HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-25-2016 CHC Agenda Correspondence Item 2 (Lakeman)Meeting: C. Li C 61 -Z5 -tolls
item; 2
Re: 1009 - 1025 Monterey Street / King -Rossi Fremont Project
Regarding the wrap-around project proposed to be located next to the Fremont Theater:
I am writing to object to the excessive height of this structure as it is completely out of
character with the buildings immediately surrounding it. In particular, this project is out
of context with the following landmark buildings in downtown San Luis Obispo: the J.P.
Morgan building, located diagonally across the street intersection of Monterey and Osos
and the Fremont Theater located immediately next to it. When seen from a distance and
in perspective, the building will appear to be the same height as the Fremont marquee
and perhaps even taller. This should not be allowed. The marquee is a beautiful
example of Art Deco or Streamline Moderne and should be respected and left to stand
alone as it was originally designed to appear.
It seems that the King -Rossi fagade on Monterey would also overpower the popular
one-story Buona Tavola Restaurant located on the other side of the Fremont Theater.
This area of downtown SLO is designated to allow maximum building heights of 50 to
75 feet. However the factors that dictate what is best near the Fremont Theater negate
these higher dimensions. Therefore, it is imperative that this new structure be reduced
by two stories along the street facades as recommended in the 'Conceptual Physical
Plan for the City's Center'. This document states: "Preserve in general the existing
building height patterns of 2 and 3 stories".
As designed, this new structure would completely dominate this part of downtown and
this will work against our attempt to preserve the small town character of downtown.
Monetary self-interest should never be a catalyst for the 'common good' if it results in
the ruination of our small historic town.
In viewing the architect's prepared perspectives, it is apparent that the new building has
been squeezed into a small slot located between the Sperry Building and the Fremont
Theater. The exaggerated height of this proposed structure is clearly too high. The
paseo walk-through measures 15 to 20 feet in width - less in some areas - and if bound
by 60 foot high walls would not be an enjoyable space or place to be in. The top two
interior
residential floors of the building will be facing onto the old rooftop of the theater which
will afford a less than desirable immediate foreground view.
Reviewing the architectural plans and front elevation facing Monterey Street it is
apparent that the new structure would line up with the front of the Fremont Theater,
showing little respect for the lovely curved front fagade of the theater including the Art
Deco marquee. Instead the new structure should be set back at least 10 to 15 feet from
its present location, the top two stories should be removed and the Higuera Street
facade needs further articulation.
Sandra Lakeman
Emeritus Professor of Architecture
Author and Architect
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
RECEIVED
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
JAN 2 5 2016
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT