Mixed-use project would be a first
A development that mixes residences with light industry and retail shops is considered one answer to housing problems
Melanie Cleveland
San Luis Obispo-based Quaglino Properties may start construction as early as next month on Sycamore Plaza, San Luis Obispo’s first mixed-use project with residences in an industrial zone at 3592 Sacramento Drive. The construction could well be a presage of more flexible zoning to come, where stores go up alongside light industry, in the midst of coffee shops, townhouses and apartments.
“This helps with the city’s mandate to produce housing,” said project developer Matt Quaglino, who is making both the residential and commercial spaces ‘condo-able’, so that people will have the option to buy or rent what they want. “And we feel there’s always a need for good commercial space, whether it’s someone who’s moving in the area, someone who is expanding or just relocating.”
The Quaglinos got the go-ahead for the project from the Planning Commission almost two years ago. The development, designed by San Luis Obispo architect firm, Steven D. Pults and Associates, will have two buildings. One will be entirely commercial and have a single level. The other will have three stories, with apartments on the second and third stories.
“The residential flats will be about 1,300 square feet each, with one or two bedrooms, fireplaces, and washers and dryers. Total square footage for both buildings is more than 36,000 square feet,” Pults said.
“Since the project was approved, it has been redesigned with less-expensive construction materials to make the project more affordable,” Quaglino said.
“It had a lot of masonry and concrete, he said. “Now it’s basically stick-framed.
Quaglino predicted the new Sacramento Drive project, estimated to cost about $5 million, will be finished within 14 months.
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© The Tribune 2007