Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, October 18, 2004
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present:William Meyer, Rod Freebairn-Smith, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, Jeanne Przyblyski
Absent:Andrea Cochran
Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Jill Manton, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order: 3:05 p.m.
- California Japan Town Landmark Project Phase 1& 2
Nancy Gonchar stated that the commissioners should have received a letter in their packet from Ruth Asawa regarding the placement of the landmark. She also stated that she received a phone call from commissioner Mirikitani who said that she hoped that the Civic Design Committee would respect Ruth's wishes regarding the placement of the new landmark.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the letter doesn't specifically reference the placement of the landmark.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon asked what Ms. Asawa was trying to say with the letter.
Ms. Gonchar stated that the letter was generally saying that Ms. Asawa was not in favor of any design changes to the Buchannan Mall. Ms Gonchar reported receiving a letter from Linda Jofuku, executive director, Japantown Task Force. Ms. Jofuku sent a letter to the Arts Commission stating that she had spoken with Ruth Asawa and said that Ms. Asawa would not like see another installation replace the exixting Koban because it would disturb the line of sight for the area in question.
Paul Osaki, Executive Director of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California(J.C.C.C.N.C), presented the project. He stated that his organization was awarded State funds to develop and install historic and educational landmarks in the three remaining historic Japantowns in California. The locations would be in San Jose, Los Angeles and San Francisco. This landmark would mark these Japantowns as cultural heritage sites. He explained that J.C.C.C.N.C put out an RFQ to solicit artists and designers to create the landmark. Mr. Osaki stated that the design presented was the winning entry and would be used at all three Japantowns in California.
Mr. Osaki stated that the overall purpose of the landmark would be to serve as an educational tool. This landmark would tell the story to visitors and the younger generation of how the community got started over one hundred years ago. It would speak to the most significant civil rights violations in recent times. Finally the landmark would also speak to the revitalization and future of the Japantowns in California. He emphasized the fact that this landmark is not a memorial.
Mr. Osaki explained that the process involved extensive community engagement not just in San Francisco but also in San Jose and Los Angeles. He stated that the challenge was to come up with a design that would represent a very broad base that included individual citizens, merchants and government agencies.
Mr. Osaki stated that three sites were studied for placement of the landmark in San Francisco's Japantown. The first site proposed was in the Peace Plaza, the second site just outside the Peace Plaza on the sidewalk and the third site at the southwestern edge of the Buchanan Street Mall.
Mr. Osaki stated that structural concerns and plans to retrofit the Peace Plaza made that site prohibitive as a location for the landmark. The sidewalk in front of the Peace Plaza is an option that would require a special encroachment permit from the Board of Supervisors. The Buchanan Street Mall was determined to be the most viable location for the landmark. Mr. Osaki stated that the koban has been removed from southwestern corner of the mall and the landmark could be placed there.
Mr. Osaki explained that the Nihonmachi Parking Corporation had legal jurisdiction over the Buchanan Street Mall and has agreed to take over ownership and maintenance responsibility for the landmark. This organization is comprised of merchants and property owners along the mall. Mr. Osaki said that he is open to suggestions regarding the placement, however, the project has been stalled since the beginning of this year and there is a deadline approaching. He also said that he would like to respect the wishes of Ms. Asawa, however, the letter presented does not specifically object to the landmark. He stated that the goal is to coexist in a harmonious way with existing elements in the mall and provide an educational opportunity that will enhance the visitor’s experience of Japantown.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer asked if they had a site plan of the Peace Plaza.
Mr. Osaki answered no.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith stated that he supports the idea of a piece in the mall that speaks to the atrocity of the Civil Rights violations of the citizens of this neighborhood. He said the he would actually like to see something more bold that speaks to this historic event. Mr. Freebairn-Smith also said that he is willing to support the greater community's desire to have this piece in the mall. He stated that greater care should be given to any additions to the mall and should work harmoniously within the architectural framework that has been established
Commissioner Meyer reiterated that the role of the Civic Design Review in this case was to review the placement and not the actual design.
Mr. Osaki explained that there is a larger conservation plan for the mall. The landmark is only a small piece of the overall project. He explained that one proposal of the larger project included modifying Ms. Asawa's piece so that it would be ADA compliant. He stated that this might be her objection rather than the small landmark. Mr. Osaki stated that the larger project was still in the planning stages and no design concepts have been developed.
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs, stated that he advised Mr. Osaki to go over the larger planning proposals for the mall in order to contextualize the scope of the landmark proposal.
Commissioner Meyer stated that more information is needed in order to render a phase 2 approval.
Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon stated that there are so many pieces in the mall already. She said that there should be one strong designer involved in the project. The designer should bring all of the many pieces together. She stated that someone needs to look at the whole project to pull it all together with one or many ideas. They should look at the facades and all the elements in the mall and use this opportunity to make improvements.
Commissioner Przyblyski said that she agreed with Commissioner Freebairn-Smith's comments about the urgency of creating a piece that speaks to the civil rights violation that occurred at this site. She stated that it is particularly poignant at this moment in this country. Ms. Przyblyski commented that she was concerned that such a small landmark was trying to do too much. It is simultaneously a landmark, an educational tool, it is an interpretive tool and it is historically accurate. She stated that the other challenge for the piece is that it has to occupy a space with a very clear existing aesthetic that has already been added to unsuccessfully. Ms. Przyblyski said that she visited the site and agrees that it does stand out. She said that she was very concerned that the landmark is a different character to the other pieces located in and around the mall. Commissioner Przyblyski commented that she did not find any evidence that public notice was given for the proposed addition to the mall. She also stated that the mall needs major renovation and that it is difficult to imagine placing yet another object in the mall.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she would like to see the desire to place this landmark as a way to leverage community support to clean up the mall. She said that she would also like to see visual representation of other possible locations in and around the mall. Commissioner Przyblyski concluded that she would also like to have a better sense of how the entire community feels. Although Ms. Asawa is a respected artist she doesn’t necessarily represent the entire community.
Rich Newirth responded to Commissioner Przyblyski's concern about proper notification and said that the redevelopment agency does more direct notification to the community.
Commissioner Meyer asked about the height of the landmark. He also asked what was the project team's time frame for construction and completion.
Mr. Osaki sated that the piece is 9' tall. It is 3' wide at the top and tapers down to 2' wide at the base. He stated that the Koban was over 9' tall and 6' wide. The landmark is much more slender than the Koban. He stated that there is a limited amount of time left before the funding source expires. Mr. Osaki stated that the project was supposed to be completed last year. They have already surpassed their one-year extension. The project needs to be under contract by the end of the year.
Commissioner Meyer stated that the design team should return with clearer representations of the proposed location as well as other possible locations. This should be in the form of several perspective views that clearly depict how the landmark will look in context to the rest of the mall. A color site plan that includes the Peace Plaza and the proposed locations of the landmark should be presented. Representative elevations/site sections are required for further review.
- Summit Pump Station Upgrade Phase 1
Ryan Cayabyab, Project Manager, PUC introduced the project. Mr. Cayabyab stated the PUC was undertaking a major capital improvement of the water system infrastructure. The site of the pump station is at the base of Mount Sutro. He stated that proper neighborhood notification had come back with no negative comments. The budget for this project is estimated at $2.2 million He stated that Stanley So, Architect, DPW-BOA would be presenting the design.
Mr. So explained that the existing pump station would be demolished. A new concrete building will be constructed in its place to house new equipment and meet accessibility requirements. Other materials used include painted metal doors and canopies. There will also be a planted green roof to minimize the visual impact for residents above the valley.
John Dennis, Landscape Architect, DOE- Landscape division reviewed the landscape plan for the project.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon stated that the design was fine.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked if there were any ideas about signage. There is no clear designation of what the building does.
Mr. Cayabyab responded that due to new Homeland Security requirements they are limited to the type of obvious designations of building functions.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked if there was a possibility of having the roof be an extension of the surrounding landscape.
Commissioner Meyer stated that the design was satisfactory and recommended a Phase 2 approval in addition to the Phase 1.
Mr. Newirth stated that the Phase 2 approval can be added to the Full Commission agenda for November under committee reports.
Motion to approve Summit Pump Station Phase 1: R.F-S
Vote: unanimous
- West Portal Branch Library Renovation Phase 3
Marilyn Thompson briefly introduced and reviewed the history of the project. She introduced Casey Gibbons, Architect, Thomas Hacker Architects.
Ms. Gibbons stated that the design team made a few minor changes in relation to comments made at the last Civic Design Review. The landscaping had been toned down to allow for an unobstructed view of the front of the building and entry. Also the font for the signage has been recreated to match the existing font on the front of the building. All exterior building signage will be standardized with this font. The team has selected a color that is very close to the existing color scheme. It is a slightly warmer color that accentuates the color of the tile roof.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski commented that it is a improvement that the library front has a more prominent view from the street with the removal of the dense landscaping.
Motion to approve West Portal Branch Library Renovation Phase 3: Cochran
Vote: Unanimous
- Noe Valley Branch Library Renovation Phase 1 & 2
Commissioner Przyblyski recused herself from speaking on this agenda item due to a potential conflict of interest.
Marilyn Thompson briefly introduced the history of the project. She introduced Alice Carey, Principal, Carey & Co, Architects and Nancy Goldenberg, architect, Carey & Co, Architects.
Ms. Goldenberg explained the rational behind the location of the new elevator. She presented visual studies of the various locations the design team explored. Ms. Goldenberg stated that the location presented at the last Civic Design meeting was the most favorable in terms of efficient access by patrons, least impact on interior space and the least visual impact on the exterior character of the building. Ms. Goldenberg stated that the color they selected for the new elevator tower was a subdued tone complimentary to the existing color scheme. She explained that the landscaping would not change drastically due to budget constraints. Ms. Goldenberg noted that there was a very active volunteer neighborhood gardening group that maintained part of the landscaping around the library.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer asked if the stucco would be an accent color and material.
Ms. Goldenberg answered that stucco would not simply be an accent color and material on the elevator.
Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon stated that the design was fine.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith stated that the location selected was the most appropriate choice given the design studies presented.
Motion to approve Noe Valley Branch Library Renovation Phase 1 & 2: R.F-S
Vote: unanimous
- Marina Branch Library Renovation Phase 1
Marilyn Thompson briefly reviewed the history of the project. She introduced Bobbi Fisch, Principal, Tom/Elliot/Fisch Architects and Mark Schatz, Principal, Field Paoli Architects.
Ms. Thompson stated that there had been four community meetings for this project and that the Library Commission had reviewed it in July of this year. She said that Mark Schatz would be presenting the project.
Mr. Schatz stated that the library was approximately 6,500 square feet designed by Appleton and Wolford in 1953. This firm did several public library projects around the city. This branch was opened in 1954. The scope of the project is to upgrade the restrooms to meet ADA requirements as well as the addition of a reading room. Mr. Schatz stated that the bulk of the work was seismic upgrade and hazardous materials abatement. The total addition is approximately 1,000 square feet.
Ms. Fisch added that the new volume was set slightly lower than the highest portion of the existing building to minimize the visual impact to the residents across the street.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.<<br />
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she liked the design. She said that she had been in that library several times and that bringing in more natural light was a positive change.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith stated that the design was nicely done. He asked if the architects intended to configure the hardboard panels in a way that related visually to the stack bond brick of the existing building.
Mr. Schatz stated that it was envisioned as a contrast to the brick facade.
Commissioner Freebairn Smith stated that he was generally not in favor of buildings in parks. He stated that it seems to be the policy of the City to put buildings in parks for lack of another site.
Mr. Schatz said that the idea of the glass box addition was to visually bring the park inside the building. He said that the design continues the paving and planting out to the edge of the street to connect the park back to the neighborhood.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon said that the design was very. She stated that she would like to see more glass in the façade to provide a better presence on the street.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked if the southern exposure posed an concern to the books in that space.
Mr. Schatz answered that the seating is along the glass and the stacks are perpendicular to the exposure. He also stated that there would be a shading system in place.
Commissioner Meyer asked if the overhang could be deeper to provide a little more shade during the summertime.
Mr. Schatz stated that they would look at other options.
Ms. Fisch said the goal of the addition was to have clear visual access from the street. A deeper overhang would obscure the building from the street.
Motion to approve Marina Branch Library Renovation Phase 1: R.F-S Vote: unanimous
- Western Addition Branch Library Renovation Phase 1
Marilyn Thompson briefly introduced the history of the project. She explained that their had been two community meetings and the project was presented to the Library Commission in September of this year. She introduced Kent Ford, project architect, DPW BOA and Brian Gatter, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE landscape division.
Mr. Ford explained that the scope of the project included ADA upgrades at the entry and restrooms, seismic upgrades, electrical improvements and hazardous materials abatement. The total square footage of the new additions is approximately 550 square feet which includes a new entry and small classroom.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.<<br />
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon asked if the addition would be the same color.
Mr. Ford answered that they hadn't selected colors yet and that there was mural that had to be considered.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked if more of the parking area could be used to afford better natural light into the outdoor reading court. He commented that the location of this space will be very chilly and in shadow.
Mr. Ford stated that both Recreation and Park as well as the library want to keep the parking quantity the same.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the design was fine. She commented that she agreed with commissioner Freebairn-Smith comments. Ms. Przyblyski added that kids will use the space regardless of temperature. She also stated that it would be better if the presence of the library extended closer to the street edge.
Motion to approve Western Addition Branch Library Renovation Phase 1: R.F-S
Vote: unanimous
- New Business
- Adjournment 5:15
Revision Date: 12/01/04
