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Commission continues Ghirardelli storefront mosaic and lighting plans after extended debate
Summary
Commissioners continued review of proposed mosaics and exterior lighting at 509 State Street, asking the applicant to restudy size, material and color and to return with revised designs; commissioners unanimously supported the proposed pendant lights and were split on string lights and tile treatment.
The Historic Landmarks Commission continued review Aug. 13 of a proposal for new pendant and string lighting and four mosaic panels in the recessed loggia at 509 State Street (El Pueblo Viejo landmark district), asking the applicant to restudy the artwork’s size, material and color and return with revised designs.
Applicant Linda Osmundson, senior development manager for Ghirardelli, presented designs that include four tiled mosaics on either side of the loggia, four decorative pendant fixtures, and string lights across the recessed area. Staff told the commission the city attorney considers the mosaics “murals” under the municipal sign ordinance, meaning the commission’s purview is limited to size and location rather than the content of the images.
Commission discussion: commissioners and members of the public debated whether the proposed panels read as advertising for a product (Ghirardelli ice-cream/sundae imagery) or as public art compatible with El Pueblo Viejo. Concerns focused on scale, finish and historic appropriateness:
- Multiple commissioners said the proposed imagery and scale were too large and recommended reducing the overall panel size and treating each panel as a framed niche rather than allowing the artwork to occupy the full height and width between columns. Several commissioners suggested studying more handcrafted or traditional execution (hand‑painted mural, stone mosaic, or larger traditional tiles) rather than the small rectangular commercial tile suggested in the applicant drawings. - Some commissioners asked the applicant to consider reducing the panels’ vertical placement so key image elements sit closer to typical eye level of passersby or seated patrons. - Commissioners generally supported the proposed pendant fixtures. The commission was split about the string lights; the commission held a separate straw poll and a recorded vote on whether to allow the proposed string lights as presented; the recorded vote favored allowing them.
After extended discussion the commission voted to continue the item and asked the applicant to redesign the panels consistent with HLC guidance: reduce the artwork footprint, consider a framed inset or other architectural surround, explore handcrafted mosaic or painted mural alternatives with materials and grout/coloring appropriate to the district, and return to the commission. The continuance also asked the applicant to provide material samples, color chips and specific mounting details when the item returns.
