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Potrero Hill Health Center Addition
Phase 3
Tony Leung, Project Manager, DPW BOA, explained that since Phase 2 approval, the existing paneling has been repainted per the Committee’s recommendation. Mr. Leung introduced project architect Alejandro Pimentel, DPW BOA.
Mr. Pimentel explained that there was a second community meeting since the last review that resulted in a few changes to the design. The stairs have been extended to the parking lot level, and a deck has been removed due to privacy concerns by the neighbors.
Commissioner Hunter opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Delaney expressed concern about removing the existing eucalyptus trees. She commented that it is not appropriate to remove healthy established trees to put in young California native trees. She added that trees of such large scale should be preserved whether they are native or nonnative species. She requested a site visit with the architects to determine the necessity of removing the trees.
Commissioner Kriken asked about the exterior materials for the new structure. Mr. Pimentel commented that current plans for the new addition will use stucco, but due to budget constraints they are considering a list of alternatives.
Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Potrero Hill Health Center Addition with the contingency that Commissioner Delaney will visit the site with Project Manager Tony Leung to review tree removal plans, and that there be a maintenance plan for the stucco: Commissioner Hunter.
Vote: Unanimously approved
Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Potrero Hill Health Center Addition with the contingency that Commissioner Delaney will visit the site with Project Manager Tony Leung to review tree removal plans, and that there be a maintenance plan for the stucco: Commissioner Hunter
Vote: Unnanimously approved.
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Bay Division Pipeline
Phase 1
Stanley So, Project Architect, DPW BOA, explained that the project is comprised of five buildings based on two designs. The Committee had previously requested that PUC buildings with similar function have similar designs, and this project is responding to that request. He explained that these structures will house the electrical and control buildings for the seven-mile section of pipeline that runs though the East Bay.
Mr. So presented aerial photographs of the sites and described the location for each structure. He explained that the Newark and Ravenswood sites are predominantly industrial areas that anchor the two endpoints of the pipeline tunnel. They both have a similar industrial design. Each of these two structures has a generator room and a water quality equipment room in addition to the control panel that the other four buildings have. The Hayward East and Hayward West sites are in residential areas of Fremont with apartments and single family homes nearby. The Pulgas Valve Lot in Redwood City has no visual access by the public. These three sites share a residential design sensibility.
Mr. So explained that the industrial buildings that will be used at the Newark and Ravenswood sites will be reinforced concrete walls with reveals, standing seam metal roofs and painted metal doors and louvers. The concrete will have an integral earthtone color and the roof will be a dark brown powder coated metal.
The residential style structures at Pulgas, Hayward East and Hayward West will be peach-colored cement plaster over concrete blocks with a clay tile roof and brown painted metal windows and doors.
Mr. So explained that the sites will be hydroseeded with California native seeds. He added that some sites will have a 5/8 inch chain link fence for security.
Commissioner Hunter opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter asked if the landscaping plan would cover the ground that has been excavated for the new pipeline in addition to the ground surrounding the buildings.
Mr. So commented that the landscape architect was not able to attend this meeting but they would look into the seeding options.
Commissioner Delaney suggested that the hydroseed mix be tailored to a purpose such as attracting butterflies or bees. She added that poppies and lupin tend to diminish over time. She commented that the area is in monarch butterfly flight paths, and the seed mix could be tailored to the monarch.
Commissioner Kriken noted that the Hayward West Valve Lot is in the middle of a neighborhood and asked if there has been any community outreach.
Mr. So responded that a flier was sent out to 250 neighbors. He offered to submit the flier to the Commission.
Commissioner Kriken commented that the walls of the industrial style structures seem inconsistent with the straightforward rural building types that you would see in the area.
Commissioner Hunter commented that the butterfly roof might have another angle at either side of the roofline so that it terminates more completely. Commissioner Kriken agreed.
Commissioner Delaney suggested that in the future, buildings that are not going to be seen by anyone could give architects more freedom to be creative.
Motion to approve the Bay Division Pipeline Reliability Upgrade Phase 1, and recommend Phase 2 approval at the full Commission meeting: Commissioner Delaney.
Vote: Unanimously approved.
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Parkside Library
Phase 2
Marilyn Thompson, Program Manager, Branch Library Improvement Project (“BLIP”), introduced the project and gave a brief history. She noted that there have been several community meetings for this project and the main issues raised at the Phase 1 review have been addressed. She introduced Kacey Jurgens, Thomas Hacker Architects.
Ms. Jurgens gave a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the location and scope of the project. She explained that the new addition’s design would be sympathetic with the existing structure, but still look like an addition. The current plan will use beveled cedar siding for the new addition. The landscape plan includes heavy planting around the courtyard to prevent graffiti. The plant list has been approved by the Department of Parks and Recreation who will be maintaining the landscape. The proposed design includes minimized retaining walls, a place for students from the nearby high school to sit and a second stair to the main entry.
Commissioner Hunter opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken asked about sustainable features of the roof.
Ms. Jurgens responded that they are reroofing and the new material is white for energy-efficiency.
Commissioner Delaney encouraged the design team to put lawn in the front instead of ground cover. She asked about the maintenance plan for the landscape.
Ms. Jurgens explained that the department of Recreation and Park has very few gardeners and it is important to keep landscaping simple so a limited staff can maintain it. She added that she also likes the idea of grass in the front of the library.
Commissioner Hunter concluded that the final direction is to use grass as the ground cover for the front of the building. The Library team and all Commissioners agreed.
Commissioner Delaney suggested monitoring the tree in the corner of the lot so that it doesn’t die and turn into a mud pit.
Commissioner Kriken suggested that edge treatments be considered to prevent damage by skateboarders.
Commissioner Delaney suggested using the butterfly profile in the roof on the edge of the stairs.
Commissioner Hunter said that in the interest of equity, the Committee needs to see a materials board with the fence and siding for Phase 2 approval.
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Ortega Branch Library
Phase 1
Marilyn Thompson, BLIP, introduced the project and explained that the new library will replace an older structure. The new building will increase the square footage, be seismically safe and ADA accessible, attain a LEED Silver rating and increase services. The project has been put on hold several times due to funding issues, but the project began again last fall. The design was shown to the community in January. Ms. Thompson introduced Youcef Bouhamama, DPW BOA.
Mr. Bouhamama explained that the building, located in a residential Sunset neighborhood, will be visible from the street. He said that the site is surrounded on both sides by public schools and the library is heavily used by the students. There will be a fence on part of the property to prevent vandalism. A main feature of the library is an ocean view which will be emphasized with an outdoor viewing garden. The planting of the garden will reflect the lines of the waves. As part of a LEED Silver rating, the building will have a living roof. The main entrance will separate the reading areas and the program service areas.
Commissioner Hunter opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Delaney asked about the fence height.
Mr. Bouhamama said the fence is 10 feet high. Because of the grading on the site, there will also be a 42-inch guardrail in certain areas.
Commissioner Hunter asked if they would be maintaining the mural and if the building would be visible from the street.
Ms. Thompson replied that they would be maintaining the mural. She said that one of the main goals of the project was to expose the building to Ortega Street. The face of the new library will line up with the houses across the street. She added that the white wall of the building would have signage that is visible from two streets. There will also be some identification at the entrance.
The Commissioners suggested modifying the landscape to define the entryway with green. This included moving the bike racks to the other side of the entry path for a gentler connection, selecting a new paving material, and low- to no-maintenance plant selection. They commented that the landscaping is working against the project and alternatives should be found for the security fence.
Commissioner Hunter commented that they should pick sightlines and build the design from those points. The Commissioners agreed that the building should be set in a simple landscape design.
Commissioner Kriken suggested creating a wall that is high enough to sit on. He added that they should make public facilities as inviting as possible.
Commissioner Hunter asked the design team to bring a materials board to Phase 2 review and to address issues of landscaping and the entryway.
Motion to approve the Ortega Branch Library Phase 1: Commissioner Delaney
Vote: Unanimously approved.
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Visitacion Valley Branch Library
Phase 1
Marilyn Thompson, BLIP Program Manager, introduced the project which was reviewed by the Library Commission in February. She explained that this branch had been on hold for several months and the new design incorporates LEED Silver standards. Ms. Thompson introduced Andrew Maloney, Project Architect, DPW BOA.
Mr. Maloney explained that the goals of this project are to create a corner entrance, a large central area, open space, comfortable reading areas, good sightlines for the staff, and to incorporate green building principles. He presented a PowerPoint of the context and design process for the new neighborhood library. He explained that the site is 16,520 sq. ft. and will have 8000 sq. ft. for landscaping.
Mr. Maloney said that he incorporated a formal civic look and feel based in historical design. During public meetings, the residents requested a civic structure as an anchor for the community. The structure will have a large central reading area and wings off of the four sides of the central octagon. The design also has a separate entrance for the program room for after-hours events.
Mr. Maloney explained that the building will include many arched windows and classic Italian elements. The design calls for stucco walls with a medium or heavy dash finish, dark brown trim and copper gutters and rainwater leaders. He described the style as Italian without columns and elaboration.
Commissioner Hunter opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Delaney commented that from the street view there is a lot of roof visible.
Commissioner Hunter asked if the roof design was in response to creating a building on a civic scale.
Mr. Maloney responded that yes, it was designed to set the building apart in a formal way. He added that the roof is unique and it gives the building a nice shape.
Commissioner Delaney commented that most buildings with that type of design have a big lead-up with stairs and other elements. She asked what roofing material was specified.
Mr. Maloney responded that the roofing material is asphalt shingle in sienna brown.
Commissioner Kriken commented that the library looks like a church, and that with historic iconography, that look could be modified.
Mr. Maloney responded that the arch is the historical reference but the selected version of that arch makes it contemporary. He added that it is a classical building plan that provides everything that the program requires.
Commissioner Hunter commented that the building references several other uses than a library. He suggested Mr. Maloney take a few more steps and add his own style. Commissioner Hunter commented that the City is willing to build something unique.
The Commissioners agreed that the architecture could be pushed further and asked Mr. Maloney to return.
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Anza Branch Library
Phase 1
Marilyn Thompson introduced the project and explained that a community meeting took place in February, and the project was presented to the Library Commission the same month. She added that the proposed changes will not affect the existing street façade, but will bring the building into ADA and seismic compliance. Ms. Thompson introduced Philip Sowers, Project Architect, DPW BOA.
Mr. Sowers explained that the addition to the rear of the building contains a stair and elevator tower. The existing yard is not landscaped and the current plan includes a driveway with a parking space for one car. To address ADA issues, the landscape architect will create a meandering path in the back that will be reseeded with hydroseeding and native plants. He added that the front lawn will be retained as grass.
Commissioner Hunter opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken commented that the stair tower on the building should be more transparent and glassy in contrast to the stucco.
Mr. Sowers explained that they are accommodating a severe budget crisis, and concrete is a more cost-effective material.
Commissioner Delaney agreed that the tower should be more modern.
All Commissioners agreed that there needs to be a more transparent structure and asked the design team to return.
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Adjourned: 5:12 p.m.
