worked actively in historic preservation for more than forty years. I have seen a number of similar
structures survive such moves. Some of these moves have involved what were once rural farm 19th/ early
20th century homes into our Old Town Neighborhood where they add to the existing, contributing
resources.
The planned use of the Sanford House as a community center avoids the dangers shared by many
unoccupied historic homes endangered by vandalism and "squatter" fires.
I am well aware of the controversies surrounding this project. I know that you will want to maintain the
guidelines of the CHC Ordinance in protecting the longterm preservation of the Sanford House.
Very truly,
Daniel E. Krieger, Ph.D.
Professor of History, Emeritus
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA