Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, May 21, 2007
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: Andrea Cochran, Beverly Prior, John Kriken, Leonard Hunter, Jeannene Przyblyski
Staff Present: Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order: 3:10 p.m.
- Hamilton Pool and Recreation Center-Phase 3
Rommel Taylor, Arts Commission staff, stated that there had been changes to the previously approved Phase 2 design. Mr. Taylor said that a representative for the project sponsor would present and explain the proposed changes.
Will Kwan, architect, DPW BOA, presented changes to the northern elevation. Mr. Kwan explained that three windows were removed because their proposed location was in conflict with existing structural conditions.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken expressed concern that the lack of windows in an occupied space was contrary to good sustainable building practices.
Commissioner Cochran asked if skylights could be installed above the rooms where windows were removed.
Mr. Kwan stated that the budget would not support new skylights even with the deletion of the three windows.
Motion to approve Hamilton Pool and Recreation Center-Phase 3: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- SEWPCP Building 915-Modular Office Building-Phase 2
Ernesto Ramilo, architect, DPW BOA, presented a revised color scheme for the roof, window and door frames. Mr. Ramilo introduced John Dennis, landscape architect, DPW BOE Landscape Division, to present the revised landscape design.
Mr. Dennis explained that the proposed landscape would utilize xeriscape design principles to minimize water usage and maintenance. He also stated that LEED guidelines for landscape design would also be incorporated into the plan. Mr. Dennis introduced Glenn Hunt, architect, DPW BOA, to summarize how the project meets LEED factors.
Mr. Hunt commented that analysis of the project yields 17 achievable LEED factors plus four prerequisites. He explained that the project was not budgeted or scheduled for LEED application, certification processes, additional design or post-occupancy evaluation required by LEED. Mr. Dennis distributed copies of the work sheet that outlined the specific LEED factors the project achieved.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken asked how the natural deterioration of the exterior cladding would affect the recyclability of the building.
Mr. Ramilo stated that the exterior siding had a life cycle of 10-15 years.
Commissioner Przyblyski commended the team on the revised landscape design. She felt that the addition of landscape significantly improved the overall design and was a very visible expression of the City's commitment to green building strategies. Ms. Przyblyski commented that it is important for City projects to be expressive of the City's Green Building Ordinance.
Commissioner Cochran agreed with Commissioner Przyblyski that the landscape was a major improvement. Ms. Cochran felt the implementation of xeriscape landscaping principles is an excellent and economical idea that should be a model for more City projects.
Motion to approve SEWPCP Building 915-Modular Office Building Center-Phase 2: Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Sensu Element-San Francisco Japantown-Phase 2
Karen Kai, Naganuma Design & Direction, presented the final design for the sensu element. Ms. Kai explained that the final size of 13 1/2 feet was decided upon in consultation with the Department of Public Works Bureau of Street Use and Mapping. She also addressed the issue of landscaping. Ms. Kai reported that the landscape design would be very minimal because of future plans by the Planning Department. Ms. Kai stated that there will be lights installed that will be maintained by DPW.
Ms. Kai presented the final graphics and color for the sensu. She explained that the graphics represented highly recognizable Japantown icons: the Peace Pagoda designed by Yoshiro Taniguchi, the Origami Fountain designed by Ruth Asawa, and the Mountain Stream Motif designed by Rai Okamoto. The secondary motif presents the colors of the four seasons as represented by traditional Japanese flowering plants: Sakura-spring, Ayame-summer, Momiji-autumn and Matsu-winter.
Ms. Kai commented that the blades of the sensu would have text in Japanese calligraphy that reads “Japantown 100 Years.”
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter asked if there would be any secondary structure between the blades.
Kaz Tony Naganuma, Creative Director, Naganuma Design and Direction, answered that there would not be any secondary structure between the blades of the sensu.
Commissioner Hunter asked about the material of the blades.
Mr. Naganuma explained that the blades would be steel with a porcelain enamel powder coated finish.
Motion to approve Sensu Element-San Francisco Japantown-Phase 2: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Sunnyside Conservatory Renovation-Phase 1
Paulina Araica, project manager, Recreation and Parks Department, explained that the Conservatory and garden were in desperate need of rehabilitation. The Conservatory was designated San Francisco Landmark No. 78 in 1975. The property was purchased by the Recreation and Park Department in 1980. The proposed scope of work would address deferred maintenance of both the building and the landscape. Ms. Araica introduced Edward Chin, landscape architect, DPW BOE, to present the landscape design.
Mr. Chin explained that the landscape design was also a historic landmark. He commented that one of the oldest palm trees in California is on this site. Mr. Chin explained that the primary goal of the landscape renovation was to create barrier-free access to the garden and Conservatory. A new accessible ramp off of Monterey Boulevard will lead to a new pathway to the Conservatory. The pathway will be at a 5% grade, so no handrails will be required. He pointed out that a new grand entry stair also off of Monterey Boulevard with a center planting element would connect to the new pathway. Low walls around the path will provide seating opportunities. Mr. Chin explained that a new decorative gate would line the perimeter of the site along Monterey Boulevard. Mr. Chin introduced Andrew Maloney, architect, DPW BOA, to present the proposed renovation of the Conservatory.
Mr. Maloney summarized the history of the building and its former owner. He explained that the only original element left of the structure was the octagon roof, and that the previous owners had removed the original interiors. He stated that the neighborhood stakeholders requested a building that was more functional and that reflected existing uses. They expressed a desire for a closed, dry, well-insulated space. Mr. Maloney said that seismic stabilization was required for this structure. A new steel moment frame would be installed to meet this requirement. He explained that new operable windows and insulation would be installed. Mr. Maloney said that these modifications were designed to keep with the original character of the building.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Prior asked if this project was required to go to the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board for review.
Ms. Araica stated that the project would go to Landmarks after completing the initial Civic Design Review.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked about the large palm tree inside the Conservatory. Ms. Przyblyski expressed concern that the proposed design would change the character and intent of the original design.
Ms. Araica explained that the existing interior palm tree would be relocated and that the current uses of the facility are different from the original intent. She stated that this required a design approach that was sensitive to the original character of the exterior but also effectively addressed current patterns of use.
Commissioner Cochran commented that the new fence along Monterey Boulevard complements the character of the architecture. She stated that a standard cyclone or metal picket fence would not be appropriate. The detailing of the fence will determine how well it enhances the character of the site and building.
Mr. Chin stated that appropriate details would be developed, and that is also within the project budget.
Commissioner Hunter asked about the security of the fence.
Mr. Chin said that the combination of height and spacing of the vertical elements of the fence would make it very secure.
Commissioner Prior asked if the small strip of landscape in front of the new fence was feasible. Ms. Prior said that the overall plan was good.
Mr. Chin stated that the project team would apply for a landscape permit that will allow them to do the planting in the sidewalk. The current width of the sidewalk is 15 feet and the proposed planting strip will be 4 feet wide. This will still leave a code-compliant sidewalk width.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the proposed budget seemed low for the proposed scope of work. She also said that she would like to know the opinion of the Landmarks Board regarding the interiors. Ms. Przyblyski felt that the level of renovation to the interior in combination with the exterior modification would severely change the character of the building.
Commissioner Prior agreed with Commissioner Przyblyski regarding the Landmarks Board and modifications to the building.
Motion to approve Sunnyside Conservatory Renovation-Phase 1: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- New Business
Crocker Amazon Playground Soccer Field Renovation Informational Presentation
Dan Mauer, project director, Recreation and Parks Department, summarized the master plan for the Citywide athletic field improvement projects. Mr. Mauer explained that the goal of the project was to increase usable days in City-owned playing fields. He said that natural ground cover would be replaced with ecologically sensitive synthetic material. This new material would increase overall durability and reduce yearly maintenance costs.
Mr. Mauer explained that the project being presented to the Committee today was the Crocker Amazon Playground Soccer Field Renovation. In addition to the resurfacing of the playing fields, two new structures would be built. The first structure would be the restroom facility. A small dedicated park staff office, a concessions stand and mechanical room would also be part of this 862 square foot building. A small picnic area will be constructed adjacent to this building. The second structure would be the maintenance facility. This building would provide garage space for two trucks, tool and grounds maintenance equipment, work areas and a staff restroom. The building will be 2,016 square feet.
Mr. Mauer explained that these buildings would be prefabricated in a factory and delivered to the site fully constructed. The roof would be a separately fabricated and shipped piece. The design was based on a design approved by the Arts Commission for various park facilities. The material, colors and form will conform to this previously approved design.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Patrick Hannan, City Fields Foundation, spoke in support of this project.
Steven R. Currier, Outer Mission Residents Association, spoke in support of this project.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken asked about the fabrication process and cost comparison with traditional on-site construction.
Mr. Mauer explained that the entire building would be built off-site and delivered on a flat bed trailer. The roof will come as a separate element. Mr. Mauer did not have specific cost data, but said that the savings over on-site construction was significant.
Commissioner Hunter asked why there was a variation in the design of the lintel above the doors. He stated that he preferred the arch design to the straight lintel.
Mr. Mauer explained that the arch was eliminated to conform to ADA design requirements.
Commissioner Cochran stated that she would prefer a deeper roof overhang.
Commissioner Hunter also commented that a deeper roof overhang would be more attractive.
Mr. Mauer stated that a deeper roof over hang may not be possible because of design limitations related to the method of transporting the roof to the site. He said that he would research the maximum width and length for the roof.
Commissioner Cochran expressed concern about the quality and performance of the artificial turf. She asked if measures were in place to insure consistent quality in the selection of the ground material.
Mr. Mauer stated that there were minimum performance and warranty standards that a particular supplier had to meet to be considered. He said that the company they are using, Sporttech, is the most established vendor in the industry. The product comes with a ten-year warranty.
Commissioner Kriken asked if the artificial turf was water-permeable.
Mr. Mauer stated that the material was 100% permeable.
Commissioner Kriken asked if all playing fields were being upgraded.
Mr. Mauer explained that a total of 23 parks would be renovated, based on funding.
Commissioner Cochran recommended that a motion for approval of Phase 1 and 2 be included under committee reports at the June full Commission meeting.
Rommel Taylor, Arts Commission staff, reported on the San Francisco Municipal Code, Chapter 7 Environment Code. Mr. Taylor stated that copies of this chapter would be mailed to each Commissioner for further review. He explained that Sections 701, 702, 703 and 707 provide information that is directly relevant to the Civic Design Committee review process.
- Adjournment: 5:00 p.m.
Revision Date 05/30/07
Typographical errors revised: vmk 6/11/08
