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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES 2003CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES 2003 MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, January 27, 2003 The meeting convened at 5`.30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Vice -Chair Paula Juelke Carr, Chuck Crotser, Steve McMasters, Bob Schrage, Margot McDonald and Matt Whittlesey. Absent: Chairperson Tom Wheeler. Staff. Jeff Hook, Associate Planner. MINUTES: On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Schrage, the minutes of the November 25 and December 16, 2002 meetings were approved, 6-0. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 728 Mission Street. ARCMI 195-02. Add 575 square feet to a house on the Contributing Properties list. Ion Webster, Applicant. Jeff Hook presented the staff report. Property owner Ion Webster described the project and noted that a poorly done 1941 addition would be removed to accommodate the new addition. He said they planned to use new windows similar to the existing double -hung windows, and that the parapet type roof on the garage would be retained. There was no public comment. Vice -Chairperson Carr closed the public hearing. Committee members felt this was an exemplary project because of the sensitive way the addition was designed to preserve and enhance the character of the single -story California Spanish bungalow. On a motion by Committee member McMasters, seconded by Committee member Schrage, the Committee voted 6-0 to determine the proposed addition is architecturally compatible with the historic house and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and referred the project to the Community Development Director with a recommendation to approve the project as proposed. 2. 863 Paha Street. ARCMI 191-02. Remodel storefront for commercial building in the historic Chinatown District. Stephen Yung, Applicant. Jeff Hook presented the staff report. Stephen Yung explained the project, noting that he tried not to damage the building with the new storefront. He wanted to reintroduce Chinese business into the Chinatown Historic District and hoped to do a more "Chinese-style" remodel in the future if/when the Copelands Chinatown development moved forward. There was no public comment. Committee members complemented Mr. Yung on his efforts to upgrade the property and reintroduce Chinese business into the area. Vice -Chairperson Carr closed the public hearing. Members agreed with Committee members Schrage and Crotser and more Chinese-American CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of January 27, 2003 Page 2 color accents on the building might "soften" the architectural transition between the anodized aluminum storefront and the original warehouse building. On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Schrage, the Committee voted 6-0 to determine that the proposed fagade remodel was architecturally compatible with the Chinatown Historic District and with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, provided that the following design change is incorporated into the project: 1. Traditional Chinese color and pattern should be painted in the storefront opening returns to the approval of Community Development Department staff, with colors to be selected by the applicant. The Committee referred the project to the Community Development Director with a recommendation to approve the project. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 3. Proposal from Dan Carpenter regarding historic plaques for Contributing historic properties. After general discussion of the City's historic plaque program, the Committee established a subcommittee of Committee members Whittlesey and Crotser to work with Dan Carpenter on options to recognize contributing historic properties. Committee members felt cost and differentiation between Master List and Contributing properties were the key issues that needed to be addressed, and identified four potential strategies: • Standardized historic signs without distinguishing information on them for Contributing properties. • Ceramic tiles used as plaques for Master List Properties, with less costly plastic plaques for Contributing properties. • A single, centralized plaque at City Hall with changeable copy listing all historic resources in the City. • Add Master List and Contributing properties to the City's web site. 4. Review status of the Draft Post -Disaster Historic Preservation Guidelines. Committee members identified three important components needed in the Post -Disaster Historic Preservation Guidelines: 1. A clear, compelling rationale for the Guidelines and a disaster plan. 2. A simple, easily implemented disaster response plan. 3. Post -disaster rehabilitation standards. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of January 27, 2003 Page 3 Committee members felt that the sample post -disaster historic Preservation guidelines provided in the CHC agenda packet had some value but were generally too complicated to be directly applicable to San Luis Obispo. They discussed additional features the guidelines should contain and felt a good first step was to evaluate the City's Building Demolition Regulations to determine how these might be adapted to meet post -disaster preservation objectives. On a motion by Committee member McMasters, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee formed a subcommittee composed of Steve McMasters and Paula Carr to meet with City staff to review past efforts and bring back a proposal to the full Committee for eventual City Council consideration. 5. Downtown Historic Street Lighting Demonstration. Jeff Hook explained the Historic Street Lighting Demonstration project and noted that the item would be coming back to the CHC for review of preferred globe and lighting element types at the February meeting. The Committee adjourned at 8 p.m. to the regular CHC meeting on Monday, February 24, 2003, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room (Room 9), 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. These minutes were approved at the Committee's February 24, 2003 meeting. L:/jhook/chc/2003/chc i-03.min MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, February 24, 2003 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Vice -Chair Paula Juelke Carr, Chuck Crotser, Steve McMasters, Bob Schrage, Margot McDonald and Matt Whittlesey. Staff. Michael Codron and Jeff Hook, Associate Planners. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, objected to the proposed relocation of the historic Pinho house. MINUTES: On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Whittlesey, the minutes of the January 27, 2003 meeting were approved as submitted on a 6-0 vote (Committee member McDonald absent). PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 487 Marsh Street. ARCPR 1-03. Plan revisions to The Manse On Marsh Street residential care facility, including relocation of the historic Pinho House. Chris Skiff, Applicant. As one of Mr. Skiff's clients, Committee member Whittlesey stepped down due to a possible conflict of interest. Committee member McDonald arrived at the meeting. Michael Codron presented the staff report. He recapped past city actions and described proposed project changes. Chris Skiff, the applicant, explained the proposed changes and the reasons behind them. He questioned whether the Pinho house could still be considered historically significant given past architectural modifications and noted that Mr. Pinho lived in the house less than 40 years, the time period identified in the Historic Program Preservation Guidelines for establishing an historic association between a person and property. He felt the project would be improved if the Pinho house and the "summer kitchen" were both moved to another site and restored together. Chairperson Wheeler opened the public hearing. Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, objected to the proposed relocation of the historic Pinho house and felt that moving the house would reduce its historic value to the community. She felt the City and the applicant should show respect for the property and its original owner. Diane Shirvem objected to changing the project after public hearings and comment had already CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of February 24, 2003 Page 2 taken place and a compromise reached. She felt that the proposed changes raised new environmental issues that merited public scrutiny. Eric Myer, P.O. Box 16060, San Luis Obispo, 93406, said that he and his sister would like to move the house to their property at 463 Branch Street and that he would carefully restore the house and kitchen to their original architectural character. He cited his work experience in doing other similar projects. Michelle Stoutenbrough, 463 Branch Street, said that she intended to live in the house if it could be moved to her property and that she had great respect for the house and its historic significance. Hearing no further comment, Chairperson Wheeler closed the public hearing. Committee members did not support the proposed change and did not feel Mr. Skiff offered any new information to change the CHC's and the Council's previous actions on the property. Members noted that the Council's decision to preserve the historic Pinho house on its original site represented a carefully considered compromise and an excellent example of the type of "adaptive reuse" city policies encourage. They also noted the house's historic significance was due, in part, to its setting and location on Marsh Street, close to residences of other prominent San Luis Obispo citizens. Based on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, moving the building off site would adversely affect the integrity of the historical resource and is likely to trigger the requirement for additional environmental studies. They noted that the city attorney had determined the "40 year" timeframe was a guideline and not a strict requirement, and that Mr. Pinho had lived 33 years in the house and also had died there — enough of an association to clearly establish historic significance. On a motion by Committee member Schrage, seconded by Committee member McMasters, the Committee voted 6-0 to recommend to the Architectural Review Commission that it deny the project based on the following findings: 1. The project is inconsistent with Finding #3 of Council Resolution No. 9295, which states that the location of the house and the detached building (formerly a kitchen and washroom for the residence) reflect the social status of the original builder and occupant and exhibit important information regarding the social context of the building and occupant because other significant individuals in the history of San Luis Obispo, including the Jack Family and the Higuera Family, lived on this part of Marsh Street. 2. The project is inconsistent with Finding #4 of Council Resolution No. 9295, which states the building's locations are significant because Marsh Street is important to the history and development of San Luis Obispo as one of its main thoroughfares and the historic residence is one of a few original residences remaining from the 19" century. 3. Findings Nos. 5, 6, and 8 of Council Resolution No. 9295 establish Antonio Pinho as a long time Marsh Street resident, where he lived for 33 years with neighbors such as R. E. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of February 24, 2003 Page 3 Jack and Thomas Higuera. Relocating the house would sever Pinbo's connection with this historic section of Marsh Street. 4. The project is inconsistent with Finding #12 of Council Resolution No. 9295 because relocating the Pinho House will detract from the environmental design continuity of Marsh Street that is created by the Pinho House together with the Jack House (536 Marsh), Wilkenson House (450 Marsh), and the Kaetzel House (547 Marsh). 5. The project is inconsistent with the City's Historical Preservation Program Guidelines because one of the Program's stated goals is to safeguard the heritage of the City by providing for the preservation of Historical Resources which represent significant elements of its history, and is inconsistent Secretary of the Interior's Standards discouraging the removal or relocation of historic buildings or landscape features, thus destroying their historic relationship within the setting. 6. Antonio Pinho was an important historic figure at a statewide level, since he served as the sixth Supreme President of IDES administration in 1906-1907, a statewide Portuguese -American fraternal organization in 1906-1907, and was locally significant in the development of the City, serving two terms on the Board of City Trustees. Committee member Whittlesey returned to the meeting. 2. Downtown Historic District. ARC 193-02. Review results of Historic Street Light Demonstration and recommend lighting globe and bulb types. City of San Luis Obispo, Applicant. Jeff Hook presented the staff report and displayed working samples of the two types of globes and light bulbs being considered for Downtown. He discussed the results of the public survey done over six weeks and explained that public preference was about evenly split between High Pressure Sodium and Metal Halide lamps, and between the POND (partially clear) and the Opaque (white) globes. After discussion, and on a motion by Committee member McMasters, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee voted 7-0 to determine that the round POND globe, dark green textured pole, and 70 -watt Metal Halide bulb are compatible with the Downtown Historic District and with the City's Historic Preservation Program Guidelines, and referred the project to the Architectural Review Commission with a recommendation to approve the historic pedestrian street lighting with the features noted. Committee members reiterated that the round globe, and not the acorn shaped globe, was preferred because it most closely resembled the City's original gas street lamps. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of February 24, 2003 Page 4 COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 3. Recognize and thank Committee Member Steve McMasters for seven years of service to the community on the Cultural Heritage Committee. Committee members thanked Steve McMasters for his service to the CHC and the community, and Steve shared his thoughts about changes to the CHC membership and role during his tenure. 4. Nomination of the CHC for the 2003 Governor's Historic Preservation Award. This award is given each year by the Governor to promote broad public awareness and support for historic preservation. This item was briefly discussed, then continued to the March 24, 2003 meeting. 4. Staff A. Agenda Forecast Staff provided a brief agenda forecast, noting that a handicapped ramp addition for the Zion Lutheran Church was tentatively scheduled for the March meeting. The Committee adjourned at 8 p.m. to the regular CHC meeting on Monday, March 24, 2003, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room (Room 9), 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. These minutes were approved at the Committee's March 24, 2003 meeting. Submitted, Associate Planner LJjhook1chc120031chc2-03.min MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, March 24, 2003 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Chairperson Tom Wheeler, Bob Schrage, Paula Juelke Carr, Chuck Crotser, Margot McDonald and Matt Whittlesey. Committee member McDonald absent, and one seat vacant. Staff: Pam Ricci and Jeff Hook, Associate Planners. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Janet Dummit said she was working with a group trying to reuse the County General Hospital for other uses, and asked for information about city historic designation eligibility criteria and what historic listing means to the property owner. She was referred to staff and the Historic. Preservation Program Guidelines for information. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Committee member Whittlesey, seconded by Committee member Carr, the minutes of the February 24, 2003 meeting were approved as amended on a 5-0 vote. THANK MARGOT MCDONALD AND MATT WHITTLESEY FOR THEIR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY ON THE CHC. Chairman Wheeler noted this was the last meeting for Committee members McDonald and Whittlesey, whose terms ended on March 3151. He and the Committee thanked both Committee members for their many years of service to the community, and noted that Mr. Whittlesey had developed the Historic Photo -documentation standards that were in use, and Ms. McDonald had contributed her knowledge of architectural history and provided a useful Cal Poly — community connection through her historic preservation classes. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 2138 Broad Street. ARC 13-03. Restaurant remodel in the Railroad Historic District. The Pizza Brokers, Applicant. Pam Ricci presented the staff report, and Warren Hamrick, architect, explained the project and noted the remodel was contemporary in style but used materials and details that recalled historic Railroad District elements, like corrugated metal roofing, brick, an exposed metal truss at the entry, canvas awnings, and decorative corbels. Committee members liked the project and discussed design details and options. There was no public comment. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of March 24, 2003 Page 2 On a motion by Committee member Schrage, seconded by Committee member Carr, the Committed voted 5-1 (Crotser voting no) to determine that the proposed remodel of the building is architecturally compatible with the setting, based on a finding that the project was consistent with the goals and architectural guidelines contained in the Railroad District Plan, provided that the following design components and changes are incorporated: a. Support for proposed corrugated panel metal roofing. b. Support for simplified rafters to the discretion of the architect. C. Change plans to show main entry doors as wood and glass with decorative metal pulls. d. Modify the signage program to better reflect the design characteristics of the railroad district. It was suggested that the chimney signage be eliminated and that a sign above the entry doors be considered. e. Look at adding palm trees into the landscape palette. f. Include skylights that are low -profile flat glass with metal mesh. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 1. Subcommittee report on the draft Post -Disaster Historic Preservation Guidelines. Committee member Carr explained the letter included in the Committee members' agenda packets from former Committee member Steve McMasters. She noted the letter summarized the results of a meeting between staff and the CHC subcommittee working on Post -Disaster Historic Preservation Guidelines and included key points that the subcommittee recommended be addressed. Committee members suggested a few changes to the "key points" described in the letter: Item 1, add "...historic structure or designated "endangered structure."" Item 3.f., Committee members suggested that it read ".._architect, engineer, architectural historian or other professional with experience in historic preservation." After discussion, on a motion by Committee member Whittlesey, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee voted 5-0 to recommend to the City Council that Council direct staff to prepare Post -Disaster Historic Preservation Guidelines, to be incorporated into the City's Demolition Regulations, addressing key points recommended by the CHC. 2. Nomination of the CHC for the 2003 Governor's Historic Preservation Award. This award is given each year by the Governor to promote broad public awareness and support for historic preservation. (Continued from the February 24, 2003 meeting) Committee members decided not to pursue the Governor's Historic Preservation Award at this time. They felt it would be premature until the City had successfully completed several historic rehabilitation projects now underway, like the Railroad Museum and the Historic Adobes. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of March 24, 2003 Page 3 4. Staff A. Agenda Forecast Staff noted the April agenda already had several items, including swearing in of three new members, Committee bylaws review, election of Chair and Vice -Chair, 1617 Santa Rosa Street (SLO Hostel), 1716 Osos (Hageman Sanitarium remodel), and DeVaul Ranch house changes. Mr. Hook also noted that the Manse on Marsh appeal was scheduled for the April 1st City Council meeting. On a unanimous vote, Committee members appointed Chairperson Wheeler and Committee member McDonald to represent the Committee at the Council meeting. B. Committee Committee member Crotser noted that through former Committee member Margot McDonald's work, he was co -teaching a class at Cal Poly on architectural design for higher density infill housing in historic districts. He hoped that he could involve the CHC somehow in the student's work, possibly inviting CHC members to attend a class presentation, and said he would keep the CHC posted on the course's progress. ADJOURN to a regular meeting of the Cultural Heritage Committee to be held on Monday, April 28, 2003, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. These minutes were approved at the Committee's April 28, 2003 meeting. Associate Planner L:/jhook/chc/2003/chc3-03.min MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, April 28, 2003 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Chairperson Tom Wheeler, Sandy Baer, Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Bob Schrage, and Frank Scotti. Absent: Paula Juelke Carr (arrived late). Staff: Jeff Hook, Associate Planner. SWEARING-IN: City Clerk Lee Price administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed committee members Sandy Baer, Barbara Breska, and Frank Scotti. ELECTION OF NEW CHAIRPERSON AND VICE -CHAIRPERSON- On a unanimous voice vote, Paula Juelke Carr was elected Chairperson, and Tom Wheeler was elected Vice - Chairperson. J APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Schrage, the minutes of the March 24, 2003 meeting were approved as amended on a 6-0 vote (Carr absent). PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. Downtown Core Area. CHC, ER, ARC 162-01. Preliminary plan to modify Mission Plaza and to modify Broad Street between Palm and Monterey Streets. City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department, applicant. Jeff Hook, Associate Planner and Peggy Mandeville, Project Manager, introduced the item. Debbie Rudd, with RRM Design Group, described the project's proposed features. In general, Committee members supported the project but opposed the wall change/bench at the front corner of the historic Carnegie Library site, feeling this feature was not appropriate since it would alter the wall's historic appearance. Committee members were also concerned with some project details, including the historic authenticity of the proposed site lighting design, proposed use of concrete tables in the Mission Plaza, grading for the new pathway and its possible effect on subsurface archaeological resources, and landscape planting around the base of the Murray Adobe. Committee member Crotser suggested that the curved curb and paving line at the intersection of Broad and Monterey was car -oriented and he suggested that it be designed at right angles to be more pedestrian oriented. Paula Carr suggested that instead of the proposed Eucalyptus tree planting, that California Pepper or Mission Fig trees be considered, since these are more historically accurate for planting around a California mission, and that simple, decomposed granite be used as a ground cover where appropriate. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of April 28, 2003 Page 2 Vice -Chair Wheeler opened the public hearing. Mary Beth Schroeder, 2485 Wilding Lane, opposed any closing of Broad Street between Palm and Monterey Streets, and felt the CHC should do a careful job of protecting the City's historic resources. Gary Fowler, 777 Mill Street, opposed any closure of Broad Street and the planned bulbouts. He questioned the City's wisdom of funding design and/or construction of this project given the City's tight budget situation. The public hearing was closed. Committee member Schrage asked whether alternatives to cutting the historic Carnegie Library retaining wall were considered. Committee member Crotser felt the Library wall was already at seating height, and suggested that the proposed bench on the wall be eliminated or moved. Committee member Wheeler was concerned with grading for the new walkway from the San Luis Obispo Creek and its potential effect on subsurface archaeological resources. In response to a question, Ms. Rudd noted that the walkway and patio were designed to work with the finish floor elevation of the proposed new Art Center, and that about 5 feet of excavation, at the maximum, would be required at the creek bank. Committee member Wheeler felt the excavation would encounter a great deal of historic "trash" in the creek area. Committee member Crotser felt that the proposed grading would be in an area already disturbed by prior grading and construction. Committee member Schrage asked if the historical accuracy of the proposed light standards had been researched. He felt the light standard design looked too "Craftsman" and was not consistent with California Mission architectural character. Committee member Scotti question whether concrete tables were compatible with or complimentary to the prevailing mission -style architectural character in the plaza. He agreed with Committee member Crotser on the Library wall bench. Committee member Wheeler noted that landscape planting proposed around the base of the Murray Adobe could cause water damage to the adobe structure, and recommended that planting �" not be located there. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of April 28, 2003 Page 3 Committee member Baer said she was concerned with the proposed wall bench and the authenticity of the proposed site lighting, but otherwise liked the project. Committee member Crotser said he supported the proposed curb bulbouts, but felt the wall cutoff and bench was not needed. He was not opposed to concrete tables if their style and integral color was compatible with mission -era character. He suggested the "curve" in the street dogleg be angular in plan view to emphasize pedestrian, rather than vehicle circulation. Committee member Wheeler felt the Library wall was part of property's overall historic integrity and significance, and did not support the proposed wall cutoff and bench. He suggested that the light design should be selected to be compatible with California mission -era design, and felt an archaeologist should be present during excavation for the proposed creek/patio walkway. Committee member Carr arrived at the meeting. On a motion by Committee member Schrage, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee voted 6-0 (Carr abstained because she arrived late and missed most of the discussion) to determine that the proposed project is conditionally consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, provided the following changes are implemented to insure the project will not impact the historic, architectural, or aesthetic significance of the historic property: A. The integrity of the historic Carnegie Library wall shall be maintained by deleting the proposed bench and rock wall change from the project. B. The historic authenticity of the proposed "Mission Style- lantern and the Downtown Gas Lamps shall be verified, and the most historically accurate site lighting fixture used. C. Site excavation shall he researched to determine possible impacts on subsurface historic resources and if determined necessary, archaeological monitoring provided during excavation. D. Permanent site furnishing shall be of an appropriate form and color for the Mission Period. 2. 1500 Eto Street. ARCPR 35-03. Changes to the approved rehabilitation plan for the historic Solomon Foreman House (DeVaul Ranch House). Jeff Hook presented the staff report, and Carol Florence, project representative, described the proposed changes, noting that structurally, they had found that the house would not support a second story as originally approved. Consequently, the house's expansion is to the rear and is one story. Hamish Marshall, developer, and Ernie Kim, architect, also commented on the design and noted that the changes allowed for a more historically accurate design on both exterior and the interior building walls. Committee members complemented the development team on the changes and felt they resulted in a much more historically appropriate and practical design overall. Committee member Crotser CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of April 28, 2003 Page 4 suggested that the garage door be divided into two small doors to make it appear more historically compatible, and noted a minor discrepancy in the way the plans showed the garage roof. He suggested that a shed roof be shown instead of a hip roof section. On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Carr, the Committee voted 7-0 to determine the proposed project, as revised, was consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and referred the item to the Community Development Director to approve the plan as submitted. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 3. Review CHC Bylaws and recommend changes as appropriate. Aside from minor editorial changes, the Committee decided not to change their bylaws. On a motion by Committee member Baer, seconded by Committee member Scotti, the bylaws stand unchanged except for editorial corrections as noted. The motion carried, 7-0. 4. Staff A. Agenda Forecast. Staff provided the agenda forecast. 5. Committee The Committee asked that Committee member Crotser's class on infill housing in historic districts be included on the May CHC agenda, and that a special CHC dinner meeting be scheduled on either May 22nd or 29th at the Cafe Roma Restaurant to welcome new Committee members and to thank outgoing members McMasters, Whittlesey, and McDonald. The Committee adjourned at 8 p.m. to the regular CHC meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room (Room 9), 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. These minutes were approved at the Committee's May 27, 2003 meeting. Associate Planner LJjhook/chc/2003/chc4-03.min MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Tuesday, May 27, 2003 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Chairperson Paula Juelke Carr, Vice -Chairperson Tom Wheeler, Sandy Baer, Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Bob Schrage, and Frank Scotti. Absent: None. Staff: Jeff Hook, Associate Planner PUBLIC COMMENT: Bruce Miller, 296 Hope Street, presented a proposal for a historic monument dedicated to Japanese -American citizens of San Luis Obispo. He suggested the monument be located on Brook Street, site of the original Nippon Tract and formerly named "Eto Street" after a prominent Japanese -American family who lived in the area. Committee members asked staff to schedule the item for the June CHC meeting. Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, asked the Committee to uphold City historic preservation standards when reviewing new development proposals. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Committee member Schrage, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the minutes of the April 28, 2003 meeting were approved as amended on a 7-0 vote. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 1535 Nipomo Street. ARCMI 52-03. Remodel Contributing historic house in R -2-H zone; Mark and Susan Coward, applicants. Jeff Hook presented the staff report and Woody Combrink, architect, described the project and responded to questions. Three neighbors spoke in opposition to the project due to concerns with view blockage, privacy, driveway access, architectural scale and character. Mary Beth Schroeder felt that the proposed addition was out of character with the house's original design and should not be approved. The applicant, Susan Coward, responded to the concerns. Most CHC members felt the proposed addition was consistent with the house's and neighborhood's historic architectural character, but felt the addition may pose other planning issues that are outside of the CHC's purview. Committee member Crotser felt that the addition could be consistent provided that architectural details and materials matched existing. Committee member Scotti felt the proposed addition posed a dramatic change that was moving away from the house's original character. On a motion by Chairperson Carr, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee voted 7-0 to determine that the proposed addition is architecturally compatible with the historic CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of May 27, 2003 Page 2 house and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, based on the following findings: A. The proposed architectural details and materials of the addition will match the existing house. B. The roof form and slope facing the street will be preserved with construction of the additions. The Committee forwarded its determination to the Architectural Review Commission to allow the Commission to address neighbor concerns, including view blockage, privacy, and driveway access. 2. 1445 Santa Rosa Street. ARCMI 59-03. Install window inserts in front of original windows for weather protection and security at the historic Kindergarten School; PF -H Zone; City of San Luis Obispo; Public Works Department, Applicant. Jeff Hook presented the staff report and Dave Smith, Building Maintenance Supervisor, explained the project. Committee members appreciated the effort to preserve existing historic windows and hardware and felt this was a creative solution to the problems of security and - . weather protection. Committee members noted, however, that framing pattern of the proposed inserts differed from the muntin pattern of the existing windows, and that putting a "soft shade" in front of the historic window would change the historic look of the building by blocking the original windows much of the time. They felt the proposal was a good start, but that the City should set a high standard for historic preservation and asked Mr. Smith to review alternative designs that would provide a design that more closely matched original windows using narrower or "lighter" framework inserts, or to consider fully rehabilitating the existing windows to meet security and weather protection requirements, similar to what was done with the Adriance Apartments. Committee member Crotser suggested that the inserts could be powder coated in a color that matched the existing windows to avoid the need for hand painting. Chairperson Carr liked the "reversibility" of the proposed design, but preferred to see alternatives explored that did not include horizontal slider window panels. "Hopper" or "awning" operable window inserts were discussed. On a motion by Committee member Wheeler, seconded by Committee member Schrage, the Committee voted 7-0 to continue the project to allow the applicant to consider alternative designs and materials. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 3. Status update on the High Density Housing Infill Development in Historic Districts class at Cal Poly University. Committee member Crotser. Committee member Crotser explained the class was coming to a close, with final presentations due this week. The student presentations would be made on Thursday, at the same time the CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of May 27, 2003 Page 3 Special CHC dinner meeting was scheduled. He said he would share the results of the class at the CHC's June 23rd meeting. 4. Discuss possible CHC field trip for 2003. Jeff Hook provided some background on previous CHC field trips and noted the trips had been useful in helping CHC members accomplish specific workprogram tasks, such as developing post -disaster historic preservation guidelines, or developing archaeological and historical guidelines for downtown areas. Committee members discussed several possible destinations, including Monterey, Salinas, and Los Angeles, and asked staff to return with more specific information at the June CHC meeting. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 4. Staff A. Agenda Forecast. Staff provided the agenda forecast. B. Downtown Dig. Staff presented a brief update on the Downtown Dig and showed artifacts recently unearthed by trenching for new sewer and water mains. 5. Committee The Committee asked that the following items be included on the June CHC agenda: -Results of Committee member Crotser's class on infill in historic districts; -Proposed historic monument in the Brook Street neighborhood; -1445 Santa Rosa Street; -Possible CHC field trip; and -Public Works presentation on the archaeology of the "Downtown Dig." The Committee adjourned at 8 p.m. to the special CHC dinner meeting scheduled for May 29th at 6:30 p.m., at the Cafe Roma Restaurant, to welcome new Committee members and to thank outgoing members Steve McMasters, Matt Whittlesey, and Margot McDonald. These minutes were approved at the Committee's June 23, 2003 meeting. Lljhmk/chc/2003/chc5-27-03.min I MINUTES _ SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, June 23, 2003 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Chairperson Paula Juelke Carr, Vice -Chairperson Tom Wheeler, Sandy Baer, Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Bob Schrage, and Frank Scotti. Absent: None. Staff: Michael Draze, Deputy Community Development Director, Pam Ricci, Associate Planner, and Barbara Lynch, Associate Engineer. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, described her personal history in San Luis Obispo and expressed interest in the City's historic preservation efforts. Deborah Holley, Executive Director of the Downtown Association, asked that artifacts recently unearthed during the downtown "Century Project" be displayed at an upcoming Farmers' Market. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Wheeler, the minutes of the May 27, 2003 meeting were approved, and on a motion by Committee member Baer, seconded by Committee member Scotti, the minutes of the May 29, 2003 meeting were approved, both actions on a 7-0 vote. Committee members decided to consider Agenda Item 5 first, since Public Works Department staff and the City's archaeological consultant were in attendance. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 5. Presentation on archaeological finds and status of the Downtown Utilities Replacement project ("Century Project"). C -C -H zone; City of San Luis Obispo, Public Works Department. City staff member Barbara Lynch introduced the project archaeologist David Wrobleski, of the firm TRC Essex. He distributed a draft "Cultural Resource Excavation Work Plan" describing the method for evaluating recent archaeological discoveries. While trenching in Monterey Street, just north of Morro Street, workers unearthed an old cannon and nearby, what appeared to be remains of an old wall or foundation and associated artifacts. The Commission thanked the archaeologist and staff for the presentation and noted this was an informational item and there would be no action on this item tonight. - CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of June 23, 2003 Page 2 . PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 1716 Osos Street. ARC 18-03. Remodel the historic Hageman Sanitarium and add new building. R -3-H zone; Suzie Kyle and Nita Gladney, applicants. Pam Ricci presented the staff report. Nita Gladney, applicant described the project. Public Comment: Mary Beth Schroeder felt the project should be restored to its original appearance. Commission members generally supported the project but had suggestions to maintain and enhance the building's historic character. The Commission took two actions: A. Action Alternatives for Modifications to a Historic Building On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Breska, the CHC voted unanimously to determine the proposed additions and renovations are architecturally compatible with the historic building character and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties, based on the following findings: a. The siding and window forms of the new entry/porch addition are intended to match the existing building. b. The proposed railings for the porch and the balcony above have been designed to be reminiscent of the exiting railing. B. Action Alternatives for Review of New Construction in a Historic District On a motion by Committee member Scotti, seconded by Committee member Breska, the CHC voted unanimously to continue the item with direction to investigate ways to minimize the apparent mass of the rear building. 2. 1617 Santa Rosa Street. ARCMI 30-03. Add 2 -story building to a Contributing historic property in the Railroad Historic District. R -3-H zone; Elaine Simer, Hostel San Luis Obispo, applicant. Pam Ricci presented the staff report, and Elaine Simer, applicant, described the project and responded to questions. Public Comment: Mary Beth Schroeder was concerned with the proposed changes; Bob Anderson raised the issue of filling yard space. Martha Steward, 1053 Islay Street, raised concerns with the scale and loss of yard space given the size of the lot. She felt the new building was not in character with the CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of June 23, 2003 Page 3 cottage -scale of many nearby properties, and that there would be no usable yard area or opportunities for landscaping if this project was built. Paul Taylor (not present at the meeting), also expressed concern with the project's massing and impact on neighbors' privacy. Committee members felt an additional building may be possible, but felt better information was needed to determine historic compatibility and effects. On a motion by Committee member Carr, seconded by Committee member Schrage, the CHC voted unanimously to continue the item with direction to the applicant to provide accurate plans, add detailing to the new building as directed in the staff report, and to show views of the proposed building from adjacent properties. 3. 649 Pismo Street. ARCMI 65-03. Exterior repairs and alterations to the historic McManus House for a group youth home. R-2-11 zone; Transitions Mental Health Association, applicant. Pam Ricci presented the staff report, and Jill Bolster -White described the project. Public Comment: Mary Beth Schroeder felt the proposed building alterations should not be done and opposed the use of the house as a group youth home. After a brief discussion, on a motion by Committee member Wheeler, seconded by Committee member Scotti, the CHC voted unanimously to determine that the proposed project is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and refer the item to the Community Development Director with a recommendation to approve the plan as submitted. 4. 236 Higuera Street. ARCMI 69-03. Fagade changes for the historic H. H. Waite Planing Mill. C -R -MU zone; Hayward Lumber, applicant. Pam Ricci presented the staff report, and Lin Harringer, Branch Manager described the project and the reasons for the alterations. He noted the new work would improve handicapped accessibility, and would not affect the adjacent, historic mill building. Public Comment: Mary Beth Schroeder felt that the historic mill building should be preserved as close to the original as possible, and noted she personally knew the Parsons family, the original owners of San Luis Mill and Lumber. On a motion by Schrage, seconded by Breska, the CHC determined the proposed storefront facade is architecturally compatible with the site and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of June 23, 2003 Page 4 Staff provided the agenda forecast, and the Committee asked that the following items be included on the June CHC agenda: -Results of Committee member Crotser's class on infill in historic districts; -Proposed historic monument in the Brook Street neighborhood; -1445 Santa Rosa Street; -Possible CHC field trip; -Possible Mission bell changes at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa -Public information opportunities for Century Project archaeological discoveries The Committee adjourned at 7:45 p.m. to the regular CHC meeting scheduled for July 28, 2003, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. These minutes were approved at the Committee's July 28, 2003 meeting. Associate Planner Lljhook/chd2003/chc6.03.min MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, July 28, 2003 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Chairperson Paula Juelke Carr, Vice -Chairperson Tom Wheeler, Sandy Baer, Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Bob Schrage, and Frank Scotti. Absent: Chairperson Carr and Committee member Bob Schrage. Staff: Jeff Hook, Associate Planner. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, expressed concern about the status of the La Loma de la Nopalera Adobe on Lizzie Street. She explained her personal efforts to start the preservation process nine years ago, and felt that more needed to be done before the adobe was a complete loss. MINUTES: On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Baer, the minutes of the June 23, 2003 meeting were approved on a 5-0 vote. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 1716 Osos Street. ARC 18-03. Remodel the historic Hageman Sanitarium and add new building. R -3-H zone; Suzie Kyle and Nita Gladney, applicants. (Continued from the June 23, 2003 meeting). Jeff Hook presented the staff report. Suzie Kyle, applicant and Tim Becher, architect, described the project changes since the June 23`d CHC meeting. Mr. Becher noted that the new rear building had been reduced in height and mass, and parking layout modified to better meet city parking standards. Committee members felt the project was much improved, and on a motion by Committee member Scotti, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee voted 5-0 to forward to the Architectural Review Commission a determination that the proposed new building is architecturally compatible with the surrounding historic district, based on the following findings and condition: Findings: a. The materials and window forms of the proposed building will complement the historic Hageman Sanitarium and add to the character of the historic district. b. The scale and siting of the proposed building is appropriate for this Medium -High Density residential site and consistent with property development standards for height and setback. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of July 28, 2003 Page 2 Condition: a. Significant changes to building siting or architectural character shall come back to the CHC for review. Public Comment: Mary Beth Schroeder noted that the public had a right to speak on this hearing item before the CHC took action and expressed concerns with the project. Chairperson Wheeler agreed and opened the public hearing. Ms. Schroeder felt that the CHC was not listening to public comment and said she did not support the project. Seeing no further public comments, Chairperson Wheeler closed the public hearing. 2. 541 Buchon Street. ARCMI 71-03. Addition to Contributing historic house. R -2-H zone; Sheryl McIntyre and Jay Wallace, applicants. Jeff Hook presented the staff report and responded to questions. Garth Kornreich, Architect, described the project and explained design choices. Jay Wallace, owner, explained they had sought and received neighbor approval for the proposed design changes, and preferred the Craftsman Bungalow architectural style shown in the plans. Chairperson Wheeler opened the public hearing. Mary Beth Schroeder spoke in support of the project. Seeing no further comment, Chairperson Wheeler closed the public hearing. Commissioners generally liked the project and felt it was consistent with the character of the surrounding historic district. They discussed at length whether the proposed changes were consistent with the character of the existing Contributing Historic house, whether the project was consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards For The Treatment of Historic Properties, and whether previous building changes had made the property inappropriate for inclusion on the List of Historical Resources. On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Scotti, the Committee took two actions: 1) The Committee forwarded to the Community Development Director a determination that the proposed project is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and will not impact the historic, architectural or aesthetic significance of the Old Town Historic District, and recommended that the Community Development Director approve the project; and CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of July 28, 2003 Page 3 2) Continued consideration of whether to retain the property on the Contributing Properties list. The motion carried on a 4-1 vote (Committee member Wheeler voting no). 3. 804 Meinecke Street. ARCMI 70-03. Request to allow an addition to a non -conforming contributing historic structure. R-1 zone; Frances Lim and John Mori, applicants. Jeff Hook presented the staff report, and Francis Lim, Applicant, explained the project. Chairperson Wheeler opened the public hearing. Mary Beth Schroeder and several neighbors spoke against the project, citing potential parking, traffic safety and neighborhood compatibility problems due to the property's likely use as a student rental. Arlene Zanchuck, 26 Chorro, described Chorro Street traffic and potential problems caused by more residents at 804 Meinecke entering and exiting the driveway on Chorro Street and lack of parking. She said a Bird of Paradise shrub needed trimming near the corner of Meinecke and Chorro to improve safety. She read a letter from Doris Bryan, 32 Chorro, also concerned with lack of parking for the proposed project. Sara Delacy, 760 Meinecke, William McClinnen, 706 Meinecke, Joel Westwood, and Elizabeth Nicholsen, 30 Chorro, also objected to the project due to its possible neighborhood impacts (parking, traffic, noise). Committee members noted that the issues raised were planning issues and not within the CHC's purview, but agreed with neighbors the project needed to be looked at in a broader view. On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Breska, the Committee voted 5-0 to forward to the Community Development Director a determination that the proposed addition was architecturally compatible with the historic house and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards For The Treatment of Historic Properties, based on the following changes: a) Exterior plaster finish and color, windows and doors style and materials shall match existing historic building. 4. 829 Murray Street. ARCMI 78-03. Addition to contributing historic house. R-1 zone; Deborah Schlanser, applicant. Jeff Hook presented the staff report, and Russell Hodin, Architect, described the project. Chairperson Wheeler opened the public hearing. Mary Beth Schroeder opposed the project because it she felt it would introduce business uses into the neighborhood and cause parking problems. Seeing no further comment, Chairperson closed the public hearing. Committee member Scotti stepped down due to a potential conflict of interest. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of July 28, 2003 Page 4 On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Baer, the Committee voted 4-0 to forward to the Community Development Director a determination that the proposed addition and remodel were architecturally compatible with the existing historic house and site, and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards For The Treatment of Historic Properties, noting that according to plans, all building details and material for the addition would match existing. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 5. Consider proposal to install a historic monument to the Japanese -American community of San Luis Obispo and the Nippon Tract. Bruce Miller, Applicant. 6. Summary of course findings from the High Density Housing Infill Development in Historic Districts class at Cal Poly University. Committee member Crotser. 7. Discuss possible itineraries and schedule for CHC field trip for 2003. Commission and staff. Items 5, 6, and 7 were continued to a date uncertain, on a 5-0 vote. The Committee adjourned at 8:45 p.m. to the regular CHC meeting scheduled for August 25, 2003, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. These minutes were approved at the Committee's September 22, 2003 meeting. +,Su ted, ssociate Planner L:/jhook/chd2003/chc7-03.min 1, MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, September 22, 2003 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairperson Paula Juelke Carr, Vice -Chair Tom Wheeler, Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, and Frank Scotti. Absent: Sandy Baer, Bob Schrage Staff. Pam Ricci and Michael Codron NIINUTES: On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Vice -Chair Wheeler, the minutes of the July 28, 2003, meeting were approved, 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 1716 Osos Street. ARC 18-03. Revisions to the proposed rear building as part of a remodel of the historic Hageman Sanitarium and add new building. R -3-H zone; Suzie Kyle and Nita Gladney, applicants. Pam Ricci presented the staff report and explained the changes proposed to the building since the Cultural Heritage Committee last reviewed the project. Suzie Kyle, applicant, described the project and passed around photos to show the intended effect of proposed landscaping. Mary Beth Schroeder provided comments in opposition to the project. Chairperson Juelke Carr closed the public hearing and asked for comments from Committee members. Committee member Crotser discussed options for "grounding" the building, and suggested that the roof pitch of the new building should match that of the historic home. The Committee discussed alternatives for carport design, including enclosing the side and rear with walls or lattice. On a motion by Committee member Wheeler and seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee voted 5-0 on a motion to determine that the proposed building is architecturally compatible with the setting, provided that the design changes discussed in the staff report are incorporated into the project. 2. 225 North Chorro Street. ARC 76-03. Historic Resources Assessment for the proposed demolition of five structures and the construction of four new apartment buildings; R4 zone. Michael Codron presented the staff report and explained that the Planning Commission wanted the CHC review the Historic Resources Assessment for the project. Carol Florence, representative for the applicant, explained that the project site was difficult to develop and the proposal to demolish the existing buildings is necessary to develop the property to the standard CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of September 22, 2003 Page 2 density for the R-4 zone. Mary Beth Schroeder spoke in opposition to the project and said the buildings should not be demolished. Chairperson Juelke Carr closed the public hearing and asked for comments from Committee members. The Committee agreed that the buildings had undergone alterations and had deteriorated to the point that there was not much integrity left. The setting of the buildings also compromised the potential of the building to have historic significance. The Committee urged the applicant to preserve features of the buildings that can be. reusgd. The Committee discussed the photo -documentation requirements for the project and stated that large -format black and white photography should be required. On a 5-0 vote (Cart:, Crotser), the Committee determined that the Historic Resources Assessment draws accurate conclusions and that the project will not have an impact on significant historical resources. 3. Citywide. GPA/ER 33-02. Draft Housing Element Update and Initial Environmental Study. Michael Codron presented the staff report and described the major components of the Draft Housing Element Update. He discussed the CHC's role in reviewing the document and discussed the particular policies that relate directly to CHC matters. He suggested that the Committee use the written staff report to work through those policy areas in particular.. Mary Beth Schroeder provided public comment and suggested that the City should be repairing older historic homes, without making them larger, for young families that need housing. There was no further public comment. After much discussion, the Committee agreed to provide the following recommendations to the Planning Commission and the City Council: 1) In the absence of a new City-wide survey of historical properties, the City should generate a list of properties that were built between 1944 and 1958, which have become 50 years old since the last Housing Element update, to be evaluated by the Cultural Heritage Committee for historical significance. 2) The Branch Street neighborhood, roughly bordered by High Street, South Street, Beebee Street and Broad Street should be surveyed for significant historical properties. 3) The City should develop alist of masonry homes as part of implementing Safety Policy 1.3.4, and should investigate different programs and funding available nationwide for the rehabilitation of these buildings, many of which may have historical significance. 4) The City should develop a list of buildings and structures that use clinker bricks as a structural component or as veneer. The list should be evaluated to determine if the historic use of these bricks constitutes "unique or landmark neighborhood features" under Policy 3.2.6. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of September 22, 2003 Page 3 5) To encourage rehabilitation, rather than demolition of older homes, Policy 3.2.1 should be more specific. Examples of things the City could do to encourage rehabilitation should include parking reductions and relaxations of other property development standards that make it difficult to redevelop properties with existing buildings. 6) The plan should include specific references to, and photographs of, the neighborhoods that we cherish and whose character we want to emulate in our new development. 7) The first sentence of Policy 6.3.11 should be more specific by stating, "Promote attractive, well -integrated higher -density housing by developing multi -family housing design standards that reflect the traditional architectural style and predominant landscaping types for a given neighborhood." 8) The plan should encourage the rehabilitation of existing, underutilized industrial buildings for housing, and should encourage the construction of new mixed-use buildings in that historic industrial character. 9) It should be City policy to preserve historic commercial signage on buildings that are rehabilitated for residential use. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 4. Consider a proposal to install a historic monument to the Japanese -American community of San Luis Obispo and the Nippon Tract. Bruce Miller, Applicant. Bruce Miller described the proposal and said that he would like to place the monument in the Brook Street Park, but that he is also considering placing it on private property across the street. Michael Codron mentioned that if the City takes over the Cal Trans yard at the end of Brook Street, as planned for in the Mid-Higuera Enhancement Plan, there would be more opportunities for the monument. The Committee generally supported the proposed monument and suggested that Mr. Miller contact City staff to figure out the required review process for installing the. monument. 5. Summary of course findings from the High Density Housing Infill Development in Historic Districts class at Cal Poly University. Committee member Crotser. Committee member Crotser said that his students needed additional time to augment their findings and that he would present a final product at the October meeting. 6. Discuss the possibility of developing a CHC brochure to describe the Cultural Heritage Committee's role and duties, and to offer guidelines for public participation so that comments stay on topic and constructive. .i 0 CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of September 22, 2003 Page 4 Committee member Scotti led the discussion and suggested that the Committee develop a brochure and/or a large display for the meetings that would help the public understand the role of the Committee. It was discussed that the language in the Advisory Body Handbook would be a good starting point. There was additional discussion regarding other advisory bodies and that the brochure could include information on all of the Committees and Commissions. Commissioner Juelke Carr also suggested that the CHC brochure could include short bios of each of the members to help explain their background. 7. Communications A. Agenda Forecast - Staff Staff provided the Committee with a forecast of items on upcoming agendas. The meeting ADJOURNED at 8:30 p.m. to a regular meeting of the Cultural Heritage Committee to be held on Monday, October 27, 2003, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. These minutes were approved at the Committee's October 27, 2003 meeting. Associate Planner L:/jhooWchc12003/chc9-03.min MINUTES -` SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, October 27, 2003 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairperson Paula Juelke Carr, Vice -Chair Tom Wheeler, Sandy Baer, Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Bob Schrage, and Frank Scotti. Staff: Jeff Hook MINUTES: On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Vice -Chair Wheeler, the minutes of the September 22, 2003, meeting were approved; 7-0. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mary Beth Schroeder spoke against plans by the County to use $50,000 to retrofit Sunny Acres, explaining that she had worked to relocate the old juvenile facility from Sunny Acres to its current location on State Highway 1. She did not feel Sunny Acres was appropriate to again be considered for use in housing juveniles. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS:. 1. 1023 Chorro Street. ARC 127-03. New Outdoor canopy for a Contributing historic property located in the Downtown Historic District, C -D -H zone; Mission Grill, applicant. Mr. Hook noted the applicant was revising the proposal and that the Committee should continue the item to a date uncertain. On a motion by Committee member Schrage and seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee voted 7-0 to continue the item to a date uncertain. The motion carried. 2. 801 Grand Avenue. Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum request to display cannons recently unearthed Downtown during the "Century Project." Jeff Hook presented the staff report. Tim Haley of the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum explained plans for displaying and securing the cannon at the Museum, located in the basement of the Veterans Memorial Building in San Luis Obispo. He added that the Veterans Museum supported the idea of a "revolving loan" program and hoped to display the cannon at the Museum's grand opening on Veterans Day, November 11th, 2003. u CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of October 27, 2003 Page 2 Ron Clark, Executive Director of the County Historic Museum, said that the Historic Museum was also interested in displaying the cannon and supported the revolving loan idea. Chairperson Carr closed the public hearing. Committee members supported the idea of publicly displaying the cannon on a revolving loan basis, starting with the Veterans Museum. They wanted to be sure the displaying institutions properly displayed the cannon for public accessibility and visibility, that the cannon was displayed in a historically accurate manner, and that the security and stability of the artifact was addressed. After a brief discussion, and on a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Baer, the Committee voted 7-0 to recommend approval of a revolving loan program for publicly displaying the cannon, with the following considerations: A. The City should retain ownership of the cannon; B. The City and displaying organization(s) should enter into an agreement describing the terms of the display, such as duration, mounting and location, security, public access, and - the right of City to retrieve the cannons for alternative uses; and C. The displaying organization should provide a Display Plan and an Interpretive Plan for City staff approval, recognizing that each organization's focus and emphasis may be different. In addition, Committee Member Wheeler noted the cannon may not have been properly stabilized after being unearthed. He suggested the City get expert advice on proper treatment and conservation of the cannon, including the possibility of electrolysis to prevent further rusting. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 3. Recap of the High Density Housing Infill Development in Historic Districts class at Cal Poly University. Committee member Crotser. Committee Member Crotser noted that this item was not ready to present and asked that it be continued to a future meeting. Committee Members unanimously agreed to continue the discussion item to a date uncertain. 4. Discuss the possibility of developing a CHC brochure. Committee member Scotti. Committee Member Scotti presented a mock-up of a brochure describing the purpose and duties of the CHC. Committee Members liked the brochure's design and content and suggested �— Committee Member Scotti work with staff to finalize and print the brochure. CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of October 27, 2003 Page 3 5. Discuss possible itineraries and schedule for a CHC field trip for 2003. Committee and staff. Committee Members said they would like to plan a one -day field trip in early Spring, focusing on infill housing development and historic preservation. They suggested that the location be located within about 2.5 hours drive of San Luis Obispo, and suggested the Monterey area, Santa Barbara, or towns in the Central Valley as possibilities. Staff was to return with details on possible venues. 6. Communications A. Agenda Forecast - Staff Staff presented the agenda forecast, and noted that staff had received the manifest of artifacts unearthed with the City's Century Dig project Downtown. He said the archaeologist recommended that only a small portion of the artifacts should be curated, since most material was either not unique or identifiable, and could generally be considered historic "trash." Committee Member Wheeler reviewed the list of artifacts to be curated and agreed with the archaeologist's recommendations. Other Committee members concurred. B. Committee There was no further discussion. The meeting ADJOURNED at 7:30 p.m. to a regular meeting of the Cultural Heritage Committee to be held on Monday, November 24, 2003, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. These minutes were approved at the Committee's November 24, 2003 meeting. L:rJhook/chc12003/chc10-03.min Meeting Update Cultural Heritage Committee November 24, 2003 Monday 5:30 p.m. The November meeting was canceled due to lack of a quorum. A Special meeting will be scheduled for December 8, 2003. i J MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Special Meeting of Monday, December 8, 2003 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairperson Paula Juelke Carr, Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Bob Schrage, and Frank Scotti. Absent: Committee members Tom Wheeler and Sandy Baer. MINUTES: On a motion by Committee Member Scotti, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the minutes of the October 27, 2003 regular meeting were approved as submitted, 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 774 Caudill Street. ARCMI 143-03. Determination of historic significance for a potentially historic house in the "Little Italy" area, M zone; Loretta Colombo -Bruno, applicant. Buzz Kalkowski presented the staff report and showed slides of the house proposed for demolition. John Bruno, representing the applicant, explained the background on their request. They were asking for a determination of no historic significance to allow the demolition to proceed and to enable the property owner's family to sell the property. In response to a question from Committee member Schrage, Jeff Hook noted this item was before the Committee because the house was on the CHC's list of "Threatened and Endangered Buildings" and had been identified as being potentially historic in the City's Historical Resources Survey Report H (Lovell, 1992). Consequently, City procedures and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) require a determination of historic significance before a demolition can be approved. He provided additional background on the "Little Italy" district and noted in keeping with usual CHC procedures, staff was not making a specific recommendation on the request. John Bruno, architect, the applicant's husband and son-in-law of the property owner, provided background information. He noted the 92 -year old property owner was born and raised in San Luis Obispo and lived in the house until 1993, but that she can no longer live independently and needs specialized care. She has no money, and the sale of this property is needed to pay for her care. Their efforts to lease or sell the property have been hindered by the possibility that the old house is historically significant, so they would like to demolish the house and sell the property as vacant. The house is dilapidated and would have to be totally rehabilitated to bring it up to code, and potential buyers are not interested in the house. He felt the house had no historic or architectural significance and that the Little Italy neighborhood was too far committed to commercial uses to be viewed as a residential area. He felt the house was an eyesore. CHC Minutes, Special Meeting of December 8, 2003 Page 2 In response to a question, Jeff Hook noted that recent Zoning Regulation changes allow residential uses in the M zone and can accommodate mixed residential and commercial uses, so that this property could have single or multi -family units. He added that this area has historically had a mix of residential and commercial and light industrial uses. Mr. Hook explained that if the CHC found the house to be historically or architecturally significant and supported historic listing, its recommendation would go to the City Council for final action. If the Council agrees and adds the property to the Master or Contributing Historic Property lists, demolition would require architectural review, taking into account the house's condition and the design of the proposed replacement building. If the CHC determines the property is not historically significant, photo -documentation of the house would be required, along with a 90 -day waiting period during which the house must be advertised as being available for relocation. Chairperson Carr opened the public hearing. John Van Wyk, Valley Mazda, 2436 Broad Street, spoke in support of the applicant's request. He said he was an interested party in that he would like to purchase the property. He suggested it was late to try to save the historic houses that might have once been there. There is a lot of traffic, and most of the area consists of commercial uses. It's past the point of being able to restore the historic significance of the house and the area. Hearing no further public comment, Chairperson Carr closed the public hearing. Committee member Schrage commented it was important to get "living history" from the house's owner and to get historic photo -documentation. On one hand, we do have a building that has some value because it was occupied by an early Italian -American family, but the neighborhood is not too good — there are very few houses left. We did save some historic houses on Woodbridge Street, nearby. The possibility of future rezoning may encourage housing, but at the present time the house's condition doesn't merit preserving. On the surface it looks OK, but it was not a well built building and would take a lot to rehabilitate. Committee member Breska noted three factors that shaped her views on the request: 1) the front porch addition had modified the original house design, 2) the house has been allowed to deteriorate and materials, such as the siding, have not been protected, and 3) the house's setting, or neighborhood, has been altered to the point that there no longer appears to be a residential neighborhood. She stated there appeared to be no alternative but to support Action Alternative 2, that the house is no longer historically significant due to building changes that have affected its historic integrity. Committee member Crotser noted this was a difficult case and that the area was now a "mixed bag", but that it was likely to undergo future changes back to a more residential character. The site is big enough to accommodate a mixed-use or residential development, and the property could be sold while preserving the old house at least until a new development project is proposed. The City would have the option of allowing demolition later, with the possibility the house could be rehabilitated or integrated with a new development. CHC Minutes, Special Meeting of December 8, 2003 Page 3 Committee member Scotti stated it was never too late to consider the option of historic preservation. The CHC's responsibility is to consider a property's historical or architectural significance or potential significance compared with its current condition, not whether it is too late or not too late to preserve. He was leaning toward finding that the house is not a historic resource given its poor condition. Although potentially restorable, he felt it would be cost prohibitive. Chairperson Carr noted the CHC's charge was to determine whether the property met adopted criteria for historical designation, and to look beyond the exterior appearance of a building. A building's historic significance may transcend mere architectural appearances or condition. If this property was the only remaining example of the Little Italy neighborhood she would be more concerned, but there are other potentially significant residences across the street that appear more secure. She believed the building's integrity and setting had been adversely affected, and that Action Alternative 2 may be appropriate. Committee member Crotser stated; as someone who had done rehabilitation projects under similar circumstances, the appropriate action may be to support Contributing Property listing until such time as a new development plan can be reviewed before demolition is considered. Mr. Hook explained provisions in the City's Historic Preservation Program Guidelines regarding historic designation. He noted that for Contributing Property status, the building must be at least 50 years old and must contribute to the historic character of the neighborhood, and these criteria leave discretion to the CHC and Council as to how much architectural character has been retained. He added that Contributing Properties vary considerably in how much of the original building exterior has been retained — some almost entirely original, others, for example, with 2 - story additions. He also noted the owners have some options to demolition, including marketing the property with the house remaining, with the possibility of demolition in the future when the City approves a replacement project, or the possibility of splitting the lot into two lots and retaining the house on one of the lots and selling the vacant lot. In answer to Committee member Crotser, he added that under the proposed Draft Housing Element, greater flexibility in lot sizes may be possible to preserve housing on smaller than the minimum lot size. Under current rules, such an exception would require approval of a variance to lot size.. Chairperson Carr asked staff it there were possible financial incentives or fee waivers to assist the applicant if he chose to request a lot split. Mr. Hook noted that while there is no specific incentives or waivers available, Council has the authority to waive fees. He commented, however, that would be unusual. If the property were historically listed as a Master List property, the Mill Act Program may provide a financial incentive for rehabilitation. Committee member Scotti had difficulty finding the house contributed to historic character of the neighborhood, given the changes to its setting. If the definition of the neighborhood were expanded to include houses on the other side of Broad Street, than the house could be considered as contributing. O CHC Minutes, Special Meeting of December 8, 2003 Page 4 Committee members discussed possible bases for historical significance and ways to preserve the house while allowing the applicant to still achieve their objectives. Committee member Crotser commented there was an opportunity here for the owner and City to accomplish short- and long-term goals if there were flexibility on lot size. He moved that the CHC recommend the City Council add the house at 774 Caudill to the Contributing Properties List, with the following findings: 1. The house is associated with the "Little Italy" neighborhood, a working class neighborhood of the late 19th and early 20th century, occupied mostly by Italian -American families, many of whom were railroad workers. 2. The house is at least 50 years old and meets criteria in the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines for designation as a Contributing Historic Property. 3. The house contributes to the historic and architectural character of the "Little Italy" neighborhood, as described in the Historical Resources Survey II Completion Report (Lovell, 1992). 4. The property is part of the Imperial Addition, a residential subdivision recorded and filed in 1891, with streets named for reigning monarchs. Chairperson Carr seconded the motion, adding that this house raises important issues about the character and future of the Little Italy area. Committee members discussed the motion in detail and reviewed a map prepared by Margaret Lovell that showed the Little Italy neighborhood including properties located on both sides of Broad Street. Committee member Crotser felt that there was enough of the original Little Italy neighborhood left to build on what's there and preserve and enhance its character. The motion carried, 4-1, with Commissioner Breska voting no. Chairperson Carr and Committee member Crotser volunteered to attend the Council meeting where the CHC's recommendation would be considered. There was also support for City fee waivers or other incentives, where possible, to help the applicants preserve the house. Chairperson Can: opened the public hearing again to hear additional public comment. Pete Colombo, son of the property owner, provided additional background on the request. He noted that the City had allowed other houses owned by Italian -American families to be removed, and these were more historically significant. He questioned why this house would be designated historic when other nearby houses in better condition had been removed in recent years, and felt it unfair the City would not allow the owner to remove the house to enable the property's sale and help pay for the property owner's health care. Craig Colombo said he lived in the house and that it was not conducive to residential use due to noise and traffic. He said the property is not in a residential zone — it's a commercial zone, and believed no one would buy the property if the house had to remain. It would be very expensive to preserve and rehabilitate the house. CHC Minutes, Special Meeting of December 8, 2003 Page 5 Hearing no additional comments, Chairperson Carr closed the public hearing and proceeded to consider agenda item 2. 2. 1746 Chorro Street. ARCMI 141-03. Remodel carriage house at the historic Aston House to convert to an officelbedroom, R-2 zone; Benjamin and Susan Holty, applicants. (To be continued to a date uncertain.) On a unanimous vote, the Committee continued the item to a date uncertain. 3. 1167 Marsh Street. ARCMI 150-03. Add exterior stairs and landings, and replace roof at the historic Graves House, O zone; Bob and Zoey Schrage, applicants. Buzz Kalkowski presented the staff report. Bob Schrage, applicant, described the project. Steven Chandler, applicant's contractor, explained design and construction details and materials. There was no other public comment, and Chairperson Carr closed the public hearing. Committee members generally supported the proposed stairs and landing, and re -roofing. On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Breska, the Committee determined the proposed project was consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards For the Treatment of Historic Properties, and referred .the item to the Community Development Director with a recommendation to approve the project with the following condition: Roofing shall be gray "Slateline" shingles to match existing roof as closely as possible. 4. 871 Islay Street. ARCMI 163-03. Request to demolish non -historic house, and replace with 1 -bedroom house and 2 -bedroom house. R -2-H zone; Mike McNamara, applicant. Buzz Kalkowski presented the staff report. Ernie Kim, architect, described the project and explained that the old house on the property had not been lived in for many years and was in a .severely dilapidated condition. He described the changes that had been made to the house, and noted that the new housing planned was designed to reflect the architectural character of the historic neighborhood. Committee members did not feel the house contributed to the historic character of the neighborhood due to its architectural changes from the original, its limited visibility from the street, and the lack of historical association with persons, groups or events in the City's history. On a motion by Committee member Schrage, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee voted 5-0 to determine the property at 871 Islay Street had no historical or architectural significance. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 5. Consideration of canceling the December 22, 2003 regular CHC meeting. CHC Minutes, Special Meeting of December 8, 2003 Page 6 On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Schrage, the Committee cancelled its December 22, 2003 regular meeting. The motion carried 5:0. 6. Recap of the High Density Housing Infill Development in Historic Districts class at Cal Poly University. Committee member Crotser. Committee member Crotser explained the results of his recent Cal Poly class entitled Architecture 472, and handed out examples of student work describing the historic and architectural character of neighborhoods and examples of possible in -fill housing developments. The Committee thanked him for sharing information on the class. 7. Discuss possible itineraries and schedule for a CHC field trip for 2004. Committee and staff. Jeff Hook explained that based on the Committee's direction at the October meeting, he had contacted the City of Fresno to set up a historic field trip. He said the City of Fresno's staff and Landmarks Commission are interested in hosting the CHC for a visit and tour of various aspects of that city's historic preservation program, and that Fresno and San Luis Obispo have preservation issues in common. These include Downtown redevelopment and preservation, a. historic railroad yard, many unreinforced masonry buildings, and agricultural building preservation. The Committee asked Mr. Hook to set up the field trip for Friday, March 26, 2004, with the possibility of visiting the City of Hanford on the way to or from Fresno. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. to a regular meeting of the Cultural Heritage Committee to be held on Monday, January 26, 2004, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. These minutes were approved at the Committee's January 26, 2004 meeting. J:UHOOKICHC120031CHC12-03 min.doc