HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-2017 Item PH2 (Lopes1)
Purrington, Teresa
From:James Lopes <jameslopes@charter.net>
Sent:Sunday, November
To:Advisory Bodies
Cc:Davidson, Doug; Cohen, Rachel; Allan Cooper; Sandra Lakeman
Subject:ARC 11-13-17 Hearing 2 - San Luis Square
Architectural Review Commission
City of San Luis Obispo, California
RE: Hearing Item 2 - San Luis Square
Dear Chair Wynn and Commissioners:
I thank you for your detailed direction at the last hearing for this project. However, I support the
comments by Allan Cooper, particularly the persistent continuation of a fourth floor on buildings
next to the Jack House. Other concerns which I would like you to consider and address verbally at
the hearing:
1. The proposed use of mottled brick patterns throughout identifies the project as a shopping
center. I appreciate the light colors, but more variation between the buildings and
between shops can be made to continue the rhythms and texture of downtown into this
area. The 581 Higuera building is across from the Creamery, and a similar white plaster
treatment should be given to this building to create an impressive ensemble in that setting.
2. The gray bulkheads are too prevalent and they create a monotonous pattern. Again, each
building and shop should have different themes and materials, etc.
3. The name and design of the project are misleading, as there is no square or
plaza. Unfortunately, the architect must squeeze more floor area into the project and forgo
a previous, more significant square at what is now an intersection. A square has a human-
scale, defined space (by size and shape), a focal point or series of foci, and social spaces
defined by seating, fountains, art work or views out. Without these features, the proposal
simply is an intersection, since it has no special wider defining space which could
accommodate an art piece or focal point, and no seating areas for public gathering. Mr.
Cooper's comparison with other private/public spaces is very effective; this project is not
and has no square.
4. The 581 Higuera building is too massive next to the Jack House. The fourth floor, even set
back, is a problem. Without it, the third floor could be set back and leave more open sky
(less building) as viewed from the Jack House grounds. Perhaps the developer is proposing
too big a building. With a smaller building, the rear wall of the building could be further
from the Jack House.
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5. Throughout, the floor plates are too high so that the overall height is unnecessarily too
high. While impressive, the tall floors inflate the project beyond the individual scale of
buildings in downtown. Compare heights with the three story building across Nipomo
Street. Individual floors could be lower heights and still be impressive.
While the project has evolved, it has not risen to the challenge of compatibility with the fabric of
buildings in downtown. Please give your detailed direction to do this. Thank you.
James Lopes
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