HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/3/2017 Item 13, Carano
Christian, Kevin
From:Boyd Carano <bgcarano@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:1135 Santa Rosa
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have previously written Mr. Doug Davidson in a July 10 email in respect to 1135 Santa Rosa. In that message, I stated
that I am a property owner in San Luis Obispo County and feel strongly that San Luis Obispo is one of the most beautiful
towns in the United States. I also registered my opinion that 1135 Santa Rosa, in its current state, adds significantly to
the character and architectural distinction of the city.
Based on its recent decision, Mr. Davidson and the ARC do not share this opinion. Regardless of what anyone thinks is
architecturally “beautiful”, however, I believe that the ARC made a mistake in declaring the property a public nuisance,
rather than deferring to the design inspiration and good-faith judgments of the architect, owner, builder and occupants
with respect to the color palette and exterior finishing of 1135 Santa Rosa.
If the history of architecture and urban planning shows anything, it is that creative innovation of individuals is the
primary ingredient for creating the mix of styles and designs that create magic in a city. As you probably know better
than I, the often diverse and (in their day) cutting-edge architecture seen in many of the towns and cities of Northern
and Central California is testament to that impalpable but appealing quality. But what if -- by giving free rein to such
creativity -- we create an unharmonious or even ugly cityscape?
Within broad but appropriately tailored parameters, I believe that the issue is properly balanced (and the risks
effectively mitigated) by looking into the background, motivation, and “skin in the game” of those who propose new or
distinctive construction. Do they have a track record of successful projects? Do they have a commitment to excellence
and a manifest desire to create buildings of important and lasting architectural distinction? And are they willing to stake
not only their credibility as designers but their future business prospects on community-wide acceptance of their works,
by not only putting their name on the building but occupying it for the foreseeable future?
If, after due inquiry, the answers to the foregoing are affirmative, I respectfully suggest that the City Council will have
discharged its duty to properly oversee the urban development of San Luis Obispo, and have established the regulatory
environment to ensure that the City’s architecture is appreciated and even treasured for generations to come.
Boyd Carano
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