Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, November 21, 2005
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Revised 12.22.05
Commissioners Present: Andrea Cochran, Leonard Hunter, Jeannene Przyblyski, John Kriken, Beverly Prior
Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar
Call To Order: 3:10 p.m.
- Sigmund Stern Grove Entry Arch—Phases 1 and 2
Judi Mosqueda, Project Manager, DPW introduced the project. She explained the history of the Stern Grove and Pine Lake Park Project which had its Master Plan approved in 2002. The Master Plan was created with input from community workshops in which priorities were developed. The plan consists of six phases, the first of which, the concert meadow, was completed in June of 2005. The total budget for the project is $36 million. Additional funding sources for the remaining phases have not yet been identified. Judi Mosqueda introduced Landscape Architect Lawrence Halprin, Principal, Lawrence Halprin Landscape Architects.
Mr. Halprin explained that the entryway to the concert park would include annual banners announcing the concerts that season. The architecture reflects the proscenium arch over the stage and captures the feeling of the trees that surround the site. It will be constructed out of stainless steel painted green and black. The stones at the base reflect those in the park. The project is scheduled to begin construction in the summer of 2006.
The Commissioners expressed concern regarding the size and placement of the banners on the arch.
Commissioner Kriken commented that the gate looks fine as is.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran asked whether the community had seen the model of the arch.
Ms. Mosqueda said they would be sent information with an update on how the project was progressing.
Commissioner Hunter commented he liked the masonry and how the gateway’s design reflects the trees.
Commissioner Kriken commented that the graphics, color and placement of the banners could change each year. He asked about the material of the lettering on the top of the arch.
Mr. Halprin said the lettering would be gold-painted metal.
Commissioner Cochran commented that the design was beautiful and in keeping with the location and visibility of the site.
Commisioner Przyblyski observed that the banners were a source of visibility and that the gold lettering added civic stature. She added that she trusts Stern Grove’s decisions with banner configurations.
Motion to approve Sigmund Stern Grove Entry Arch Phases 1 and 2: Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Broadway Streetscape Phase II—Phase 1
Martha Ketterer, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Division, introduced the project. The new plaza design works with artist Brian Goggin, who is creating a piece for the plaza. The plaza will take a back seat to the sculptural element entitled “Driving the World” which will be placed in the plaza at the axis of Grant Avenue, Columbus and Broadway. There will be a 15-foot soft sphere centerpiece inscribed with a compass rose on which the sculpture will stand. The pavement around the sculptural element will be black sparkle pavement and black with ground clear glass. The dome will be at a slight incline of 6 to 8 inches.
Tonia Macneil, Project Manager, Public Art Program, presented drawings of the proposed sculpture and explained that it had been presented for an informational review to the Visual Arts Committee, which had requested changes.
Commissioner Cochran asked whether the dome was part of the artist’s design.
Ms. Macneil said that the artist worked in collaboration with architects and had seen the compass rose, but had originally proposed a “geodesic-like” design for the dome based on the ideas of Buckminster Fuller.
Commissioner Kriken asked how the metal would be treated.
Ms. Macneil said that it would have a patina with a clear coat.
Commissioner Prior asked about the size of the sphere.
Ms. Ketterer said it would be 8 to 10 feet in diameter.
Commissioner Hunter commented that he liked the design and the idea of discovery, and suggested integrating the geometry of the artist’s previously submitted design into the design presented today.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Wells Whitney of Renew SF commented on the lack of community involvement in the process of designing the site. He informed the Commissioners of the central business district being formed in North Beach. He introduced former Arts Commissioner Rod Freebairn-Smith, Board Member, Renew SF.
Mr. Freebairn-Smith said that the sightlines from Chinatown, the Financial District and North Beach could have significant visual impact by the style of the a landmark on this corner. He expressed concern for limited pedestrian space, the many uses of the street corner and the project’s impact on the work of Renew SF. He asked that the item not be passed so that greater community discussion could take place.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Prior asked whether this design had been brought to a community meeting.
Ms. Macneil explained that two of the members of the selection panel that chose this piece were from the Chinatown/North Beach community, and that the plan is to present the artwork to the community after the artist has revised his design based on feedback from the Visual Arts Committee.
Commissioner Przyblyski commented that a timeline for the project would be helpful. She also recommended more collaboration between the artist, DPW and the community for the plaza and the sculpture space. She also expressed concern that too much delay in the process would compromise the scope of a piece with a small budget.
Commissioner Kriken commented that he would like to see more views of the plaza from different angles. He asked about the soft rise in terms of a visually impaired person or a skateboarder.
Ms. Ketterer said there would be a defined edge that would be ADA-compliant.
Commissioner Prior asked where the current traffic signal would be located.
Ms. Ketterer said they would be using new street furniture and new lower-profile street lights.
Commissioner Prior expressed concern with pedestrian flow around the raised dome.
Commissioner Hunter commented that it looked like the new design would provide more pedestrian space than there is currently. He also commented that the plaza is a thoughtful addition to the street.
Commissioner Cochran observed that the design has come a long way since the last review. She expressed concern with placing the sculpture on a pedestal.
Commissioner Przyblyski suggested the artist and architect coordinate so that the plaza complements the art piece. She also commented that the sightlines to many different neighborhoods and design styles are what make it feel urban.
Ms. Macneil suggested a combined meeting of the Visual Arts Committee and the Civic Design Review Committee for this project.
Motion to approve Broadway Streetscape Phase II, Phase 1 with condition of reexamining the location of the dome relating to circulation in the space and how the sculpture meets the plaza. For Phase 2, specifics of paving design and location of street furniture should be clearly marked and identified: Przyblyski
Vote: Kriken, Prior: no
Hunter, Cochran, Przyblyski: yes
Approved
- Moscone Center Clubhouse—Phase 1
Jorge Alfaro, Senior Architect, DPW BOA, introduced the project. The Moscone Center Clubhouse is a historically significant building. The expansion project has been scaled back due to community concern but now includes a terrace and interior rooms. Mr. Alfaro introduced Andrew Maloney, Project Architect, DPW BOA.
Mr. Maloney explained that they would be adding to the north side of the building in response to concerns expressed at a community meeting. They are limited by a baseball field on the north side. The expansion will include four community rooms, two new entrances off the wings, a terrace walkway and changes for ADA compliance.
Commissioner Kriken asked whether there would be a railing on the side of the terrace.
Mr. Maloney explained that the security chain link fence would work as the railing and that the landscape designer would have control over the fence.
Commissioners expressed concern over chain link fence and suggested other materials.
Motion to approve Moscone Center Clubhouse Phase 1 with condition that an alternative must be found for the chain link fence on the northern façade: Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Junipero Serra Clubhouse and Playground Renovation—Phase 1
Jorge Alfaro, Senior Architect, DPW BOA, introduced the project, a new clubhouse to replace an existing clubhouse and playground. Mr. Alfaro introduced John Thomas, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Division.
Mr. Thomas explained that the shape of the building had been changed to eliminate the east-west wing and create a larger and sunnier play space. The outside area will have a seating area, play elements, and seat walls along the edge of the playground.
Mr. Alfaro explained that by eliminating the wing they are able to add an arts and crafts room with a kiln room and chimney as well as an office and community room. The outside of the building reflects the interior spaces, and large windows offer natural light into the arts and crafts room. He said that the construction is to be as environmental as possible and that they are using wood. It will be 1850 square feet.
Commissioners expressed concern over lack of context for the building in the neighborhood and requested photographs and comparative elevations.
Commissioner Przyblyski commented that she liked how the interior was expressed in the exterior. Commissioner Cochran expressed security concerns for the walkway.
Mr. Alfaro said there would be lighting for the small walkway.
Commissioners expressed interest in seeing some natural forms in the play area.
Commissioner Cochran asked Mr. Alfaro to return with a neighborhood context for the project and more specific drawings with elevations and dimensions.
- Sunol Valley Treated Water Reservoir Chemical Storage Facility—Phase 1
Edmund Shum, Project Architect, DPW BOA, explained that the storage facility is located one mile from any public access road and that the entire complex is not for public use. The building colors match those of other utility buildings, and the materials help protect against chemical erosion. The building is divided into three portions: electrical-mechanical space, technical storage, and chemical loading dock. The concrete and corrugated metal are required for these spaces. Because of the utilitarian nature of the building and the fact that it is far from the urban setting, he designed the building with elements of a barn.
Commissioner Prior asked whether people worked in the facility.
Mr. Shum said the building was not staffed.
Commissioner Kriken commented that the building’s character seems fitting for its purpose.
Commissioner Prior asked why there were bollards for a building that is so rarely used.
Mr. Shum explained that it still must be ADA-compliant.
Motion to approve Sunol Valley Treated Water Reservoir Chemical Storage Facility Phase 1 with recommendation for Phase 2 at full Commission meeting: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
Commissioner Przyblyski left the meeting at 5:30 due to family constraints.
- San Francisco International Airport Secure Connector T3 to Boarding Area G—Phase 1
Ray Quesada, BOA, DPW, explained that this project is a pedestrian bypass for approved passengers to go to the international terminal without having to go through security again. Presently, two airlines have shuttle service for these passengers; this walkway would eliminate the need for the shuttle. Mr. Quesada introduced Bill Kwan, Architect.
Mr. Kwan explained that the restrictions on the connector included a minimum height over the road and building windows which the connector must be beneath. The elevation change is from 18 to 43 feet. The passageway will be constructed with a truss system to match the existing building. At the end of the walkway, the escalators and elevators create an atrium to open up the space.
Commissioner Prior asked whether there were windows in the design.
Mr. Kwan said that the schematics were just for massing and materials, and that design had not been decided. The two options under consideration were a glass curtain along the side or a ribbon of glass though the passageway.
Commissioner Kriken asked whether there was a precedent for this design anywhere in the airport.
Mr. Kwan said he was looking at the two other bridges connecting to the airport.
Mr. Quesada said that the top of the walkway was intended to mimic the building to which it connected.
Mr. Kwan explained that the support beams could not be evenly spaced because of underground infrastructure and that they would be separate from the truss system. He asked for Commissioners’ suggestions on the type of façade for the passageway.
Commissioner Cochran had questions regarding the elevations of the stair and massing.
Motion to approve Phase 1 with condition of review of renderings in both metal and glass, continuation of existing airport design, and a three-dimensional model: Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Western Addition Branch Library Renovation—Phase 2
Marilyn Thompson, Project Manager, Branch Library Improvement Project, introduced the project. Ms. Thompson explained that there had been three community meetings on the design, and priorities were the creation of a meeting room and keeping the children’s room at its current size. The delay in time from Phase 1 approval was due to budget constraints. Ms. Thompson introduced Kent Ford, DPW BOA, Architect, and Brian Gator, DPW BOE, Landscape Architect.
Mr. Gator explained the library, located between Geary and Post on Scott, would be renovated to include the addition of a program room, updated entrance, and new open reading garden. The reading garden would be secured within a fence. The plants would be a combination of native and Japanese plants, reflecting the library’s proximity to Japantown. He explained that there would be a meandering path with ADA compliance.
Mr. Ford explained that the entrance for the library has been moved to accommodate the increased size of the staff room and program room. There are three levels of roofs which will blend together using similar architectural style. Mr. Ford presented a color board and explained that there is a removable mural that remains in place at the library.
Commissioner Prior commented that she would like to see brighter, more playful colors.
Commissioner Kriken agreed and added that the building should create an identity.
Commissioner Hunter commented that he liked the colors, as the building fits into a park setting.
Commissioner Cochran suggested editing the plant list, and expressed concern over the longevity of the plants chosen.
Motion to approve: Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Upper Noe Valley Recreation Center—Phase 2
Paul D. Travis, Project Architect, DPW BOA, introduced the project. The center was built in 1953, was initially renovated in 1980 for ADA-compliance, and is currently being renovated again. The project includes expanding the dog play area and repairing the current foundations and structure. Due to the innovative design of the 1950’s, the building is in danger of structural collapse. The renovation will include seismic upgrades. Mr. Travis introduced John Thomas, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE, Landscape Division.
Mr. Thomas explained that a ramp would be constructed, making the ball field accessible. There will be a seating area around the courts for viewing games, as well as extensive planting. The community expressed interest in wooden play structures which will also be built. The walkway between 30th and Day Streets will be improved.
Commissioner Kriken commented that it was good urban design to create the walkway between streets.
Mr. Travis explained they would be keeping the roof of the gymnasium and the original wood deck. He presented two color schemes, and samples of materials which will replace the translucent windows.
The Commissioners expressed a preference for color scheme B, the more muted tones.
Mr. Travis noted that the roof could not be replaced with the same material, so shingles would be used.
Motion to approve Upper Noe Valley Recreation Center Phase 2: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Larsen Park Sava Pool Renovation
Administrative Review Phase 3
Staff Representation: Nancy Gonchar
Motion to approve Larsen Park Sava Pool Renovation: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- New Business
- Adjournment: 6:30 p.m.
Revision Date 12/22/05
