SOLEDAD — Development plans are in the works for the Los Coches Adobe, headed up by Don Chapin to support the rehabilitation of the Adobe and an RV park.
Los Coches Adobe has been in the City of Soledad control for about 40 years, and project plans are moving the land closer to development. Chapin has hired San Luis Obispo-based architecture firm Tenover Studios, which has experience with recreation park development.
Julia Overhoff, lead designer of Tenover Studios, presented the ideas for the property to the Soledad City Council on Jan. 9.
“I think it’s exciting to set foot on a site and just see what the site constraints are and the opportunities,” Overhoff said.
The city supports the idea of restoring the Adobe, while Tenover Studios wants to bring new life to the site at the same time.
Overhoff said nothing has been pinned down yet, but they do want the site open to the community. Also, the water tower does not have the same historical significance the Adobe has, so it might not be part of the update.
The current Adobe and future RV park sits on 9.5 acres. There are 89 RV sites in the first preliminary plan with eight sites closer to the location of the Adobe.
“We have a concept for access by the public with public parking and a courtyard concept,” Overhoff said. “As well as an outdoor pavilion and outdoor space.”
Tenover Studios and Chapin have plans to expand the property out onto land owned by Ron Panizera and family, which would provide an addition 7.4 acres for future growth. The additional acreage would increase the total number of RV sites to 184.
“It’s a pretty efficient use of the site ,but obviously there’s a lot there to discuss with the neighboring property owner,” Overhoff said. “Other amenities that would be on the property would be a clubhouse ,and scattered throughout are a number of restroom facilities, laundry, dog runs and things of that nature.”
The architect and Chapin would like to take the Mission-style architecture that is present in Soledad and bring that to the site as well.
