MEETING OF THE CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
OF THE SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION

Monday, June 25, 2018
2:30 p.m.
401 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 125

Minutes

Commissioner Paul Woolford called the meeting to order at 2:36 p.m.

1. Roll Call
   Commissioners Present
   Abby Schnair
   Lydia So
   Paul Woolford
   
   Commissioners Absent
   Dorka Keehn
   Kimberlee Stryker
   
   Staff Present
   Aleta Lee, Program Associate, Public Art Trust and Special Initiatives
   Jill Manton, Director, Public Art Trust and Special Initiatives
    
2. Public Comment
   N/A
    
3. Maxine Hall Health Center Renovation and Seismic Upgrade Project: Phase #3
   Greta Jones and Reggie Stump, Project Designer, Public Works
   Joe Chin, Project Manager, Public Works
   Kay Kim, Architect, Public Works
   Jessica Perez, Landscape Architect, Public Works
   
   The team presented their updates to the design, given feedback from their last review and Historic Preservation Planning. Per Historic Preservation Planning recommendations, the team proposed the south elevation graphic wall be set back from the surrounding concret frame to keep with the existing historic façade. Historic Preservation Planning also recommended that the proposed new window design be consistent with the exsiting historic charcter with clear anodized aluminum frames and similar proportions, along with being pushed back to distinguish the existing frame. For the front entry and entry ramp, the team proposed a redesign of the handrail to allow for better visbility of the tile mural. To meet ADA requirements the front entry ramp was modified and extended as a reguirement through the Mayor’s Office on Disability. Lastly, the team provided an update and text for the art wall plaque and the revised landscape planting scheme.
   
   The Committee asked that the team reconsider the rhythm of the windows and suggested coordinating with the Historic Preservation Planning department to have three equal bays of the historical sized window if acceptable. Secondly, the Committee asked that the team share their landscape plan. Lastly, the Committee asked that the team work with the Arts Commission staff on the artwork plaque and accompanying text.
   
   There was no further public comment.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Maxine Hall Center Renovation and Seismic Upgrade Project contingent upon: 1) proposing to the Historic Preservation staff of the Planning Department the Committee’s suggestion to incorporate three equal bays of the historical-sized windows, reducing the window aperture on the east façade; 2) providing the landscape plan to the Civic Design Review Committee for administrative review; and 3) working with the Arts Commission staff on the artwork plaque and text.
    
4. Civic Center Public Realm Plan: Informational Review
   Nick Perry, Project Manager, SF Planning Department
   
   Nick Perry presented the project background, street design and public space design overview of the Civic Center Public Realm Plan. In the description of the project background, Mr. Perry described the plan area, timeline, consultant teams, and community engagement process. Mr. Perry then discussed the street design overview, including the plaza edges, street design options,and studies of the War Memorial Gateway. Lastly, the team gave an overview to the public space design, sharing the vision, design principles, wind and sun locations, and the three preliminary framework plans devised – the Public Platform which emphasizes performance and gatherings, the Civic Sanctuary which emphasizes history and civic life, and the Culture Connector which emphasizes diversity and culture. Currently, the team is still collecting data from an online suvey for the publics thoughts on the three framework plans, Brooks Hall reuse, and street design which is available on the Civic Center Public Realm Plan website.
   
   The Committee emphasized that Civic Center should be looked at as a palimpsest and that design elements of the original plan that work should inform future design. They stressed the importance of remembering the pieces that worked and reimagining them, instead of erasing, such as the Halprin Fountation. They applauded the emphasis of the central axis of the design, and the use of pavement patterns to differtiate use and engage varying civic activity. The Committee stated that there needed to be a strong urban design vision for the Commons as opposed to the aggregation of a number of smaller ideas. The Committee also stressed having a public management plan in place and engaging with the Mayor’s office to ensure a consolidation of leadership and direction. The Committee emphasized the idea of creating a significant cultural experience, such as the Serpentine Pavillion, that would have visitors and residents visit. Lastly the Committee asked that the team come back often to provide updates on the plan.
   
   There was no public comment.
    
5. Visual Arts Committee Update
   N/A
6. Staff Report
   Jill Manton reminded the Committee that the JCDecaux informal would occur on July 9^th. Additionally, the joint Civic Design Review and Historic Preservation Committee meeting would occur on July 28^th. Jill Manton reported that she would be working on a draft agenda and would incorporate the Committee’s suggestions for discussion of a standing joint meeting a few times per year and better understanding the Historical Preservation Committee’s timeline, procedure, and review process.
    
7. New Business and Announcements
   N/A
    
8. Adjournment 
   There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
   posted  7/3/18, 6:35 p.m., akl
   updated 7/25/18 akl
   approved 8/6/18
    

Language Accessibility

Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost. For assistance, please notify Director of Special Projects and Civic Design Review Program Manager Jill Manton, 415-252-2226, jill.manton@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，Director of Special Projects and Civic Design Review Program Manager Jill Manton, 415-252-2226, jill.manton@sfgov.org.

Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a Director of Special Projects and Civic Design Review Program Manager Jill Manton, 415-252-2226, jill.manton@sfgov.org.

Ang mga materyales na nakasalin sa ibang wika at ang mga serbisyong tagapagsalin sa wika ay walang bayad. Para sa tulong, maaring i-contact si Director of Special Projects and Civic Design Review Program Manager Jill Manton, 415-252-2226, jill.manton@sfgov.org.