Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, July 16, 2007
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: Andrea Cochran, Beverly Prior, Leonard Hunter
Commissioners Absent: John Kriken, Jeannene Przyblyski
Staff Present: Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order: 3:05 p.m.
- Palace of Fine Arts Park Restoration Phase IIC-Phase 3
Lena Ch'en, AIA, DPW Project Manager, summarized the scope of the work completed on the project. Ms. Ch'en introduced John Thomas, DPW BOE Landscape Division.
Mr. Thomas stated that the changes being reviewed included park restoration west of the lagoon, landscaping, repair work to the rotunda, crack repairs, and concrete repair. He explained that the previous Phase 3 review raised three main issues.
Mr. Thomas explained the first of these to be the treatment of the lagoon edge. He explained that Commissioner Cochran met with the design team on-site to help develop a concept for the lagoon edge. Mr. Thomas explained that the design included removal of invasive plants, blended Mediterranean and California styles, and reemphasized the Arts and Crafts style of the 1920's.
Mr. Thomas said that the second issue addressed was the paving pattern in the center of the rotunda. The new paving on the ground would include cast-in-place concrete. He explained that quality would be ensured through a pool of prequalified bidders, and the selected contractor would be asked to create a 1/8th section of the rotunda for approval.
Mr. Thomas explained that the third issue raised was the selection of benches for the west side of the lagoon. He said that the 24 benches were the same design as on the east side of the lagoon, cast-iron with teak slats. He stated that the design had not changed from the previous Phase 3 review.
Commissioner Cochran expressed concern that the bench selection had not been resolved since the previous review. Mr. Thomas stated that the benches were durable and comfortable.
Mr. Thomas explained a donor program of named leadership gifts including bricks and pre-cast concrete benches.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter stated that the concrete benches kept with the form of the structure more than the commercial cast-iron benches. He also suggested that due to the number of cast-iron benches being purchased, commissioning custom benches could be comparable in price.
Commissioner Prior asked whether the Landmark Committee had approved the benches. Mr. Thomas said they had approved Phase IIC.
Commissioner Cochran expressed concern that the cast-iron benches are Victorian, while the building is Arts and Crafts. She suggested researching benches that would be more fitting with the style of the structure.
Mr. Thomas reiterated his preference that the cast-iron bench be used and stated that the benches were durable, comfortable, and affordable. He expressed concern that concrete benches would be uncomfortable, damp, and moldy.
Motion to approve Palace of Fine Arts Park Restoration Phase IIC-Phase 3 on the condition of resolving bench selection: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved.
- Vista Francisco Pump Station Upgrade-Phase 1
Howard Fung, Project Manager, DPW BOA, introduced the project and summarized the plans to reconstruct the building and use a small mobile pump station during reconstruction to provide water to the area. Mr. Fung introduced Robert Lopez, PUC Communications Division; Martha Ketterer, DPW BOA Landscape Division; and Fara Perez, Architect, DPW BOA.
Ms. Perez explained that the pump station borders incorporated land owned by the Department of Recreation and Parks and an apartment building. She stated that the new station would be a stucco-covered concrete structure with a flat roof characteristic of the 1960's neighborhood style. The yard will contain two hydropneumatic tanks and be partially screened by the building. A chainlink fence will surround the site and landscaping will emphasize architectural elements of the station.
Ms. Ketterer explained that the landscaping would be in 16” raised planter boxes. Large succulents and bamboo would be placed along the front and on the corners of the building to screen the sections of fence at either side and to accent architectural features.
Mr. Lopez explained that a community meeting was held and all comments and questions were addressed. Mr. Lopez said that a notice was mailed to 300 neighborhood residents a few weeks before the meetings and several neighborhood groups were contacted.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter asked how much of the hill would be removed for construction. Ms. Ketterer explained that it would be minimal and that they are trying to encroach as little as possible on park land.
Commissioner Hunter complimented the design as working nicely with the neighborhood. Commissioner Cochran commented that the massing of the building breaks up nicely into the neighborhood. She also suggested being more conscious of light and sun exposure with the plant choices.
Motion to approve Vista Francisco Pump Station Upgrade-Phase 1: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved.
- Sensu Element, San Francisco Japantown-Phase 3
Nancy Gonchar, Interim Director of Cultural Affairs, stated that the construction documents submitted for review reflected the design approved at Phase 2. Ms. Gonchar recommended that the Committee grant an Administrative Phase 3 approval.
Motion to approve Sensu Element, San Francisco Japantown-Phase 3: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved.
- New Business
- Adjournment: 3:48 p.m.
