Building Permit Application Submitted

We’re excited to share that the Waterman Village building permit application was completed and submitted to the City of San Luis Obispo in early December.

We anticipate receiving building permits in the coming months, allowing us to begin construction in 2026. Reaching this milestone would not have been possible without the dedication, expertise, and generosity of our volunteers, professional partners, and donors. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to the project so far.

We are especially thankful to Dana Hunter and Abbey Lau of Hunter Smith Architecture, who skillfully led the team through the complex process of designing a project that combines the rehabilitation of a historic building with thoughtful new construction. Their leadership, vision, and technical expertise have been instrumental in advancing Waterman Village.

Many others played a critical role in bringing the project to this point. Architectural historian Amber Long of Long Historic Preservation Services helped us thoughtfully balance historic preservation with the need for safe, functional, and accessible spaces. Carl Meissner and Greg Notley generously volunteered their time to develop the electrical design, while Andy Pease and Jennifer Rennick provided valuable insight into efficiency, comfort, and flood-hardening strategies.

We are also grateful to Wendy Knight, our biologist, who braved some truly spooky conditions—both day and night—to conduct bat surveys. Colin Blaney and Mike Smith of Buehler Engineering led structural planning and seismic retrofitting, ensuring the buildings' long-term resilience. Additional thanks go to Terry Lee, landscape architect; Kraig Crozier, soils engineer; and many other dedicated professionals who contributed their time and expertise.

Waterman Village is the result of a truly collaborative effort. For a more complete list of those who contributed to the design process, please visit the Design Team page on our website.

Meet the Design Team