Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, October 16, 2006
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: Leonard Hunter, Jeannene Przyblyski, Beverly Prior, John Kriken
Commissioners Absent: Andrea Cochran
Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order: 3:05 p.m.
- Ingleside Branch Library—Phase 2
Marilyn Thompson, Branch Library Improvement Program, Program Manager, introduced Anne Fougeron, principal, Fougeron Architecture, to present the materials selection for the new library.
Ms. Fougeron briefly reviewed the overall design concept. She stated that the materials palettes consisted of integral color cement plaster, aluminum window systems, ribbed laminated glass, painted metal louvers, cement masonry unit veneer cladding and sambos mahogany.
Ms. Fougeron stated that the materials were selected for their aesthetic quality as well as their durability. She also said that the roof along the Ocean Street side would have approximately 140 photovoltaic panels installed as part of a pilot program sponsored by the Public Utilities Commission.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked if there would be a lowered ceiling in the children's reading room. She also asked about the tree removal in front of the building.
Ms. Fougeron responded that a portion of the ceiling would be lowered. The shape of the suspended ceiling will mimic the curvilinear form of the building. She also explained that there would be selective tree removal along the Ocean Street façade, which would depend upon working out the locations of underground utilities.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked if there would be identification signage.
Ms. Fougeron responded that they are working with a signage consultant on the standards for the building. She also noted that there would be some type of donor recognition on the building that has yet to be determined. Ms. Fougeron said that the signage strategy would be in line with the standards set up for other branch libraries.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she would like to see the final design ideas for signage at the Phase 3 review. She also stated that the committee would support any sensitive tree removal that would enhance the presence of the building.
Motion to approve Ingleside Branch Library—Phase 2 contingent upon review of final environmental graphics plan: Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Portrero Branch Library—Phase 2
Marilyn Thompson, Branch Library Improvement Program, Program Manager, introduced Paul De Freitas, Project Architect, DPW BOA, to present the design changes to the project.
Mr. De Freitas explained that a variance was granted for this project that allowed an increase in the overall building height at the rear of the building. This additional height allowed for a more dramatic reading room on the interior of the building. Mr. De Freitas noted that the front façade had been simplified since the last review. The material palette for the exterior has not changed since the last review.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Prior stated that the revisions are a vast improvement over the previously reviewed design.
Commissioner Kriken expressed concern about the placement of the identification sign. He felt that the sign would not be visible when cars were parked in front of the building.
Mr. De Freitas explained that the area immediately in front of the building would be either a blue zone or a white zone. He noted that they would study other options for placing the signage.
Commissioner Kriken suggested they think about placing the letters on top of the entry canopy.
Motion to approve Portrero Branch Library—Phase 2: Hunter
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Alemany Pump Station Upgrades—Phase 2
Edmund Shum, Project Architect, DPW BOA, stated that there had been some minor changes since the Phase 1 review. Mr. Shum explained that a new handicapped parking space had been added behind the main building. He also stated that a new planted area had been added to screen the new parking spaces.
Martha Ketterer, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE, Landscape Division, stated that the landscape strategy consisted of birch tree planting and the addition of low grasses.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken expressed concern about the consistent use of a residential aesthetic for industrial facilities. He asked if this was a standing policy of the Department of Public Works for projects of this nature.
Mr. Shum stated that the Public Utilities Commission policy is to diligently address the concerns of residents affected by their projects. He stated that most neighborhood groups tend toward a more literal response to the surrounding architecture.
Commissioner Kriken asked if the location of the security fence could be reexamined.
Mr. Shum stated that the fence was located based on PUC security standards for pump stations.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the Commission would support design ideas for pump stations that did not mimic the surrounding architecture.
Commissioner Kriken agreed with Commissioner Przyblyski that an aesthetic that was more appropriate to the function of the building would be better.
Motion to approve Alemany Pump Station Upgrades—Phase 2: Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Palo Alto Pump Station Upgrades—Phase 2
Stanley So, Project Architect, DPW BOA, presented the new color scheme, which had been revised based on comments from the Commission and neighborhood groups. The color scheme for the building and tanks will be three shades of warm grays. These colors help the building recede visually into the surrounding forest. Mr. So stated that the revised color scheme was presented to neighborhood stakeholders and was received favorably.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Jon Taylor spoke in favor of the color selection.
James Singares spoke in favor of the color selection.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Motion to approve Palo Alto Pump Station Upgrades—Phase 2: Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Broadway Streetscape Phase II- Phase 2
Judi Mosqueda presented the updated design of the plaza. Ms. Mosqueda stated that most of the design work for the plaza is the proposed public art work. The artwork consists of words randomly inscribed in unit pavers and a series of suspended elements that represent open books above the plaza.
Ms. Mosqueda said that the lighting and landscape elements are a continuation of the standards approved for the larger Broadway Streetscape Master Plan.
Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski gave a brief report on the status of the proposed public art work. Ms. Przyblyski stated that the artwork was based on several divergent requirements and a limited budget. She felt that the overall concept met these criteria sufficiently.
Motion to approve Broadway Streetscape Phase II not including the suspended artwork—Phase 2: Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Richmond Branch Library-Administrative Phase 3
Rommel Taylor, Arts Commission, stated that he had reviewed the construction documents submitted by the project team and found no changes in the previously approved Phase 2 design. Mr. Taylor recommended Phase 3 approval.
Motion to approve Richmond Branch Library-Administrative Phase 3: Kriken
Vote: Unanimously approved
- New Business
Commissioner Kriken reported on an informational meeting he and Commissioner Cochran attended regarding the landscape design at the Palace of Fine Arts. Mr. Kriken stated that the meeting was held at the site and was very beneficial in terms of understanding the landscape strategy proposed by DPW. He felt that the proposal was good and did not negatively impact the original vision of Maybeck.
Commissioner Kriken expressed that he would like to discuss the proposed new Civic Design Guidelines more thoroughly. He recommended that we make it an agenda item in the near future.
Commissioner Przyblyski suggested that instead of canceling meetings with light agendas that we use that time for more in-depth policy discussions.
Commissioner Prior stated that she had a few items of concern:
1. The PUC will be install more utility boxes along the sidewalks in various places in the City. She felt that we should consider the visual impact of these additions and need to establish a position on the issue.
2. The Civic Design Committee should establish a stronger relationship with the Director of Public Works so that we can discuss issues of design policy for the City.
3. Commissioners should receive agenda and information packets no later than the Friday morning preceding the meeting.
Commissioner Kriken noted that the JCDecaux contract is up for renewal and suggested that the Civic Design Committee should be involved in the selection process for potential new vendors.
Nancy Gonchar, Deputy Director, Arts Commission, stated that she had attended meetings at MUNI to review the RFP seeking a vendor for bus shelters and other street furnishings. She assured the Commissioners that they would have input into the selection process.
- Adjournment: 4:30 p.m.
Revision Date 11/01/06
