HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/07/1997, 3 - NOMINATION OF 1408 JOHNSON AVENUE TO THE LIST OF CONTRIBUTING HISTORIC PROPERTIES. council
j acEnaa REpom
C I T Y OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community De pment Director (�0
PREPARED BY: Jeff Hook, Associate Plann 2p /
SUBJECT: Nomination of 1408 Joh nso Avenue to the List of Contributing Historic
Properties.
CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution adding the property to the List of
Contributing Historic Properties.
DISCUSSION
Advisory Body Recommendation
At its August 25, 1997 meeting, the Cultural Heritage Committee held a public hearing to
consider adding property located at 1408 Johnson Avenue to the List of Contributing Historic
Properties. On a motion by Loren Nicholson, seconded by Paula Carr, the CHC voted 7:0 to
recommend that the City Council designate the property as a Contributing Historic Property. At
the hearing, the property owner and her representative spoke in support of the proposed listing
(draft minutes attached).No other public comments were received.
Background
The Planning Department has received a request from Evelyn Talmage to add her property to the
City's List of Contributing Historic Properties. In the attached letter, Ms. Talmage explains her
request and provides historical background on the former Ira Van Gordon residence. An
additional factor in Ms. Talmage's request is a pending Building Code correction action. Some
time ago, Ms. Talmage installed an ornate, circular metal staircase to provide access to an
improved attic space. Because of the staircase's age and non-standard design, the staircase does
not meet current building code, although it has been determined by the Building Official to be
structurally sound. Historical listing would enable the Building Official to use the more flexible
Historic Building Code in permitting the work retroactively, thus retaining the existing circular
staircase and room layout while recognizing the home's historic character.
Data Summary
Property Owner: Evelyn Talmage
Representative: Brian Starr, Architect
Project Address: 1408 Johnson Avenue
Zoning: R-2
General Plan: Medium-density Residential
Site/Building Description
Built in 1912 for Ira Van Gordon at a cost of$3,000.00,this single-story Italianate-influenced
3 - c
Council Staff Report
Page 2
bungalow is located on a level, 9,900 square foot lot, one block from the Old Town Historic
District. Originally built as a single family house, the house was later divided into four living
units during WWII due to the housing shortage. The house was since remodeled into a legal
duplex and the owner lives in one of the apartments. Two detached cottage units are also located
on the lot. The property is adjacent to houses and apartments and is near the railroad tracks and
the Johnson Avenue underpass.
Decorative exposed rafters give the house an Italianate-style architectural appearance; however
no other features strongly suggest this. The house is a raised, one-story design with an attic;
rectangular in plan and capped with a hip roof and smaller hip sections to the rear and to the
front. The front hip section extends over the prominent front porch and is supported by four
square columns. The roof edges have a bellcast flare. The house has clapboard wood siding,
composition shingle roofing, and is well maintained and in good condition. Despite numerous
changes over the years, the house has retained most of its original.architectural character and
detail.
Historical S4gWjlcance
According to Myron Angel's H_ istory of San Luis Obispo County, Ira Van Gordon was a
prominent ranchero of San Luis Obispo County and California pioneer. Mr. Van Gordon was
born in Tioga County, Pennsylvania in 1820 and arrived in Sacramento, California in 1846.
Soon after arriving, Mr. Van Gordon joined John C. Fremont's volunteer battalion which helped
"put down insurrection and secure peace" during the transition period just before California's
admission to the Union. Mr. Van Gordon was a farmer and continued farming in Tulare County,
and then in 1868, moved to San Luis Obispo County. He established a dairy ranch of about
3,000 acres, midway between Cambria and San Simeon, and was listed as residing at 1408 Essex
Street(later changed to Johnson Avenue)in the 1914 San Luis Obispo City Directory.
Historic Listing
The Historic Preservation Program Guidelines describe two types of "historic properties": those
which have significant historical or architectural value and are listed on the Master List of
Historic Resources; and those buildings which are located in older neighborhoods and which
contribute to the character of those neighborhoods- referred to as "contributing" properties.
The City Council originally established three historic districts: Downtown, Old Town, and Mill
Street Districts; and subsequently designated the Chinatown Historic District. Buildings within
each district were classified as either being contributing or non-contributing, based on the
Cultural Heritage Committee's evaluation of their age and design. Non-contributing buildings
are typically newer structures which do not support the neighborhood's historic character.
The Guidelines don't preclude contributing properties being located outside historic districts;
however when the City Council first created the original historic districts, all contributing
properties were located within those districts. The Guidelines explain how to add a property or
group of properties to a historical preservation district. This is a rezoning process, involving a
change in the boundary of the "H" Historic Preservation zone. The guidelines do not explain
how to add a property to the List of Contributing Historic Properties without changing historic
district boundaries.
3-�-
Council Staff Report
Page 3
Thus, there are two, possibly three ways a historic property can be formally recognized: 1)
adding it to the Master List; 2) designating it as contributing and including it within a historic
district; and 3) designating it contributing,but outside a historic district. This latter approach is
appropriate for older, historic buildings which are located outside of historic neighborhoods, in
outlying areas of the City, or which are not logically part of a contiguous historic neighborhood.
The Cultural Heritage Committee believed this third option, although not clearly spelled out in
the guidelines, was appropriate in this case and that it was a logical extension of the City's
historic preservation policies. For example, this approach is consistent with General Plan policy
which states: "Historical resources should be identified, preserved, and where necessary and
possible, restored." It is also consistent with the intent of the Historic Preservation Program
Guidelines to preserve buildings "in older neighborhoods" which contribute to the historic
character "of that neighborhood", regardless of whether it they are located in established historic
districts. Obviously, the City has older neighborhoods outside of existing historic districts
which, though they may not be large or significant enough to qualify individually as historic
districts,nevertheless contain many houses over 50 years old and which contribute to the historic
character of those neighborhoods. The CHC has included updating the Guidelines in their
workprogram. Clarifying the process for designating contributing properties will be addressed in
this update.
Basis For lasting
To qualify as contributing, the Guidelines say only that the property should be a good or
excellent example of pre-1941 architecture and should contribute to the neighborhood's historic
character. The CHC supports listing this property as a contributing historic property because: 1)
it is a good example of pre-1941 architecture(built in 1912)and is one of the first houses built in
this block of Johnson Street; 2) it was built and occupied by Ira Van Gordon, an early County
pioneer and dairy farmer; and 3) the house's age, architectural style, and quality contributes to
the neighborhood's historic character.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Do not adopt a resolution adding the candidate property to the Contributing List,
outside of a historic district. Instead, the City Council may designate the property as a
contributing property within the Old Town Historic District, by initiating a zone change to
include 1408 Johnson Avenue. Such a change would involve rezoning this property and
approximately 17 other properties located along Buchon, Toro and Pismo Streets. Most of
these homes are also pre-1941 and appear to reinforce the area's historic character. The
disadvantage to this approach is that it will involve a time-consuming rezoning process, and
its success will depend, in large measure, on the willingness of neighbors to be included in
the District. Ms. Talmage's initial inquiries with neighbors indicated some opposition to
expanding the historic district boundaries. The rezoning would return to the CHC, and later
the Planning Commission and City Council for action.
2. Continue the item for additional information or study, and specify the
the additional information or analysis needed.
3-3
Council Staff Report
Page 4
Attachmentsi
=Draft resolution
-CHG draft minutes
Vicinity Map
=Historical Documentation_
Historical.District Map
-Procedures For Amending Historic.Districts,
jI/L:vaggoNonhsb.rpt
�T
RESOLUTION NO. (1997 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY.OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AMENDING THE LIST OF CONTRIBUTING HISTORIC PROPERTIES TO INCLUDE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1408 JOHNSON AVENUE.
WHEREAS, in 1987 the City Council adopted Resolution No. 6158 adopting the
Historical Preservation Program Guidelines, along with procedures for recognizing and
designating historic properties;and
WHEREAS, the Guidelines identify two categories historic properties: Master List
Historic Properties for the most unique and/or significant historic properties; and Contributing
Historic Properties which by virtue of their age, architectural character or historic association,
contribute to the historic or architectural character of the neighborhood;
WHEREAS, the owner of property located at 1408 Johnson Avenue has requested that
the property be designated as a Contributing property outside of an historic district, and has
researched the property's history and submitted historical and architectural documentation;and
WHEREAS, on August 25, 1997 the Cultural Heritage Committee held a public hearing
and based on the documentation and public testimony presented, recommended that the City
Council add the property to the List of Contributing Historical Properties due to its age,
architectural style and historical associations;and
WHEREAS, this City Council considered this recommendation during a public hearing
on September 20, 1994 pursuant to Historical Preservation Guidelines established by Council
Resolution No. 6158 (1987 Series);
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo that based on the Cultural Heritage Committee's recommendation, documentation
submitted and on file in the Community Development Department, public testimony, the staff
report, and on the City's Historical Preservation Program Guidelines the following:
3-3
Council Resolution No. (1997 Series)
Page 2
SECTION 1. Addition to the List of Contributing Historical Properties. The following
property is hereby added to the City's List of Contributing Historical Properties, located outside
of an established historic district:
-1408 Johnson Avenue(The Ira Van Gordon Residence),Ca. 1912.
(Legal Description: Assessor's Parcel No. 002-484-001;Portions of Lots 1 - 3, Block 19 of the
Central Addition to the City of San Luis Obispo).
SECTION 2. Publish Revised Contributing Properties List. The Community Development
Director is hereby directed to amend the List of Contributing Historical Properties to include the
above property,and to publish a revised List for public distribution.
SECTION 3. Environmental Determination. The City Council has determined that the this
action is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act
since it does not constitute a "project", as defined under Section 15378 of the Act.
On motion of ;seconded by and
on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 7th day of October, 1997.
Mayor Allen K. Settle
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED:
7u
70A
***
3 -�
Draft
MINUTES
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting of August 25, 1997
The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room (Room 9), San Luis Obispo
City Hall, 990 Palm Street-
ROLL
treetROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Alice Loh, Paula Carr, Steve McMasters Loren Nicholsen, Bob
Pavlik, Bob Schrage and Matt Whittlesey.
Absent: None.
Staff: Glen Matteson, Associate Planner, John Mandeville, Long-range Planning
Manager
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular meeting of July 28, 1997.
On motion of Bob Schrage, seconded by Paula Carr, on a 6-0 vote, the minutes were approved
with a correction to the spelling of "Shanghai Low" on page 5. (Matt Wittlesey arrived
immediately after this item.)
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
1. Request to nominate property located at 1408 Johnson Avenue to the Contributing List
of Historical Properties, and to clarify City policies regarding the location of contributing
historic properties outside of historic districts; Evelyn Talmage, applicant.
Glen Matteson introduced the item. Committee members, Evelyn Talmage (owner), Brian Starr
(architect), and staff discussed the history of the house and its modifications, the relationship
among the buildings on the parcel, the background of the Historic (H) zone boundaries, and the
policies and precedents for designating Contributing or Master List properties inside and outside
H zones. Factors identified in support of a Contributing designation included the age of the
buildings and the apparently minimal exterior changes from their originally constructed
appearance, and the association of the main house with a prominent citizen of the county.
3-�
Lge
inutes, August 25, 1997
on of Loren Nicholson, seconded by Paula Can:, with a vote of seven to none, the entire
was nominated as a contributing property.
mittee took no action on the question of extending the H zone to include the property,
eneral interpretation for contributing properties outside H zones. Committee membersided on whether this case should serve as a precedent. All Committee members agreed
uld be desirable to have more clear guidelines for listing contributing properties in
o H zones.
2. Proposed archite ge to a Laster List property located at 670 Islay Street,
known as the historic Willett Home; dy and Shayne LaVack, applicants.
Glen Matteson introduced the item. ommittee members, Randy LaVack (owner), and Bob
Vessely (engineer) discussed the stru tural aspects of the chimney, past modifications to the
house, the extent to which the chimne was a defining feature, and the presence or absence of
chimneys on other houses in the area.
On motion of Steve McMasters, seconded by Bob hrage, with a vote of four to three, the
chimney was determined to be a character-defining ele nt, and the part of the chimney visible
above the roof should be maintained or reconstructed.
3. Proposed architectural changes for Master ist properties located at 1185 Pacific
Street,known as the historic Dallidet Adobe d the historic Ramona Hotel Depot; San Luis
Obispo County Historical Society, applican .
Glen Matteson introduced the item. Co ttee members, several Historical Society members,
and Bob Vessely (engineer) discussed the hoice of roofing material, considering appearance,
fire safety, cost, durability, and structural cons tions.
On motion of Paula Can:, seconded by Loren Nicho on, with a vote of seven to none, the
Committee recommended that the Architectural Review ommission approve the seismic retrofit
and find that the wood-shingle roof is a "character-de g feature" of the adobe and the depot,
and further that the Architectural Review Commissi work with the applicant to identify which
material is most acceptable for maintaining the dobe's and the depot's historic integrity and
appearance. Committee members expressed preference for wood shingle replacement for
historic integrity, but acknowledged that the tion left open the possibility of another material
being approved by the Architectural Review Co sion.
3-8
3 i� /off
\
Pr.'L~ \
ti ,
D O O M }� P n.F I"•
r1rr
APER dFiT,
t ti01YWO
O
C x�N',�M x.. e Mry�9wM 1A
it
S\fib
hu• \ti fi F �j l�h
v
\ Pim
C! _
\ti �•�j h\ `tiny �
O � � P gq• �y iq _.
d�0.b
tiQ a 'L g O so
R
\X0 7 Z
VICINITY MAP 1408 Johnson Avenue NORTH
A-i
3-4
/ I
/ / of i /• � � � 'moi t �. i i i
i
l
/ / / / ,�
� - i � � //
/ ii � � �
• �� � - _� ,
.� /�,. � .
� � .� � � � �
' i �. � i
,� � i ,�
' �, � � ' /
i
� � � � � � / �
� � % i i � :�
/ i / � �� � /
t � �
i � � �� � ,
it
/ ./ � �,
�/ /
/ '
/ �
� � � / i
i
0 /
r
5,
.6uili�J.l12 £�L�G[GtA.l..o�cG�erlX . �iuQ.�R.
1 ,
THE CONQUEST. 91
of the pass in the Santa Lucia. 11 ntains through which had arrived at the age when his vigorous manhood should
the Americans must go,and tha tt would be a much bet manifest itself, and he cast about for his future field of
ter place to deal the deadly bl w, and all withdrew to that operations. Far away upon the Pacific Coast was the
strategic point. But in du time the invading horde American land of Oregon, to which many were emiavrat-
straggled along among the ills, when the brave General in,, and south of it was the Mexican country called Cali-
no it would be prud t to retire to San Luis Ob spo, fornix, of which dim stories had been told of its great
where greater numbers would join him, and then, the valleys, ricers, and harbors, its vast herds of cattle, its r
miserable rin;os woul be exhausted by their efforts I genial climate, and the hope was whispered that it might
in crossing the mounts ns and would fall an easy prey. soon become an American possession. To the Pacific
The Americans cross d the mountains and approached Coast youn;', Van Gordon decided to go, and, joining a i
fthe mission, and it wa. concluded to allow them llos- party of emigrants in the spring of I846, started on
session that they might b tilled into apparent security, I the great journey as a driver of a team of oxen. Many
and then the Californians + uld take them unawares 1 of the emigrants of that year met with terrible disaster, [E
and slaughter them like so in • sheep in a corral. but the train in which Mr. Van Gordon came, after trav- i
The good opportunity did not o and the repelling eling six months from the frontier of Missouri, arrived
force retired to another strong defensi point, and upon safely in the valley of the Sacramento. The fall and win-
the approach of the foe, another strong Id he knew of ter of 1846 was spent at the mission of Santa Clam. The I
further south was better still. war with Mexico had commenced while the emigrants
At Santa Yncz Mission the American co mtders found were on the plains, and upon their arrival in California, �
a large quantity of a;uardiente, and many o indul,led in they were much surprised as well as gratified to find the
the fiery liquid as to become intoxicate , and the bat- flag of their country flying over Sutter's Fort, and on 1
talion was completely demoralized for e time Lein,. every flak-staff,and that California was part of the United I
This fact +vas represented to the (':alif nig (general with States.
the recommendation that then wa the time to attack. \\'here they had expected to be foreigners in a strange !
What!" he said, "attack the A ericans when they are land, they found themselves in their own country, and =
maddened by liquor? leo' no ' You do not know them welcomed by their own countrymen. Peace prevailed
as I do. When drinking ey will fi,lu like (lemons. when they, came into the country, but shortlw thereafter
Oh! no; we will go to th, Gaviota Pass, and when they the Californians rose in arms and the war was renewed.
come marching through, re will throw the rocks down Fremont raised a battalion and marched to the south,and
upon their heads and crush them x11." The Gaviota volunteers were raised to defend the people and towns in
Pass was selected as t great and long desired oppor- the north. Mr. Van Gordon joined the volunteers, and,
tunity, but Fremont effec a flank movement, and the aided in putting down the insurrection and securing
battalion tumbled over the n tain by the San Marcos peace. The battle of the San Gabriel and of the Mesa,
and entered Santa Barbara without position. near Los Angeles, followed by the surrenderof the Mexi-
For his knowledge of the San Iia cos Pass and the can forces to Fremont at the Cahuenga Pass closed the {
fact of the Gaviota Pass being guarde as strongly as it war in California, and in the spring of 1847 the volun-
was, Fremont was indebted to Capt. -•lac 1. Sparks and teers were disbanded. Mr. Van Gordon then went to the
Mr. Foxen, who strongly advised t course taken, and mission of San lose and commenced farming, remaining
it is the opinion of some that th thus saved the bat-
thus engaged during the year. The discovery of gold
talion.
was made in the winter of 1847-4S, but before the excite- T
As previously stated,the batt ion reached Los Angeles ment became great he went to the redwoods, and there �
too late to partake in the battl s, but meeting the beaten [made shakes, shingles, and lumber for San Francisco,
Californians made the famous -hick pacified the continuing this quiet business while the country was run-
country. ning mad after gold. Six months passed while so em-
IRA vas GORDON, played, when he took the gold fever and went to the
A veteran ranchero of San Luis Obispo County,a pioneer mines on the American River. After four months' suc-
of California,and a soldier of the Mexican Far, was born cessful mining, he returned to the mission of San Jose
in Tioga County,Pennsylvania,February 12,182o. :'Amid I and there resumed farming•, where each acre that year,
the hills of the "Keystone State" where the waters flow and in 1849, and for several years following, produced a
eastward to the Susquehanna and the Atlantic, and west- crop worth a thousand dollars. In 181 Mr. Van Gor-
ward to the Ohio and the Gulf of 1lexico, Mr. Van Gor- don went to Los Angeles County and commenced rais-
don passed his youthful years,attending the schools as do ing, buying, and shipping grapes to San Francisco, doing
all ambitious American boys, and from his parents learn- a very large business in that line, continuing in it for two
in-the duties of a fanner. In 1837, when seventeen ; years. From Los :'Angeles he went to San Diego Countv,
years of age, he mowed to the new State of Michigan, j purchasing mules for the Government, and afterwards
where he lived two years and then followed the declining engaging in stock-raisin;, spending two and a half years
sun to the prairies of Illinois. After a three years' resi- in that county. In 1856 he went to Tulare County, and �'�
dente in that State, he returned to Michigan, taming there established a ranch and raised and fatted cattle, re- i.,
.L.__ ...... ....._.. 1 .._.�_ .1.-__ .-..__.. .f ..:I.,....-..- L ............. .L.._. f... .. ...,...-1 rf cls..a...on.e F•.nni•'tnt�..a :.IIt
92 HISTORY Or SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
where he has since lived, carrying on an extensive busi- and took charge of a store for Isaac Callahan. Shortly
ness in stock-raising, farming, and dairying. His ranch thereafter Mr. Callahan died, and Mr.Stone removed to
contains about 3,000 acres, and he keeps 175 cows. His Santa Barbara. There he arranged with Capt. Isaac J.
residence is where he first located in 1868,about midway Sparks to take his rancho of Arroyo Grande with stock
between Cambria and San Simeon, and is shown by an on shares, and moved upon the place and took posses-
engraving reproduced in this book. sion. He then returned to San Buenaventura and mar-
Mr. Van Gordon was married in 1841 to Miss Rebecca ried Mrs. Callahan, the widow of his former employer,
Harlan, a native of Indiana, and two sons are now living who survives her husband.
to cheer the old age of their parents. In 1858,Mr.Stone went to Mexico,where he remained
AEN Er D two years, returning to California in 1860, much broken
in health. After his return to Santa Barbara he received
Is a veteran of the can War and one of the pioneers the appointment of Under-Sheriff from Sheriff Dennis,
of California. This gentleman was born in the State of and was subsequently invited by the leading men to stand
Tennessee, June 27 1826, remaining in that State until as candidate for Sheriff. This he declined, as he could
ten years of age, whe his parents moved into the State not neglect the interests of Captain Sparks on the Arroyo
of Illinois. There he a nded the schools of the coun- Grande Rancho, to which he returned. That property
try, passing the quiet life 0 farmer until, at the age of being in San Luis Obispo County,he was, in 1863,nom-
twenty, the sound of w•ar called a brave young men of inated by the Republicans of that county for the office
the land to arms. In 1846 he joi d the volunteers for of Sheriff. In this contest he was unsuccessful, as is
the war with Mexico, and under a command of Col. shown in the chapter devoted to political history in this
Philip St. George Cooke, marc d across the plains, work. In t864 culminated the succession of dry years
down the Rio Grande through w Mexico,and through that brought ruin to all the cattle-growers of the southern
Sonora to California. In t spring of 1845 the regi- country. All the stock upon the Arroyo Grande died,and
ment was disbanded, an r Ir. Mayfield was discharged Mr. Stone was left without employment. He then re-
from service at Los - ngeles. Then came the excit. ceived the appointment of Revenue Assessor for his dis-
ing reports of the iscovery of gold on the American trict, which office he filled to the satisfaction of the Gov-
River, and he w s among the first in the diggings at ernment and people. For many- years he was a resident
Sutter's Mill. T e events in that connection form one of the county, and during his long life in the State main-
of the most interes ' portions of the history of the tained the kind regards and high respect of all who knew
State, and are detailed els ere in this volume. The him. He died at Cavucos, .April 7, 1SS2,leaving a wife
occupation of a miner lie fo wed until 1852, when and six grown children. George 11'.M.Stone, the eldest
he reproved into the farming reg on of Sonoma County, son of George Stone, upon his father's death,returned to
engaging in the cultivation of a soil until r868. He Cayucos from his temporary residence in Los Angeles,and
then came to San Luis 0 1 po County, locating on San assumed the management of the Exchange Hotel, which !f!
Simeon Creek,where he as singe lived,engaged in farm- his father had conducted previous to his decease. In i
ing and in milki - from r
dairying, ; 0m [went}•-five to thirty cows. this he is at present engaged, with the determination to +
His residence and its s rroundings are shown by an en- maintain it as a first-class hotel in every respect. !1
graving on another page. IN-1r. Mayfield was married in
1857 to Mrs. Terrill, and se n children have been born ELISHA W. HOWE,
to them, all of whom are linin,;. Whose lovely residence near the town of Morro is shown
This gentleman is noted for hr- public spirit and the on another page, is one of that proud body of pioneers, '
interest he takes in public affairs particularly those relat- whose spirit of enterprise and love of adventure brought
in; to the welfare of his coun and community. He them at an early day to the Pacific Coast,and on whom �
has filled the office of Supery r, Road 'Master, and devolved the responsibility and honor of organizing a new
School Trustee, and is always identified in the manage- Government, and creating a new society far removed
ment of the business of the county, earning the respect from the controland help of the General Government, or
and confidence of all. of established orders of society. Mr. Howe was born in
GEORGE STONE
Providence,Rhode Island,October 2], 182 When three i
]•
years of age, his parents moved to the city of New York, j
Was a veteran of the war with Mexico and a pioneer of and four years later removed to La Salle County, Illinois,
California, born in the State of New York, in 183o, and then a wild and comparatively unknown region in the
dying at Cayucos,San Luis Obispo County, April 7, 188 2. i extreme West. The broad prairies were then in their
During his youthful years he was a resident of the State primeval wildness, and the beautiful Illinois River knew
of his birth,and at the breaking out of the war with Mex- only the batteaux of the trapper and the occasional keel-
ico, he volunteered, young as he was, in the service of boat of the trader. The Black Hawk War had closed i
his country, and marched to the battle-field. After serv- but a year or two before, rendering the country habitable �•f' ±
ing through the war he came to California,and settled in rn the whirs rn�. r, cat, n» ..._ __a r_,:_. --.___ __. I
t '
Y5
y t
rt
ry
(:q., 'tip:•., / - .. {' ?�s}�'.'
}
lm
/ M J'+
R
r
/d^
i 404ff
•— "� a :
w
tv
a r L S
\ s s
+ ey
3/�I�[ � �d �y a✓eey�/ S
B. WHAT PROPERTIES ARE HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT?
There are two types of historic properties in San Luis Obispo:
Individual buildings that have significant historic or architectural value are
called "Historical Resources."
Buildings in older neighborhoods that contribute to the character of that
neighborhood are called "contributing" structures.
Owners of these properties may be eligible for benefits and services described in
the next section. Additional information about historic properties is presented
below.
1. Historical Resources
In 1981 a citizens committee, appointed by the City Council, surveyed the older
buildings in town -- those built before 1941. After studying the history and
architecture of these buildings, the City Council approved a listing of properties
that are considered Historical Resources. There are five classes of resources. The
definition of each class and the "master list" of historical resources are included
in Appendix B of these guidelines.
The city is continuing to study the history of its older neighborhoods, so more
historic sites may be added to the list. Check with the Community Development
Department for the most up-to-date listing. Also, property owners may conduct their
own research and ask the City Council to add their property to the list. More
information about this procedure is included in Appendix C.
1. Historical Preservation Districts
In 1987, the City Council created three Historical Preservation Districts. The
purpose of the districts is to identify older parts of San Luis Obispo that exhibit
an important part of our community's history. The districts are shown on Figure #1
and include the downtown business district and parts of the older residential
neighborhoods that surround it.
Buildings within each district have been classified as "contributing" or
"non-contributing." Contributing buildings add to the historic character of the
neighborhood. Non-contributing buildings are typically newer structures that do not
support the prevailing historic character of the area.
The boundaries of historic districts can change over time. Check with the Community
Development Department for the most up-to-date map. Citizens may ask the City
Council to create new historical districts or change the boundaries of existing
ones. Information about this procedure is included in Appendix E. j
i
2
TISTORICAL PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
DISTRICT BOUNDARY
In I
f
-051
MW
a �
IM WK
01 ONO 1 gol
roll
IMP
PUMP
� jjli
imp -111191, lfl
APPENDIX E. Procedures for amending or establishing
Historical Preservation Districts.
1. Who Can Annly?
Any person may request that a property or group of properties be included
within or excluded from a Historical Preservation District. The Cultural
Heritage Committee, Planning Commission or the City Council may also initiate
an application.
2. Where and How to Anoly.
A standard application for a "rezoning" must be completed and submitted to the
Community Development Department. Also, an applicant must submit:
A map (8-1/2" x 11") from the official zone map, with the area to be
changed shaded or outlined in a heavy, black line, and the proposed change
clearly labeled.
All information that shows how the proposed rezoning (establishment of an
"H" designation) complies with the purpose and application provisions of
Chapter 17.54 of the city's Zoning Regulations (see attached excerpt).
Property.owners' list and map showing the area included in the list. (For
instructions on how to prepare the property owners' list, ask for the
instruction sheet at the Community Development Department.)
There is no fee for filing an application to create or amend a Historical
Preservation District. For more information about preparing a rezoning
application, phone or visit the Community Development Department.
3. Actions by the City.
Three groups review and act on applications to amend or create a Historical
Preservation District:
a. The Cultural Heritage Committee will schedule an advertised public hearing
to consider "H" district applications. The CHC will forward its
recommendations to approve or deny an application to the Planning Commission.
b. The Planning Commission will consider the CHC's recommendation and will send
its own recommendations for action on the proposal to the City Council.
c. The City Council will consider the recommendations of the CHC and Planning
Commission and will either approve or deny the application. If the council
approves an application, the City Clerk will send the applicant a copy of the
ordinance that affirms this action.
(Excerpt from City Zoning Regulations)
Chapter 17.54
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION (H) ZONE
Sections:
17.54.010 Purpose and Application
17.54.020 Allowed Uses
17.54.030 Property Development Standards
17.54.010 Purpose and Application
A. The H zone identifies parcels, areas or structures that (1) are architecturally or
historically important, and (2) may be eligible for benefits offered through the City's
Historical Preservation Program.
B. The H zone may be applied to areas with any of the following characteristics:
1. The property is within an area where buildings with pre-1941 architectural styles
create a recognizable character.
2. The property or area contains structures which (a) are good or excellent examples
of pre-1941 architecture, or (b) were designed by eminent architects or designers, or (c)
are community architectural landmarks.
3. The property or area contains structures that are included in the city's Master
List of Historical Resources,
4. The property, area or structure was owned or occupied by someone who had a
significant role in the history of the city, region, state or nation.
17.54.020 Allowed Uses.
Uses shall be as provided in the underlying zone, (Ord. 941 sl (part), 1982: prior
.code s 9203.16 (B))
17.54.030 Property Development Standards.
Property Development Standards shall be as established by the underlying zone. (Ord.
941 sl (part), 1982: prior..code s9303.16 (C)
3-2�