-Colony Square-

LOCATION MAP & EXISTING SITE

The Colony Square Development is located on the City’s primary corridor: El Camino Real. The site is zoned Downtown Commercial and lies within the Downtown Revitalization Plan. The existing site includes a vacant land and is surrounded by a movie theater and 13,000 square-feet of retail space. 

HISTORY & BACKGROUND

The applicant has worked diligently with staff and the DRC on crafting the site plan and architecture. The architecture, landscaping, and signage is consistent with the intent of the Master Plan of Development. The proposed project continues to accomplish the project objectives including:

• Implementing the General Plan and Downtown Revitalization Plan;
• Maximizes the property’s potential in manner consistent with the General Plan;
• Broadens the City’s tax base by providing local and regional tax generating uses through Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT);
• Maximizes the economic viability of the vacant site;
• Provides necessary adequate infrastructure and public amenities;
• Locates a commercial project at the new Centennial Bridge landing to connect the theater to the Sunken Gardens, consistent with the Downtown Revitalization Plan.

The mixed-use project consists of:

• 67 residential units
• 58,250 square-feet of retail/restaurant space
• An 89 room hotel (total square-feet: 61,550)
• A 10 Screen (35,000 square-feet) movie theater

RENDERINGS & CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS

RECORDS

In August 2005, the Planning Commission approved a mixed-use Master Plan of Development for the Colony Square project (CUP 2004-0127). The project was considered a major cornerstone of the Atascadero Downtown Revitalization Plan, including additional density of retail, restaurants, a movie theater, residential presence, and a mid-block pedestrian connection through Atascadero Creek to connect with the Sunken Gardens.

In 2015, the L-shaped property between El Camino Real and the former City Hall as well as the existing theater and restaurants were sold to a new owner. The new owner has been working with City staff and the project architect to explore ways to develop the L-shaped site for optimum use. With construction of the Centennial Bridge now connecting the site to the Sunken Gardens and the new City parking lot on Lewis Avenue, the applicant was compelled to move forward and has submitted an amendment to add a boutique hotel with restaurant spaces on the subject parcel.

The Atascadero Design Review Committee reviewed a preliminary concept plan for the proposed hotel on October 11, 2017, and then reviewed an updated design and parking study on April 11, 2018. The Committee recommended minor architectural changes which were incorporated into the current proposal. The DRC recommended drop off areas and valet services be provided for the hotel. The Porte-cochere drop off area was added, as well as condition of approval that the owner obtains an agreement for offsite parking for the hotel valet service.

The proposed Conditional Use Permit Amendment is in substantial conformance with Certified Mitigated Negative Declaration 2005-0020, approved for the original Colony square project on August 16, 2005. The project size, overall design, and location of the buildings are in substantial conformance with the 2005 CEQA analysis. The original Mitigation Measures are included in the attached resolution without changes.

Staff Reports

CEQA Mitigation Measures - 2005

Design Review Committee – 4/11/2018

Planning Commission – 5/15/2018