- Sunol Yard Prefabricated Structures - Phase 2
Kent Ford, Project Architect, DPW BOA explained that the project is located in Sunol near the Sunol Water Temple at the Hetch Hetchy aqueduct. The structures are for maintenance of pipes including a paint shop, auto shop and mechanical building. The three proposed new buildings will be on the same site as an existing building and will be similar in massing, color and style. Mr. Ford presented aerial photographs of the site.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked if the community garden is adjacent to the park.
Mr. Kent replied that the community garden is located adjacent to the project site. He then Introduced John Dennis, Landscape Architect, DPW BOA and Stacie Feng, Civil Engineer, PUC.
Mr. Dennis presented an image of the existing conditions of the site. He explained that the site is screened by trees from the water temple and the community garden. He presented a landscape plan to infill between the existing trees and add a 20 foot wide swath of native plants with an additional 8 feet of ground cover.
Ms. Feng explained that the current site is a gravel surface and is flat with very good soil for filtration and permeability. She commented that creating a trench will catch about 80% of the run off.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Delaney commented that the landscape plan is urban and formal, and does not fit with the structures or the site.
Mr. Dennis replied that they are recommending plants that are native to the area.
Commissioner Bihan commented that the additional trees would be sufficient.
Commissioner Przyblyski said that she appreciated that the project has taken the Committee’s comments and created a landscape plan, but because there is no dedicated gardener, the maintenance of the site could be difficult and recommended that the landscaping supplement the existing screen of trees.
Commissioner Smith joined the meeting 3:22 p.m.
Move to approve Phase 2 of the Sunol Yard Prefabricated Structures.
Unanimously Approved.
Commissioner Przyblyski introduced Commissioner Cass Calder Smith.
- San Francisco Botanical Gardens Nursery and Center for Sustainable Gardening - Phase 1
Michael McKechnie Executive Director, San Francisco Botanical Garden Society introduced Brent Dennis and Laura Hartman, Project Architect, Rernau & Hartman. Mr. McKechnie explained that the Botanical Society has worked for many years with the Department of Recreation and Parks to plan this project and bring it to fruition. The Botanical Society will build the structure and donate it as a gift in place to the City. The building will meet LEED Gold standards and function as a museum, a collection of plants, and will teach about sustainability. He explained that they are planning at least one public meeting.
Ms. Hartman gave an overview of the building and presented several photographs of the current site. The new siting will be at a higher elevation with access off Martin Luther King Boulevard and reduce the amount of parking. The building will have a gardeners work yard, a room for staff and volunteers, and an education area. The design flows fluidly from indoor to outdoor and will focus on sustainability. There will be bioswales for the water runoff and onsite energy generation from photovoltaics and wind turbines, and use fallen trees from Golden Gate Park in the architecture. She explained that the building is for children, gardeners, everyday visitors, and ongoing research.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken asked about the view from Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Ms. Hartman explained that the burm would hide the bottom of the building but you would see the green houses and the roof. She added that the plan includes many pathways to lead visitors to the nursery and surrounding gardens.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked about dedicated parking for gardeners.
Mr. McKechnie said they plan to have ADA parking as well as parking for service vehicles.
Commissioner Przyblyski commented that an entry from Lincoln way would enliven the street.
Commissioner Bihan commented that he would rather not see parking if it’s not required.
Ms. Hartman explained that they would prefer to have as little parking as possible. Commissioner Bihan asked if landscaping would be included in the design?
Ms. Hartman replied that most of the area will be part of the scope but the northern sections of the site may be Phased.
Commissioner Smith commented that site lines add to the element of discovery. He inquired about the driveway parking material?
Ms. Hartman replied that they are considering asphalt with bioswales.
Commissioner Delaney commented that they could use gravel in the service courtyard to support the idea it is service area rather than public parking.
Commissioner Przyblyski commented that the Civic Design Review committee would support minimal parking on the site and would like to know more about the various sightlines to the structure.
Move to approve Phase 1 of the San Francisco Botanical Gardens Nursery and Center for Sustainable Gardening: Commissioner Delaney
Unanimously approved.
- Hayes Valley Playground and Clubhouse Renovation - Phase 1
Jacob Gilchrist, Landscape Architect, Trust for Public Land, presented the plan for the renovation of the Western Addition and Hayes Valley playground. In the last five months there have been three community design meetings to encourage involvement from all parts of the diverse surrounding community. The project team is designing a green building with community created art incorporated in the architecture and site plan. The current entrance to the park is on Hayes and Buchanan but does not make a significant entry statement for a public open space. Mr. Gilchrist introduced Brian Milman, Project Architect, WRNS Studio.
Mr. Milman explained that the new design would advertise the site to the neighborhood and take down many of the security screens and fences that are no longer necessary. With cost considerations and problems with asbestos abatement, the existing building is going to be demolished and replaced with new construction. The programming of the new space will include a computer lab, director’s office, learning kitchen, and ADA accessible men’s and women’s restrooms. The design responds to community input to set the building as a backdrop to the playground. Comments from the public meetings also encouraged the project team to create a lawn area, art elements, herb garden, and built in adult fitness equipment.
Mr. Milman added that they are looking at the feasibility of a green roof, solar power, and reusing existing materials on the site.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Bihan asked if they had looked at programming the roof space.
Mr. Milman replied that due to very limited staff, using the roof space would be very difficult.
Commissioner Delaney asked about the strategy for the landscape design.
Mr. Gilchrist replied that they propose to make this a community space with play areas and programmed spaces in contrast to the nearby Patricia’s Green which is less of a community space.
Commissioner Delaney responded that the landscape is very programmed, divided, and doesn’t seem to be connected to the land.
Commissioner Przyblyski added that it seems as though all of the community’s requests are in place, but not prioritized.
Commissioner Bihan commented that the design doesn’t need to be so literal and there should be more clarity and integration.
Commissioner Przyblyski replied that this is a community in transition and this design should be appropriate and maintainable for the next 50 years. She added that there needs to be clarity about what is going to be done through arts enrichment.
Commissioner Smith commented that the design team should back up and have a strong concept and design. He added that the 8 foot roof is too low at the back corner. He asked the team to define if this is a playground, a park or a building.
Commissioner Kriken suggested creating adaptable spaces for changing park use.
Commissioner Przyblyski explained that the landscape comments can be addressed in Phase 2 review.
Commissioner Smith commented that the structure should be clarified as a pavilion or a building. He added that moving the structure to the other side of the site was the right move, but the next step should be carefully considered.
Commissioner Bihan replied that the building is so low profile and so low key it isn’t clear how it relates to the street.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked the team to come back and think more clearly about the program of the site and the building’s connection with open space.
- Anza Branch Library - Phase 2
Wil Kwan, DPW, gave a brief overview of the history of project and explained that since the Phase 1 review, the plan now includes LEED silver certification. He introduced Roggerio Bittencourt, Project Architect, DPW BOA and John Thomas, Landscape Architect, DPW BOA.
Mr. Bittencourt explained that the ADA accessibility will be updated with parking, the addition of an elevator, and by creating a new accessible entrance. The new ADA entrance will include a single parking spot and a curb cut-out. The back of the building will be cast in place concrete paving with a brick landing.
Commissioner Bihan asked about seating and programming of the back patio.
Mr. Thomas replied that there are no tables or chairs because the patio will only be open during events when the adjacent community room is in use.
Commissioner Smith asked about the use of red in the windows.
Mr. Bittencourt replied that the original windows have hints of red and reflect the brick stair in the front. He explained that the red will be used in the elevator tower as well.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken commented that the trellis is lovely but it is a contemporary piece and does not need to be attached to the building.
Commissioner Delaney commented that the trellis is in contrast to the building. She noted that more trees and less groundcover would help the landscape plan. She also asked about the maintenance for the site.
Mr. Thomas replied that it is maintained by the Department of Recreation and Parks.
Commissioner Przyblyski commented that the trellis may not have vines soon and the aestetic without vines should be considered.
Commissioner Bihan commented that fewer pieces in that area would be better. He agreed with Commissioner Delaney about more trees and less groundcover in the landscape plan.
Mr. Thomas replied that a true ground cover will have better filtration and assist with LEED certification. He said they are using coastal California native plants supplemented with some floral groundcover.
Commissioner Bihan and Delaney agreed they would like to see a plant list, landscape plan and maintenance schedule. They added that coastal conditions are different than those of the inner urban city.
Commissioner Przyblyski commented that the team needs a landscape plan to pass Phase 2 and should address the significant concern with the trellis. The committee would also like to see drawings with updated colors.
- Vista Francisco Pump Station Upgrade Project - Phase 3
Fara Perez presented an updated elevation and gave a brief overview of the history of the project. She presented the new design for the metal doors of the building.
Commissioner Smith commented that the top edge of the detail should be beveled.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Vista Francisco Pump Station: Commissioner Kriken
Unanimously approved.
- Marina Earthquake Monument - Phase 1
Jim Maxwell, mEQm Design explained that the Marina Earthquake Monument is privately funded and on public land. Jim Maxwell said that the project is in conceptual design and gave a brief history of the Phoenix fireboat and the monument’s importance to honor firemen and remember the 1989 earthquake. He presented the design and proposed location. The design and materials for the base are yet to be determined and they will use salvaged granite from the Loma Prieta earthquake. The site will include mosaic tile and signage.
Mr. Maxwell explained that they have support from several agencies and Supervisor Alioto-Pier but would like a letter of support from the Arts Commission.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski commented that this is a place making device and that it is appropriate to come to Civic Design Review when there is funding and the design is more developed. She added that the location has not traditionally been a place where monuments or historic elements are placed.
Commissioner Delaney commented that the landscape design is too ornamental for the site.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the committee is interested in the monument and would like to see further design development. She added that the monument does not need to have a plaza around it.
- New Business
- Adjournment 5:55
