Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, December 17, 2007
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: John Kriken, Beverly Prior, Leonard Hunter
Commissioners Absent: Jeannene Przyblyski
Staff Present: Catherine Direen, Vicky Knoop
Call To Order: 3:05 p.m.
- Parkside Branch Library - Phase 1
Marilyn Thompson, Branch Library Improvement Program (“BLIP”) Program Manager, explained that the library was built in 1951 and designed by Appleton and Wolford. She said that the current renovation is designed by Thomas Hacker Architects and includes a 1000 square-foot addition. She continued that several community meetings were held in 2001 and 2003, but the project was delayed. Ms. Thompson introduced Kacey Jurgens, Thomas Hacker Architects.
Ms. Jurgens gave a slide presentation on the project and site plans. She explained that the library is on Department of Parks and Recreation property and is heavily used by teens and children. The plan will move building services to the new addition and provide expanded children's and teen sections. Additionally, ADA access issues are to be addressed along with seismic upgrades and infrastructure upgrades. She stated that the new design incorporates natural light and emphasizes the connection of interior and exterior.
Ms. Jurgens said that the plinth and planters will be used across the front of the building to unite the existing building with the new addition. She added that the color of the paneling on the new addition will tie into the redwood eaves on the original structure. Ms. Jurgens explained that the Library will work with the Department of Parks and Recreation on planting.
Marilyn Thompson explained that BLIP held a community meeting on December 15, 2007, and the project was well-received. She reported that the public suggested reducing the number of retaining walls and using grading and planting on the front of the building instead. She added that a Library Commission Peer Review will take place on January 3, 2008.
Commissioner Prior opened the floor to public comment. Commissioner Prior closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Prior agreed that the architects should reduce the number of retaining walls and use more planting. She added that they should be careful in their choice of materials because maintenance can be difficult in a moist and salty environment.
Commissioner Hunter added that the soil in the area is sandy and drift may happen with planting. He suggested modifying the retaining walls to make more spacious rails. He commented favorably on the increased light to the interior of the building.
Commissioner Kriken agreed that the number of retaining walls should be reduced.
Commissioner Hunter commented that in Phase 2 he would like to see the specifics of landscaping, including planting.
Ms. Thompson added that the plant palette will be approved by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Motion to approve Parkside Branch Library - Phase 1: Commissioner Kriken
Second: Commissioner Hunter
Vote: Unanimously approved.
- Bernal Heights Branch Library - Phase 2
Ms. Thompson briefly explained the history of the building and the scope of work for the project. She introduced Andrew Maloney, Project Architect, DPW BOA, and Luis Herrera, City Librarian.
Mr. Maloney explained that the improvements to the library were mostly interior, but included a new wheelchair ramp, patio space and landscaping. He said that the basement would be repurposed into the children's room.
Commissioner Hunter commented that they had placed the ramp at the best spot for the building and asked if they had to put a hole in the portico.
Mr. Maloney explained that a small awning with curved front was over the ramp side entrance.
Marilyn Thompson commented that street lamps and seats would be added along the street-facing façade.
Mr. Maloney said that the new brick and tile would match the existing materials. He added that after upgrades to the roof, the current roof tile would be reinstalled. He continued that the lamps are a standard style and there would be new brass handrails.
Commissioner Hunter expressed uncertainty about the longevity of the brass handrails.
Ms. Thompson introduced Lizzie Hirsch, Landscape Architect, DPW BOA.
Ms. Hirsch explained the renovated landscape design. She said that there are no new trees on the front façade because of the existing historical landmark trees. She continued that the new landscaping in the back would be drought-tolerant plants and the same tree used throughout. She added that the Department of Parks and Recreation ("DPR") has approved the plant list.
Commissioner Kriken asked about the flowers shown in the elevation drawings.
Ms. Hirsch replied that there are no flowers in the present design and that low shrubs would be planted instead.
Mr. Maloney commented that the current chainlink fence would be replaced by a metal picket fence.
Ms. Direen, Interim Deputy Director, advised the Committee that the mural is under review by the San Francisco Arts Commission Visual Arts Committee.
Mr. Herrera gave a brief background on the mural and explained that the community has many opinions on it. He listed the three options currently being considered. The first is to represent the mural on the interior of the building. The second is to restore the mural on only the north wall of the building. The third option is to leave the mural untouched. He added that there is no final resolution yet, but that the Library remains committed to a continued dialogue with the Arts Commission and the community.
Commissioner Prior opened the floor to public comment. Commissioner Prior closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken added that it seemed like an acceptable project, but he would like to see updated elevations with the proposed fencing and landscape design.
Commissioner Kriken stated that the historical importance of the mural should be weighed against the other artwork in question, the architecture of the building. He continued that the mural may not be appropriate on this structure, although it does have historical value. Because of this, he supports including a representation of the mural on the interior of the building and retaining the integrity of the architectural design. He added that he hopes the Visual Arts Committee will also consider the architecture of the library as a valuable piece of San Francisco history.
Commissioner Hunter added that the structure is a historical architectural statement and that the historical implications of the mural could be reflected inside the library.
The Committee requested that the design team return with materials samples, updated north and south elevations with proposed fencing and landscape design, a plant list, and images of the plants to be used.
- Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library - Phase 3 Administrative Review
Vicky Knoop, Civic Design Program Manager, stated that the construction documents submitted for review reflected the design approved at Phase 2. Ms. Knoop recommended that the Committee grant an Administrative Phase 3 approval.
Motion to approve Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library - Phase 3: Commissioner Hunter
Second: Commissioner Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved.
- SEWPCP Building 915 Modular Office Facility- Phase 3 Administrative Review
Vicky Knoop, Civic Design Program Manager, stated that the construction documents submitted for review reflected the design approved at Phase 2. Ms. Knoop recommended that the Committee grant an Administrative Phase 3 approval.
Commissioner Kriken expressed concern that the Committee was reviewing temporary and prefabricated buildings that were not architectural.
Motion to approve SEWPCP Building 915 Modular Office Facility - Phase 3: Commissioner Kriken
Second: Commissioner Hunter
Vote: Unanimously approved.
- Design Standards
The Commissioners discussed the document “Design Issues of Concern to the Civic Design Review Committee.” The commissioners made several changes that were discussed and incorporated. The document is currently under review by the City Attorney.
The Commissioners asked staff to arrange a meeting on January 28, 2008, with department officials from the Department of Public Works Bureau of Architecture, the Department of the Environment, Public Utilities Commission, and others to discuss Civic Design Committee review of sustainable design.
Motion to approve document "Design Issues of Concern to the Civic Design Review Committee" as edited at the December 17, 2007 meeting of the Civic Design Review Committee: Commissioner Kriken
Second: Commissioner Hunter
Vote: Unanimously approved.
- New Business: There was no new business.
- Adjournment: 5:04 p.m.
