Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, May 21, 2005
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: William Meyer, Rod Freebairn-Smith, Andrea Cochran, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, Jeannene Przyblyski
Absent: None
Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order: 3:10 p.m.
- Mission Bay Pump Station at Park P-18- Phase 1
Amy Neches, Senior Project Manager, Redevelopment Agency explained that the City uses separate storm and wastewater systems. The purpose of the new pump station is to accommodate the increased waste and storm water load that would be created by the new development. She stated that this new pump station is critical in reducing the burden on the already overused Southeast Treatment Plant in the Bayview/Hunter's Point district. Ms. Neches stated that the Infrastructure Plan adopted by multiple City agencies, including the Arts Commission, binds the Commission to supporting the implementation of this plan.
The components of the station include the pumps and fuel storage tank, both located underground, as well as an emergency generator and control panel, both above ground.
Ms. Neches reviewed the site plan and explained how the location of the pump station was determined. She stated that a site location near the water was required in order to maximize efficiency. The location needed to provide easy access for PUC staff to maintain the equipment. Ms. Neches said that another design goal was locate the pump station in a way that minimized the effect on public waterfront views and open space. Ms. Neches introduced Laura Spanjian, Assistant General Manager, PUC, to describe the technical requirements for having specific elements of the station aboveground.
Ms. Spanjian explained that locating the entire station underground was considered, but that industry standards as well as functional and safety issues determined the decision to keep the pump station aboveground. She explained that the two components that aren't critical to the emergency function of the pump station will be located underground. Ms. Spanjian stated that the emergency generator and control panels needed to be in a well-ventilated and air-conditioned room. These components must be protected from any exposure to water. She explained that minimizing operating costs, and efficient accessibility, were also major factors in designing the station.
Cliff Lowe, Principal, Cliff Lowe Associates, explained that a system of open spaces has been incorporated into the Mission Bay Master Plan, designed to offer views and access to the waterfront. The proposed location was selected to minimize the impact on open space square footage and views to the waterfront. He explained that the building would be integrated into the landscape to mask its presence to pedestrians along Terry François Boulevard. Mr. Lowe stated that the view of one ground floor condominium would be affected.
Commissioner Cochran asked where the transformer was located and where the entry was to the pump station.
Mr. Lowe stated that both the transformer box and the entry to the pump station would be along Terry François Boulevard.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked where the vents would be located.
Mr. Lowe answered that the station would be ventilated using tubular shafts that would be integrated into the roof.
Adine Varah, Deputy City Attorney, summarized the review jurisdiction of the Civic Design Review Committee. She stated that, based on the Interagency Agreement and Infrastructure Master Plan signed by the Arts Commission, the Civic Design Committee has authority to vote on the design and appearance of the station. Ms. Varah explained that the Committee could not cause unreasonable delays, affect the functionality of the station, determine whether or not the station is located in Mission Bay or impede the construction of the station. She stated that the Committee’s purview was limited to the visual aesthetic of the structure.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith stated that he wasn't concerned with jurisdictional issues but more interested in respecting the shared public interest to make the project as good as it can be.
Ms. Varah stated that the goal of making the project the best it could be was acceptable as long as the Committee recommendation does not interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the pump station.
Tay Via, Attorney, Koblentz, Patch, Duffy and Bass, reviewed in detail the process by which any amendment could be made to the binding agreements between the City and the developer. Ms. Via stated that the Arts Commission’s purview is limited and clearly outlined in these documents.
Commissioner Meyer asked if the Plan documents specifically required that the station be placed aboveground.
Ms. Via answered no. She said that if there is substantial evidence that the proposed configuration is the most efficient and safest, the Arts Commission is prohibited from impeding the design.
Ms. Neches commented that the developer of the adjacent property would prefer that the pump station disappear, but they would not be not willing to sacrifice marketable property to place the station in their building.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer asked if the functions of the station could be separated into two buildings and how far apart they could be.
Amy Elliot, Principal, Tom Elliot Fisch, said that they could be split into two buildings. She explained that the existing design is comprised of two separate rooms.
Commissioner Meyer felt that it would be less intrusive if the project were split into two buildings and placed at different locations on the site. Mr. Meyer said that he would like to see more exploration of lighter and transparent materials for the exterior cladding.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked if there were any existing facilities that blocked views to the waterfront that the pump station could fit into, commenting that it would be better to add to an existing obstruction rather than create a new one.
Ms. Neches stated that the proposed location impedes the view of one privately owned condominium. The location will not impede the public view of the waterfront. She commented that the location would also limit public access to the pump station.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon agreed with Commissioner Meyer regarding the material choice. She suggested something more playful and modern.
Commissioner Cochran stated that the real issue is not about relocating the pump station or whether to build it or not, but whether the proposed design is an excellent work of architecture. Ms. Cochran said that the landscape was being used as a shroud for a mundane design. She stated that this was not a reflection of the architects’ ability but rather the instructions given to them by the client. Ms. Cochran stated that if the architecture were well formed, it would be a welcome addition to the open space. She said the focus should be on creating a beautiful building rather than attempting to hide a poor design.
Commissioner Przyblyski agreed with Commissioner Cochran that the focus of the discussion should be about creating an icon of exemplary civic design.
Motion to approve location as presented, exclusive to the proposed pump station at Park P-18, pending further review of the design of the building: Cochran
Vote:
Yes-Cochran, Meyer, Przyblyski, Stauffacher Solomon
No-Freebairn-Smith
- Japantown Buchanan Mall- Informational Presentation
Allen Okamoto, Vice President, Nihonmachi Parking Corporation, was not present. This item was not heard.
- Little Saigon Project-Phase 3
Rommel Taylor, Arts Commission staff, presented the project. Mr. Taylor informed the committee that the design team had incorporated the recommendations from the April Civic Design Committee meeting. The dimensions of the pylons will be 31 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 108 inches tall. The dimensions of the lion sculptures will be 27 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 36 inches tall. The pylon will be made of concrete with granite infill panels. Explanatory text will be engraved directly into the granite panels. The memorandum of understanding between PG&E and the Vietnamese Elderly Mutual Assistance Association (VEMAA) has been approved contingent upon completion of Arts Commission review. Mr. Taylor stated that the project sponsor, Trang Nguyen, VEMAA, was present to answer any additional questions.
Motion to approve Little Saigon Project-Phase 3: Stauffacher Solomon
Vote: unanimously approved
- California Japantown Monument-Phase 3
Rommel Taylor, Arts Commission Staff, presented the project. Mr. Taylor explained that the monument was being moved approximately 6 feet west of the previously approved location. The monument is still being located outside of the Peace Plaza and in the public way. Mr. Taylor explained that this decision was made in coordination with the Recreation and Parks Department and the City Attorney's office. The design team has been advised by Arts Commission staff to consult with the Mayor's Office on Disability regarding applicable ADA rules. Mr. Taylor stated that the project sponsor, Rob Kawamura, Osaki Design, was present to answer any additional questions.
Sandy Mori, Japantown Task Force, expressed support for the project.
Motion to approve California Japantown Monument-Phase 3: Meyer
Vote: unanimously approved
- California Academy of Sciences- Phase 3
Rommel Taylor, Arts Commission Staff, presented the project. Mr. Taylor explained that there had been three changes to the exterior of the building since the Phase 2 approval. He explained that the square footage of the accessible roof deck had been reduced and the elevator access tower had been reduced in size. In response to structural concerns, the pattern of the skylight has been changed from a square configuration to a series of oculi covering the planted domes, and the material of the canopy surrounding the building has been changed from wood to metal. Mr. Taylor stated that the project sponsor, Kyle Glenn, Gordon H. Chong and Partners, was present to answer any additional questions.
California Academy of Sciences- Phase 3: Cochran
Vote: unanimously approved
- New Business
United Nations Plaza-Informational Presentation
Nancy Gonchar, Deputy Director, Arts Commission, presented the proposal for a temporary solar panel installation at the Civic Center Garage entry building. Ms. Gonchar presented renderings of the proposed solar installation to be mounted on the roof of the entrance to the Civic Center Plaza Garage. The solar array is a donation to the City from Shell Solar as part of World Environment Day. This project was only recently brought to the staff's attention with no time for proper review.
Commissioner Cochran asked if the panels could be installed flat. Ms. Cochran stated that the Arts Commission should have a clear definition of what constitutes a temporary installation.
Commissioner Meyer suggested that the committee write a formal letter in protest of yet another project being undertaken in the Civic Center area without Arts Commission review.
- Adjournment: 4:45 p.m.
Revision Date 06/01/05
