Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, February 28, 2005
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: William Meyer, Rod Freebairn-Smith, Andrea Cochran, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon
Absent: Jeannene Przyblyski
Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order: 3:10 p.m.
- Embarcadero Odor Control and Corrosion Control Ventilation Elements-Phase 3
Jignesh Desai, engineer, San Francisco PUC, stated that there were minor changes to the project based on comments from the committee at the Phase 1 and 2 approval. Mr. Desai said that a non-corrosive lined stainless steel would be used for constructing the ventilation elements. He stated that this material offers high impact resistance. Mr. Desai stated that the standard Embarcadero Gray would be used to color the elements. Last Mr. Desai stated that the chamfer around the base of the elements had been eliminated. The concrete base will now be flush with the existing grade.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon asked what the heights of the elements were.
Mr. Desai stated that the elements were 12 feet tall.
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs, Arts Commission, read the comments regarding this project from the March 15, 2004 Civic Design meeting. He read that the primary issues voiced by the commissioners were: that the base of the ventilation elements be flush with grade, that the color be either Embarcadero Blue or Gray, explain the weight of the fiber reinforced plastic in relation to steel.
Nancy Gonchar, Deputy Director, Arts Commission, asked which of the four color samples represented the typical Embarcadero Gray.
Mr. Desai stated that all of the samples were the same Gray but at different values.
Motion to approve Embarcadero Odor Control and Corrosion Control Ventilation Elements-Phase 3: Stauffacher Solomon
Vote: Unanimous
- Mission Creek Park North-Parcels NP4-NP5 Maintenance Building and Kayak Storage Building-Phase 1
Amy Neches, Senior Project Manager, SFRDA, presented a brief overview of the scope of the project. She stated that two proposed buildings would be presented today in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the City, the developer and SFRDA. Ms. Neches introduced Andrew Harris, landscape architect, Martha Fry Landscape Architects (MFLA) to present the design concepts for North Park 4 and 5.
Mr. Harris explained that the park was envisioned as a sports and activity park for the growing residential community in Mission Bay. He explained that there would be several basketball courts, a tennis court and a sand volleyball court. He explained that at the northwestern edge of the site there will be a maintenance building and at the northeastern edge of the site there will be a kayak storage building. A diagonal color coded path will connect these two buildings.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked about parcel X-1 and its relationship to the design of NP-4 and NP-5.
Mr. Harris stated that parcel X-1 was the property of PUC and that the existing pump station on the site would remain and is not part of the design for NP-4 and NP-5. Mr. Harris introduced Steve Kelly, Principal, MKThink Architects, to present the design concepts for the buildings.
Mr. Kelly stated that the program for the two buildings was purely functional. The maintenance building will be used to store equipment to maintain the park grounds. He said that public restrooms would also be located in this building. The kayak storage building will be used to store 20 human-powered watercraft. The building will have a special security code issued to the individuals storing boats in the building. Mr. Kelly commented that boat construction and nautical forms inspired the design for the two buildings.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked if there is a specific signage program and lighting scheme.
Mr. Kelly stated that the signage for these two parcels would conform to the master plan for Mission Bay. There will be some specific wayfinding signs on the buildings. He said that the lighting plan for the parks would be as required for safety. Mr. Kelly stated that there would be special up lights near the freeway.
Commissioner Cochran asked for clarification on the material used for the fencing and paving.
Mr. Harris explained that poured-in-place concrete and concrete unit pavers would be the primary hard surface material. Integral color would be used to differentiate the various areas of the park. Mr. Harris explained that welded metal wire mesh would be used for the fencing around the sports courts. The fence will be 12 feet high.
Ms. Neches explained that the there would only be fencing around the tennis court.
Commissioner Cochran asked about the durability of the plastic skin and its ability to resist vandalism, specifically in terms of paint or inks.
Mr. Kelly stated that the material is very durable in terms of impact resistance and is relatively inexpensive to replace. He said that the material is very susceptible to scratches. A solvent can be used to remove paint or inks. Mr. Kelly stated that his office is researching anti-vandalism measures for the plastic skin.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon stated that the design was good. She asked how the building would be cleaned.
Mr. Kelly stated that the building could be washed down with a hose.
Ms. Neches commented that they are working closely with UCSF to set up a boat club that will manage the boat storage building. The storage will be on a first-come, first served basis and there will be room for about 20 boats.
Commissioner Meyer stated that the design was well done.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked if provisions had been made for parking.
Ms. Neches stated that aside from the designated drop-off area, no additional parking will be provided. She stated that the primary goal was to maximize open space.
Mr. Newirth stated that the committee could only vote on items on the agenda. Any additional phase approvals would have to be recommended under committee reports at the full commission agenda.
Motion to approve Mission Creeek Park North-Parcels NP4-NP5 Maintenance Building and Kayak Storage Building Phase 1, with recommendation for Phase 2 approval at the March 7, 2005 Full Arts Commission meeting: Meyer
Vote: Unanimous
- Hunter's Point Shipyard Project-Streetscape Master Plan-Phase 1
Mr. Newirth stated that he wanted to clarify that the jurisdiction of the Civic Design Committee was limited to the review of streetscape elements such as furniture, lighting or structures. He also stated that the committee's role regarding landscape was strictly advisory. Mr. Newirth introduced Michael Cohen, Mayor's Office of Base Reuse and Development, to begin the presentation.
Mr. Cohen presented a timeline of the development of the Hunter's Point Shipyard project that spanned approximately 14 years. Mr. Cohen stated that Parcel A represents the first 70 acres to be developed in the overall Shipyard masterplan. He explained that an extensive community benefits package was developed in connection with the transfer of the property to City ownership. This package includes economic benefits directly targeted to the Bayview community. Mr. Cohen introduced Evan Rose, Principal, SMWM architects, to present the overall design concept for Parcel A.
Mr. Rose stated that he would present the design for the general land use plan and streetscape for Phase 1. He stated that Miles Stevens, principal, Stevens + Associates architects, would present the specifics of the streetscape master plan.
Mr. Rose explained that the design team viewed this site as an extension of the Bayview Hunter's Point neighborhood. He stated that the project would develop the waterfront and create new open space. The hilltop area would offer dramatic vistas both to downtown San Francisco and the East Bay. The primary design concepts focused on the hill, the water, the shipyard and reconnecting the fabric of the neighborhood. Mr. Rose stated that there were several types of open space forms that the team developed: the bluff, stairs, parks, plazas, streets, gardens, linkages, nodes and cultural history elements.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked if the cultural history elements had been developed and if so, would local artists be used.
Mr. Cohen stated that that the first phase of development primarily focused on horizontal development such as street layouts and infrastructure. He stated that the historical element would be developed at a later stage.
Mr. Newirth stated that the art component of this project was not part of this committee's purview, however, the conceptual ideas could be discussed as they relate to the overall streetscape plan.
Mr. Cohen stated this was an item that could be discussed at the next presentation.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon stated that she was concerned that the collaboration between artists should not be blurred.
Commissioner Meyer stated that the committee should focus on major issues like the size, shape and layout of the streets.
Mr. Rose commented that the street layout was already set and that it would be very difficult and expensive to make any major modifications to the form and layout of the streets at this point.
Mr. Cohen stated that the cost implications to make any major street modifications would be dramatic.
Commissioner Cochran asked if there was funding available for public art.
Mr. Cohen stated that there was no legal requirement for public art however, funds were built into the project to potentially be used for public art work if they are not needed for other priority services.
Mr. Rose introduced Miles Stevens to present the streetscape amenities.
Mr. Stevens explained that the overall concept for the streetscape was to relate directly to the typical San Francisco street in terms of rhythm, scale, and form. He stated that each street would be similar in form and rhythm but would also have its own unique character based on plant selection. Mr. Stevens said that his office explored the possibility of using a straight run stair at Galvez street. He stated that due to the severe change in elevation and requirements for landings, a straight run stair would not work. He said that lighting elements that kept with the established nautical theme were selected for this area. He also commented that street benches had been removed from the project.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer stated that he liked the overall concept plan, particularly Innes Street. He stated that he would like to see a more formal spacial termination to the street instead of just an open space. Mr. Meyer stated that the southeast portion of the site needed a central sense of community and should provide opportunities for ground level retail activity.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon agreed with Commissioner Meyer that the end of Innes street should have a more formal spacial termination.
Commissioner Cochran stated that the hilltop area has a much stronger neighborhood feel than the hillside area. he hillside area feels very suburban and uninspired. Ms. Cochran stated that the design of the Galvez stair should be given more thought in terms of how it can incorporate art in a more cohesive fashion; the art should not just be tacked on. She also commented that the planting should be selected in terms of its lifespan. Short lived plants that will lie dormant in five years should not be used.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked if there could be a greater density of housing and if there would be a coherent signage program.
Mr. Cohen stated that the approved Environmental Impact Report(E.I.R.) set the density of the development.
Commissioner Meyer asked if the E.I.R. also set the height limits as well. Mr. Meyer stated that some variety in building height would give the developement a stronger focal point. He also stated that the development needed to include benches.
- Little Saigon Project-Phase 1,2 and 3
Staff note: This project is listed as first on the agenda but was heard last in order to allow the presenters time to set up a Power Point presentation.
Trang Nguyen, Executive Director, Vietnamese Elderly Mutual Assistance Association (VEMAA) stated that the purpose of the Little Saigon project was to improve the visibility of the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community in the Tenderloin. The project would also contribute to the overall image of the city by creating a Vietnamese cultural attraction. Ms. Nguyen said that the project consisted of color banners hung from the existing street lights. She stated that this phase of the project has already been completed. The second phase would be the installation of two decorative pylons in the sidewalk on Larkin Street near Eddy Street. These pylons would mark the entry into Little Saigon. Ms Nguyen explained that the pylons would be constructed of concrete and granite. On top of each pylon would be a small lion sculpture. She stated that the lion was a symbol of strength and courage. Ms. Nguyen said that they had received approval from DPW Bureau of Street Use and Mapping to encroach into the public right of way. She stated that a draft MOU between VEMAA and PG&E was in the final stages of approval.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
Mr. Philip Nguyen spoke in support of the project. He stated that this project would be the first step in revitalizing the image and local economy of the Tenderloin neighborhood. Mr. Nguyen stated that the pylons would be a positive addition to the community.
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran asked if the lettering was made of granite.
Ms. Nguyen stated that the letters would be made out of concrete.
Commissioner Meyer asked why the lion was so small and said that he would prefer a much larger lion. He asked if the lion was going to be painted.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon suggested that the lion be painted gold.
Ms. Nguyen stated that she liked the suggestion of a larger and more colorful lion. She stated that any changes in the project are dependent upon available funds.
Commissioner Cochran suggested that they return to the committee with the architect to answer specific questions regarding the methods of construction and material choices.
- New Business
- Adjournment: 6:20 p.m.
Revision Date 03/07/05
