Meeting Information

CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, August 21, 2006
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70

Minutes

Commissioners Present: Andrea Cochran, Leonard Hunter, John Kriken, Beverly Prior
 
Commissioners Absent: Jeannene Przyblyski 

Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor

Call To Order: 3:10 p.m.

1. Mint Plaza—Informational Presentation
   
   Willet Moss, Principal, Conger Moss Guillard Landscape Architects, stated that the project team had explored three design options for the entry grove along Fifth Street and wanted feedback from the committee. He said that the comments made today would be used to develop their Phase 2 submittal.
   
   Mr. Moss stated that there are shared elements in each of the different schemes. For example, all three designs function as “rain gardens,” retaining and treating stormwater from the plaza and nearby buildings, and all three provide a visual and physical buffer from auto traffic along Fifth Street.
   
   Mr. Moss also explained that each option featured a different cluster of trees: maple, red alders or ash. He explained that the mature maples will reach 25 feet and the ash trees will reach 30-35 feet. The red alders will reach 20-25 feet in 8 years and 30-35 feet in 15 years.
   
   Mr. Moss explained that each of these schemes creates a “fourth wall” to this urban room and that the trees act as a visual marker that introduces the space to pedestrians.
   
   Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Kriken asked if the trees would change color seasonally.
   
   Mr. Moss stated that each of the trees would change to yellowish-orange leaves in the fall.
   
   Commissioner Cochran asked if the team will consult with an arborist. She also stated that the spacing of the maple trees seemed tight.
   
   Mr. Moss stated that the initial design schemes were developed in consultation with an arborist. He said they will continue to work with the arborist as the project develops.
   
   Commissioner Kriken said that he preferred the maple scheme because of the scale of the trees and their multi-branched trunks. Mr. Kriken expressed concern that the trees might encourage climbing.
   
   Mr. Moss responded that a coarse planting around the trunk of each tree, as well as onsite security, would hopefully deter any potential climbers.
   
   Commissioner Hunter also preferred the maple scheme. He commented that he would like to see the most mature maples used for the initial installation.
   
   Commissioner Prior stated that she prefers the maple scheme.
   
   
2. Mount Davidson Pump Station Project—Phase 1
   
   Howard Fung, Project Manager, PUC, stated that this project is one of over 30 proposed capital improvement sites. He said that a public outreach meeting was held on July 19, 2006. The Miraloma Park Improvement Club was the primary neighborhood contact. Approximately 500 notices were mailed and 25 people attended the meeting. Mr. Fung stated that there was general support for the project. Mr. Fung introduced Ernesto Ramillo, Project Architect, DPW BOA, to present the proposed design.
   
   Mr. Ramillo explained that this design is a replacement and upgrade of the current facility. The scope of work consists of demolition of the existing building, construction of a new single-story station with all requisite equipment, construction of an accessible path and vehicular driveway to the building and construction of a yard with a perimeter security fence around the building.
   
   Mr. Ramillo stated that the aesthetics of the building conformed to the existing Miraloma Park guidelines.
   
   Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Mike Naughton spoke in favor of the project. Mr. Naughton stated that the project satisfactorily responds to the established Miraloma Park Design Guidelines established in October 1999.
   
   Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Prior commented that the presentation was very clear and the design was well-thought-out. She expressed concern that the dormer was out of place and an unnecessary roof element. Ms. Prior felt that the building fit well within the context of the neighborhood.
   
   Commissioner Kriken asked if the City would maintain the landscape along the alley between the station and the adjacent building.
   
   Mr. Fung stated that the alley is partly City property and partly the property of the adjacent private residence. He said that a planting scheme for that alley had not been developed.
   
   Commissioner Hunter felt that the architectural design was very successful. He said that he appreciated the design because it highlighted the architecture rather than attempting to camouflage it.
   
   Motion to approve Mount Davidson Pump Station Project—Phase 1: Cochran
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   
3. Hamilton Pool and Recreation Center—Phase 1
   
   Jorge Alfaro, Architect, DPW BOA, explained that the previously approved Phase 1 design had been significantly changed due to budget reductions. Mr. Alfaro introduced Will Kwan, Project Architect.
   
   Mr. Kwan explained that the original scope of work included a two-story addition to serve the existing natatorium and gymnasium. He stated that the reduced budget has resulted in the elimination of the second floor and a reduction in the overall program. The proposed new single-story building will still incorporate the major upgrades, including new pool locker/restrooms, dedicated storage, community room and tot lot. Other improvements include HVAC upgrades, pool mechanical systems upgrades and ADA upgrades.
   
   Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Hunter asked why the building needs to be changed.
   
   Mr. Kwan answered that, aside from its many outdated systems, the old building is not ADA-compliant and also needs significant seismic upgrades.
   
   Commissioner Hunter asked if the floor plan could be modified to allow for the second story.
   
   Mr. Kwan replied that the new budget simply doesn't allow for it.
   
   Commissioner Prior expressed concern about the structural conditions of having a new building sandwiched between two existing buildings.
   
   Mr. Kwan stated that structural issues have been taken into consideration in this schematic design proposal.
   
   Commissioner Cochran stated that there was not enough information in the visual presentation to approve Phase 1 and that the team should re-present the project at a later date. The schematic design should show not only massing but also window and door arrangements, and some idea of building materials and construction.
   
   
4. Palo Alto Pump Station—Phase 2
   
   Stanley So, Project Architect, DPW BOA, addressed the issues raised at the last Civic Design meeting. Mr. So explained that the exterior walls and chain link fence will be the same color. The tank will be painted aqua.
   
   Martha Ketterer, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE, Landscape Division, confirmed that the selected bamboo can grow to a height of 40' and that the project team is okay with that. She also explained that the team was open to recommendations.
   
   Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
   
   James Singares with the Twin Peaks Improvement Association spoke in favor of the project.
   
   Geoffrey DeSousa spoke in favor of the project.
   
   Jon Taylor spoke in favor of the project.
   
   Dona Crowder with the Twin Peaks Improvement Association spoke in favor of the project.
   
   Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Mr. Newirth asked for clarification on whether the revised color scheme being presented today had been shown to the community.
   
   Mr. So stated that the community had not seen this revised scheme. He explained that the community had seen the same design and color scheme presented to the Civic Design Committee in July 2006.
   
   Commissioner Cochran clarified that the committee was not in favor of using green colors on the building because in a natural seating the artificial green colors are too prominent. She explained that if the intent was to have a building that recedes into the background of the forest setting, darker colors should be used.
   
   Commissioner Prior stated that aqua was not a preferred choice for any part of the building. She agreed with Commissioner Cochran that colors with a lower value should be used.
   
   Commissioner Kriken asked if the rock treatment in front of the pump station had any precedent in the neighborhood.
   
   Mr. Kwan stated that there were some precedents at the front of several houses on the street.
   
   Commissioner Prior recommended that the team return with a few different color options for the next meeting.
   
   Commissioner Cochran stated that the project team should also present any color modifications to the community.
   
   
5. Palace of Fine Arts Building and Park Restoration Phase IIB—Phases 1 and 2
   
   Charlie Duncan, Architect, Carey and Co. Architects stated that the landscape design presented represents the 50% completion of the Construction Document Set. Mr. Duncan introduced John Thomas, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Division, to present the landscape design.
   
   Mr. Thomas explained that the overall design intent was to restore the symmetry, look and feel of the 1915 Exposition site plan and that there would be four areas of concentration to achieve this goal.
   
   Mr. Thomas stated that at the south end of the site would be the primary pedestrian entry, marked by rows of olive trees and a flight of stairs. At the north end of the site on axis with the south entry stair would be the primary vehicular drop-off. This end would be marked with California live oak and California buckeye trees and special paving. He stated that the promenade would undergo selective tree removal and replanting. The majority of the removal will focus on dead or severely unhealthy trees. New trees will be planted in their place with a variety of tall grass in the understory. The promenade will also be lined with new cast iron and wood benches. A new paving pattern will be inscribed in concrete under the rotunda. The center of the rotunda will also have a donor recognition plaque. Most of the ground plane around the Palace will be gravel mulch. The lagoon edge pathways will be asphalt.
   
   Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Hunter asked if the proposed design would provide more opportunities to get close to the edge of the lagoon. He also asked if tour busses would still have access on the south side of the lagoon.
   
   Mr. Thomas answered that the proposed design would provide more access to the edge of the lagoon. He also explained that tour busses would still be able to drop off passengers on the south side of the site.
   
   Commissioner Kriken expressed concern that the proposed plant removal would take away from the overall quality of the site. He stated that the original intent of the architect as expressed in his renderings was to create a sense of mystery and discovery of an architectural ruin. Mr. Kriken stated that he wanted to ensure that the original intent was respected and maintained.
   
   Mr. Duncan commented that the original renderings were very atmospheric and conveyed a sense of mystery, but that the actual built reality of the 1915 design was starker. There was a hierarchical planting scheme of low grasses, shrubs and trees.
   
   Mr. Thomas emphasized that only dead or decaying plant life will be removed.
   
   Commissioner Cochran agreed with Commissioner Kriken that Maybeck's romantic garden idea should be maintained. Ms. Cochran expressed great concern about the execution of the paving design under the rotunda.
   
   Mr. Duncan stated that the City has established a prequalified pool of contractors based on their experience in similar project types.
   
   Mr. Thomas stated that the other option would be to simply do colored asphalt under the rotunda.
   
   Commissioner Hunter felt confident that parameters set for selecting the prequalified pool of contractors would yield satisfactory results.
   
   Commissioner Cochran felt that the benches selected for the promenade should reflect the character of the existing architecture.
   
   Mr. Thomas stated that they were planning on specifying the previously approved benches used throughout the park.
   
   Commissioner Kriken agreed with Commissioner Cochran that benches in close proximity to the architecture should be different.
   
   Motion to approve Palace of Fine Arts Building and Park Restoration Phase IIC (with overlook design option), contingent upon further review of lagoon edge landscaping, bench specification and material use for the rotunda floor pattern-Phase 1 and 2: Cochran
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   
6. Mission Bay Pump Station at Park 15—Phase 3
   
   Rod Henmi, Design Director, Michael Willis Architects, presented the revised design of the roof. He explained that they were able to reduce the size of the soffit profile by 40%, from 30 inches to 18 inches.
   
   Motion to approve Mission Bay Pump Station at Park 15—Phase 3: Cochran
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   
7. Junipero Serra Clubhouse and Playground Renovation—Phase 3
   
   Jorge Alfaro, Architect, DPW BOA, presented the revised elevations based on comments from the committee.
   
   Motion to approve Junipero Serra Clubhouse and Playground Renovation—Phase 3: Prior
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   
8. Harvey Milk Center for Recreational Arts—Phase 3
   
   Jean Lemanski, Principal, Lemanski Rockwell Architects presented the final color scheme for the exterior of the building. Ms. Lemanski also briefly reviewed the concept for the public art piece which is integrated into the main entry doors.
   
   Motion to approve Harvey Milk Center for Recreational Arts—Phase 3: Cochran
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   
9. New Business
   
   
10. Adjournment: 6:00 p.m.
    

Revision Date 9/18/06