Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, June 19, 2006
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: Andrea Cochran, Leonard Hunter, John Kriken, Jeannene Przyblyski
Commissioners Absent: Beverly Prior
Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order: 3:05 p.m.
- Alemany Pump Station Upgrade
Phase 1
Emelina Sandoval, Project Manager, PUC, introduced the project. Ms. Sandoval stated that the Alemany Pump Station was one of 77 planned upgrades to the Hetch Hetchy water distribution system. This pump station is one of 33 stations being upgraded in San Francisco. Ms. Sandoval said that the scope of work would include demolition of the existing pump station and construction of a new larger pump station. This pump station will serve the Portola neighborhood specifically but will also serve as back-up for the City's emergency water distribution in times of need.
Ms. Sandoval stated that there have been two community meetings to date. The first meeting was on May 11, 2006. She explained that 4,500 notices were mailed and flyers were also posted. The attendance for this meeting was about 40 people. Ms. Sandoval said that a second meeting was held for the residents immediately surrounding the proposed new pump station on May 31, 2006. Ms. Sandoval said that future meetings are planned to keep the community up to date with the progress of the design and to obtain any feedback from interested residents.
Ms. Sandoval explained that the current project is scheduled for completion of design by February 7, 2007, commencement of construction in September 2007, and completion of construction in December 2008.
Ms. Sandoval introduced Edmund Shum, Project Architect, DPW BOA, to present the design concept.
Mr. Shum stated that the new pump station would be double the size of the old pump station. The new project will consist of a new main building for the primary pump equipment and a utility structure for support equipment. Mr. Shum stated that the intent of the architectural design was to blend in with the existing residential styles. Although the building mass is larger than most residential buildings, the style of the pump station is not industrial. He explained that although the building is larger than the original, a large portion of the structure will be screened because the building sits within a valley. Mr. Shum pointed out that the shape of the roof reflected the styles found in the immediate area of the station.
Mr. Shum introduced Martha Ketterer, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Division, to present the concepts for the new landscape.
Ms. Ketterer explained that the landscape strategy would be minimal since the surrounding landscape was already well developed. She said that the new trees planted would be complementary with existing species, and that low-lying ground cover would be planted at the front of the structure.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken asked about the requirement for the perimeter fencing at this and other PUC pump stations.
Ms. Ketterer answered that the fence restricted access to the site to serve as a deterrent to vandalism.
Commissioner Przyblyski commented that different pump stations seemed to have different security requirements. She asked if there was a set of protocols that determined the specific requirements for the various pump stations system-wide. Ms. Przyblyski said that understanding these requirements would be helpful when assessing the appropriateness of a particular design concept.
Ms. Sandoval said that the requirements are dependent on several factors including the primary function of the facility, location and reducing vandalism. Ms. Sandoval suggested that a presentation by the PUC Director of Security to the Committee would be helpful.
Commissioner Cochran agreed that a presentation at the next Civic Design hearing would be very useful.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked if the community had any negative comments about the design of the pump station. She also asked how the massing of the new station compared to the old.
Ms. Sandoval stated that no objections were expressed at the community meetings. She explained that the new pump station is approximately 30' tall to the top of the parapet and is slightly taller than the old station. Ms. Sandoval explained that the overall bulk of the building is mitigated by the fact that the building is bermed into the hillside.
Commissioner Kriken asked if the residents preferred a building that had a more residential aesthetic.
Mr. Shum said that in general the residents wanted a building that blended in with the neighborhood rather than a building with an industrial aesthetic.
Commissioner Hunter asked if the building needed to be so tall and bulky.
Mr. Shum said that the interior clearances required for safety, access and functionality dictated the final height of the building.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she would like to see some form of identification signage that groups these new pump stations into a family of buildings that support the City's infrastructure.
Commissioner Hunter stated that he would like to see documentation of the community meetings in the form of minutes or a sign-up sheet.
Motion to approve Alemany Pump Station Upgrade Phase 1: Hunter
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Old U.S. Mint, 88 Fifth Street
Phase 1
Bob Mendelsohn, owner's representative, San Francisco Museum and Historical Society, introduced the project. He said that the Old Mint would be San Francisco's first and only history museum. Mr. Mendelsohn introduced Dana Merker, Principal, Patri Merker Architects, to present the design for the building.
Mr. Merker said that the project presented some unique challenges. He stated that the existing building is a historical artifact that must accommodate modern functions which includes new retail operations, food and beverage operations, a coin museum, the San Francisco Visitors and Convention Bureau and the San Francisco History Museum. Mr. Merker explained that the primary design issues were integrating the mechanical and electrical systems required to support the new functions, developing an appropriate circulation to facilitate the new uses, stabilizing the exterior stone façade, resolving water penetration issues at the cornice and examining the use of the historical courtyard. Mr. Merker introduced Tom Harry, project architect, Patri Merker Architects, to present the design solutions.
Mr. Harry reviewed the primary design interventions. He stated that a new sidewalk would be constructed along Mint Street to accommodate pedestrian traffic and adjacent tour bus parking. Two new ADA-compliant entries will be constructed, one directly adjacent to the main entry stair at Mission Street and the other off of Jessie Street. The Mission Street accessible entry will be a paved flat walkway that leads to an elevator lobby and to the ground floor of the museum. The Jessie Street accessible entry will consist of a new ramp that leads to the ground floor level of the museum. Mr. Harry explained that the landscape additions would be relatively minimal and limited to the perimeter of the building. He said that the interior courtyard ground plane would be restored to its original condition. Mr. Harry said that a series of bridges and a monumental stair would be inserted into the historical courtyard to improve the flow between the interior spaces. The bridges and stair would have a slight curvilinear profile to distinguish them from the orthogonal geometry of the existing building. The primary materials would be steel and glass. The design intent for these elements was to facilitate efficient visitor circulation within the building while minimizing the visual and structural impact on the historic structure. He explained that the new bridges and stairs would have an independent structural system that would not impact the integrity of the façades in the courtyard. Mr. Harry said that a new glass roof would cover the courtyard. He presented two options for the new roof, one a curved shape and the other an angular shape. Mr. Harry explained that the curved shape required less structural material because of its naturally stable form, while the angular pitched roof option would need more elaborate engineering. He explained that the greenhouse effect would be mitigated with operable windows in the new roof. Mr. Harry explained that the existing mechanical equipment located on the roof would be moved to unused attic space. The goal is to make the new mechanical, electrical and plumbing (“MEP”) requirements invisible to maintain the visual character of the historic architecture.
Mr. Mendelsohn stated that the introduction of the bridges and stairs was integral to the successful function of the new museum. Mr. Harry introduced Carol Kiernat, architect, Page &Turnbull, to present the historic preservation strategy.
Ms. Kiernat explained that Page & Turnbull would be focused on the interior of the building. She said that their role was to analyze and determine what material fabric was historically significant. Any material that was not original to the building would be removed. She briefly explained the scope of work for Architectural Resources Group (“ARG”), who would be the preservation architects handling the exterior of the building. Ms. Kiernat explained that ARG's work would focus on stabilizing the exterior façade material. This work would include removal and fabrication if necessary. In other cases the goal will be to strengthen and arrest any further deterioration of existing material. She said that the cornice of the building is deteriorating due to water damage. ARG will be responsible for analyzing the extent of the damage and developing a strategy to mitigate the problem. Ms. Kiernat stated that the cornice was not historic material, but that its form and shape are consistent with the original building. She explained that if the cornice needed to be replaced it would look exactly like the historic design.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter asked for clarification about the set of columns shown in room 110 but absent from room 117 on the first floor plan.
Mr. Harry explained that the columns shown in room 110 were original to the building and that no columns were present in room 117 in the original design.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked for more description of the proposed design for the open-air seating for the new restaurant. Ms. Przyblyski stated that she preferred option 2, the angular pitched roof, for the roof structure to the interior courtyard.
Mr. Harry explained that the design was still being worked out for the open-air area for the restaurant, but that the design would be compatible with the existing architecture. He stated that conceptual design at this stage shows a low stone wall topped with a cast-iron fence. Another option will be a low wall with planting instead of the iron fence.
Commissioner Cochran stated that she would like to see a more defined design direction for this area as it affects the exterior of the building. Ms. Cochran also said that she would like more visual information about the accessible entry in the form of a three-dimensional representation.
Commissioner Kriken asked if the windows would be replaced.
Mr. Harry said that most of the existing windows are in good condition and will not be replaced. He said that windows would be repaired and refinished as required. Mr. Harry said that a very subtle tint would be applied to the glass to help control the light and heat gain in the building.
Motion to approve Old U.S. Mint, 88 Fifth Street Phase 1, incorporating roof option #1 and contingent upon review of further design drawings of the ADA entrances, the configuration of the wall bounding the open dining area along Mint Street and environmental graphics program: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Mint Plaza
Informational Presentation
Michael Yarne, Director of Development, Martin Building Company (“MBC”), explained that the proposed new public space would be funded by the creation of a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District (“CFD”). Mr. Yarne stated that MBC would be spearheading the creation of the CFD. Mr. Yarne said that MBC, in coordination with the Mayor's Office of City Greening, the Planning Department and Supervisor Daly's office, would be conducting a series of community workshops. Three workshops will be held to gather ideas and keep the public aware of the progress of the project. Mr. Yarne also stated that MBC would be working with the San Francisco Museum & Historical Society to ensure that the design of the plaza works with the planned Old Mint project. The schematic design ideas for the plaza will be presented at a later date to the Civic Design Committee. Mr. Yarne stated that the overall goal for the project was to create a dynamic pedestrian-friendly and flexible new public space for San Francisco.
- Great Streets Capital Project
Informational Presentation
Kris Opbroek, Project Manager, DPW, stated that the Great Streets Capital Program was established in September 2005 as part of San Francisco's Livable City Initiative. Ms. Opbroek stated that the goal of the project was to create high-quality, well-maintained streets that will help build community and boost economic vitality in San Francisco's neighborhoods. She stated that they are working in partnership with the Mayor's office, the Department of Public Works, the Planning Department and the Metropolitan Transportation Agency to implement one-time capital improvement projects on a series of streets across San Francisco.
Ms. Opbroek stated that they have approximately $11 million total funding to spend over the next three years. She explained that scope of work for the projects would be specific to the street being worked on. Ms. Opbroek said that, in general, the types of improvements would include: sidewalk widening, sidewalk bulb-outs, street trees, landscape planting, planter boxes, site furnishings and lighting upgrades.
- Sunol Valley Treated Water Reservoir and Chemical Storage Facility
Phase 3 Administrative Review
Rommel Taylor, Arts Commission staff, stated that no changes had been made to the previously approved Phase 2 design. Mr. Taylor recommended that the Committee approve the Phase 3 submittal for this project.
Motion to approve Sunol Valley Treated Water Reservoir and Chemical Storage Facility Phase 3 Administrative Review: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Mission Bay Park 18, Pump Station 6
Phase 3 Administrative Review
Rommel Taylor, Arts Commission staff, stated that no changes had been made to the previously approved Phase 2 design. Mr. Taylor recommended that the Committee approve the Phase 3 submittal for this project.
Motion to approve Mission Bay Park 18, Pump Station 6 Phase 3 Administrative Review: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Mission Bay Park 8, Pump Station 4
Phase 3 Administrative Review
Rommel Taylor, Arts Commission staff, stated that no changes had been made to the previously approved Phase 2 design. Mr. Taylor recommended that the Committee approve the Phase 3 submittal for this project.
Motion to approve Mission Bay Park 8, Pump Station 4 Phase 3 Administrative Review: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- New Business
- Adjournment: 5:40 p.m.
Revision Date 07/27/06
