Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, July 21, 2003
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: Stanlee Gatti, Andrea Cochran, William Meyer, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon
Absent: Rod Freebairn-Smith
Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order: 3:10 PM
- MUNI Operator Restrooms
Peter Gabancho, Project Manager, MUNI explained that the series of restrooms being presented were the final phase of a project started in 1993. The goal was to install new restrooms for MUNI operators at three locations:
- Mission St./Main Sts. (sidewalk)
- Howard St./ MainSts. (sidewalk)
- Munich/ Geneva Ave. (traffic island)
He explained that Muni would landscape the area surrounding the new restroom at the Munich/Geneva site. Mr. Gabancho stated that there were only minor modifications from the 1993 design. He explained that the length of the bathroom had been extended to accommodate a urinal and provide space for the entry door to swing inward. Mr. Gabancho stated that the interior would be daylighted with a skylight and glass block windows. The structure would be made of concrete.
Commissioner Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Gatti stated that his primary concern was how the restrooms were sited. He also asked if the design team had explored using the JC Decaux prefabricated toilets.
Mr. Gabancho stated that they had explored the possibility of using JC Decaux and that that option was more expensive in terms of cost and maintenance. He also said that the JC Decaux toilets could not be used because their contract stipulated that they had to be publicly accessible and MUNI stated that they wanted facilities dedicated for the operators only.
Commissioner Gatti commented that he was not satisfied with the materiality and design of the entry doors.
Howard Wong, Architect, DPW BOA explained that the drawings didn’t accurately show how the doors would look. He explained that the doors would be stainless steel and recessed within the door frame.
Commissioner Gatti asked if it was appropriate to place private restrooms within the public right of way.
Mr. Gabancho said that the MUNI team had explored the possibility of purchasing land, however most property owners adjacent to the sites were not interested in selling only a portion of their lot. He also stated that the restrooms need to be a maximum of 250’ or within a two-minute walk of the lay over point.
Commissioner Cochran asked what the construction cost.
Mr. Gabancho stated that each of the restrooms would cost between $120,000 and $150,00 each and is approximately 83 square feet. He commented that the JC Decaux restrooms were approximately $200,000 each.
Commissioner Cochran stated that the cost per toilet breaks down to approximately $1600 per square foot. Ms. Cochran stated that for that amount of money a more interesting and innovative design should have been developed.
Commissioner Meyer commented that he was concerned about the form and location of the proposed restrooms. He commented that he was very concerned about the image of the public realm being affected by having such a large object on the sidewalk. Mr. Meyer also asked if a urinal in each toilet was necessary and if a smaller overall footprint was possible.
Commissioner Staffuacher–Solomon stated that she was not satisfied with the color, material or form of the bathrooms.
Commissioner Gatti suggested that the design team explores the option of using a prefabricated restroom from JC Decaux and attempt to negotiate a more acceptable price and contract.
Commissioner Meyer suggested that the team consider developing a few site-specific options based on a standard size and material list.
Mr. Gabancho stated that it would not be an issue to look at different color options, however it would difficult to change the design at this point.
Commissioner Cochran stated that the team should present to the commission the research and design schemes they have generated, as evidence that the option presented today was the most feasible solution.
- Lincoln Park Pump Station
Michael Pierron presented the design scheme including the developed landscape design.
Motion to approve Phase 2: Cochran
Vote: Unanimous
- Richmond Branch Library
Marilyn Thompson, Branch Library Bond Project Program Manager briefly introduced the project. She stated that the project was an addition to the existing Library building. She said that the project had been reviewed by the Landmarks staff and was determined to be compliant with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation and had been granted a CEQA exemption from the San Francisco Planning Department.
Phillip Sowers, Architect, DPW BOA presented the design concept. He explained that the included two new wings on either sides of the original building. The new wings would be set back to minimize their presence from the front at the front elevation. A glass-enclosed winter garden would be added to the rear of the building linking the existing structure with the two new wings.
John Thomas, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Division presented the landscape concept. He stated that the configuration of the front lawn would remain the same. An accessible pathway will be provided on one side of the lawn and a new seating area will be provided at the foot of the main stairs. New courtyards will be located in front of the new wings facing the entry lawn. The rear lawn configuration will also remain the same. The existing play structure will be relocated and symmetrically placed berms will be added to the existing lawn.
Commissioner Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Gatti stated that the design was very elegant and that he particularly liked the glass winter garden. He also commented that the landscaping concept was good.
Commissioner Staffuacher–Solomon commented that the landscape design was excellent, however she felt the wings were missing something. She stated that they were not modern enough.
Commissioner Meyer stated that he was satisfied with the design.
Commissioner Cochran agreed with the other commissioners. She stated that the berms should be symmetrical to keep with the overall aesthetic of the building design.
Motion to approve Phase 1 & 2: Gatti
Vote: Unanimous
- Koret Children's Quarters Renovation
Larry White, Landscape Architect, Moore Iacofano Goltsman,Inc. presented the design concept for the project. Mr. White stated the majority of the work was master planning the play environments in the children’s quarters. He explained that there would be several play environments that would encourage mobility skills, inspire imagination and provide educational tools about our local ecology. Mr. White commented that new pavement would connect the play area to other parts of the plaza in front of the carousel and Sharon Arts building. Decorative gateways would be used to mark the entrance to the play area.
Commissioner Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Gatti asked if general visitors to Golden Gate Park can see the play environments.
Mr. White explained that the play area was significantly screened along the perimeter by existing trees. He stated that one side has a severe slope that also prohibits visual access.
Commissioner Staffuacher–Solomon asked about the design and materiality of the entry gates.
Mr. White responded that the entry columns would be made of glass block and concrete.
Commissioner Meyer asked if there would be significant night lighting.
Mr. White stated that there would not be a significant amount of night lighting. Night use of the play are would be discouraged. He said that minimal lighting would be provided for security access.
Commissioner Cochran asked about the selection process for the second artist. Ms. Cochran stated that the team should reexamine the design of the paving pattern. She also commented that she did not think the design of the columns was appropriate. She suggested an design that related more to the existing materiality and architecture of the Sharon Arts Building or perhaps a topiary.
Commissioner Gatti summarized the comments of the commissioner. He said that the design team should reexamine the column design and paving pattern. He also stated that at phase two the team should bring perspective drawings at the four cardinal directions looking toward the play area from outside. The team should also bring materials samples to the next meeting.
Motion: Meyer
Vote: Unanimous
- New Business
- Adjournment: 5:45 PM
8/11/03
