Meeting Information

Civic_Design_Committee

CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, March 16,  2009
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70

Minutes

Commissioners Present: Topher Delaney, Rene Bihan, Cass Calder Smith

Staff Present:   Nancy Gonchar, Vicky Knoop

Call To Order: 3:05 p.m.

1.  General Hospital Rebuild—Phase 2
   
   Paulo Diaz, Project Manager, Fong & Chan Architects introduced Fong & Chan Project Manager Nuno Lopes, Landscape Architect Robert La Rocca, DPW Project Manager Ron Alameda, Arts Commission Public Art Deputy Director Susan Pontius, and John Rahaim, Director of Planning.
   
   Mr. Lopes explained that this presentation responded to the concerns raised at the February meeting. The project is on schedule to begin construction in May or June. While at this phase of review the structure has not changed, the landscape plan is more detailed and developed. A pedestrian walkway along Potrero Ave. has been created and the landscaping has been modified to look less “suburban.” There are still concerns about removing the historical fence and wall. He presented materials and colors for the building. He explained that the project team is   working with the Arts Commission and have selected two artists for the front entry and main plaza.
   
   Commissioner Bihan asked how people will get to the seating area.
   
   Mr. Lopes explained that you would need to walk through the landscaping. He commented that they will reconsider this design.
   
   Commissioner Bihan commented that the new open space is better, but seating should be accessible.
   
   Commissioner Delaney asked how deep the soil will be for the greenscreens.
   
   Mr. La Rocca responded that there is 18 inches of soil to the 32 foot height of the screen.
   
   Commissioner Delaney commented that that is a troubling relationship. She added that since the screens are facing south there will be an excess of heat and the vines will need a lot of water.
   
   Mr. La Rocca responded that while they will take time to develop, he believes that the planting will survive.
   
   Commissioner Smith asked if there had been a study where the base is not brick. He added that he would much prefer clean glass in the context of the historic brick buildings.
   
   Mr. Rahaim responded that there was discussion on how much brick was appropriate, and the Planning department preferred the drum as the modern element and the brick base to preclude the historical context.
   
   Commissioner Delaney commented that while this project is maintaining a historic fence and barrier, it has eliminated a historic open space. She noted that this hierarchy of historic elements is removing the openness from the site.
   
   Mr. Rahaim responded that the EIR identified the historic resources and what elements could be proposed for removal.
   
   Commissioner Delaney responded that because of the loss of open space there should be more openings to the street through the fence.
   
   Commissioner Delaney asked about strategies for lighting the sidewalk and about existing trees.
    
   Mr. Lopes responded that they are not looking at the sidewalk in this scope of work but there are plans for lighting. He said that they are working with a contractor to determine how many of the trees will remain.
   
   Mr. Rahaim responded that from a historic standpoint most of the fence and wall will have to stay. He added that the fence adds a humanistic edge with human-scale elements.
   
   Commissioner Smith commented that there may be more handrails required on the stairs than expected. He suggested looking into options for balustrades. He asked whether the plaza needed so much concrete.
   
   Mr. Lopes responded that the paving was intended to create a civic entrance.
   
   Commissioner Smith suggested mitigating the handrail issue by reconsidering the way the paving is shaped or divided.  He also stated that the building is fine, but parts of the landscape need to be reconsidered.
   
   Commissioner Bihan commented that there should be more porosity to the street that will connect to the north-south spine. He added that the trees are drawn as lacy, but the variety selected is very heavy.
   
   Commissioner Delaney suggested investigating medicinal plants for the plant palette.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 2 with the contingency of examining fence openings to Potrero Avenue, access to the seating area, and strategies for the podium: Commissioner Delaney
   Vote: unanimously approved 
   
   
   

2. North Beach Branch Library—Phase 1
   
   Lena Ch'en, Bond Program Manager, BLIP, introduced the architect, Marsha Maytum from Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects.
   
   Ms. Maytum stated that there is a master plan for the site that includes the pool and clubhouse in addition to the library. Currently, the EIR is in process and they are working with the Department of Recreation and Parks to create strategies for the area.
   
   Cheryl Barton, Landscape Architect, Office of Cheryl Barton, explained that there are three possibilities to the master plan. Thie first is to narrow Mason Street but keep it open to vehicular traffic. The second is to retain the civic presence of the street with a pedestrian hardscape, and the third is to remove Mason Street entirely, creating a green space that flows through the block.
   
   Ms. Maytum said that the preferred option is that Mason Street is removed. She explained that in all scenarios the ground floor of the library will take over the existing sidewalk space to increase square footage. The design utilizes the topographic change to create double-height reading rooms with views to Coit Tower and Saints Peter and Paul Basilica. Currently the building will be LEED Silver-rated with photovoltaics on the roof and the use of recycled and renewable materials. The preferred exterior material is Heath tile.
   
   Commissioner Smith opened the floor to public comment. There was none.
   
   The Commissioners agreed that Heath tile is a great option for the exterior.
   
   Commissioner Smith asked about the likelihood of removing Mason Streeet.
   
   Ms. Maytum replied that it is the preferred option going into the master plan, and traffic studies have shown no adverse affects.
   
   Commissioner Bihan commented that relocating the library will be good for the community.
    
   Commissioner Delaney said that she appreciated the thoughtfulness of the presentation.
    
   Motion to approve Phase 1 of the North Beach Branch Library: Bihan
   Vote: unanimously approved. 
   
   
   

3. San Francisco Botanical Gardens Nursery: Center for Sustainable Gardening—Phase 2
   
   Michael McKechnie, Executive Director, San Francisco Botanical Society, explained the project history and noted that the since Phase 1 they are on track for LEED Platinum certification. The design was presented to a community meeting with 85 attendees and the community preferred to keep the structure quiet in the landscape.
   
   Laura Hartman, Architect, Fernau & Hartman, presented site photographs of the existing conditions and the new site plan. She explained that there has been a reduction in paving and parking per the Committee’s suggestion. As part of the LEED strategy, the building will have on-site energy generation from down and dead wood from Golden Gate Park.
   
   Ron Lutsko, Landscape Architect, Lutsko and Associates, stated that woven wire mesh fence will surround and meet the building. The landscape plan will use a plant palette similar to the California native garden that is just below the site. Bioswales will treat all on-site storm water runoff, and the building will feature a green roof. The design strategy will demonstrate sustainability.
   
   Ms. Hartman presented a materials board with colors and samples of all surfaces.
   
   Commissioner Smith opened the floor to public comment. There was none.
   
   Commissioner Bihan asked about paving materials.
   
   Ms. Hartman responded that the pedestrian path is asphalt by requirement and other paths are decomposed granite.
   
   Commissioner Delaney commented that the project was well presented, clear, and thoughtful.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 2 of the San Francisco Botanical Gardens Nursery: Center for Sustainable Gardening: Commissioner Delaney
   Vote: Unanimously approved.
   
   
    

4. La Grande Pump Station—Phase 2
   
   Howard Fung, Project Manager, DPW BOA, stated that the pump house provides water to the neighborhood for drinking and fire protection. The revised design responds to Phase 1 comments to integrate the front plaza into the design.
   
   Edmund Shum, Project Architect, DPW BOA, stated that for functional reasons the building needs to be two stories. The surfaces will be metal and integral color stucco with a smooth finish and a modernist aesthetic. The roof is flat to accommodate future solar panels, and the front elevation is 20 feet, stepping back to 16 feet to allow for ventilation and daylight into the building.
   
   Bill Bulkly, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE, explained that the design presents a model for a small–scale, low-maintenance front yard in a neighborhood of concrete front yards. Currently, the hardscape extends across the front with substandard concrete curbs. The new design specifies permeable paving for the rear yard, and as much permeable material as possible in the front. The planting is drought-tolerant, and a red star palm adds a sculptural element.
   
   Commissioner Smith opened the floor to public comment. There was none.
   
   Commissioner Smith asked if there was community outreach.
   
   Mr. Fung replied that there was outreach, but there was no response from the community.
   
   Commissioner Smith asked about the design concept.
   
   Mr. Shum responded that the concept is to create a modernist building that presents a model for small-scale planting in the neighborhood.
   
   Commissioner Delaney suggested that to further the landscape concept, vines could be grown over the front of the building.
   
   Commissioner Bihan agreed that it could be a nice way of greening the neighborhood.
    
   Commissioner Smith asked the architect to reconsider the placement of the louvers to accommodate this option.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 2 of the La Grande pump station with the contingency of creating a green wall and modifying the louvers: Commissioner Bihan
   Vote: unanimously approved.
   
   
   

5. San Joaquin Pipeline—Phase 1
   
   Stanley So, DPW BOA, gave an overview of the project and location. He explained that the revised design respond to the Committee’s comments from the previous review. The project team met with the PUC and presented several proposals. The vault design now has a berm at one site with a straight line, and on the second site has a wave pattern berm. The design of the structures emphasizes the vertical and horizontal. The design intent is to create a simple, clean and industrial building.
   
   Commissioner Smith opened the floor to public comment. There was none.
   
   Commissioner Smith asked if the functionality of the building is reflected in the steps of the roofline.
   
   Mr. So responded that yes, the internal equipment influenced the design.
   
   The Committee agreed that the berm should be straight for both vaults.
   
   Commissioner Smith suggested working with the railings on the vault to match the scoring lines in the concrete. He asked to see this in Phase 3 review.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 1 of the San Joaquin Pipeline with the recommendation to approve Phase 2 at the full Commission meeting: Commissioner Smith.
   Vote: Unanimously approved.
   
   
   

6. Golden Gate Park Children's Quarter Restroom and Birthday Area—Phase 1
   
   Rick Thall, Project Manager, Department of Recreation and Parks, stated that this project is the second phase of a three-phase master plan for the Golden Gate Park Children’s Quarter. The site is between the children’s playground and Sharon Art Center. The current structure serves as storage, and the exterior patio space is used for birthday parties and celebrations.
   
   Andrew Maloney, Architect, DPW BOA, presented a panoramic video to explain the location of the facility. He explained that the facility will have men’s and women’s restrooms, a kitchen station and a gathering area. The design concept is to create an open-air loggia that picks up the motifs of the Sharon Art Center with columns and arches. The design is light and airy to form a link to the children’s playground and carousel.
   
   John Denis, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE, explained that the site will use stained concrete to match the interior and exterior of the building. There will be flowering accent trees around the entry and the back. The sycamore trees already on-site will be protected during construction and there will be a powder-coated white fence.
   
   Commissioner Smith opened the floor to public comment. There was none.
   
   Commissioner Smith commented that the siting and the way you walk through the building are fine, but this project would be an excellent subject for a design competition. He added that it is a building for children and does not need a historical style.
   
   Commissioner Bihan said that this children’s playground is one of the first contemporary playgrounds in San Francisco, and the historic building doesn’t make sense in the setting. He added that the landscape should be simplified.
   
   Commissioner Delaney agreed that this would be a good project for a public competition. She added that while the current design is well-crafted, it is the wrong direction for the project.
   
   Commissioner Smith suggested that if a public competition isn’t possible, then perhaps a competition within the BOA or a charrette with several City architects could guide this project. He advised the project team to return with a more appropriate design.
   
   
    

7. SFMTA Cable Car Kiosk—Phase 2
   
   Olle Lundberg, Lundberg Design, presented a revised design that included a permanent canopy and an increased structure height. The upper portion of the box will be Teflon-coated glass with photo graphics of cable cars.
   
   Commissioner Smith opened the floor to public comment. There was none.
   
   Commissioner Delaney commented that she likes the use of light and imagery.
   
   Mr. Lundberg responded that they will continue exploring light and graphic options.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 2 of the SFMTA Cable Car Kiosk: Commissioner Delaney.
   Vote: Unanimously approved. 
   
   
   

8. Alameda Siphon No. 4—Phase 3
   
   Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar reported that there had been no changes to the design since Phase 2 approval, but only one of the two structures proposed will be constructed.
   
   Commissioner Smith opened the floor to public comment. There was none.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Alameda Siphon No. 4: Commissioner Smith
   Vote: Unanimously approved.
   
   
   

9. New Business
   There was no new business.
   
   
   

10. Adjournment: 6:15  p.m.
    
    
    vmk 3/31/09