Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, November 19, 2007
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: Beverly Prior, Leonard Hunter, John Kriken
Commissioners Absent: Jeannene Przyblyski
Staff Present: Vicky Knoop
Call To Order: 3:05 p.m.
- Geneva Historic Car Enclosure: Informational Presentation
James Walsh, MTA Project Manager, gave a brief history of the structure and explained that a previous design was approved in 2001 but budget issues compelled a redesign. He continued that the new design is similar in form to the original structure. Mr. Walsh added that significant changes would be cost-prohibitive in moving forward with current contractor.
Commissioner Prior opened the floor to public comment. Commissioner Prior closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken asked if the new structure would have identical bricks to the existing buildings.
Mr. Walsh clarified that the new structure was not brick but metal siding.
Commissioner Kriken asked if sustainability had been considered in the design.
Mr. Walsh replied that the materials were considered for durability and the dormer windows and skylight provide natural light to reduce electricity use. He explained that the building is not heated.
Commissioner Prior said she would like to see a more developed design before making decisions on changes.
Commissioner Hunter added that a similar roof configuration could allow more natural light in the building by raising or lowering roof sections.
Commissioner Hunter commented that the roof should be designed and built so that photovoltaics could be easily installed later.
- Alameda Siphon No. 4 Project - Chemical Injection Control and Electric Shed: Phase 1
Kent Ford, Project Architect, DPW BOA, gave a brief overview of the project area and scope. He explained that the PUC is constructing a new underground pipeline which will require two small, unoccupied maintenance buildings. He added that the buildings are premanufactured but will have custom-designed canopies.
Mr. Ford added that the aboveground buildings are insulated in the walls and roof and also have clear roof panels for natural light. Mr. Ford introduced PUC Project Manager, Annie Li.
Ms. Li explained that three water pipelines run through the project area, as well as the Calaveras Fault. The Siphon 4 project site is building a fourth pipeline to sustain 6 to 7 feet of movement during an earthquake.
Commissioner Hunter commented that the designs are very similar to recently reviewed buildings for the Calaveras Dam Replacement Project.
Ms. Li explained that the project site is about four miles south of the Calaveras Dam.
Commissioner Prior opened the floor to public comment. Commissioner Prior closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken asked if there was a reason the two buildings were not identical.
Mr. Ford responded that he felt the buildings were more interesting if they were slightly different but used the same materials and aesthetic. He explained that due to the needs of the buildings’ interiors, the orientation of the doors differs and one of the buildings is slightly longer.
Commissioner Hunter commented that these buildings and others presented to the Committee by the PUC seemed to use a similar design vocabulary.
Commissioner Kriken commented that he would like to see more standardization in utility buildings and a clean, industrial aesthetic.
Commissioner Kriken commented that both should look more like the blue shed and should have more monochromatic colors.
Commissioner Prior suggested presenting Phase 1 and 2 at the next meeting. She also asked Mr. Ford to bring samples of the colors available for the prefabricated buildings to the next meeting.
- Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library: Phase 2
Marilyn Thompson, Program Manager, BLIP, introduced the renovation of the 1960’s-era library. She added that nothing has changed since the Phase 1 presentation, and that construction is scheduled to begin in early spring. Ms. Thompson also explained that a Beniamino Bufano sculpture will remain in the space and be protected during construction. She introduced Project Architect Miguel Tello.
Mr. Tello explained that an addition is being made to the structure on the lower elevation on the back of the building. He explained that the materials and colors will maintain the integrity of 1960’s style.
Ms. Thompson explained that the plants selected for the landscape plan included sycamores and ficus. She continued that the eucalyptus would be removed and a formal irrigation system would be installed. Ms. Thompson explained that they would improve the landscape at the front of the building on 16th Street and keep the existing landscaping in the back. The new front entrance is being updated to accommodate ADA requirements and will provide bicycle parking.
Commissioner Prior opened the floor to public comment. Commissioner Prior closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Kriken asked if the parking lot would be repaved with a porous material.
Ms. Thompson explained they were only resurfacing and not reconstructing the lot.
Commissioner Prior suggested adhering to current standards for water runoff.
Motion to approve Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library, Phase 2, contingent upon addressing contemporary standards for water runoff: Hunter
Vote: Unanimously approved.
- Vista Francisco Pump Station Upgrade Project: Phase 2
Howard Fung, Project Manager DPW BOA, gave a brief history of the project and introduced Fara Perez, Architectural Associate, DPW BOA.
Ms. Perez explained that the pump station is located in the Twin Peaks neighborhood and the new stucco-covered concrete building will reflect the style of the neighborhood. She continued that the pump station will have a neutral color scheme of deep rust and yellow with precast door trims on the front of the building. There will also be an eight-foot black vinyl-covered chainlink fence around the retaining yard.
DPW Landscape Architect Bill Bulkley explained that the plan includes two-foot high planter walls along the front of the building for native succulents. He continued that bamboo will be used against the chainlink fence to give cover while also allowing some visibility. A California native tree, a toyon, will be planted in the small space to the rear of the building.
Commissioner Prior opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Prior closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter asked how the neighbors had responded to the design.
Robert Lopez, PUC Communications Division, replied that there was a positive response to the design. He added that during the community meeting, many side issues were raised pertaining to increased noise level and maintenance questions; these were answered to community members’ satisfaction.
Commissioner Hunter commented that the scale of the new building works well in the space, and the plant selection will require little maintenance.
Commissioner Kriken asked about the material of the doors.
Ms. Perez explained that the design is made of 3/8-inch flat steel bars to be welded in a frame and crossbar pattern, giving the idea of barn doors.
Commissioner Kriken said he would prefer the doors without the crossbar detail.
Commissioner Hunter commented that the crossbar detail creates a residential scale on the large doors, but this could be done with a more simplified design.
Motion to approve Vista Francisco Pump Station Upgrade Project, Phase 2, contingent upon simplification of design of the steel doors: Hunter
Vote: Unanimously approved.
- SFMTA Transit Shelter and Kiosk Design: Phase 2
This item was continued to the December 3 full Commission meeting.
- New Business: No new business.
- Adjournment: 4:33 p.m.
