City and County of San FranciscoSan Francisco Arts Commission
REGULAR CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE

Monday, February 24, 2003


MEETING LOCATION

3:00 p.m.

Suite 70, Conference Room

25 Van Ness Ave.

San Francisco 94102

Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Ave, Ste 240, during regular business hours.


Minutes

The meeting commenced at 3:15 p.m.

  1. Role Call:

    Commissioners present: Rod Freebairn-Smith, Barbara Stauffacher-Solomon, Andrea Cochran

    Staff present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor

  2. LA GRANDE PARK TANK REPLACEMENT
    PHASE 2

    Stanley So, Architect, DPW BOA explained that the proposed replacement of the tank was a result of analysis which revealed that the tank was seismically unsafe and had a high probability of failure in a major seismic event. The new design will look very similar to the existing tank in terms of proportions and color. Mr. So stated that the design team had made modifications to the project based on comments from the commissioners and the community. He explained that the catwalk had been lowered to articulate the dome of the tank. He stated that they had performed several color studies and chose to stay with the sky blue color. He. explained that the the community commented that they did not want to call attention to the tank. Also, the PUC expressed concern that a bright color might attract vandalism and terrorist activity.

    Commissioner Freebairn-Smith opened the floor to public comment

    Commissioner Freebairn-Smith closed the floor to public comment

    Motion to approve phase 2: Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon
    Vote:     Unanimous

  3. MOSCONE CENTER CONVENTION CENTER ROOF PHOTOVOLTAIC RENOVATION
    PHASE 2

    Ms. Gonchar explained that the only aspects of the project to be voted on at this meeting would be the location of the mechanical house structure and the color of the photovoltaic panels

    Myles Stevens, Principal, Stevens and Associatess presented a color rendering showing more accurately the color of the proposed photovoltaic panels and the location and scale of the mechanical house. Mr. Stevens also asked about the Art Enrichment requirement, and if this project was required to comply.

    Ms. Gonchar informed him that there had been no official word on whether this project qualifies for the Art Enrichment allocation. She suggested that he contact Jill Manton, Public Art Program Director for more information on the status of their eligibility.

    Commissioner Freebairn-Smith opened the floor to public comment

    Commissioner Freebairn-Smith closed the floor to public comment

    Motion to approve Phase 2: Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon
    Vote:     Unanimous

  4. EUREKA VALLEY RECREATION CENTER EXPANSION PROJECT
    PHASE 2

    Brian Gatter, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Architecture Division, explained that the issues raised at the Phase 1 review had been addressed. He stated that the entry stair and ramp had been relocated to have direct access from the street to the front door. He explained that a new entry canopy would provide a clear visual marker for the front door. The building color had been changed to white as suggested by the commissioners. Mr. Gatter commented that the landscape design had been revised to be more dynamic and secure.

    Commissioner Freebairn-Smith opened the floor to public comment

    Commissioner Freebairn-Smith closed the floor to public comment

    Motion to approve Phase 2: Andrea Cochran
    Vote:     Unanimous

  5. OCTAVIA BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
    PHASE 1 &2

    John Thomas, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Architecture Division, presented a brief history of the project. In 1959, the Central Freeway was constructed as part of an overall freeway system in San Francisco. In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake damaged the northern portion of the freeway, forcing the closure and subsequent demolition of the Franklin and Gough Street ramps. In 1997, San Francisco voters passed Proposition H to rebuild the Central Freeway over Market Street. In 1998, the voters of San Francisco passed Proposition E, repealing Proposition H and allowing the City to replace Central Freeway north of Market Street with an at grade boulevard from Market to Fell Street. In 1999, the Board of Supervisors created the Central Freeway Project Office to develop the Octavia Boulevard Alternative.

    The main objective of the urban design scheme is to accommodate high volumes of traffic while providing for a variety of local. slower moving traffic, including pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles, with equal or greater comfort.

    Mr. Thomas stated that there were three primary elements to the design scheme:
    • A central through-going traffic realm with two moving lanes in each direction, separated by a central, tree-lined median, with left turn lanes at Fell Street.
    • Neighborhood-oriented side realms on each side of the central realm, separated by tree lined medians, each with one moving lane , one parking lane, and a tree-lined sidewalk.
    • Street scape elements including columnar, canopy and deciduous tree, historical light fixtures and benches


    Commissioner Freebairn-Smith opened the floor to public comment

    Commissioner Freebairn-Smith closed the floor to public comment

    Commissioner Cochran asked why the typical Beaux Arts layout was used and if other design studies had been made. She also asked about the lighting selection.

    Mr. Thomas responded that the community was in support of the design scheme. The lighting was based on the stock lighting elements that the Bureau of Lighting, Heat and Power use as their standard.

    Commissioner Cochran asked if the roots of the large poplar trees would push up the concrete.

    Mr. Thomas answered that they were installing root barriers an would not effect the concrete.

    Motion to approve Phase 1 &2: Commissioner Freebairn-Smith
    Vote:     Unanimous

  6. HAYES GREEN
    PHASE 1

    John Thomas, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Architecture Division, explained that the proposed open space at the end of Octavia Boulevard was part of the overall improvement project for the street. Hayes Green will act as the terminus of the Octavia Boulevard Improvement Project.

    Motion to approve Phase 1:     Commissioner Freebairn-Smith
    Vote:     Unanimous

  7. PROPOSED AUTOMATIC TOILETS AT HAIGHT STREET

    Commissioners Stauffacher-Solomon, Cochran and Freebairn-Smith recommend placement of the new toilet at the southwest corner of Haight and Ashbury.

  8. Adjournment

    Meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.