Paso Robles South Downtown Conceptual Plan

In the pursuit of CRP´s continuing community outreach efforts, students of the second-year design studio (Intermediate Environmental Design, CRP-203) faced a very complex challenge in the spring 2004. Responding to a request for help from Paso Roble´s Community Development Department, instructors Zeljka Howard and Vicente del Rio led their sessions together in developing a concept for the revitalization of the area south of the downtown – nicknamed SoDo by the class. Having suffered a major earthquake in December 2003, Paso Robles also wants reconstruction efforts to encourage revitalization, mixed-use development, and a pedestrian-friendly environment in the downtown.

Although highly accessible from Highway 101 and served by the railroad, well located within the city structure, and with a strong development potential, the area suffers from “development blight” –underutilized and vacant sites, low density, and not very noble uses. The studio followed a design process in which the class was first divided into large groups for an inventory and analysis of the city history, infrastructure, assets, problems, and opportunities. In the next phase, groups of students investigated how these reflected on the project area –which included 14 blocks and a major vacant site– its land uses and environmental aspects, and how the area was perceived and utilized by the community. The information led the class to discuss and propose a program for the whole area, with sector objectives and design concepts, including the future Court House project and Paso Robles’ desire for a new City Hall and Theatre. With the analysis and programming in mind, the class was able to discuss urban design concepts for the area and to choose an alternative redevelopment plan for adoption by the whole class. Smaller design teams of 2 to 3 students then focused on how to apply the overall concepts to the streetscape and to every one of the blocks, what included specific programming, site planning, urban design, and major architectural features for existing and future buildings.

The students did a terrific job and at the request of the Community Development Department they presented their work in the Paso Robles City Library, at the end of the quarter in a special session of the Planning Committee. Their urban design concept and block designs show a very feasible scenario of how the Paso Robles SoDo area could be realistically revitalized into a thriving and pedestrian friendly urban environment with mixed-use development, various housing types, employment opportunities, and new public, cultural and recreational assets. The student proposal turns Park Street into a mixed-use axis that starts at the City Park to the north, and terminates at a new City Hall, a major theatre facility, and a new recreational park to the south. The area would feature pocket parks, town homes, apartments, pedestrian-oriented retail, a children’s museum, two parking structures, and the existing post office would be relocated to Spring Street. The City of Paso Robles´ Community Development Department , the Planning Commission members, and the community appreciated having a well thought concept plan for the area and a number of important ideas which will help them choose among the possible future directions for downtown redevelopment.

This project was organized under the direction of Cal Poly professors Zeljka Howard and Dr. Vicente del Rio. They can be contact at:

This website is still being developed. New material is constantly being added. Please check back frequently for updates. If you are having trouble using this site, please visit our help page.