Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, August 18, 2003
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: Stanlee Gatti, Andrea Cochran, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon
Absent: William Meyer, Rod Freebairn-Smith
Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order:3:10 p.m.
- Upper Noe Valley Recreation Center, Phase 1
Paul Travis, Architect, BOA DPW presented the scope of the project which is primarily a seismic upgrade. In addition to the seismic work the project included mechanical and ADA upgrades, renovation of the existing playground and repainting the buildings. Mr. Travis explained that the existing wood cantilever system is failing due to severe dryrot. He stated that the initial strategy was to chop off a portion of the cantilevers and remove the supporting concrete and steel tension rods. This would give back about 1000 square feet of space to the playground area. He stated that this is still the current plan for the renovation except that the majority of the cantilevers will remain and additional horizontal elements between each span will be added. These horizontal members however would not lend in structural support.
Scott Burbank, Landscape Architect, DPW BOA, presented the landscape strategy for the site. He explained that the goal for the landscape was to improve overall circulation and provide a more clear entry sequence.
Mr. Travis described the design for a new decorative entry gate. He explained that the form of the gate related to the form of the existing roof structure.
Mr. Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
Mr. Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon stated that she did not like the bench around the circular planter. She also stated that she did not like the form of the gate. The relationship of the gate form to the shape of the roof was not easily recognizable.
Commissioner Cochran stated that the gate design should be simplified. She commented that the wood bench around the concrete planter should be continuous rather than individual seats.
Commissioner Gatti stated that he liked the gate design. He also stated that the single seats around the concrete planter were more inviting than a continous bench.
Motion: Cochran
Vote: Unanimous
- Eureka Valley Recreation Center, Phase 3
Jorge Alfaro, Architect, DPW BOA presented the material selection for the fence, gate and geodesic dome play structure.
Mr. Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
Mr. Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
Motion to approve Phase 3: Stauffacher-Solomon
Vote: Unanimous
- Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center
Mary Tienken, Project Director, Recreation and Park introduced the project and project team.
Kathleen O'Day, Landscape Architect, Recreation and Park reviewed the existing site conditions and landscape strategy for the park, play areas and building courtyard.
Mike Pierron, Architect, DPW BOA presented the scope of work for the project. He stated that the purpose of the project was to replace the existing Ocean view Recreation Center with a new multipurpose Community Center. The new program for the Community Center consists of a community room, preschool, art room, teen room, weight room, gymnasium and support facilities. The grouping of buildings forms a courtyard open to the expansive southern views.
Mr. Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
Mr. Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran stated that the project was well designed. She asked what the bands in the yard were made of.
Ms. O'day answered that different types of grass would be used to create the bands with a more subtle differentiation than shown in the drawings.
Commissioner Gatti asked if there would be any type of landscaping alone the perimeter of the building to soften the edges.
Ms. O'Day answered that in certain areas shrubs would be planted.
Motion to approve Phase 2: Cochran
Vote: Unanimous
- 525 Golden Gate Avenue-San Francisco Law Library, Phase 1
Yomi Aguniade, Architect, Office of the City Architect introduced the scope of the project. He stated that the previous concept proposed demolishing the existing building and constructing a new larger building. Mr. Agunbiade explained that this concept proved to be cost prohibitive. He introduced Jeffrey Heller, Senior Principal, Heller Manus Architects, to present the new proposal.
Jeffrey Heller stated the scope of the work proposed renovating the existing building at 525 Golden Gate. The renovated building would house the San Francisco Law Library, San Francisco Justice Center and city offices. Mr. Heller stated that the structure of the existing building would be reused. The existing cladding would be removed and replaced with glass. He stated that an additional floor would be added with an accessible outdoor area. The scope of work would also include a seismic upgrade to meet current code requirements.
Mr. Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
Mr. Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran asked about the shape of the columns at the base of the building. She also asked if the material along the base of the building was also glass.
Mr. Heller explained that the existing structural configuration determined the shape of the columns and that more detailed drawings showing how the columns meet the ground would be presented in the phase two review. He also stated that the base material was a green stone.
Commissioner Gatti stated that the number of windows along the Redwood Street seemed small.
Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon stated that the shape of the roof overhang should be explored further.
Commissioner Gatti stated that at the Phase 2 review they should present further exploration of the facade along Redwood Street, studies of the roof overhang and public art options.
Motion to approve Phase 1: Stauffacher-Solomon
Vote: Unanimous
- Harvey Milk Recreational Arts Center Renovation, Phase 1
Jean Lemanski, Principal, Lemanski Rockwell explained that the proposed project was a renovation of the existing facilities. The concept for the new design was to create a stronger connection with the park and surrounding neighborhood. The existing rectangular buildings are retained except for the central lobby building. This building is removed to create an open pedestrian plaza, overlook and stair. Ms. Lemanski explained that the renovation would not change the programmatic use of the building. A new circular building is proposed as an additive alternate scheme. This building functions as a performance/multipurpose space. Ms. Lemanski stated that the intended material palette would use natural colors and textures.
Mr. Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
Mr. Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon stated that is was important to include the performance space because with out it the scheme falls apart.
Commissioner Gatti stated that he understood the rational behind bifurcating the buildings, however it seemed to take away some of the mystery of the site. He stated that discovering the paths that lead around the building to the park is part of the character of the building and site.
Commissioner Cochran stated that she wanted to see more landscape development along the Scott Street elevation.
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs, Arts Commission stated that it is critical that any issues regarding existing murals be resolved before the design process begins and before presentation to the Civic Design Committee.
Motion to approve Phase 1 contingent upon resolution of the existing mural issue: Cochran
Vote: Unanimous
- MUNI Operator Restrooms, Phase 1 & 2
Peter Gabancho, Project Manager, MUNI stated that an attempt was made to determine if the JC Decaux company could provide prefabricated restrooms. He stated that a conversation with a representative form the company reiterated the logistical and policy constraints noted in the presentation to the Civic Design Committee last month. Mr. Gabancho continued to present the revised schemes. He explained that the form had not change significantly since the last meeting, however the way the concrete finish was treated and the form of the skylight had changed.
Mr. Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
Mr. Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon stated that she supported using a simple board formed pattern for the concrete and flat skylight.
Motion to approve Phase 1 & 2: Stauffacher-Solomon
Vote: Unanimous
- New Business
- Adjournment: 6:30 p.m
Revision Date: 09/02/03
