San Luis Obispo–Yes?

There are mixed signals on the proposed store in San Luis Obispo (Calif.): the store design received a cool reception by the city’s Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC) at their meeting last week, yet Apple has already posted a full range of job positions for the store, indicating their confidence that the store will eventually open. The committee voted 4-2 to approve the design, but then set out eight conditions Apple must meet in order to meet the city’s historic downtown district design goals. The committee’s report has been forwarded to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), which meets this Monday to review Apple’s application.

The committee’s criticisms on Apple’s design mirror those raised in Portland (Ore.)–too much stainless-steel, and no windows on the side of the corner building. But the CHC also criticized the entryway, lack of a bulkhead, use of non-natural materials, the removal of existing light fixtures, and even the interior layout of the store. Unlike Portland, Apple is already recruiting employees for the store.

The CHC meeting minutes officially identified Apple as the tenant for the first time. Previously the project was only linked to the Copeland complex where Apple’s space is located. In its recommendation to the ARC, the committee concluded that, “While every facet of the proposed remodel is not precisely what is recommended by the [Community Design and Historical Program] Guidelines, staff has concluded that the proposal implements the goals for the downtown.” The CHC said that if several conditions are met, “The new storefront can be found consistent with these policies.”

Among the conditions are that clear glass be used for the Morro Street side windows, that the design retain the existing storefront bulkhead (wall area below the windows), and that Apple “eliminate or significantly reduce the amount of ‘beaded stainless steel’ (sic) siding used on the storefront.” The CHC also recommended that interior product displays not block the side windows, and “awnings shall be utilized” on the ground-level side windows.

Read a news story on the CHC meeting, and download (pdf, 1.6 Mb) the CHC meeting minutes and official notes, which has some interesting public input about the project.

Related posts:

1. San Luis Obispo Store…Back On