December 05, 2007FINAL ACTION MINUTES
OF THE
SAN FRANCISCO
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY HALL
1 DR. CARLTON B. GOODLETT PLACE, ROOM 400
DECEMBER 5, 2007
12:05 P.M. ROLL CALL
FOR FULL LANDMARKS BOARD CONSIDERATION
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Mark Luellen, Preservation Coordinator; D. DiBartolo; R. Force; T. Frye; J.A. Kugler; S. Perdue; S. Middlebrook; M. Weintraub; Sonya Banks, Commission Secretary; Marlena Byrne, Deputy City Attorney
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Dillon: He was concerned with the demolition of a historic landmark at Golden Gate Park, the Grandstand and Horse Stables. He quoted the Lacey Act (the Antiquities Act of 1905) which he claimed could be used to preserve local landmarks. He feels that the Planning Commission does not know the process for preserving landmarks and the laws associated with preserving landmarks. He requested assistance from the Landmarks Board to help preserved the historic landmarks at Golden Gate Park.
REPORTS
1. STAFF REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mark Luellen, Preservation Coordinator:
i He introduced two new Planning Department Preservation Technical Specialists. Angela Heitter holds a BA in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art. Pilar LaValley holds a MS in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Social Science with an emphasis in environmental studies and urban planning from the University of Michigan. The Preservation Team is now fully staffed.
i On November 9th, the Planning Commission recommended approval to the Board of Supervisors the landmark designation for Noe Valley Carnegie Library.
i On November 15th, the Planning Commission heard comments on the Chinatown YMCA DEIR; there were no comments provided from the Planning Commission. The DEIR for Golden Gate Park Stables was certified at that same hearing.
i On December 4th, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution initiating the landmark designation for the Metro Theater at 2055 Union Street. This matter will be referred to the Planning Department, the Landmarks Board and then the Planning Commission.
i On December 11th, the Planning Department will hold their Holiday party at the Elks Club Ballroom, 450 Post Street from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- On December 19th, the Planning Department staff will provide an update to the Landmarks Board on the surveys currently underway. Staff is expecting to the final results from the Market & Octavia survey within the next couple of weeks. The survey information will be provided to the Landmarks Board in a timely matter so that the Board can review the information.
i The January 2, 2008, Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board hearing will be cancelled.
i At the next scheduled hearing on January 16th, the Landmarks Board will hold their Election of Officers.
2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
None at this time.
3. MATTERS OF THE BOARD
Cherny
He informed the Board that there is water damage on the murals at Coit Tower. He wasn't sure if it was appropriate that the cat door on the second floor at Coit Tower be open because murals are located in that room. The Rincon Center murals have been repaired and restored.
Street
She asked if there was any development on the Cottage Row issues. Have there been a response from the Graffiti Advisory Board regarding the letter that was sent by the Landmarks Board.
Maley
She asked if amending Article 10 only for Cottage Row historic district was possible. She asked if there was more information on 576 Shotwell Street.
Luellen
He informed Board member Street that there was a meeting held with the concerned neighbors from Cottage Row and Board Member Martinez also attended. There were no changes in the regulatory issues. The District itself is in the Redevelopment Agency area. The fence does not require a permit, or a Certificate of Appropriateness, and there is no provision within Article 10. The Planning Department recommended remedy is to amend Appendix K (of Article 10) to include the review of that type of features but the amendment would not affect this issue. In response to Board Member Martinez, this issue has been sorted out by the City Attorney office and the Planning Department. Article 10 does not apply to this particular situation. In response to President Maley, it appears that Appendix K is the only appendix that does not have that provision.
Martinez
He believes that there is significant language in Article 10 to find the fence inappropriate for a historic district. He thought the Planning Department was going to pursue the issue on Cottage Row as inappropriate.
Damkroger
If Article 10 is amended will those changes come before the Landmarks Board?
Maley
Will the amendment be just for the Cottage Row Historic District to cover that issue or for every Districts?
4. LANDMARKS WORK PROGRAM 2005-2007 UPDATE
- HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND COMMITTEE UPDATE
ACTION ITEM(S)
6. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 17, 2007 DRAFT ACTION MINUTES.
(Continued from 11/7/07)
Speaker(s):
None
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Street) to approve the draft action minutes. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
7. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 7, 2007 DRAFT ACTION MINUTES.
Speaker(s):
None
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Street) to approve the draft action minutes with the following amendment: On item 15 A Board member stated that every effort should be made to evaluate alternatives that preserve the existing building such as excavation and investigation of other alternatives . The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
REVIEW AND COMMENT
8. (J.A. KUGLER: (415) 575-6925)
CENTRAL SUBWAY PROJECT-PHASE 2 OF THE THIRD STREET LIGHT RAIL PROJECT: Public Hearing to assist the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board to prepare a comment letter on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report. SFMTA is proposing to provide improved transit service from South of Market to Chinatown. The Study Area includes a corridor along Third/Fourth Streets, Stockton Street and Columbus Avenue from Fourth/King (the terminus of Phase 1 of the Third Street Light Rail) to Jackson/Stockton Streets, with a construction related tunnel to Columbus Avenue/Union Street near Washington Park. The supplemental document focuses on changes to the project that have occurred since the certification of the 1998 FEIS/FEIR. Three alternatives are evaluated within the Study Area: a No-Project/Transportation Systems Management (TSM) Alternative; an Enhanced EIS/EIR Alternative with an alignment along Third, Fourth, and Harrison Streets, south of Market, a shallow subway tunnel under Market, Kearny, and Geary Streets as in the original 1998 FEIS/FEIR; and a Fourth/Stockton Street Alternative with a deep subway tunnel under Market Street with two design options. Stations would be located along the alignments to serve South of Market, the Convention Center, Market Street and Union Square and Chinatown. A Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIS/SEIR) has been prepared by the San Francisco Planning Department and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in connection with this project.
NOTE: The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was published on October 16, 2007. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the adequacy, accuracy, objectivity and completeness of information in the Draft EIR on November 15, 2007. This hearing is intended to assist the Landmarks Board such that the Board may prepare written comments on the Draft EIR to submit to the Planning Department. Written comments on the Draft EIR will be accepted at the Planning Department until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 10, 2007.
(Continued from 10/17/07 AND 11/7/07)
SPEAKER(S):
None
BOARD COMMENTS
A Board member asked for clarification regarding the appendices to the historic resources report and the DEIR. A Board member questioned if any studies were performed on the feasibility of locating the Chinatown station underground or within an existing building. A Board member had concerns with the proposed mitigation measures for impacts to historic resources. The Board felt that if the Stockton Street building was demolished or altered then documentation of the building should be stipulated as a mitigation measure. A Board member suggested that there should be a mitigation measure that addresses the vibration monitoring and the depth of the tunnels. Furthermore, the DEIR should evaluate what the impacts to the historic districts will be and it should provide alternatives and mitigation measures that address this issue. A Board member encourages as a mitigation measure an education/training program for workers and consultants about potential damage to historic resources as a result of construction and vibration. Further, a Board member felt that the MTA should fund and sponsor the actual designation of the potential historic districts that could be impacted by the project. A Board member requested clarification regarding the vent shafts and their potential to impact historic structures. The Board believes that it would be helpful if maps were included in the background studies and DEIR identifying the location of historic resources. The Board believes that the meaning of the loss of historic buildings needs to be assessed in terms of the economic and cultural impact to the historic districts and neighborhoods. A Board member recommended that the Programmatic Agreement included a thorough evaluation of the Preservation Alternative to demolishing the buildings on Stockton Street. A Board member recommended that the Preservation Alternatives be prepared by a Preservation Architect that meets the qualifications of the Secretary of the Interior Standards. A Board member suggested including a list of unreinforced masonry buildings in the project boundary so that there could be some evaluation for the potential for damages prior to excavation. A Board member suggested that the Preservation Architect, not the contractor, monitor the character-defining features of historic buildings on the exterior during construction. A Board member requested that any major changes to the project be brought back before the Landmarks Board for review. A Board member feels that it would be helpful to include specific dates when reviews are scheduled to take place for the stations. The Board was pleased to see the protection of the street lights and generally supports the Central Subway Station Project.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
- 2007.0447A (D. DiBARTOLO: 558-6291)
600 STOCKTON STREET, known formerly as the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, is located at the east side of Stockton Street between Pine and California Streets in Assessor's Block 257, Lots 012. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct an approximately 2,000 square foot glass conservatory structure within the existing internal courtyard with two glass covered walkways providing access between the conservatory and the hotel. The project would also modify the landscaped area affected by the glass structure. The four to seven story Classical Revival steel frame with reinforced concrete structure was constructed in 1909 and is currently used as a hotel, Ritz Carlton . The subject property is Landmark Number 167 under Article 10, is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, is listed in the 1976 Architectural Survey and Here Today, and rates an A on San Francisco Heritage's survey of historic buildings. The site is located within a C-3-G (Downtown General) District and an 80-130-F Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
(Continued from 11/7/07)
Speaker(s):
None
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Street) to accept the recusal of President Maley from this item. The vote was unanimous.
It was moved by Board member Martinez (seconded by Street) to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
RECUSED: Maley
10. 2007.1335A (D. DiBARTOLO: 558-6291)
610 VALLEJO STREET, St. Francis of Assisi Church, is located at the northeast corner of Columbus Avenue, in Assessor's Block 131, Lot 009. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project which includes the following components: (1) seismic strengthening of the unreinforced masonry building; (2) life safety improvements; (3) disabled access improvements; (4) mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades; and, (5) Exterior rehabilitation which includes roof replacement. The structure is Landmark Number 5 under Article 10, is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, is designated as State Historical Landmark 1-769 and Points of Historical Interest, is listed in the 1976 Architectural Survey and Here Today, and rates a 1 on North Beach survey of historic buildings. The site is located within the North Beach Neighborhood Commercial (NCD) a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
Speaker(s):
Andrew Blytholder
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Street) to accept the recusal of President Maley from this item. The vote was unanimous.
It was moved by Board Member Damkroger (seconded by Hasz) to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following amended conditions: that any significant historic materials removed during the rehabilitation and upgrade will be stored for future use. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
RECUSED: Maley
11. 2007.1340A (D. DiBARTOLO: 558-6291)
870 MARKET STREET(aka 80 Powell Street), northeast corner of intersection with Powell Street, Assessor's Block 329, Lot 005. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for modifications to a non-original storefront on the ground floor of the subject landmark building. The subject property, known as the Flood Building, is San Francisco Landmark No. 154, is a Category I Building in the Kearny-Market-Mason-Sutter Article 11 Conservation District, is listed in Here Today , is on the 1976 architectural survey, is rated A on San Francisco Architectural Heritage Foundation's survey, is zoned C-3-R (Downtown, Retail), and is in a 80-130-F Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
Speaker(s):
None
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Street) to accept the rescual of President Maley from this item. The vote was unanimous.
It was moved by Board Member Hasz (seconded by Street) to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
RECUSED: Maley
Tape No. 1a
12. 2007.1348A (D. DiBARTOLO: 558-6291)
730 MONTGOMERY STREET, east side between Washington and Jackson Streets, Assessor's Block 196, Lot 015. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install one business sign in the form of a projecting fabric sign on the ground floor of the subject landmark building. The property, known as the Golden Era Building, is San Francisco Landmark No. 19 within the Jackson Square Historic District under Article 10, is listed in the California Register, is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, is listed in Here Today , is on the 1976 architectural survey, is rated B on San Francisco Architectural Heritage Foundation's survey, is zoned C-2 (Community Business) District and is in a 65-A Height and Bulk District. The site is also within the Washington-Broadway and Jackson Square Special Use Districts and the Jackson Square Special Sign District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
Speaker(s):
Christopher Besmer
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Martinez (seconded by Street) to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following condition: that the attachment does not penetrate the cast iron element of the façade. The project sponsor will work with planning staff to ensure that the structure of the banner sign is redone. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
Tape No. 1a and b
13. 2007.1332A (S. MIDDLEBROOK: 558-6372)
DR. CARLETON B. GOODLETT PLACE(CITY HALL), Assessor's Block 0787; Lot 001. The subject property is the Board of Supervisors' chamber in City Hall, a contributing structure to the Civic Center Historic District, local San Francisco Landmark Number 21. The site is zoned P (Public) with an 80-X Height and Bulk limit. The proposal is a Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to make the President's dais and the Clerk of the Board's desk in the Board of Supervisors' Chamber accessible to persons with disabilities. The scope of work for the proposed project is limited to the President's dais and the Clerk of the Board's desk within the Board of Supervisors' chamber in City Hall.
Preliminary Recommendation: Recommendation of approval to the Planning Commission.
Speaker(s):
Susan Mizner
Elisa Skaggs
Peter Lewis
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Martinez (seconded by Damkroger) to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
The Landmarks calendar was heard in the following order: #15, 14, 17, 16, 18, and 19
14. 2007.1144A (S. PERDUE: 415/558-6625)
851 BEACH STREET, (aka 900 North Point), Ghirardelli Square, on block bound by Beach, North Point, Larkin, and Polk Streets. Assessor's Block 0086, Lot 012 – Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for installation of signage at the Beach Street façade. The Ghirardelli Square is designated San Francisco Landmark No. 30 and is listed on the National and California Registers of Historic Places. The site is zoned C-2 (Commercial) District and is in a 40-X Height and Bulk District, and is also within the Northern Waterfront Special Use District No. 2.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
(Continued from 11/7/07)
Speaker(s):
None
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Hasz (seconded by Street) to accept the recusal of Board Member Damkroger. The vote was unanimous.
It was moved by Board Member Street (seconded by Martinez) to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
RECUSED: Damkroger
Tape No. 1b
15. 2006.1469A (S. PERDUE: 415/558-6625)
1266 FULTON STREET, north side between Divisadero and Scott Streets. Assessor's Block 1180, Lot 012 – Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install an elevator and modify windows and doors at the rear of the buildings. The Edwardian-style, 3-story flat is a contributor to the Alamo Square Historic District; it is zoned RH-3 (Residential, House, Three-Family) District and is in a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
Speaker(s):
Steven Swason
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Street (seconded by Martinez) to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The vote passed 5-0.
AYES: Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
DID NOT VOTE ON THIS ITEM: Cherny
16. 2006.0023A (TIM FRYE 415/575-6822)
109 LIBERTY STREET, Assessor's Block 3607; Lots 075. Located between Dolores and Guerrero Streets, the subject property is a contributing structure to the Liberty-Hill Historic District, is listed on the California Register, and San Francisco Heritage holds a façade easement on the property. It is located within an RH-3 (Residential – Multi-Family) District with a 40-X Height and Bulk limit. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to excavate and install two garage door openings within the existing retaining wall. The roof of the structure will be finished as a deck and will be used as open space. The work will also necessitate rebuilding the front entry stairs. This project was continued from the October 17, 2007 hearing.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions.
Speaker(s):
Van Ly
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Damkroger) to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions: that the curb cut will be minimize as much as possible; the use of two doors minimize the appearance of one large opening; this project was started before the garage guidelines were established and that is why the Board is considering the two doors; recommended using a metal railing with bars (painted) that meets the code instead of cable; the final permit shall not be issued pending S.F. Heritage concurrence on the proposed project (S.F. Heritage holds an easement on the property). The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
Tape No. 2a
REVIEW AND COMMENT
17. 2004.0773A (S. PERDUE: 415/558-6625)
55 LAGUNA STREET, San Francisco Normal School / San Francisco State Teacher's College, on two blocks bound by Laguna, Haight, Buchanan, and Hermann Streets. Assessor's Block 0857, Lots 001 and 001a and Assessor's Block 0870, Lots 001, 002, and 003 – Request for Review and Comment in preparation for a Certificate of Appropriateness application regarding the proposed rehabilitation of Landmark Nos. 257, 258, and 259 – Richardson Hall, Woods Hall, and Woods Hall Annex. The campus is rated 3 in the Planning Department's Citywide Architectural Survey of 1976; it is zoned P (Public Use) District and is in a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Speaker(s):
Fred Pollack
Elisa Skaggs
Peter Lewis
Vincent Marsh
Cynthia Servetnick
Mark Paez
Phil Horne
Steve Vettel
Board Comments
A Board member alerted the project sponsors to proceed with caution when removing the stucco because there may be murals underneath. A Board member feels that it would be helpful to know the condition of the stucco and how much repair it will need and the approach for repairing the stucco. A Board member requested side-by-side comparison elevations showing existing conditions and proposed alterations. A Board member would also like to be provided information regarding the entire project so as to understand the relationship of the Landmarked buildings to the proposed work at the project site. A Board member encourages the project sponsor to allow San Francisco Architectural Heritage to review and comment on the proposed plans. A Board member requested a full window survey be conducted to determine the condition of the windows in each of the Landmarked buildings. A Board member recommended that the auditorium windows (in Woods Hall) remain the same size. A Board member recommended that all consultants involved with the project be informed of and in agreement with the project in total so as to ensure that there are not conflicts in the scope of proposed changes. A Board member requested more details on the proposed openings in the site walls and how they will work. A Board member feels that the proposed openings on Laguna and Hermann Streets are too large, particularly in height. A Board member feels that the guardrail (at Wood Hall Annex) looks intrusive. A Board member also feels that it is not necessary to move the Sacred Palm Tree. A Board member requested information on the seismic and mechanical intervention, so that the Board can understand how the project meets the Secretary of Interior Standards. A Board member requested more information about the entire proposed project and requested to review the landmark designation report and/or the case report to compare with the proposed plans. A Board member would like to review the condition assessment protection plan as stated in the revised mitigation measures. A Board member would like the project sponsor to revisit the preservation alternatives put forward in the EIR. A Board member asked if there was a need to install elevators in the buildings and requested more information on the balconies and feels that a site visit may be necessary to understand the impact of the balconies.
Tape No. 1b and 2a
18. (M. WEINTRAUB: 415/575-6812)
CITY WITHIN A CITY: HISTORIC CONTEXT STATEMENT FOR SAN FRANCISCO'S MISSION DISTRICT. Request for Review and Comment and consideration of a resolution endorsing the draft historic context statement. The document covers the area bounded approximately by Duboce Avenue to the north, Shotwell/Folsom Streets/Potrero Avenue to the east, Dolores/Guerrero Streets to the west, and Cesar Chavez Street to the south. The Context Statement was prepared by Planning Department staff to facilitate historic and cultural resources surveys pursuant to the Eastern Neighborhoods Mission Area Plan.
Speaker(s):
Peter Lewis
Board Comments
A Board member feels the western boundaries of the District were somewhat arbitrarily defined and requested incorporating material from the Mission Dolores context report into the next iteration. A Board member feels that the survey has come together nicely. A Board member suggested including a statement that will allow for amendments to the survey. A Board member feels that this is a great model for other upcoming surveys. A Board member like the way the maps were used effectively and the integration of the photographs.
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Damkroger) to endorse the Historic Context Statement resolution. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chan, Dearman
Tape No. 2a and b
- 2007.1229A (R. FORCE: 415/558-6418)
DRAFT PRESERVATION ELEMENT OF THE SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL PLAN, Request for Review and Comment in preparation of a Preservation Element. The Planning Department seeks comments from the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board and members of the public on the proposed draft Preservation Element of the San Francisco General Plan. Following this hearing, the Planning Department will produce a final draft Preservation Element and return to the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board for review. After final review by the LPAB, the proposed Preservation Element would be brought before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors for adoption, projected at early Spring, 2008.
(Continued from 11/7/07)
Speaker(s):
Cynthia Servetnick
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Damkroger) to continue the Draft Preservation Element Plan to the January 16, 2008 hearing until the revisions are incorporated into the plan.
Tape No. 2b
ADJOURNMENT: 3:55 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sonya Banks, Recording Secretary
ADOPTED: December 19, 2007
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