HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/17/2019 Item 13, Jess
From:Christian, Kevin
Sent:Tuesday, September 17, 2019 5:27 PM
To:Bell, Kyle; CityClerk; Codron, Michael
Subject:RE: September 17, 2019 CC Hearing - Item 13 - 1144 Chorro Street
Hard copies have been provided for Council on the dais.
Bcc: Council All
From: Bell, Kyle <KBell@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 4:32 PM
To: CityClerk <CityClerk@slocity.org>; Codron, Michael <mcodron@slocity.org>
Subject: Fwd: September 17, 2019 CC Hearing - Item 13 - 1144 Chorro Street
Please see the correspondence from the applicant for tonight’s meeting. I think it is too late to send to the council but I
will let the applicant know
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From: Thom Jess <
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 1:47:34 PM
To: Bell, Kyle <KBell@slocity.org>
Subject: September 17, 2019 CC Hearing - Item 13 - 1144 Chorro Street
Hi Kyle,
Can you please forward this email to the members of the City Council ahead of tonight’s hearing?
Dear members of the San Luis Obispo City Council;
Below is a brief summary of why I am in support of the proposed project at 1144 Chorro Street. I am a local
architect. However, I am not involved in the project, nor do I work for the developer or any of the stakeholders in this
project. I am simply writing this as an outsider looking in.
When the rules regarding building heights in excess of 50’ tall downtown were originally drafted, there was a ton of
outreach and feedback from the community into what the rules should be if a building is to exceed 50’ in height. The
old rules were vague and the new rules are just the opposite. Rather then vague terms like “landmark buildings” the
new rules layout very specific requirements that must be met if a building is to exceed 50’ tall. The majority of the input
that made it into the final draft came from members of the public that consistently argue for smaller buildings and less
development. As a result, it was my belief at the time and has remained my belief, that the true effect of the new rules
was to limit buildings downtown to a maximum height of 50’.
A number of projects over 50’ tall have been proposed since the new rules took effect. Yet, during the process, all of
them have been reduced in height to be under 50’ tall or dropped all together. There are likely no more than two or
three sites within the downtown core that can potentially comply with the requirements necessary to build a building
over 50’ tall. This site appears to be one of them.
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That is not to say that all buildings, if they simply check the boxes, are good buildings that should be approved for that
reason alone. I did not see the project as it was originally submitted but I know that it has gone through significant
changes in response to feedback from staff, CHC and ARC. However, I am supportive of the current project because it
does a lot more than simply checking the necessary boxes.
The developer and the architect have clearly paid a lot of attention to the context and are proposing a building that will
not only fit into the downtown but will activate the street life with high quality building materials, large openings,
outdoor spaces, landscaping and other amenities. The building steps back significantly so that the upper floors will not
loom over the street. Rather, they will be downplayed and have very little impact on the street or neighboring
buildings. The shadow study in the plan set shows that the buildings will not cast shadows onto the adjacent public
ways and tit isn’t blocking a significant view.
All in all, this looks be to a great addition to the downtown. Something that will add desperately needed housing, office
space and activate the street level. The building is well designed and has been responsive to feedback from the ARC and
CHC. While it is proposed to be over 50’ tall, there is very little chance that it will set a precedent or be the first of many
taller buildings downtown. Therefore, I urge you to support the project.
Thank you,
Thom Jess | Arris Studio Architects
1327 Archer Sreet, Suite 220
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Ph: 805/547.2240 ext 111
Email: tjess@arris-studio.com
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