August 16, 2006 FINAL ACTION MINUTES
OF THE
SAN FRANCISCO
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY HALL
1 DR. CARLTON B. GOODLETT PLACE, ROOM 400
August 16, 2006
12:05 P.M. ROLL CALL
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Martinez; Shatara; Street
THE ARC MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY COMMITTEE CHAIR SHATARA AT 12:05 P.M.
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Neil Hart, Neighborhood Planning Coordinator; April Hesik, Marlena Byrne, Deputy City Attorney; Sonya Banks, Recording Secretary
- 2006.0777A (A. HESIK: 415/558-6602)
945 Front Street, west side between Green and Vallejo Streets, Assessor's Block 136, Lot 2, located within a C-2 (Community Business) District, Waterfront Special Use District No. 3, and a 65-X Height and Bulk District. The building is designated as Potentially Compatible with the Northeast Waterfront Historic District pursuant to Article 10 of the Planning Code. Request is for Architectural Review Committee review and comment on a proposal to modify the storefronts, entrance, and windows of the building.
Speaker(s):
Julia Nelson
Nazly Mohajer
ARC comments and recommendations:
Agrees with staff recommendations. Recommended that the project sponsor should use vertical windows instead of horizontal windows. Suggested using a single large awning, instead of four. Suggested following the historic district design guidelines, which do not include wood and have specific recommendations for the fenestration. The design is not appropriate for a historic district. Suggested reconfiguring the grid pattern.
ADJOURNMENT: 12:30 P.M.
12:40 P.M. ROLL CALL
FOR FULL LANDMARKS BOARD CONSIDERATION
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez,
Shatara, Street
BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT: Chan
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Neil Hart, Neighborhood Planning Coordinator; Tim Frye, April Hesik, Sophie Middlebrook, Tara Sullivan-Lenane, Sonya Banks, Commission Secretary; Marlena Byrne, Deputy City Attorney
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jerry Adams: He has concerns with Victorian and Edwardian house being bombarded with insensitive garage additions. He requested that the Landmarks Board consider nominating the Tallant Flats (2300 block of Webster and Divisadero Streets) an apartment complex as a landmark designation.
Bradley Wiedmeyer: He requested the Landmarks Board to consider landmarking 2870-2878 Washington Street also known as 2300-2304 Divisadero Street. This 1901 apartment building represent the transition from flats to apartments. He stated there are only 4 other apartment buildings structure listed on the Landmark Work Program.
Kate Kardos-Polevo: Concerned with the proposed changes to the structure of 2870 Washington Street. Concerned that the work will not be performed correctly which will have an impact and affect the surrounding buildings. She feels that by adding a garage (on Washington Street) would change the façade and integrity of the building.
Gee Gee Platt: She stated that the Tallant Flats building is listed in HERE Today and has a 3 rating under the architectural survey, which should make this building eligible for landmark status. She believes the Planning Department staff should have been aware of the permits that were issued for this building. Suggested that the planning staff should look at the review process under which these permits were approved.
REPORTS
1. STAFF REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Neil Hart, Chief of Neighborhood Planning:
i He welcomed newly appointed Board Member Karl Hasz to the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board.
i He provided updates on:
- 74 New Montgomery Street: The applicant is working to repair and retain existing window sash and framing. They are only replacing the glazing itself with single panes. The windows are currently being tested for waterproofing.
- 845 Montgomery Street: A Certificate of Appropriateness was approved by the Landmarks Board and signed by the Director of Planning on August 26, 2005. Construction has started based upon an approved site permit and structural addenda. Approved structural and steel is being installed currently. No changes to the approved exterior elevation as reviewed by the Landmarks Board. Potential buyer of retail space on ground level are being made aware of the review process for storefront changes and/or proposed signage.
- Rincon Center: The manager of the property is not sure what is going on with the mural panels at this time. Looking through their files they found that they dealt with the same issue in the this location in 1997. At that time the Management company hired Thomas Portue to address the problem. The manager will provide an update when more information is received. Planning Department staff will be providing the new management company with the landmark designation and the history of the building by the end of this week.
- The Music Concourse: The Music Concourse was designated last fall and the surface improvement project was funded in order to restore the pedestrian concourses, roads and plantings that were damaged or eliminated during the garage construction for the museum. As part of the surface improvement contract there are two relevant points: Completion of the contract. The outstanding item remaining is the installation of the new lawn, which has not been completed due to an irrigation problem. This problem is expected to be resolved within a month and at that point the sod should be installed. There were problems with the original contractor hired to install the trees. The contractor will correct the problem with the trees when the sod is installed, which should be with 2-3 weeks. The browning of the tree leaves was a result of faulty irrigation combined with the heat wave, and they are working to resolve the problem.
- The Belli Building: The micropiles have been driven and capped with plates in all areas of the site except where the temporary ramp is still in place off Hotaling Place. Steel fabrication is being performed off-site at the general contractor's warehouse. The general contractor estimates that the steel fabrication work is 85% complete. The drainage pipes that have already been installed were determined to be inappropriate for the soils and groundwater conditions at the site and will have to be replaced with another type of pipe. Work on the pipes replacement is expected to commence next week. A large pipe has been placed in the ground for the shaft of the elevator and the shaft itself will be held at the general contractor's warehouse site until it is ready for installation. The contractor is waiting for delivery of a special tool and some back order items needed for the replacement of the drainage pipes. When the plumbing replacement work is finished, waterproofing work will follow. The contractor will then move forward with installation of forms and rebar for the foundation pour.
i The Planning Department staff will look into any permits issued regarding 2870-2878 Washington Street (this item was raised during public comment).
2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
3. MATTERS OF THE BOARD
None
- LANDMARKS WORK PROGRAM 2005-2006 UPDATE
The landmark designation for the Doggie Diner Head was approved by the Board of Supervisor's and signed by the Mayor on August 1st. The Richard P. Doolan/Norman T. Larson Resident and Storefronts was approved and signed by the Mayor on July 16th. The Temple of Emmanuel-Board Member Street met with the owner and they are supportive of the landmark, also Brian Price, student intern, is in the process of writing up the nomination. Bath House for Fleishhacker Pool- K. Henson, SFSU student intern, is working on the landmark designation. The Mother's Building-Rachel Force, Planning staff member, has supplied Board Member Damkroger with the National Register Nomination form. 21st Street Transit Shelter-Alex Hardy, SFSU student intern, provided a report on the history of the shelter. Supervisor Peskin provided a contact person from Muni who will speak regarding the nomination.
5. HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND COMMITTEE UPDATE
Alan Martinez
6. APPROVAL OF THE DRAFT ACTION MINUTES:
July 19, 2006 - August 3, 2005 - September 7, 2005 - September 21, 2005
It was moved by Board Member Damkroger (seconded by Cherny) to adopt the draft action minutes with corrections. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Shatara, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan
Tape No: 1a
REVIEW AND COMMENT
7. (N. HART: 415/558-6338)
SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL, BOARD OF SUPERVISOR'S CHAMBER, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. Review and comment on proposed solutions that would create access to the President's podium in the Board of Supervisor's Chamber.
Speaker(s):
Susan Misner
Stanley So
Board Comments
Provided history on the design of the Board of Supervisor's chamber from its establishment in the early 1900's from a political basis. Preferred design 9A scheme because it is less intrusive and would have the least changes to the historic fabric. Suggested two ramps instead of one because having one ramp is distractive. Stated if you're lowering the upper podium, the proposed paneling in the base is inappropriate because it is not classically detailed. Recommended obtaining someone who knows classical architecture. Recommended having specifications to ensure the highest quality of work is performed. Recommended providing a detailed Certificate of Appropriateness and to simplify the design of the hand rail. Suggested photo documenting the Chamber space before the construction begins. Recommended to salvage and store any of the materials that will be removed in case there needs to be a reversal of the approved alteration and so that the original materials can be re-installed.
Tape No. 1a & b
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
8. 2006.0606A (T. FRYE 415/575-6822)
924 GROVE STREET, between Fillmore and Steiner Streets, Assessor's Block 0798; Lot 008. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to convert ground floor to a garage, add dormers, rear extension, roof decks, and skylights. The subject property is a 1903 Greek Revival-Richardsonian Romanesque single-family dwelling and a contributory structure to the Alamo Square Historic District. It is located in an RH-3 (Residential, House, Three-Family) district and a 50-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with conditions
Speaker(s):
Alan Sagatelyan
Mark Topetcher
Joe Bacarra
Steven Warsley
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Dearman (seconded by Damkroger) to continue this item to an unspecific date and for the owner of the property, the project sponsor, planning staff, and Board Member Street to work together to revise the proposed project design. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Shatara, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan
Tape No.: 1b & 2a
9. THIS ITEM IS BEING PROPOSED FOR A CONTINUANCE INDEFINATELY.
2005.0997A (D. DIBARTOLO: 415/558-6291)
1735 FRANKLIN STREET, west side of Franklin Street, between California and Sacramento Streets, in Assessor's Block 641, Lot 02. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to rehabilitate and restore the structure. The project also proposes installation of a new garage entry at the Franklin Street façade, installation of a new slate roof, and patio doors at the rear elevation of the two-story-over-basement single-family residence built in 1904. The subject building is San Francisco Landmark No. 126 ("The Bransten House"), is listed in the City's 1976 Architectural Survey and in Here Today Page 39 and is located within an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. This item will be heard concurrent with a request for consideration of a Mills Act Property Contract.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with conditions.
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Damkroger) to accept the proposed continuance indefinitely.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Shatara, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan
10. THIS ITEM IS BEING PROPOSED FOR A CONTINUANCE INDEFINATELY.
2005.0997U (D. DIBARTOLO: 415/558-6291)
1735 FRANKLIN STREET, west side of Franklin Street, between California and Sacramento Streets, in Assessor's Block 641, Lot 02. Consideration of Mills Act Property Contract. The Landmarks Board is requested to consider adoption of the resolution recommending approval of: (1) The draft Mills Act property historical contract which includes: (a) the rehabilitation plan; and, (b) the maintenance plan; for the two-story-over-basement single-family residence built in 1904. The subject building is San Francisco Landmark No. 126 ("The Bransten House"), is listed in the City's 1976 Architectural Survey and in Here Today Page 39 and is located within an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Adopt the resolution.
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Damkroger) to accept the proposed continuance indefinitely.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Martinez, Shatara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan
RECUSED: Maley, Street
11. 2006.0852A (T. SULLIVAN-LENANE: 415/558-6257)
2155 JEFFERSON STREET, Palace of Fine Arts, between Baker and Bay Streets and Palace Drive. Assessor's Block 916, Lot 002. The Palace of Fine Arts was designed by Bernard Maybeck for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Its reconstruction was completed in 1967. The property is Landmark No. 88, is listed in Here Today, is included in the 1976 Architectural Survey, and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It is within a P (Public) District and an OS Height and Bulk District. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness to redesign the landscape elements of the Palace of Fine Arts Park, to replace the doors of the Rotunda building, and to install a new access door on the colonnade level of the Rotunda building.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
Speaker(s):
Charlie Duncan
Doug Nelson
John Thomas
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Dearman (seconded by Cherny) to accept the recusal of Board Member Street from item #11.
It was moved by Board Member Shatara (seconded by Cherny) to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness based on staff recommendations. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Shatara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan
RECUSED: Street
Tape No: 2a & b
12. 2003.0869A (S. MIDDLEBROOK: 415/558-6372)
88 5TH STREET, Old San Francisco United States Mint, Assessors Block 3704, Lot 011, bounded by Mint Street on the north, 5th Street on the east, Mission Street on the south and Jessie Street on the west. The subject building was designated as San Francisco Landmark No. 236. It is zoned P (Public Use) District and is in a 40-X Height and Bulk District. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to rehabilitate the existing historic structure into the San Francisco City History Museum and Historical Society with secondary uses being retail, restaurant and offices.
Proposed For Continuance Indefinitely
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Damkroger) to accept the proposed continuance indefinitely.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Martinez, Shatara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan
Recused: Maley, Street
13. 2006.0643LTM (R. FORCE: 415/558-6418)
TELEGRAPH HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT, ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS. Assessor's Block 106 Lots 2, 3, 4 and 42, and Block 113 Lots 9, 10, 19, 40 and 41. Consideration to amend Appendix G of Article 10 and to include additional properties in this Historic District, adopt a resolution recommending designation of additional properties for inclusion in the District to the Planning Commission, and adopt a resolution recommending amendments to Appendix G or Article 10 to the Planning Commission.
Proposed For Continuance Indefinitely
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Damkroger) to accept the proposed continuance indefinitely.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Shatara
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan
RECUSED: Street
Tape No.: 2b
- (N. HART and N. TURRELL: 415/558-6338)
Landmarks Board conversation on how the Planning Department's CEQA Review Procedures for Historic Resources has been working since its implementation in October 2004.
Speaker(s):
Joe Butler
Roland Salvo
Judith Hoyem
Gee Gee Platt
Susan Detwiler
Belinda Milligan
Board Comments
Asked if the planning staff request permits applicants to go through the resource evaluation process? If a residence was being proposed for demolition and the property had not been previously evaluated, would staff conduct an historic resource evaluation to be sure the property is not historic? Is the categorical exemption completed independent of the historical resource evaluation or do you need to do the historical resource first? Can the staff planner make the determination if a property should be exempted? Do all projects require an environmental evaluation? Encouraged the Planning Department to consider renaming the title in Category C because it seems confusing. Questioned if some of the information contained with Category C was outdated, if so, suggested adding the updated/revised information into footnotes at the bottom of Category C. What can be done if a Board Member has a question regarding the Certificate of Determination decision? Questioned if the Planning Department had any written criteria for evaluating the findings contained within the reports and the validities of the conclusion. Feels that we are losing contributing building within potential historic districts because of lack of evaluation of the context. Asked if the staff actually went to the neighborhoods to view the proposed sites? There are other areas that have not been surveyed and studied.
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Damkroger) to continued this item until September 6, 2006 Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board hearing.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Shatara, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan
Tape No.: 2b & 3a
ADJOURNMENT: 4:45 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sonya Banks, Recording Secretary
Adopted: September 20, 2006
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