HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-2017 ARC Correspondence - Item 2 (Crotser)
CHARLES CROTSER Architect, A.I.A.
P.O. Box 12528 . . . San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
Phone/Messages: (805) 471-5967; e-mail: ccrotser@gmail.com
July 10, 2017
Architectural Review Commission
City of San Luis Obispo
RE: 1135 Santa Rosa (Agenda Item 2)
ARC Commissioners:
I am writing in general support of the staff recommendation to adjust colors and details to more
closely conform to the original ARC direction and the Community Design Guidelines.
I am certainly supportive of a more contemporary architecture in our downtown, however, this
building, with the exception of the wood siding accent, is rather monolithic and unsympathetic to
the general character of its neighbors and downtown context. The originally approved color
scheme seemed quite appropriate and pleasing. The bulkhead detail not only references a
traditional commercial building element but would also add variety and pattern to what is now a
rather bland façade.
Staff has recommended retaining the darker “charcoal” color as the main body color and painting
the projecting elements a lighter grey. In my view, this is a very generous compromise to the
original color scheme. Although I believe the original color scheme is superior, this
recommendation may the best that can be expected at this point. In the future, buildings of a
contemporary nature should certainly be encouraged. However, attention to details, colors,
articulation and materiality must be carefully implemented to provide pleasing, appropriate, and
perhaps even inspiring architecture.
Sincerely,
Charles Crotser, AIA
Architect