HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-2017 ARC Correspondence - Item 2 (Cooper)To: SLO Architectural Review Commission
Re: 1135 Santa Rosa Street
From: Allan Cooper, Secretary Save Our Downtown
Date: July 7, 2017
Honorable Chair Wynn and Commissioners -
On July 7, 2015 staff appropriately recommended a continuance on 1135 Santa Rosa (see my
excerpts from the July 7, 2015 Staff Report). Unfortunately, after public testimony in support of
the project from 15 individuals (many of whom were employees of Stalwork, Inc.) the project
that night was approved.
The staff report included the following description of the proposed color palette (bold type is
mine):
“Materials and architectural details. Smooth troweled plaster in muted tan, brown and wood-
tone colors complements the plaster, stucco, brick, cement block, and wood material used for
buildings in the vicinity. Tile used for the Marsh Street bulkhead enriches the simple character of
the building design. An attractive entry area, protected by an awning, recessed into the building,
provides pedestrians with an area to transition form the building to the Santa Rosa sidewalk.
Windows allow views into activities taking place on the ground floor of the building.”
Commissioners Curtis and Ehdaie that night expressed concern with the "...use of dark
colors such as the gray stone...".
On April 10, 2017 I sent an email to Michael Codron expressing my concern that 1135 Santa
Rosa was dark charcoal throughout. He assured me that there had been no changes made to
the color palette and explained that the current color (presumably the color of raw plaster) will
be painted over. On May 10, 2017, I asked the City to withhold Stalwork’s building/occupancy
permits since they were obviously balking at adhering to the ARC's recommended color palette.
This was not done.
The applicant describes the proposed color (dark charcoal) as accurately reflecting colors of
neighboring properties. As you can see from the photos below, this is a preposterous statement.
I am relying on you and the integrity of your Commission to adhere to the direction that was
given two years ago today. Thank you!
______________________________________
Excerpts From The July 7, 2015 Staff Report:
“Materials and architectural details. Smooth troweled plaster in muted tan, brown and wood-
tone colors complements the plaster, stucco, brick, cement block, and wood material used for
buildings in the vicinity. Tile used for the marsh Street bulkhead enriches the simple character of
the building design. An attractive entry area, protected by an awning, recessed into the building,
provides pedestrians with an area to transition form the building to the Santa Rosa sidewalk.
Windows allow views into activities taking place on the ground floor of the building.”
This project shall “…fit within the context and historic pattern of existing development.”
“The applicant has reduced the amount of roof overhand in order to reduce the potential for
acoustic bounce.”
“Any change to approved design, colors, materials, landscaping, or other conditions of approval
must be approved by the Director or Architectural Review Commission, as deemed appropriate.”
“Building articulation - upper level. The final project design will provide additional building
articulation at the south elevation to include awnings or balconies at the second floor or
other elements that enhance the pedestrian scale and give the appearance that the third floor
has a greater setback.”
“First-floor windows - Glass. Clear glass (at least 88 percent light transmission) will be used for
window on the first floor, consistent with Community Design Guidelines 4.2 (D.4a).
Staff recommended Continuance.
July 7, 2015 Commissioner Comments:
Commissioner Curtis: “…noted concern with the use of dark colors such as the gray stone…
Curtis spoke in support of widening windows for increased transparency at sidewalk level…”
Commissioner Ehdaie: “…concurred with Commissioner Curtis’s comments regarding color
palette and window transparency…”
Commissioner Wynn: “…spoke in support of greater transparency of windows at the ground
level…”