City and County of San FranciscoSan Francisco Arts Commission

April 15, 2013

Civic Design Review Committee - April 15, 2013

MEETING OF THE CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
OF THE ARTS COMMISSION

Monday, April 15, 2013
2:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70


Minutes
 

Committee Chair Cass Calder Smith called the meeting to order at 2:04 p.m.
 

  1. Roll Call
    Commissioners Present

    Cass Calder Smith
    Leo Chow
    Dorka Keehn
    Kimberlee Stryker

    Commissioners Absent
    Roberto Ordeñana

    Staff Present
    Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny
    Special Projects Director Jill Manton
    Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie
     

  2. Mission Dolores Historic Plaque at 2001 Market Street: Informational Presentation
    Gideon Kramer, Project Designer, presented an overview of the Mission Dolores Historical Plaque that is intended to be wet-set into the sidewalk at 2001 Market Street where a new Whole Foods store is to be constructed. The plaque is bronze, 18 inches in diameter, and will include a collage of various images that Mr. Kramer beli¬eves are relevant to the history and culture of the Mission Dolores historical district.

    Mr. Kramer described the art as a collage, including the Mission Dolores chapel, a famous friar a Canary Island Palm Tree, the Mission Bell, and a Native American dancer. At the bottom of the plaque design, the text credits the Mission Dolores Neighborhood Association and The Prado Group.

    Commissioner Stryker asked who designed the image, and Mr. Kramer responded that he was the artist.

    Ms. Manton suggested not abbreviating the words “neighborhood” and “association.”

    Mr. Kramer was concerned about how to incorporate this change without upsetting the symmetry. Commissioner Keehn suggested extending the line which included the text without increasing the font size, as a solution to help retain the balance of the composition.

    Ms. Manton and Commissioner Smith both agreed that there should not be abbreviations, particularly with the use of the word “neighborhood.”

    Commissioner Stryker asked how the location was determined.

    Mr. Kramer described the location as the gateway to the Mission Dolores District.

    Commissioner Chow asked whether there has been community input, which is an important part of the Civic Design Review process. Mr. Kramer said there has not.

    Commissioner Smith recommended reaching out to the community, perhaps holding a community meeting, and commented that the Department of Public Works will require a public notice about the installation of the plaque through their Encroachment Permit Process. The notice could be a good opportunity for the community to give input if there is no other means planned.

    Commissioner Smith mentioned that Mr. Kramer might need to compromise with the community about design modifications if any objections arise.

    Commissioner Smith asked about the orientation of the plaque. Mr. Kramer explained it would be centered in the sidewalk. Commissioner Keehn suggested to consider offsetting the positioning of the plaque, as center orientation often increases the possibility of cracking.

    Commissioner Stryker suggested working with a landscape architect to help with the technical aspects of the installation such as the anchoring system.

    Commissioner Chow suggested that Mr. Kramer speak further with Civic Design Review staff about available resources for fabrication, design and ADA issues.

    Commissioner Smith called for public comment: There was no public comment.

    Commissioner Keehn asked Ms. Manton if there were official guidelines for plaques, which will be important for the Committee to consider in the subsequent Civic Design reviews. Matthew Contos, Civic Design Review Intern, explained that the guidelines are being finalized and will be posted on the Civic Design Review website upon their completion. Ms. Manton said that she will work to complete them and distribute them to the Committee members.

    There was no public comment.

    The motion was approved unanimously as follows.

    Motion to approve the design and general placement of the Mission Dolores Plaque, with the contingency that the word “Neighborhood” be spelled out, and that the project return for Phase 2 and 3 review with sufficient technical details appropriate to the review phase, such as the landscape architect’s drawing showing placement, orientation and anchoring for the plaque.

     

  3. Kimbell Playground: Phase 3
    J. Marien Cross, Project Manager, Recreation and Parks, updated the Committee on the alterations to the playground design since their previous review. The playground was relocated to the east side of the site on Geary Boulevard to avoid tree drip lines. She explained that the design has not changed.

    Edward Chin, Project Landscape Architect, Department of Public Works, explained that some play equipment has been rearranged to accommodate better solar orientation.

    Commissioner Keehn asked whether the project could be approved without knowing all the details.

    Commissioner Smith stated that if there were any significant changes, another review would be required.

    Commissioner Chow asked to have drawings of the fence line included in the design plan.

    Commissioner Smith suggested that the gate design could be altered to a more rectangular shape to complement the aesthetics of the fence.

    There was no public comment.

    The motion was approved unanimously as follows.

    Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Kimbell Playground renovation on the condition that the gate be rectangular rather than rounded, and contingent on submission of final documents from the successful bidder; any significant changes will require additional review.

     

  4. SFMTA Operator Convenience Facilities: Phase 3
    Will Kwan of DPW presented a site-specific design for the SFMTA Operator Convenience Facilities located at 32nd Avenue and Geary Boulevard. He explained that the design addressed the Committee’s comments from the previous review, such as the location of the facilities in relationship to the corner, the landscaping east of the eucalyptus tree, and the incline from Geary Boulevard.

    Commissioner Chow commented that they have reviewed this particular location only once in the past.

    Mr. Kwan presented a new design that positioned the facilities as close as possible to 32nd Avenue without impacting larger tree roots. He added that two small trees will have to be removed, and the majority of landscape design only impacted shrubs. He continued to describe the facilities structures by explaining that they will include a painted edge treatment to match the plaster.

    Commissioner Smith suggested that galvanized coating may look better.

    Mr. Kwan replied that SFMTA requires a standard paint for all structures so they can easily paint over any graffiti.

    Commissioner Stryker asked whether the two facilities could share a platform. Mr. Kwan explained that SFMTA regulations would not allow for the units to share a platform. He included that all the other SFMTA Facilities sites only have one single unit structures, which was simpler and less expensive than having to order mirror-image structures.

    Commissioner Stryker thanked Mr. Kwan for his work and asked that he keep in touch about their progress.

    There was no public comment.

    The motion was approved unanimously as follows.

    Motion to approve Phase 3 of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s Operator Convenience Facilities to be located on Geary Boulevard near 32nd Avenue.

     

  5. SFO West Field Cargo Redevelopment Facility: Phases 1 and 2
    Robert Jansen, Project Architect, Kwan Henmi Architects, explained that the design for the building is being fast tracked to be operational in the summer of 2014. He presented the designs and described them as having large façades with playful elements that still maintain the functionality of the building. He stressed the importance of the roof design, as it will be seen by travelers from the airplanes overhead.

    The functionality of the building must allow for trucks and airplanes to have access to the building. The construction plan includes ground floor offices, and offices on the second floor as well as storage for large cargo. The roof design wraps around the structure, and yellow translucent material will serve as a window that allows some daylight into the building. The sunlight must be minimal, as cargo could be affected by too much sunlight.

    Commissioner Smith asked how the building was lit at night.

    Mr. Jansen replied that it is a twenty-four hour facility, and is often open all night. The building is illuminated by fixtures from the overhang on the side of the truck entrance, and is illuminated on the airplane side is by light masts about eighty feet tall.

    Commissioner Stryker asked how the Airport plans on dealing with storm surge and rising seas.

    Mr. Jansen explained that the Airport is looking into those issues, although FEMA has concluded that the cargo building’s location is not as critical as others.

    Commissioner Stryker complimented the use of native plants but added that there is no wildlife in the area so they may want to focus more on plants that withstand heat and wind.

    Commissioner Chow commented that the ideal structure will be simple, and will utilize good composition. He also added that the metal panels on wall and roof do not have enough contrast in color and materials.

    Commissioner Smith suggested that the offices be painted a little darker so they will pop out from the wall. He concluded that the current colors will look same in the bright daylight.

    Commissioner Chow suggested that the colors, materials, doors and canopy could all be revised, as they could be of higher contrast to each other.

    Commissioner Smith questioned the use of the yellow slot windows, and recommended thinking about different materials.

    Mr. Jansen explained that he wanted to unite the building design with minimal color, so the building does not look like a Christmas tree. He explained that previous designs utilized a variety of colors and would consider other options.

    Commissioner Keehn supported the use of more color. Commissioner Chow suggested that everything needs more color.

    Commissioner Smith moved to approve Phases 1 and 2 SFO West Field Cargo Redevelopment Facility. Commissioner Chow seconded the motion.

    There was no public comment.

    The motion was approved unanimously as follows.

    Motion to approve Phases 1 and 2 of the San Francisco International Airport West Field Cargo Redevelopment Facility contingent on adding more color and increasing the contrast between the roof and the walls, with informal review prior to Phase 3.

     

  6. Sunol Yard Improvements: Phase 1
    Tim Ramirez, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (“SFPUC”), shared photos of the site that included images of the staff in the field, the new building and the watershed. He explained that the SFPUC has undertaken a robust community process since 2010 in the development of the design.

    Bryan Dessaure, Project Manager, SFPUC, gave an overview of the proposed designs, including the alteration plans to Temple Road, Corporation Yard, and the Watershed Center.

    Mr. Dessaure described the watershed as the largest in the East Bay and Alameda County, and explained that it is a crucial part of the infrastructure of the City’s water system. He mentioned that some of the current structures are in disrepair and dilapidated, and will be demolished and replaced. The entry road landscaping will include walnut trees that will spread out over a half-mile and will be placed at 50’ intervals. Redbuds and columnar trees are also being planted. The trees will be arranged in a grid. A public orchard will also be planted along Temple Road.

    The project includes one administration building, two buildings that function as shops and four covered buildings for storage. The designs and locations of these buildings were also presented as well as the central gallery space, which are to be placed along a linear grid, including a semi-public lunchroom and multiple meeting spaces that connect with public space. The structures are designed to be as sustainable as possible. Operable windows, natural ventilation, and radiant heat concrete will be included to help circulate air.

    Commissioner Smith commented that he likes the expression of gravel country in the design and asked about the materials of the walls.

    Mr. Dessaure explained that the walls are 12 feet high and use materials that reflect the local environment. He commented that as owners of the quarry they can get materials at cost, including concrete.

    Commissioner Keehn commented that the design has improved.

    Commissioner Chow complimented the functionality and sustainability of the design. He noted that the walls seem unresolved, and it will be important to show how it relates to the materials. He asked the designers to consider how masonry and color are related.

    Commissioner Chow asked about the choice to use rollup doors, and why, and whether they were glazed.

    Mr. Dessaure explained that they are still debating the use of the rollup doors and they will consider the Committee’s suggestions.

    Commissioner Chow commented that the planting is very spread out and that there may be an opportunity to compress the landscape plan.

    Mr. Dessaure said that he believes that the use of columnar trees will give a sense of compression.

    In conclusion, Commissioner Chow recommended that the trees be moved closer together. Commissioner Stryker agreed and suggested considering the use of the trees to help shade the roofs of the buildings to cool the roof and reduce energy use. She stated that shade on roofs could reduce the temperature by ten to fifteen degrees. She suggested further investigation of the tree spacing as walnut trees have broad canopies that will overlap. If they were closer to each other, the trees could provide a large shaded area. Commissioner Stryker also commented that walnut trees can be messy which will require maintenance. She noted that this was something the PUC should take into account.

    There was no public comment.

    The motion was approved unanimously as follows.

    Motion to approve Phase 1 of the Sunol Yard Improvement.

     

  7. The Committee took a five-minute break, reconvening at 4:49 p.m.

     

  8. SFMTA Van Ness BRT Informational Presentation
    Peter Gabancho, Project Manager, SFMTA presented the project in its very conceptual form. He explained that the purpose of the project is to reduce traffic congestion on Van Ness Avenue and to improve transit time by separating car lanes from bus lanes. The improvements aim to reduce bus bunching, increase passenger capacity, and use fewer buses and more rail systems. He mentioned that the northern part of the city has limited access to the transportation system and they hope to expand that with this project. In effort to reduce the costs of the new additions, a rubber-tire rail system will be utilized, as it is more cost-effective.

    Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2015 and should be completed and operational in 2018. The construction will also include the elimination of approximately half of the bus stops with east and west connections, and all left turns will be removed to improve traffic flow. Since Van Ness is a Caltrans right-of-way, all modifications will require approval from the State of California. The design will allow for two buses to be boarded simultaneously on the northbound and southbound routes. Street poles, station platforms with canopies, wind shelters and landscaping will also be included in the project scope.

    Martha Ketterer, DPW Landscape Architect, added that landscaping will be incorporated to separate pedestrians from traffic. The community has a strong interest in keeping trees; but some trees must be removed because of their condition.

    Mr. Kwan stated that the MTA wished to establish a consistency in the design of its transit facilities. Commissioner Smith stated that the design should be as modern and unique as possible. He commented that he likes the idea of having larger well-designed shelters in the median. He recommended reviewing the Third Street T-line platforms and canopies, as he finds their design less than successful. Commissioner Smith added that diversity is important to San Francisco and it might not make sense to have all of the transit shelters be of one uniform design in all neighborhood contexts.

    Commissioner Stryker commented that it is an ambitious project that could be fantastic and have a tremendous impact on the look and life of the street. She recommended that the design take a more contemporary approach and explore ways in which the light poles could light up both the pedestrian walkway and the road. She also commented that the current sycamore trees are not doing so well.

    Ms. Ketterer explained that the current trees will be removed because of construction, and that she is happy to consider suggestions for new trees.

    Commissioner Chow explained he is excited to see the project unfold and that it is a very important addition to the area. He also asked that the design team consider the location of the jogging lanes and the accessibility of safe loading and waiting areas for people who struggle to cross the street.

    Commissioner Keehn suggested that the art and architectural design be unified and to think of the concept on the scale of the whole street.

    Commissioner Chow and Smith suggested that the MTA designers look at the best transportation projects being done in the world as an inspiration for the design of the new Van Ness shelters. They said that this is an opportunity to do something great for the City.

    Mr. DeCaigny commented that the process was working well, and to keep in mind that wind may be an issue. He also asked that the design team consider how public art may be incorporated in the project.

    Public Comment
    James W. Haas, City Hall Preservation Commission and Community Benefit District member, explained that he has followed the project for several years, and he supports idea. He suggested that the stations take into account their positioning in historic districts, as he finds the current temporary structures to be atrocious. Mr. Has also expressed concern that the platforms in front of City Hall be appropriate in design to their historic context. He provided the Commissioners with a copy of his booklet entitled Civic Center in the Post-War Years.

     

  9. Bayview Opera House: Phase 3
    Amy Eliot, Project Architect, described the recently held community meeting to present the project’s final design and reported that the design was well-received, and the comments from the community were very helpful in their process.

    Walter Hood, Project Landscape Architect, explained that half of the parking area will be removed and a garden will be built in its place. Twenty parking spaces will remain. He described the curtain fence, which will incorporate two patterns cut symmetrically and flipped. The project will also replace up to fifty percent of the current fence beams.

    Commissioner Smith commented that they seemed to be up to speed with the Committee’s requests from the last review.

    Commissioner Stryker asked about the lighting. Ms. Eliot replied that they are still working out the details, and they recognize that it is critical to the project.

    Commissioner Stryker moved for approval; Commissioner Keehn seconded the motion.

    The project presentation concluded with applause from the capacity-filled audience in the room.

    There was no further public comment.

    The motion was approved unanimously as follows.

    Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Bayview Opera House with the contingency that the lighting components of the design be resolved.

     

  10. Mission Bay Playground: Phases 1 and 2
    Lila Hussain from the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency introduced the members of her team and explained that the park was needed due to the increase of families and children in the Mission Bay area. She explained the intention of the playground is to create a space for active play and opportunities to learn about nature, and to increase the size of the play equipment area. She mentioned that there are numerous other open space and unstructured natural locations within Mission Bay. She explained how the original park concept was developed in 2005 and was more oriented towards passive recreation and use by adults. With the change in the population at Mission Bay, the Successor Agency decided to reconsider the design and hired the landscape architecture firm of Royston, Hanamoto, Alley and Abbey (“RHAA”).

    Tom Fitzgerald, RHAA, explained that the playground features a larger play zone, and the addition of new play structures. He added that there is already a lot of open space in the area in other parks and unstructured open space. He described Mission Bay Playground as a flat area that includes high climbing structures, group swings, group spinners, and traditional swings as well. He mentioned that the use of sand has been problematic for maintenance reasons. There will be a natural unstructured area in the center of the park for children to explore and create.

    Commissioner Chow mentioned that he and his family visit a lot of parks and he appreciates the inclusion of nature, but he thought that some of the play structures won’t fully engage kids. He suggested that additions like knolls, berms and benches might be more engaging.

    Commissioner Keehn suggested that the climbing area be more natural so that it complements the other natural components of the playground.

    Commissioner Smith suggested that they focus on Phase 1 for now and return at a later date for Phase 2. Commissioner Chow suggested that an informal working session between the team and one or two of the Commissioners might be very helpful.

    There was no public comment.

    The motion was approved unanimously as follows.

    Motion to approve Phase 1 of the Mission Bay Playground.

    After the vote, Commissioner Keehn left the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
     

  11. Fire Station #44: Informational Presentation
    Youcef Bouhamama, Project Manager, DPW, presented the renovations planned for Fire Station #44. He described the additions, including a new roof and window replacements.

    Commissioner Chow clarified that there are no design changes, only minor renovations.

    The Commissioners were pleased with the informational presentation and stated that they are looking forward to seeing how the design has progressed by the time they return for Phase 1 approval.

     

  12. Fire Station #36: Phase 3
    Eric S. Robinson, Principal, Taggart Architects, presented this project, which is a comprehensive remodel including replacement of 1960’s ceramic tile cladding of the façade, the installation of powder-coated aluminum windows and doors, and the addition of an elevator tower in the rear. A new light fixture and a gate will also be added.

    Commissioner Stryker asked about tree planting, and the team explained that the space was too narrow. There was a brief discussion of incorporating art on the back wall to combat graffiti; however, the small art budget for this project will be used elsewhere. Commissioner Chow requested that the window frames not be painted red.

    There was no public comment.

    The motion was approved unanimously as follows.

    Motion to approve Phase 3 of Fire Station #36 renovation, with the contingency that the window frames should not be red.

     

  13. Angelo J. Rossi Playground Restroom Replacement: Phases 2 and 3
    Mary Hobson, Project Manager from Recreation and Parks, presented the design of the restrooms, which feature pale green exterior color, and tan color for the interior. The exterior will be painted stucco and painted galvanized steel.

    Ms. Hobson showed the new design for the fencing and landscaping. The landscaping will include ornamental garden planters, with lavender and white flowers and three new trees to replace the existing trees. Ms. Hobson explained that the ornamental fence will be made of iron and it mirrors the fence design on other side of street.

    Commissioner Smith commented that the green is too pale, and the gray metal grillwork would look best in black.

    Commissioner Chow added that the metal window and door grates should also be black, and that the tile color be greener, richer, and more vibrant to have more contrast with the rest of the palette. He further commented that the downspouts should be painted the same color as the building.

    There was no public comment.

    The motion was approved unanimously as follows.

    Motion to approve Phases 2 and 3 of the Angelo J. Rossi Playground Restroom Replacement contingent on making the color palette more vibrant, including a richer green tile for greater contrast, and making the metal grillwork black.

     

  14. Public Comment
    There was no further public comment.
     
  15. New Business
    There was no new business.

     

  16. Old Business
    There was no old business.

     

  17. Adjournment
    There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
     

    MC 4/29/13


    Language Accessibility

    Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost. For assistance, please notify Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie, 415-252-2591, sharon.page_ritchie@sfgov.org.

    我們將為閣下提供免費的書面翻譯資料和口譯服務。如需協助,Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie, 415-252-2591, sharon.page_ritchie@sfgov.org.

    Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie, 415-252-2591, sharon.page_ritchie@sfgov.org.