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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-2016 CHC Minutes Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES February 22, 2016 CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage Committee was called to order on Monday, February 22nd, 2016 at 5:32 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Hill. ROLL CALL Present: Committee Members Craig Kincaid, Shannon Larrabee, James Papp, Leah Walthert, Vice-Chair Thom Brajkovich, and Chair Jaime Hill Absent: Committee Member Sandy Baer Staff: Senior Planner Brian Leveille, Assistant Planner Kyle Bell, and Recording Secretary Brad T. Opstad PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS There were no comments made from the Public. MINUTES MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER KINCAID, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER PAPP, CARRIED 6-0, to approve the Minutes of the Cultural Heritage Committee meeting of January 25, 2016 and the Minutes of the Architectural Review Commission & Cultural Heritage Committee’s joint meetings of July 13, 2015 and December 7, 2015 as amended: 1.) January 25, 2016, added Committee Member Sandy Baer to present under Roll Call 2.) July 13, 2015, Page 4, final paragraph, added “and sunlight” after “views from” PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 1. 847 Monterey Street. ARCH-2300-2015; Review of proposed exterior modifications to a Master List Historic Resource (Sinsheimer Building) for a new restaurant use, with a categorical exemption from environmental review. CHC Minutes 02-22-16 Page 2 Senior Planner Brian Leveille provided basis for Staff’s recommendation and introduced Assistant Planner Kyle Bell to provide project overview. Assistant Planner Kyle Bell stipulated that Committee’s review of proposed exterior modifications was per the evaluation criteria of City’s Historic Preservation Guidelines and Secretary of Interior (SOI) Standards for Rehabilitation; displayed PowerPoint slide of Sinsheimer Building and presented the contents of the report. In response to Committee Member Papp’s inquiry, Assistant Planner Bell reported that because the proposal of the fully enclosed trash element would affect views of the building, staff decided to include it in the overall review of project. Project Architect Duffy, Ten Over Studio, Inc., representing Applicant, introduced owners Giuseppe and Michella DiFranzo, who stated that their primary goal is to preserve the beauty of the Sinsheimer Building, while creating improved circulation for the restaurant and access to the outdoor dining area. Project Architect Duffy discussed the conflicting overlap of door shutters at the egress pathway and requested Committee direction; discussed the re-painting rear of building to an original salmon color. Project Architect Duffy explained the reasons regarding material choices for the trash enclosure and stated that it is appropriate to utilize a contemporary product; explained that the enclosure’s placement developed out of an egress-separation issue. In response to Mr. Papp’s second inquiry, Mr. Duffy indicated that the 1980’s photo of the Sinsheimer family in back of the building shows a salmon paint color and older black & white photos suggest a darker color. PUBLIC COMMENTS Pierre Rademaker, San Luis Obispo, commented on the proposed modifications in the back of the building, believing them to be of the lightest possible touch which maintains the possibility of altering in the future; espoused favorable view of half-shutters as they do express the history of the windows; alluded favorably to the durability of poured concrete for the trash enclosure. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION Committee Member Walthert voiced support for the extension of windows and shutters; commented on the severe color contrast between brick and pure white; supported a different location for trash containment and suggested a door on top that is consistent with the building’s door design. Committee Member Brajkovich commented on past conditions of approval for this site based on his involvement with its seismic retrofit, stated some concern that proposed trash enclosure blocks views of the building from Rose Alley; stated that the rear portion was once salmon-colored and suggested re-painting as an important modification. CHC Minutes 02-22-16 Page 3 Committee Member Papp indicated the significance of the Sinsheimer Building is in part due to its importance of reflecting the history of the Jewish merchant class of late 19th Century; noted original shutters should be retained; indicated preference for adapting building to new use purposes. In response to Mr. Papp’s comments, Project Architect Duffy indicated that the bare concrete wall of the trash enclosure would be broken up with landscaping and Italian courtyard features. Committee Member Larrabee expressed support to the project’s direction, noting that the building will be back in circulation and be a highly appreciated venue; shared that she has no issues with trash enclosure appearing modern. In response to Committee Member Kincaid’s inquiry, Project Architect Duffy described Intent to create courtyard experience and that access would be solely through the restaurant while Rose Alley would be emergency-egress only. Chair Hill suggested solid and etched glass panels below windowsills for allowance of natural light. In response to Ms. Hill’s inquiries, Project Architect Duffy indicated that the stairwell window is double-hung and the heavy awnings are affixed to buildings both by means of eyehooks and set-in employing gravity. Committee Member Larrabee made a motion for acceptance of project with no revisions; Chair Hill seconded. Discussion ensued, particularly in regards to creating a condition toward further alley-side articulation of the trash enclosure. Consensus vote on motion rendered 3-3 tie vote and motion failed. Chair Hill suggested examining two issues individually, specifically the treatment of the windows, doors & shutters and the design of the trash enclosure. Chair Hill made a motion accepting design of the doors and maintaining the original shutters as recommended by Staff; seconded by Committee Member Larrabee; no formal action was taken. Chair Hill withdrew the motion. RECOMMENDATION: Chair Hill made motion to recommend approval of the project based on Staff recommendation of the two Conditions, with the inclusion of third Condition directing the Applicant to explore further materials and articulation of the trash enclosure; Committee Member Papp seconded. ACTION: On motion by Chair Hill, seconded by Committee Member Papp, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: Hill, Papp, Larrabee, Brajkovich, Kincaid, and Walthert NOES: None REFRAIN: None ABSENT: Baer The foregoing resolution, with inclusion of the third Condition, was passed and adopted this 22nd day of February 2016. CHC Minutes 02-22-16 Page 4 COMMENT AND DISCUSSION Staff: Agenda Forecast Senior Planner Leveille provided an agenda forecast of anticipated CHC agenda items for the March 28th & April 25th, 2016 meetings: CEQA Study Session with Assistant City Attorney; PROJECTS: Initial study, repositioning & rehabilitation @ 71 Palomar; SLO Brew façade re-model; and continuing CHC direction on 1516 Broad Street. Staff Updates Senior Planner Leveille provided following Staff updates: Historic District signs close to completion; historic walking tour app being developed in-house; Chinatown archaeology project currently in Phase 2; California Preservation Foundation training opportunities available at Presidio conference in mid-April; links to webinars forwarded to Committee toward further historical preservation training; and Advisory Body Recognition Reception invitations, scheduled for March 22nd, have been mailed. In response to Chair Hill’s inquiry, Senior Planner Leveille provided update on forthcoming Issues & Options Report per Sign Regulations and noted that Zoning Code project is more likely slated for next year, requiring further progress on Downtown Concept Plan and Mission Plaza Update. Committee: Committee Member Papp noted the success of the workshop and outreach event at Mission Plaza for the Downtown Concept Plan; shared concerns about the prior archaeological consultant firm no longer working on the Chinatown project. Chair Hill shared perceptions pertaining to consultant lists and the City process where the developer can be allowed to select consultants. Chair Hill announced that interviews for Vice Chair Brajkovich’s seat were occurring; discussed the Downtown Concept Plan Update. Committee Member Papp announced that CHC-reviewed Jack House project is proceeding and Art After Dark will feature an historical perspective art-walk installation outside there on March 4th. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brad T. Opstad Recording Secretary Approved by Cultural Heritage Committee on March 28th, 2016.